ARC Review: It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle

It Takes a Psychic
Author: Jayne Castle
Series: A Harmony Novel (Book 11)
Publication: Berkley (June 3, 2025)

Description: Two unlikely allies search for the secrets of their pasts while on the run within the Alien world of Harmony in the thrilling new novel by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Castle.

Leona Griffin is at the height of her career as a para-archeologist thanks to a recent Underworld discovery. Her high profile attracts the attention of an organization of elite, secretive collectors. They want her to authenticate the artifacts that aspiring members submit as evidence to join their group. The ceremony takes place at a glittering reception where Leona is shocked to discover that one of the relics is a powerful Old-World object known as Pandora’s Box. But she’s not the only one interested in that artifact.

Oliver Rancourt, a man with a unique talent—they say you never see him coming—is also there. Leona knows she must not underestimate him. Attempting to make a discreet exit, she stumbles over the body of a waiter wearing the emblem of a dangerous cult. Before she can alert authorities, a police raid sends the reception into chaos. To avoid being arrested, Leona slips away with Oliver—a risky decision that gets her fired.

Now forced to work together, Leona and Oliver pursue an investigation that leads them to the town of Lost Creek where the locals are obsessed with a chilling legend involving a long-dead cult leader and illicit paranormal experiments. But Leona knows the real danger may be the irresistible attraction between herself and Oliver.

My Thoughts: Leona Griffin has been hired to authenticate artifacts at a gala being held by an organization of elite and secretive collectors. When she discovers that one of the artifacts is definitely radiating psychic powers but is of Old World provenance, she finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy. 

Oliver Rancourt is also at the gala because of the object Leona is authenticating. It was stolen from his family's museum. When the police raid the gathering, Leona and Oliver manage to escape with the object and after discovering a murdered server. 

They decide to team up to discover the thief. Oliver wants to know who has stolen the object known as Pandora's box. And Leona wants to track down an artifact that has a connection to her and her sister's origins. 

Leona also finds a friend in a dust bunny she names Roxy and who has a fascination with fascinators. The trio travels to a small town that was purportedly once the center of Vincent Lee Vance's plans to overthrow the existing government and replace it with his own. Rumors say that he was put into stasis and will return someday. 

This was an engaging paranormal romance. I loved the banter between Leona and Oliver who each have psychic gifts that they were trying to keep secret. The dust bunny also adds humor to the story. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Friday Memes: It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle

 Happy Friday!

Book Beginnings is hosted by Gillion at Rose City Reader. She asks that the first sentence is posted along with the author and title of the book and the reader's initial thoughts on the sentence, the book, or anything else it inspires. 

Carrie at Reading Is My Superpower.org also provides a linky for sharing first lines and connecting with others. This meme asks that the chosen books be PG or marked as Mature if they are not. 

Beginning:

The dust bunny chortled from underneath a nearby display stand.

Friday 56:

"Good morning, you two," Darla sang out. "Any manifestation sightings last night in your room?"

"Afraid not," Leona said.

This week I am spotlighting It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle. This eleventh book in the Harmony series is from my review stack. Here's the description from Amazon:

Two unlikely allies search for the secrets of their pasts while on the run within the Alien world of Harmony in the thrilling new novel by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Castle.

Leona Griffin is at the height of her career as a para-archeologist thanks to a recent Underworld discovery. Her high profile attracts the attention of an organization of elite, secretive collectors. They want her to authenticate the artifacts that aspiring members submit as evidence to join their group. The ceremony takes place at a glittering reception where Leona is shocked to discover that one of the relics is a powerful Old-World object known as Pandora’s Box. But she’s not the only one interested in that artifact.

Oliver Rancourt, a man with a unique talent—they say you never see him coming—is also there. Leona knows she must not underestimate him. Attempting to make a discreet exit, she stumbles over the body of a waiter wearing the emblem of a dangerous cult. Before she can alert authorities, a police raid sends the reception into chaos. To avoid being arrested, Leona slips away with Oliver—a risky decision that gets her fired.

Now forced to work together, Leona and Oliver pursue an investigation that leads them to the town of Lost Creek where the locals are obsessed with a chilling legend involving a long-dead cult leader and illicit paranormal experiments. But Leona knows the real danger may be the irresistible attraction between herself and Oliver.

Audiobook Review: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Moon Called (Dramatized Adaptation)
Author: Patricia Briggs
Narrator: Full Cast Audio
Series: Mercy Thompson (Book 1)
Publication: Graphic Audio LLC (August 14, 2024)
Length: 6 hours and 43 minutes

Description: Mercy Thompson is a shapeshifter, and while she was raised by werewolves, she can never be one of them, especially after the pack ran her off for having a forbidden love affair. So she’s turned her talent for fixing cars into a business and now runs a one-woman mechanic shop in the Tri-Cities area of Washington State.

But Mercy’s two worlds are colliding. A half-starved teenage boy arrives at her shop looking for work, only to reveal that he’s a newly changed werewolf—on the run and desperately trying to control his animal instincts. Mercy asks her neighbor Adam Hauptman, the Alpha of the local werewolf pack, for assistance.

