ARC Review: The Key to a Killer by Olivia Blacke

The Key to a Killer
Author: Olivia Blacke
Series: The Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries (Book 3)
Publication: Minotaur Books (October 20, 2026)

Description: A woman and her ghost roommate investigate their most personal case yet in Olivia Blacke’s The Key to a Killer, the next book in the Anthony Award winning Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries.

When Ruby Young discovered that her Boston apartment was haunted, she did what any reasonable person would do: befriend the ghost. Their relationship overcame a shaky start―Cordelia Graves never wanted a roommate in life, she certainly didn’t want one in death. After working together to solve a few murders, the two are close friends, but there’s a lingering question neither of them have been able to answer: what led to Cordelia’s death?

Lately things have been adding up that suggest foul play. And when Cordelia’s memories of that day start to come back, the roommates can’t ignore it anymore: Cordelia was murdered. Ruby and Cordelia are going to have to piece together what Cordelia’s final days looked like―otherwise a killer could go free.

My Thoughts: In this third Ruby and Cordelia mystery the roommates and partners in detection are finally ready to solve the mystery of Cordelia's murder. The problem is that Cordelia doesn't remember her death or the day leading up to it.

Ruby, who works for the same company Cordelia worked for before her death, wonders if Cordelia's death stems from her long-time affair with her married boss or if it has something to do with some software the company claims was stolen by a rival company.

Cordelia is sure that her lover didn't kill her, but her surety is based on feelings and not evidence. But her lover isn't the only possible suspect. A strange man was seen leaving Cordelia's apartment on the day she died carrying a laptop case. Cordelia's laptop along with her wallet, phone, keys, and watch all were missing when her body was found. 

Then there is the reporter who discovered her body and who believed that Cordelia was going to blow the whistle on her company. That same reporter is working on an article about the statistically large number of burglaries in the apartment building. 

Both Ruby and Cordelia are investigating what happened when Cordelia died in their own way. Ruby has been befriended by a man who works for the rival software company, and she hopes to get some answers from him. Cordelia is also lurking around the company and blowing up anything electronic that she gets close to. 

This was an engaging mystery about two very unlikely friends and even less likely detectives. 

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

Audiobook Review: The Case of the Cristie Curse by Kelly Oliver

The Case of the Christie Curse
Author: Kelly Oliver
Narrator: Penelope Rawlins
Series: The Detection Club (Book 3)
Publication: Boldwood Books (February 21, 2026)
Length: 8 hours and 52 minutes

Description: Mesopotamia, 1930: When Agatha Christie invites fellow members of the Detection Club to witness the famous excavations at the ruins of Ur, Dorothy L. Sayers, her quick-witted assistant Eliza Baker, and Theo Sharp expect ancient wonders – not fresh corpses.

But when an archaeologist is found dead in the sand, whispers of a deadly curse sweep through the camp. Eliza suspects something far more dangerous than superstition. Amid glittering artifacts and fragile alliances, every guest harbors secrets: the Woolleys, whose marriage is shadowed by tragedy; a journalist hungry for scandal; even academic Max Mallowan, whose loyalties are not what they seem.

As theft, forgery, and coded messages surface, the line between archaeology and espionage blurs. And when Eliza and Theo find themselves in danger, they must face not only the truth about the murder – but also the truths they’ve long denied about each other. Can they uncover the killer before the desert claims another victim? Or will this dig unearth secrets too dangerous to survive?

My Thoughts: The members of the Detection Club are invited by Agatha Christie to visit the excavations at Ur. They are looking forward to a pleasant vacation and not expecting to be plunged into an investigation of the murder of a young cataloger on the dig. 

The investigation into the death of the young man leads to hidden secrets, stolen artifacts, and even espionage. Eliza and Theo are busy searching for clues while Eliza denies her feeling for Theo and Theo tries to reconcile himself to being just friends with the enchanting Eliza.

There is another romance going on too. Agatha has met the charming but considerably young archaeologist Max Mallowan on the dig. 

There are a number of suspects to the murder including the Woolleys who are heading the dig, various archaeologists on the dig, and even a visiting journalist determined to write an article about Agatha. Eliza and Theo with the help of Eliza's little beagle Queenie face lots of dangers on the way to the solution of the crime. 

This was another fun historical mystery. 

