Winter - Val McDermid

 Winter - Val McDermid

Pub. Date: Jan. 13, 2026

She read

The “quine of crime”, Val McDermid is renowned for her best selling mysteries. Winter is a quasi memoir work of creative non fiction, an ode to the cold, windblown winters in Scotland. 

Winter is when McDermid’s creative juices start flowing and she typically begins her next novel. Yet, she also embraces all that this season offers in her homeland.

 Beautifully written and lyrical, there are childhood memories of beloved activities, muses on how winter celebrations and rituals have evolved over the years, an appreciation of the natural wonders and beauty to be found in this sometimes bleak and harsh season. The drawings by artist Phillip Harris that accompany the text are stunning.

I have to admit that winter is my least favorite season. Actually, I hate it. Yet, McDermid helped me recall some happy times as a child during those cold northern winters that I have escaped as an adult. This was a delightful read. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GroveAtlantic for the DRC.

*****

Imposter - L.J. Ross

 Imposter - L..J.  Ross

Pub. Date: Feb. 3, 2026

She read

After a young mother is discovered murdered with her body strangely staged, London forensic psychologist Alexander Gregory is called to County Mayo to assist in profiling potential suspects. Can he help find the perpetrator before more lives are lost?

This is the first installment in a six-part series featuring Alexander Gregory. When I chose it, I was unaware that it had been originally published in 2019 rather than being a new release. It is being re-released Feb. 3, 2026

It is a fast paced, entertaining read with twists and turns and a fascinating look into the psyche of a killer. It has an intriguing plot, vivid characterizations, and no shortage of suspects.  And, oh, that twist at the end!

Thanks to @NetGalley and @posionedpenpress for the DRC.

****

Jigsaw - Alex Kellerman

 Jigsaw - Alex Kellerman

Pub. Date: Feb. 3, 2026

she read

Psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis investigate three cases. In the first, an ex-boyfriend was set up to take the fall. In the second case, the body of an older woman, a hoarder, is discovered in a freezer, with her arms severed. Her daughter, who frequently visits and may be mentally disabled, is missing.  Despite their seemingly unrelated nature, could these cases be connected?

This is the 41st in the Alex Delaware series.  I have read all of them; however, each one can be read as a stand-alone as Kellerman does a good job of filling in background for the main characters. Kellerman writes true police procedurals, albeit with a unique twist as Milo is unconventional and Alex provides psychological insight. The stories follow a familiar rhythm, with Alex and Milo chasing leads, generating and discussing different theories, interviewing persons of interest, and enjoying a few good meals. Kellerman’s descriptions are particularly vivid and entertaining, and he always manages to present fresh perspectives on cases.Whenever I open a Kellerman book, I can’t seem to put it down.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @RandomHouse #BallantineBooks for the DRC.

*****

Too Many Toucans - Paula Bowles

 Too Many Tocans - Paula Bowles

Pub. Date: March 3, 2026

She Read

Toco the toucan is trying to find a new home. He thinks he has found the perfect spot and knows exactly what he wants. Other toucan “helpers" appear with their own ideas about his home, and it becomes a nightmare.  He needs to speak up and let his desires be known!

Published by the American Psychological Association, this book encourages children to stand up for themselves confidently and respectfully. The colorful, cute illustrations make the book engaging and enjoyable for children and adults. There is a section at the conclusion of the book for adults that provides advice to help children learn to communicate assertively and politely. This is a fun, helpful book for children, parents, teachers, and counselors alike. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @MaginationPress for the DRC.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own

*****

Her Cold Justice - Robert Dugoni

 Her Cold Justice - Robert Dugoni

Pub. Date: Jan. 27, 2026

She read

Keera Dugan, a former chess champion turned attorney, worked for the prosecutor’s office until a romantic relationship with a supervisor ended. She left that position and joined her family’s law practice headed by her father, known as the Irish Brawler who was on a downward career path due to his drinking problem. Keera has had some successful past cases and is now a rising star.

The firm’s investigator seeks Keera’s assistance for his nephew who has been accused of a heinous double murder based on circumstantial evidence. As she delves into the case, a dangerous conspiracy is uncovered.

This is the third in the Keera Duggan Series. I am a big fan of Robert Dugoni’s books and did read the first two installments. This one, however, would work as a stand alone. Dugoni always weaves a good tale. Legal thriller that is part police procedural with lots of family drama, it is a well plotted engrossing read with good character development.  I like Keera , a strong, capable female protagonist. I look forward to the next in this series.

Be sure to read the author’s note at the back of the book.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AmazonPUblishing #Thomasandmercer for the DRC.

*****

The Fair Weather Friend - Jessie Garcia

 The Fair Weather Friend - Jessie Garcia

Pub.  Date: January 20, 2026

She read

Faith “Fair Weather" Richards is a popular TV meteorologist. There is even a fan club devoted to her with some fanatical followers. But all is not as sunny in her life as it may seem. One Friday, she leaves for her dinner break and does not return. The next day, her body is discovered, strangled to death. There is a list of suspects she herself had identified prior to the discovery of her body. 

This is another fast and engrossing read from this author. Lies, deceit, secrets, obsessions, jealousies abound. There are multiple timelines and POVs peppered with twists and turns. Many of the characters are unlikable and the plot a bit over the top, but that does not diminish the enjoyment of this escapist read. The conclusion is sure to spark a moral/ethical debate among readers.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

****

The Croatian Island Library - Eva Glyn

 The Croatian Island Library - Eva Glyn

Pub. Date: Jan. 16, 2026

She read

A three-person staff is hired as an experiment to bring a traveling library to the picturesque islands near Dubrovnik during the summer. Ana, a young woman seeking clarity about her future, owns the beloved catamaran that will serve as their home and transportation between the islands. Lloyd, a grieving widower from the UK, is hired as the librarian despite a previous dismissal from his teaching job. Natali has never had a supportive family, was bullied in school, and did not do well as a student. Yet she is a crack mechanic and a good cook. When Lloyd’s history years ago with a young woman in Korcula threatens to end this experiment, all of them work together to save it. 

Beautifully written, this heartwarming story is for fans of people united by love of books, found family, coming-of-age, finding love, self-discovery, and moving forward in life. I read the author’s prior work, The Dubrovnik Book Club, and enjoyed the cameo appearance of characters from that book.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @onemorechapterhc for the DRC.

****