But Mercy’s act of kindness has unexpected consequences that leave her no choice but to seek help from those she once considered family—the werewolves who abandoned her...

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

Performed by Khaya Fraites, Gregory Linington, Christopher McLinden, Rayner Gabriel, Chris Stinson, Renee Dorian, Aure Nash, Chris Davenport, Damon Alums, Daniel Llaca, David Cui Cui, Earl Fisher, Elias Khalil, Eric Messner, Gabriel Michael, Holly Adams, James Lewis, James J. Johnson, Jon Vertullo, Julie Hoverson, Kay Eluvian, Laura C. Harris, Mark Harrietha, Mike Carnes, Nanette Savard, Nora Achrati, Robb Moreira, RJ Bayley, Scott McCormick, Sheree Wichard, Stephanie Németh-Parker, Todd Scofield, Torian Brackett, and Wyn Delano.

My Thoughts: Here a dramatized version of a book I have read a few times was an interesting experience especially with a full cast of voices. 

Mercy Thompson was raised by werewolves but is a coyote shifter herself. She also a mechanic who works on German cars. When a strange young werewolf come to her shop looking for work, she finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy.

We get to meet her friends including a vampire named Stefan, a gremlin named Zee, and a variety of werewolves including the marrok of the werewolves in North America. 

The story was filled with action. 

I think I still prefer a regular audiobook because of the things this dramatic production left out, but it was a well-produced product and entertaining.

I bought this one from Chirp February 2, 2025. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Just Beachy by Wendy Wax

Just Beachy
Author: Wendy Wax
Publication: Berkley (June 3, 2025)

Description: A former actress in need of a reset reunites with her grandmother, her first crush, and the ladies of Ten Beach Road in this escapist novel from USA Today bestselling author Wendy Wax.

After losing her long-time acting gig on the hit show Murder 101, Sydney Ryan decides she needs a break from Hollywood politics. She heads to Treasure Island, Florida where her grandmother has been visiting and now refuses to leave. Sydney’s plan to lie low for a bit quickly goes awry though, as she is swept up in her grandmother’s now flourishing social life—Grand not only bought a new house in Casas de Flores, she’s also helping her neighbor Myra open a bookstore in Pass-a-Grille. But when someone breaks into Grand’s house repeatedly Sydney realizes her grandmother is keeping something from her.

Determined to ferret out the truth and protect her grandmother, Sydney enlists the help of the Ten Beach Road ladies and Luke, a local police officer who was once her high school crush. While Sydney puts her television crime-solving skills to the test, she decides to act on the sizzling chemistry between herself and Luke. And as Sydney spends more sunsets toasting to true friends and new romance, she begins to wonder if the sun is setting on her time in Hollywood and if this town could be the dawn of a new chapter.

My Thoughts: Sydney Ryan has lost her acting gig as Cassie Everheart on Murder 101 because she has run afoul of an A-List actress. She decides to visit her grandmother in Florida while she tries to decide what to do with the rest of her life. The A-Lister has made it impossible for Sydney to get another job in LA, but she's opening that her reach doesn't extend to Florida.

Sydney is also glad to spend time with her Grand in Florida and reconnect with a high school crush who is now a police officer. And it is lucky that she has met Luke again since Grand's house has become the target of a number of break-ins and searches. Grand has a secret that she is trying to keep from Sydney.

Meanwhile, Grand, Sydney and another friend are getting ready to open a beachside bookstore with space for Sydney to conduct story hours and give acting lessons while Grand offers art lessons. Sydney is able to put the skills she learned as a television detective to use when she is able to protect her grandmother from the villains who want a painting that she has kept hidden for many years. 

Sydney also has time to wonder if she really wants to go back to acting or if she wants to build a new life with Luke and her Grand in Florida. 

This was an engaging romance with more than a touch of mystery. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: One Final Turn by Ashley Weaver

One Final Turn
Author: Ashley Weaver
Series: Electra McDonnell Series (Book 5)
Publication: Minotaur Books (June 3, 2025)

Description: The fifth and final installment in the Electra McDonnell series brings safecracker Ellie on a mission across World War II-era Europe to Lisbon, Portugal to rescue a key group of escaped POWs.

Ellie McDonnell is about to embark on her most perilous mission yet: go to Lisbon, Portugal to save her beloved cousin Toby who has reportedly escaped from a German prisoner of war camp. Toby has been missing since the Battle of Dunkirk and Ellie had all but lost hope in ever seeing him again until Major Ramsey, the British military intelligence officer she had been working closely with over the past few months, shared the news he’d intercepted.

Nothing will stop Ellie from finding her cousin, not even the awkward experience of having to travel to an unknown country with Ramsey after he’d dismissed her for being untrustworthy just as she’d realized she had fallen in love with him. Under the supervision of Captain Archie Blandings, a charming intelligence officer based in Lisbon, Ellie meets with undercover operatives to track down where Toby might be hiding from the Nazis and whether they are too late to safely recover him, all the while fighting her feelings for Ramsey and the incessant burden of war looming around her at every turn.