I bought this one June 14, 2026. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: The Christmas Competition by Zoe Allison

The Christmas Competition
Author: Zoe Allison
Publication: Berkley (October 20, 2026)

Description: Long time nemeses and rival neighbors butt heads in a fierce competition for first place in their neighborhood’s Christmas house-decorating competition in this high-spirited holiday romance.

The local rumor mill in Nisa Ansari's small highland town is swirling about the downfall of her marriage, and in desperate need of a distraction, she enters her town’s Christmas house-decorating competition. The competition comes with the added bonus of getting on neighbor Kerr Murdoch’s last nerve. It’s the least she could do, considering her ex-husband left Nisa for Kerr’s girlfriend. And maybe if Kerr smiled or cracked a joke—just once!—his girlfriend would’ve stayed, and Nisa wouldn’t find herself alone during the holidays.

Introverted Kerr has trouble feeling comfortable around people he doesn’t know well. Newly single, he decorates his house in remembrance of his mother, who always had a soft spot for Christmas lights. But when Nisa's and Kerr’s decorations end up nearly identical, he incurs Nisa’s wrath.

This means all-out war, complete with gaudy wreaths, twinkle lights, and too many reindeer to count. Never mind that Nisa can’t keep her eyes off Kerr’s toned forearms. Or ignore that he’s a pet-loving veterinarian with a heart of gold. After conceding to her husband’s wishes for years, Nisa is determined to get her way. But as Christmas draws near, Nisa must decide what she actually wants: the familiar rivalry she’s had for years with Kerr, or opening herself up to the chance to fall in love with someone new.

My Thoughts: This enemies-to-lovers romance was an entertaining story. Nisa Ansari is a nurse who is getting over the fact that her husband left her for another woman. She isn't ready to start again since she hopes this is just a blip in their relationship until she gets a text from him announcing that the new girlfriend is pregnant.

Kerr Murdoch is a vet who lives across the street from Nisa. He is also the ex-husband of the woman Nisa's husband left her for. Nisa also blames him for an accident that injured her beloved cat Izzy since her ex said Kerr was the one whose car hit her. 

Nisa gets the idea of decorating her house and entering the town decorating contest at the same time Kerr gets the idea. Their designs are very similar and only inflame the conflict between them. Pranks and sabotage ensue.

When Kerr saves Izzy after a fire starts in Nisa's living room from overloading circuits to power more lights, the tensions turn to romance. Nisa has not only dimmed down her exuberant personality to conform to her ex's wishes she is also the one who shoulders all the blame for everything in her family. Kerr is really introverted as a result of his childhood and is very concerned that he isn't enough for anyone as evidenced by the number of people who have left him including his mother and his ex-wife.

A big part of the romance concerns acceptance of all their personality quirks by their new partners. She can be her exuberant self with Kerr and has the patience to let him talk about his needs when he feels safe and ready. He is ready to support her and take some of her burdons rather than piling on more like her family does. 

A large subplot concerns a woman with dementia who is one of Nisa's patients. She is determined to find the woman's family and has to patch together clues from the little the woman remembers. 

Fans of holiday romances will enjoy this one. 

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? (October 12, 2026)

 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...

This was a mostly lovely fall week here in Northern Minnesota. I have the doors and windows open for the fresh air since the temperatures are in the high seventies today as they were yesterday. It is nice to turn the furnace off for a few days and enjoy the fresh air.

I added eleven books to my collection this week including three new review copies. Since I read four review books, my current review stack stands at 39. This week's plan includes reading five from the review stack. 

Of the other eight added five are Kindle copies that might become audiobooks when I actually get to them on my calendar. One is a Kindle copy of an audiobook I already have. And the final two are Kindle copies with audiobook add-ons. Three of the Kindle books are a middle grade fantasy trilogy. Two others are older books by a favorite author.

Unless I put myself on a book buying ban, I will miss my goal of reading all the books I added in 2026 this year. I only have 11 spots left on my 2026 calendar and I haven't put the ones by K. L. Armstrong & Melissa Marr on the calendar yet. 

I have started rereading the Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold since I now have all of them in audiobook format. I have chosen to reread them by internal chronology instead of by published order. Border of Infinity will be sitting on Currently Reading for a while since it contains three stories. One fit in the sequence before The Vor Game. The other two stories come after Cetaganda which is my next listen.