My Thoughts: This book is the finale of the Electra McDonnell series and brings Ellie to Portugal to, hopefully, find her cousin Toby who was taken prisoner by the Germans. 

Ellie has been fired from her post in intelligence by Major Gideon Ramsay for a failure to follow orders, but Captain Archie Blandings thinks she could be useful in Portugal. He's trying to make the escape route from occupied France safe from German intervention and help Ellie find out the fate of her cousin. 

Ellie isn't pleased when she learns the Major Ramsey is also a part of the mission. She has fallen completely in love with him but doesn't see a future for them. But she throws herself into the investigation to learn about this route, meeting all sorts of agents and double agents, and stumbling onto a dead body or two along the way. 

When they can't find a way to talk to a Portuguese official who might have information about the secret route, Archie comes up with a plan the involves getting married to each other. While Ellie is reluctant, she's willing to do anything to find out about her cousin. Through a variety of circumstances, Ellie finds herself married to Major Ramsey instead of Archie.

This was an excellent story. I thought it nicely wrapped up the threads of the previous books in the series and had a wonderful "happily ever after" ending too. Fans of the series will enjoy this satisfying finale. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: A Lethal Cocktail by Ciar Byrne

A Lethal Cocktail
Author: Ciar Byrne
Series: The Woolf & Byrne Mysteries (Book 2)
Publication: Headline Accent (May 22, 2025)

Description: Tudor Close Hotel, Rottingdean, is the most glamorous venue of the season. And not somewhere Virginia or her sister Vanessa would usually choose to frequent. They're far happier at home with their writing or painting, than brushing shoulders with debutantes or starlets.

But Lady Ottoline has had a difficult year, so - despite her rather outlandish tastes - they let her choose the meeting spot. And when the group bumps into fashion designer Mimi Mason in the hotel bar, they begrudgingly accept an invite to her wedding breakfast the next morning.

No one imagined that, a few cocktails later, Mimi would be dead.

As the sisters are drawn into a new case, it becomes clear that someone meticulously planned this murder. Beneath the glittering exterior, there was a dark side to this beautiful bride - and every wedding guest had a reason to sabotage this happy union.

But which one of them decided it was time to give Mimi a taste of her own poison?

My Thoughts: The second Woolf & Bell mystery begins when Virginia and Vanessa are invited to the Tudor Close Hotel in Rottingdean by their friend Lady Ottoline to hear a proposal from a young man in publishing who is interested in publishing new, illustrated editions of Virginia's work. Besides wanting to do a favor for a friend, a little extra money is always appreciated.

They weren't expecting to be rolled over into the wedding of fashion designer Mimi Mason and Scottish Lord Abernathy. However, they find themselves taking part and finding all sorts of odd things when they realize that the wedding party consists of her three ex-husbands and his two ex-wives. None of whom are happy with the upcoming nuptials. The wedding party also includes Mimi's daughter Vivienne and Mimi's assistant Jean-Paul. Virginia and Vanessa can feel the tensions and manage to overhear a few arguments. 

They attend the Wedding Breakfast the next morning and are present when Mimi takes a sip of her Bloody Mary and dies of arsenic poisoning. They are reluctantly attached to Detective Inspector Gripe's investigation of the crime since both would prefer to go home to their writing and painting. But when one of the ex-husbands is also murdered and Virginia was seen arguing with him, their interest in the investigation is heightened. 

This was an engaging historical mystery filled with interesting characters. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: He's to Die For by Erin Dunn

He's to Die For
Author: Erin Dunn
Publication: Minotaur Books (June 3, 2025)

Description: Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive in this sparkling romantic murder mystery: it's murder cute in the first degree when a detective finds himself falling for the lead suspect in a career-making case.

At 29, Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, and his future looks bright. He may be a bit of an outsider in the department―an ivy-league educated gay Brit with a weakness for designer suits―but his meteoric rise and solve rate prove he belongs.

So when his CO assigns him lead on the high-profile murder of a record executive, Rav is ready for action. He won’t be distracted by TV crews, tabloids, or what’s trending on social media, nor by the ridiculously hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi.

This is it, his shot, and he is not going to screw it up―certainly not by falling in love with his number one suspect…

My Thoughts: This romance/murder mystery really worked for me. Detective Rav Trivedi is a 29-year-old gay cop and the youngest member of the NYPD's homicide squad. He's ivy league educated and has a penchant for designer suits. He's also ambitious and brilliant. 

When he meets rock star Jack Vale he is instantly smitten. Unfortunately, Jack is the main suspect in the murder of Richard Vanderford. Vanderford is a music executive who bought the company producing Jack's music and contrary to usual practice isn't willing to sell the rights to the songs back to the group.

As Rav gets involved in the complicated life of rock stars including stalkers and all sorts of publicity, he also has to deal with the FBI taking over the case. He begins investigating on his own because things aren't adding up for him. 

The romance goes through ups and downs as the two try to juggle two very different lives and schedules. I really thought the two of them worked as a couple. Both men were well-rounded people with sympathetic backstories. The mystery was engaging too. It was filled with twists and turns. 

The writing was also excellent. I was pulled right into the story and couldn't put it down until I reached the end. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (May 26, 2025)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Want to See What I Added to My Stack? links to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Marlene at Reading Reality.

Other Than Reading...

I had a nice week. It was sunny most days even though the temperatures were chilly. I was out of the house for grocery shopping and my bi-monthly blood draw. Otherwise, I was home reading, listening to audiobooks, and watching Braves baseball. 

My cable provider offers some streaming services as part of my monthly bill, and I managed to figure out how to add Disney+ and Paramount+ to my Amazon Fire device. Now, we have to figure out how to add them to my brother's smart TV as he is much more likely to watch movies than I am. I can't remember the last time I actually watched a movie. I think my hearing loss is substantial enough that I have trouble understanding the dialog on movie soundtracks, but not substantial enough that I feel like I need hearing aids. But since they were already paid for, I felt like I had to add them. 

This week I'll be out of the house a bit more. I have a DEXA scan on Wednesday and am lucky that my brother can be my driver. The test is at the downtown campus of my health provider which is a construction mess since the new hospital was built, and the old one is being demolished. He's a much braver driver than I am. Thursday I have a haircut scheduled which I'll drive to since my stylist is in the Mall. Maybe I'll finally give Chick-fil-a a try if the lines aren't too long. It just opened a couple of months ago and has been very popular. It was built in the Mall parking lot which makes it handy. 

Since it is the final week of May, I'll have my monthly summing up to do. I'll be working on my State of the Stack post, summing things up on my Google spreadsheet Reading Log, and adding a June collection on my LibraryThing. I've given up keeping track of this year's reading on Goodreads but do still post my reviews there. 

My current read - the last releasing on June 10 - is a long, detailed fantasy which I am reading slowly in order to keep track of the worldbuilding and the characters. I'll probably be reading a few chapters, switching to something less demanding, and switching back to the fantasy. 

Last week I tried the same technique with one of my review books that wasn't really grabbing my attention. However, I found that the next review book on my stack was too similar to the one I was struggling with in that both were contemporary, first-person, multi-viewpoint books. I needed something really different and looked through my collection. I found a Meg Langslow mystery that had been sitting in my Chirp collection since 2022 which provided a nice palate cleanser. Please note that both review books were great stories once I really got into them, but they were not working at all well for reading at the same time. 

Read Last Week

• Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R. King (Review, June 10) -- Mary joins her Uncle Jake in a search for the Irish Crown Jewels. My review will be posted on June 3.
• Captivated by Nora Roberts (Chirp Audiobook, Mine since May 12) -- Classic Nora Roberts paranormal romance. My review will be posted on June 10.
• Devoted in Death by J. D. Robb (Audiobook Reread) -- 41st book in the In Death series

• A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge by Kate Khavari (Review, June 10) -- Historical mystery; fourth in the Saffron Everliegh mysteries. My review will be posted on June 4. 
• Brotherhood in Death by J. D. Robb (Audiobook Reread) -- 42nd in the In Death series.
• Believe Me Now by S. M. Govett (Review, June 10) -- Contemporary psychological thriller told from two viewpoints. My review will be posted on June 5.

• Lord of the Wings by Donna Andrews (Chirp Audiobook, Mine since May 10, 2022) -- 19th in the Meg Langslow series. Humorous Halloween mystery. My review will be posted on June 5.
• Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West (Review, June 10) -- Contemporary mystery/romance/friendship story told from multiple viewpoints. My review will be posted on June 7.
• Apprentice in Death by J. D. Robb (Audiobook Reread) -- 43rd in the In Death series

Currently

• The Witch Roads by Kate Elliott (Review, June 10)
• Echoes in Death by J. D. Robb (Audiobook Reread)

Next Week

• The Journal of a Thousand Years by C. J. Archer (Mine since March 17)
• A Novel Murder by E. C. Nevin (Review, June 17)
• Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis (Mine since April 23)

• Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath (Review, June 24)
• Trixie Belden: The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell (Review, June 24)
• The Secrets We Keep by Amy Lillard (Review, June 24)

Reviews Posted

• Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts (Review copy)
• The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson (Review copy)
• Tell Me by Anne Frasier (Mine, Audiobook)

• Doggone Bones by Carolyn Haines (Review copy)
• Bodies and Battlements by Elizabeth Penney (Review copy)
• A Deadly Discovery by Ciar Byrnes (Mine)

Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

Review:

• Claws Out by Cate Conte (Review, August 26)
• The Haunting of Paynes Hollow by Kelley Armstrong (October 14)
• Midnight in Memphis by Thomas Dann (Review, November 18)

Bought:

• Don't Tell by Karen Rose (BookBub, $.99)
• The Librarian by Judith A. Barrett (BookBub, Free)

• The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey (Kindle, $.99)
• Inspector Alan Grant: The Full Collection by Josephine Tey (Chirp Audiobook, $3.99)

What was your week like?