Now that my Atlanta Braves have been eliminated from the playoffs, my interest in watching baseball has diminished. I may or may not catch the rest of the National League playoff games and will watch some of the World Series. But if I miss a game, I won't feel too bad. The Minnesota Vikings are on my TV right now. I look up if something exciting happens. 

Read Last Week

• Murder in the Upper Crust by Mindy Quigley (Review, October 27) -- Sixth in the Deep Dish Mysteries. My review will be posted on October 22.
• The Bone Woman by Paige Shelton (Review, October 27) -- First in a new contemporary mystery series. My review will be posted on October 22.

• Midnight in the House of Commons by Charles Finch (Review, November 3) -- 16th Charles Lenox historical mystery. My review will be posted on October 27.
• A Glimmer of Death by Laurell K. Hamilton (Review, November 3) -- Merry Gentry returns after a 12-year absence. My review will be posted on October 28.

• In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan (Audiobook, Mine since September 25) -- Fourth in the Lady Trent series of historical fantasy stories. My review will be posted on November 24)
• Within the Sanctuary of Wings by Marie Brennen (Audiobook, Mine since September 25) -- Finale of the Lady Trent series. My review will be posted on December 15.
• Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold (Audiobook reread) 

• Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold (Audiobook reread)
• The Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold (Audiobook reread)
• The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold (Audiobook reread)

Currently

• Cetaganda by Lois McMaster Bujold (Audiobook reread)
• The Trial of Magdalena Overmorrow by Caitriona Moran (Review, November 3)
• Borders of Infinity by Lois McMaster Bujold (Audiobook reread)

Next Week

• Sunflower Season by Danica Nava (Review, November 3)
• The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune (Kindle, Mine since September 14)
• You, Me, & the Conspiracy by Emma Barry (Review, November 10)

• Murder of a Merry Gentleman by Celeste Connally (Review, November 10)
• Thunderbird Ranch by Laura Griffin (Review, November 10)
• Bad Company by Sara Paretsky (Review, November 10)

Reviews Posted

• Jay to the World by Donna Andrews (Review copy)
• Written in Starlight by Sloane Brooks (Review copy)
• Don't Look Back by Amanda Quick (Kindle & Audiobook)

• Home for the Homicides by Elle Cosimano & Hannah Morrissey (Review copy)
• Bark Humbug by David Rosenfelt (Review copy)
• Please Enjoy Your Stay by Tara Goedjen (Review copy)

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

Review:

• Cold Redemption by Nalini Singh (Review, December 1)
• When Harriet Met Homicide by Meg Blakemore (Review, January 12)
• One Killing Frost by Paula Munier (Review, January 26)

Bought:

• Perfect Cover by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Kindle, $1.99)
• Killer Spirit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Kindle, $1.99)
• The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair by Kelly Oliver (Kindle & Audiobook, $8.46)

• The Case of the Christie Honeymoon Murder by Kelly Oliver (Kindle & Audiobook, $12.46)
• Loki's Wolves by K. L. Armstrong & Melissa Marr (Kindle, $1.99)
• Odin's Ravens by K. L. Armstrong & Melissa Marr (Kindle, $1.99)

• Thor's Serpents by K. L. Armstrong & Melissa Marr (Kindle, $1.99)
• Borders of Infinity by Lois McMaster Bujold (Kindle, $6.99)

What was your week like?

Book Review: Don't Look Back by Amanda Quick

Don't Look Back
Author: Amanda Quick

Narrator: Josephine Bailey
Series: Lavinia Lake and Tobias March (Book 2)
Publication: Bantam (April 1, 2003); Random House Audio (August 5, 2004)

Length: 11 hours and 5 minutes

Description: In this most entrancing tale of mystery and romance by the New York Times bestselling author AMANDA QUICK, lovers and partners-in-crime investigators Lavinia Lake and Tobias March continue their exciting newfound relationship, with its delicious mix of risky business, rising passion, and now--murder.