ARC Review: Bodies and Battlements by Elizabeth Penney

Bodies and Battlements
Author: Elizabeth Penney
Series: The Ravensea Castle Series (Book 1)
Publication: Minotaur Books (May 27, 2025)

Description: The first in a new cozy mystery series by Elizabeth Penney investigates a suspicious murder in a haunted British castle-turned-bed and breakfast.

Herbalist Nora Asquith is delighted to welcome Ravensea Castle’s first guests to the picturesque village of Monkwell, Yorkshire. After a thousand years of ownership, her family has decided to convert the castle into a bed and breakfast. But when Hilda Dibble, a self-appointed local luminary, is found dead in the knot garden the next morning, Nora’s business is not only at risk―she’s a prime suspect.

Hilda had opposed the hotel plan every step of the way, and although she didn’t succeed in stopping the venture, her disagreements with Nora seem to only further her motive. One of Ravensea’s guests happens to be Detective Inspector Finlay Cole, who is new to the area and now finds himself with a murder case in his lap.

Nora and her actress sister Tamsyn decide to investigate for themselves. They look into the entangled dealings of their newly arrived guests, while also getting hints from Sir Percival, one of the castle ghosts. As they learn, Sir Percival’s tragic death centuries ago sheds light on present-day crimes. Surely they can get to the bottom of this mystery while keeping their new business afloat . . .

My Thoughts: This is the first in a new cozy mystery series. Nora Asquith has jumped through all sorts of hoops to open the castle her family has occupied since the 1100s to bed-and-breakfast guests. Village newcomer Hilda Dibble had led a campaign to get the village council to forbid Nora's plans. but Nora persevered and the first guests are arriving.

Nora is also an herbalist who grows plants for her tinctures, soaps and other products. The morning after her first guests arrive when she goes out to weed, she finds Hilda dead in her herb garden. Luckily but perhaps not completely coincidentally, one of her guests is Detective Inspector Finlay Cole who is newly transferred to the area. He is right on hand to assist with the investigation. Also, newly arriving is Nora's sister Tamsyn who is an actress in historical drama TV series. 

Nora learns that she is not the only one at the castle who had a previous relationship with Hilda. Her birdwatching guest turns out to be the son Hilda's sister put up for adoption as an infant. And she has some connection to the couple Nora's brother comped to a night's stay in hopes of placing his mead with their chain of liquor stores. Also, there is the entrepreneur on the yacht who wants to add the castle to his chain of hotels made from stately homes who had a connection to Hilda too. 

But Hilda is only the first body that Nora stumbles on. She also finds a local stonemason on the beach when she goes to gather seaweed from some concoction she's trying out for her herb business. 

Nora and her sister begin investigating because Nora fears that having the castle associated with murder is going to ruin her fledgling business before it can even get off the ground. 

I enjoyed this mystery. I look forward to more books in the series. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Friday Memes: Bodies and Battlements by Elizabeth Penney

 Happy Friday!

Book Beginnings is hosted by Gillion at Rose City Reader. She asks that the first sentence is posted along with the author and title of the book and the reader's initial thoughts on the sentence, the book, or anything else it inspires. 

Carrie at Reading Is My Superpower.org also provides a linky for sharing first lines and connecting with others. This meme asks that the chosen books be PG or marked as Mature if they are not. 

Beginning:

We have always lived in this castle, this jumbled, tumbled heap perched above Robin Hood's Bay.

Friday 56:

Where to begin? I didn't quite dare to ask him why he'd come out to Patrick's yacht. Did his visit have anything to do with Hilda or was it another matter?

This week I am spotlighting Bodies and Battlements by Elizabeth Penney. This first in a new series is on my Review stack. Here is the description from Amazon:

The first in a new cozy mystery series by Elizabeth Penney investigates a suspicious murder in a haunted British castle-turned-bed and breakfast.

Herbalist Nora Asquith is delighted to welcome Ravensea Castle’s first guests to the picturesque village of Monkwell, Yorkshire. After a thousand years of ownership, her family has decided to convert the castle into a bed and breakfast. But when Hilda Dibble, a self-appointed local luminary, is found dead in the knot garden the next morning, Nora’s business is not only at risk―she’s a prime suspect.

Hilda had opposed the hotel plan every step of the way, and although she didn’t succeed in stopping the venture, her disagreements with Nora seem to only further her motive. One of Ravensea’s guests happens to be Detective Inspector Finlay Cole, who is new to the area and now finds himself with a murder case in his lap.

Nora and her actress sister Tamsyn decide to investigate for themselves. They look into the entangled dealings of their newly arrived guests, while also getting hints from Sir Percival, one of the castle ghosts. As they learn, Sir Percival’s tragic death centuries ago sheds light on present-day crimes. Surely they can get to the bottom of this mystery while keeping their new business afloat . . .

ARC Review: Doggone Bones by Carolyn Haines

Doggone Bones
Author: Carolyn Haines
Series: Sarah Booth Delaney Mysteries (Book 29)
Publication: Minotaur Books (May 27, 2025)

Description: The latest novel in the series that Kirkus Reviews characterizes as "Stephanie Plum meets the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" featuring sassy Southern private investigator Sarah Booth Delaney.

After a dog belonging to local pet activist Tilly Lawson is snatched right out of her backyard in Sunflower County, MS, Sarah Booth and the Delaney Detective Agency are up to their ears in concerned pet owners. Could Tilly's work liberating abused animals have come back to bite her, or was this a random act of dognapping?

Delaney Detective Agency has their work cut out for them, especially as a troublesome online pet detective agency tries nosing their way into the investigation. But as Sarah Booth and Tinkie start to sink their teeth into the mystery, they discover there's much more at play than they thought: neighborhood rivalries, questionable dog breeders, and an illegal dogfighting operation.

As their digging churns up dangerous attention—and with their own beloved dogs, Sweetie Pie and Chablis, possibly next in line to be dognapped—Sarah Booth and Tinkie are in a race against time to track down the thieves and return the missing pets home.

My Thoughts: The Delaney Detective Agency takes on a case of dognapping when the beloved pet of a pet activist is stolen from her yard. Both Sarah Booth and Tinkie are pet lovers too and are going to do their best to get Jezebel back. Then another pet is stolen from another older lady.

The detective duo has lots of suspects including a shady police chief, the mayor, the second lady's ne'er-do-well grandson, and a villain who has plagued Sarah Booth for some time and is on the lam from various law enforcement agencies in Mississippi. Then there is the local boy who made it good in pro wrestling and might be dipping into dog fighting and drugs with maybe a side of gambling. 

Things get even more tense when Sarah Booth's and Tinkie's dogs are dognapped too. 

This was a fun story filled with all sorts of Southern sayings. It also features "assistance" from Sarah Booth's ghost Jitty who makes appearances as famous historical dog lovers. And her boyfriend Coleman has a large role to play too. 

This is the 29th book in this series. I've only read one other, but will be putting the series on my TBR stack. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Book Review: A Deadly Discover by Ciar Byrne

A Deadly Discovery
Author: Ciar Byrne
Series: The Woolf and Bell Mysteries (Book 1)
Publication: Headline Accent (September 26, 2024)

Description: In the shadow of Lewes castle lies buried an ancient tablet. Hours after discovering it, dashing local archaeologist Gideon Rivers is dead.

Writer Virginia Woolf and her artist sister, Vanessa, both know firsthand that it doesn't take much to cause a stir in town. And when Gideon returned home from a dig in Syria with a glamourous Parisian heiress on his arm, all eyes were on him.

But who would have conspired to murder such a charming young man? There are more suspects in his circle than it first seems: an ambitious fiancée, a jealous best friend, and a string of scorned former lovers.

With the police chasing false leads and the murderer hunting down a second victim - one far closer to home - Ginny and Nessa are forced to take investigations into their own hands.

Solving this mystery calls for a little creativity . . .

My Thoughts: This is the first mystery starring author Virginia Woolf and her artist sister Vanessa Bell. The story takes place in England in 1928. The two women are invited to visit an archaeological site being overseen by Gideon Rivers who is the son of one of Virginia's acquaintances. They are present when a clay tablet is found. It is purportedly an artifact brought to England with the remains of the Crusader ruler of the local castle. But things take a turn when Gideon's body is found at the site by a local author Alice Dudeney whose home backs up to the archaeological site. 

Virginia is asked by Gideon's mother to look into the murder since she doesn't have much faith in the local constabulary. Neither Virginia nor Vanessa has much faith in Chief Inspector Gripe either. Besides both women are very curious about the case. 

Ginnie and Nessa soon find themselves with a variety of suspects including Gideon's best friend, his fiancee, professional rivals, and romantic rivals too. The complex interpersonal relationships mirror the relationships of Nessa and Ginnie who are devoted members of the Bloomsbury set. 

The story is told from multiple viewpoints with Virginia, Vanessa, and Alice all having their chances to shine and take center stage. 

This was an engaging historical mystery that had me going to Wikipedia to find out more about Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell. Fans of mysteries with real but fictionalized characters will enjoy this story. 

I bought this one January 8, 2025. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson

The Busybody Book Club
Author: Freya Sampson
Publication: Berkley (May 27, 2025)

Description: They can’t even agree on what to read, so how are they going to solve a murder?

Having recently moved from London to a small Cornish seaside village, Nova Davies started a book club at the local community center, but so far it’s a disaster. The five members disagree on everything, and to make matters worse, a significant sum of money is stolen during one of the meetings, putting the much-loved community center at risk.

Suspicion for the theft falls on book club member Michael, especially when he disappears and a dead body turns up at his house. But the book club has their own theories. Agatha Christie superfan Phyllis is determined to prove Michael’s been framed, while romance reader Arthur believes there’s a mystery woman involved, and teenage sci-fi fan Ash thinks dark forces are at play.

While trying to locate Michael, solve the murder and recover the stolen money, each of them has their own secrets to protect. But despite the danger closing in, they won’t rest until they’ve cracked the case and gotten everyone safe at home with a book, where they belong.

My Thoughts: After the death of her beloved father, Nova Davies moves from London to a small village on the seaside in Cornwall. She's come to her fiance's hometown where they are living with his parents, and his mother has taken over plans for the wedding setting Nova's wishes aside.

Nova works for the local community center which is in financial difficulty. She also runs a book club through the center. Her readers are a small, eclectic mix. Phyllis is an elderly Agatha Christie fan who sees mysteries everywhere and who has been warned off by the local constabulary for her excessive "help." Athur is an elderly farmer who reads a lot of romances aloud to his housebound, blind wife of sixty years. Ash is a quiet teenager who is a science fiction fan. Michael is a new member of the group and somewhat mysterious. 

When Michael gets a text and rushes out of the meeting one Wednesday night. Next, the theft of 10,000 pounds is discovered. It had been kept in the petty cash drawer intended as a payment to the roofers who were set to begin fixing the leaky roof the next day. Nova is being blamed for allowing the theft because she didn't lock the office door. 

The book club decides to track down Michael because they are certain he was the only one who could have taken the money. When they get to his house, the find the police and an ambulance and see a body being removed from the premises. But it is Michael's mother who has died, and no one can find Michael. 

Our amateur sleuths are undaunted though Nova tries to reign them in since she should be working on her wedding plans for her rapidly nearing wedding date. However, she's having some second thoughts about getting married and she's being plagued with other mistakes at work. 

This was an engaging story filled with quirky but lovable characters. I liked the mystery. But what I liked most of all was getting to know the members of the Busybody Book Club.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Audiobook Review: Tell Me by Anne Frasier

Tell Me
Author: Anne Frasier
Narrator: Erin Bennett
Series: Inland Empire (Book 2)
Publication: Brilliance Audio (July 27, 2021)
Length: 9 hours and 1 minute

Description: What really happened in the forest? Hidden crimes and secrets of the past converge in a riveting thriller by Anne Frasier, the New York Times bestselling author of Find Me.

No strangers to evil, criminal profiler Reni Fisher and detective Daniel Ellis both still grapple with traumatizing pasts. It unites them. So has a crime they must solve before someone else dies.

At a campsite on California’s Pacific Crest Trail, a guide is murdered and three young hikers vanish without a trace. The only lead is a puzzle in itself: a video of the crime scene, looking eerily staged, uploaded to social media. The girl who posted it can’t be found. Is it a viral hoax gone unspeakably wrong, or is there something more sinister at play in the forest?

The case intensifies when one of the missing is found wandering down a dirt road, confused and afraid. As Reni and Daniel struggle to sort fact from fiction, a secret past collides with the present, threatening to sever their relationship. Are some truths too much to bear? Will this be the case that finally breaks them?

My Thoughts: Reni Fisher and Daniel Ellis team up again to solve a horrific crime. A guide is murdered and three young hikers disappear at an isolated campsite on the Pacific Crest Trail. The group is from a camp which tries to end teens' addictions to social media. 

Daniel learns that he has a connection to one of the young hikers. He had previously rescued her from a school shooting, and he had had a relationship with her mother when they were college age. Emerson, the young girl, believes that Daniel is her real father. Her mother denies this.

Meanwhile, Daniel has just about given up the search for the mother who disappeared when he was a young boy. That disappearance had ruled his life and was the basis for all the choices he had made in his life. Reni isn't so quick to give up the search and manages to find the woman who wasn't one of her father's victims but who just left and left Daniel behind to make a new life for herself. 

Reni is trying to come to terms with her own bitter past as the daughter of a serial killer. The former FBI Agent makes pottery and does watercolor painting along with a few consulting jobs to find missing people. She's currently fixated on doing watercolors of her father's burial sites. 

This was a nicely twisty thriller with lots of red herrings. 

I bought this one March 23, 2025. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts

Hidden Nature
Author: Nora Roberts
Publication: St. Martin's Press (May 27, 2025)

Description: The #1 New York Times-bestselling author presents a novel about an injured cop who must fight to bring down a pair of twisted killers…

Natural Resources police officer, Sloan Cooper, and her partner had just taken down three men preying on hikers in the Western Maryland mountains. Driving back, she pulled in at a convenience store―and walked right into a robbery in progress. One gunshot from a jittery thief was about to change her world.

After being shocked back to life on the operating table, she has a long recovery ahead, so she moves back to her parents’ peaceful house in Heron’s Rest. As for the boyfriend who dumped her via text while she was in the hospital, good riddance.

She may be down, but she’s not out. So when a woman vanishes, leaving her car behind in a supermarket parking lot, Sloan searches online for similar cases. She finds them, spread across three states. Men and women, old and young―the missing seem to have nothing in common. And the abductions keep happening.

Luckily, the new man in her life shares her passion for solving this mystery. But it will take every ounce of endurance to get to the dark heart of this bizarre case―and she's willing to risk her life again if that's what it takes to stop the horror.

My Thoughts: HIDDEN NATURE was another excellent romantic suspense novel from Nora Roberts. Sloan Cooper is a Natural Resources police officer who is shot when she enters a convenience store where a robbery is happening. Her heart stops and she's clinically dead for some minutes while her chest is being operated on. Faced with a long, difficult rehabilitation, Sloan returns to her parents' home in Heron's Rest. 

Also landing in Heron's Rest is Nash Littlefield. After a career in finance that he was good at but which made him unhappy, Nash has purchased a fixer-upper in Heron's Rest and is planning to open business as a handyman. He's joined by his younger brother Theo who is a lawyer due to parental pressure but wants to work with Nash. 

Sloan is busy with her physical therapy, but it doesn't meet her need for mental stimulation. When she learns that a young newlywed has disappeared outside the local grocery store leaving her car and family behind, Sloan decides to look into the case. She soon learns that there have been other similar cases in the larger area. The victims don't seem to have anything in common as they vary in age, occupation, and sex. However, Sloan learns that they were all revived after being clinically dead.

We learn that the villains are religious fanatics determined to return those who have been revived to their destined afterlife. The scenes from the villains' point of view were really creepy. 

I liked the romance. I also liked the way family was central to the story. The contrast between Sloan's family and Nash and Theo's family was striking. I liked reading about the way both Nash and Sloan were rehabbing their two homes while growing their relationship.

This was an engaging story. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (May 19, 2025)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Want to See What I Added to My Stack? links to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Marlene at Reading Reality.

Other Than Reading...

From a high of 87 last Sunday to a high of 54 on Saturday, our temperatures have been on a downward trend. Right now (Sunday morning), it is 40 with rain and fog. Temperatures will be gradually getting warmer with a high of 64 expected for next Friday. This past weekend brought thunderstorms and rain but not very much rain. With wildfires in the area, we could use more rain which is not expected this week. We are expecting breezy winds which won't be good for ending the fires. 

My two appointments this past week went well. I'm still waiting for the results of the mammogram which should come early next week. This week I'll be heading back to the clinic for my bi-monthly blood work. That's the only appointment on next week's schedule. 

Otherwise, this past week was a quiet one with lots of time for reading and listening. Next week should be the same. The Voice is coming to an end which means the only thing I'll be consistently watching on television is baseball - Braves baseball. My team isn't doing very well this year. They're hovering around 500 but expecting two of their superstars to return to the lineup soon. 

Read Last Week

• He's to Die For by Erin Dunn (Review; June 3) -- LGBTQ+ mystery romance. My review will be posted on May 27.
• Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (Chirp Audiobook; Mine since February 3) -- Dramatized, full cast audio version of the first book in the Mercy Thompson urban fantasy series. My review will be posted on May 29.
• A Lethal Cocktail by Ciar Byrne (Review; May 22) -- Second in the Woolf and Bell historical mystery series. My review will be posted on May 27. The paperback won't be out until August 26.

• One Final Turn by Ashley Weaver (Review; June 3) -- Finale of the Electra McDonnell historical mystery series. My review will be posted on May 28.
• It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle (Review; June 3) -- The latest in her series of paranormal romances set on Harmony. My review will be posted on May 31.
• Just Beachy by Wendy Wax (Review; June 3) -- Contemporary romance set in Florida. My review will be posted on May 29.

• Obsession in Death by J. D. Robb (Audiobook Reread) -- #41 in the In Death Series
• Grave Words by Gerri Lewis (Review; June 10) -- Second in a contemporary cozy mystery series. My review will be posted on June 3)
• Storm Furies by Wen Spencer (Audible Credit) -- Sixth book in the Elfhome urban fantasy series. I reviewed the print edition of this book last September. I've been waiting for the audiobook so that I'd have the whole series on audio. 

Currently

• Captivated by Nora Roberts (Chirp Audiobook)
• Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R. King (Review; June 10)

Next Week

• A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge by Kate Khavari (Review; June 10)
• Believe Me Now by S. M. Govett (Review; June 10)
• Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West (Review; June 10)

• Don't Open the Door by Allison Brennan (Mine since May 12)
• The Witch Roads by Kate Elliott (Review; June 10)
• The Journal of a Thousand Years by C. J. Archer (Mine since March 17)

Reviews Posted

• Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews (Review Copy)
• Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong (Review Copy)
• Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis (Mine)

• Treachery in Death by J. D. Robb (Audiobook)
• Shadows in the Water by Kory M. Shrum (Audiobook)
• All Eyes on Me by Linsey Lanier (Audiobook)

Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

Review:

• Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh (Review; July 15)
• Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman (Review; August 26)

• A Tour to Die For by Michelle Chouninard (Review; September 23)
• Revenge, Served Royal by Celeste Connally (Review; November 11)

Bought:

• Don't Open the Door by Allison Brennan (BookBub; Free with Kindle Rewards)
• Captivated by Nora Roberts (Chirp Audiobook; $3.99)
• Charmed by Nora Roberts (Chirp Audiobook; $3.99)

• Enchanted by Nora Roberts (Chirp Audiobook; $3.99)
• Entranced by Nora Roberts (Chirp Audiobook; $3.99)
• Storm Furies by Wen Spencer (Audible Credit)

What was your week like?