As if a head for business and a nose for trouble aren’t enough to distinguish fiercely independent Lavinia Lake from the other women of London’s fashionable Claremont Lane, there is one more feature to set her apart. Lavinia is also well versed in the practice of mesmerism, an extraordinary gift that far surpasses mere charm and physical appeal. Nobody knows this better than the usually coolheaded Tobias March, who seems to have fallen hopelessly under her spell. Fortunately for all, however, Lavinia uses her powers for good. And ever since a tragedy involving one of her subjects, she has even retired them in favor of her work with Lake and March, a joint venture providing “discreet private inquiries for individuals of quality.” Celeste Hudson, the stunningly beautiful young wife of a family friend and fellow mesmerist, would surely count herself among such individuals--were she still alive, that is. While mythology’s Medusa could turn men to stone, lovely Celeste was more accustomed to turning them to jelly. In fact, unbeknownst to her husband, Howard, the ambitious Celeste was planning to use her talents to forge a new future in Society--one that would not include him. Sadly, her plans were cut short when she was murdered. Only a gentleman’s cravat wound around her lovely neck remained for evidence--small compensation for the strange and priceless bracelet that may have been snatched from her wrist as she drew her last breath.

As a result, Lake and March are soon in Howard Hudson’s employ on the trail of the killer. But Tobias is convinced the dashing widower is more interested in tracking down the missing relic. If so, Howard is not alone. Any number of ruthless types are after the very same antiquity, whose centerpiece is an unusual blue cameo of inestimable value and supposed legendary powers--powers of immeasurable worth to anyone in Howard’s line of work.

Together, Lake and March undertake a tantalizing investigation that leads them from the glittering ballrooms of the ton to London’s seediest taverns to a mesmerist whose therapies include treating ladies suffering from “hysteria” Tois a a most unconventional method--and, not least of all, to the darkest reaches of men’s psyches. Along the way, Don’t Look Back becomes a completely mesmerizing read as the irrepressible Lavinia and Tobias mix business with pleasure....

My Thoughts: The second Lake and March historical mystery concerns a missing antiquity. It is a depiction of medusa. When an old friend of Lavinia's family comes to town with a new wife, Tobias is suspicious especially when the new wife hits on him. Tobias also fears the old friend who is also a mesmerist as Lavinia was until she threw over that career for one in discreet investigation wants Lavinia for a new partner. 

When the wife is murdered, Lake and March are on the case along with their hunt for the missing jewel. Throw in a visit to London by the man who convinced Lavinia to find a new career and who might have murdered his wife, and you have a busy story. 

Add in that Lavinia's niece and Tobias's young brother-in-law are also expressing interests in careers in discreet investigations despite Lavinia and Tobias's desires that the find more stable careers. And then there is the romance building between Lavinia and Tobias and their desires to find ways to be together and discreet. Though their love affair isn't at all secret from the younger people of Lavinia's housekeeper. 

This was a fun historical romance. 

I bought this one August 13. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Bark Humbug by David Rosenfelt

Bark Humbug
Author: David Rosenfelt
Series: Andy Carpenter (Book 34)
Publication: Minotaur Books (October 13, 2026)

Description: Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter helps a desperate sister investigate the widely publicized murder of a gubernatorial candidate in Bark Humbug, the latest Christmas mystery in David Rosenfelt's bestselling series.

This time, Andy is serious about retiring. Besides, he can't hear the sound of his phone ringing over the football game. But when the local newspaper asks him to participate in their Christmas spread of local celebrities and their dogs, he pauses the game and brings Tara along for the ride.

When the photographer comes to take pictures of him and the dogs, he instead opens the door to Sharon Lowery, who devised the newspaper story just to get Andy's attention and beg him for help. Her brother, Jon, is wanted for murder and is on the run. However, if Andy agrees to hear Jon out, he'll turn himself in with the hope that Andy will represent him and reunite him with his dog.

It's a dangerous situation, and between the media circus surrounding the murder and Jon's volatile position, Andy knows that when Jon is found, someone could get hurt. But Andy respects Sharon's dedication to her brother, and in an effort to keep Jon--and the public--safe, Andy agrees to talk to Jon. Andy decides to help Jon and slowly uncovers a web of conspiracies. Determined to keep Jon out of jail, Andy gathers the crew to investigate.

David Rosenfelt returns with Andy Carpenter's classic disdain for Christmas but love for dogs and justice.

My Thoughts: The 34th Andy Carpenter mystery starts when he very reluctantly agrees to a newspaper interview. He only agrees because it is about local celebrities and their dogs and Tara deserves all the recognition. Only the newspaper article is a scam. 

Sharon Lowery, the supposed reporter, really wants to see Andy to convince him to represent her brother Jon who has been accused of murdering the local mayor and one of his largest contributors. 

Andy had met Jon since he adopted a dog named Luna from Andy's foundation, but that wouldn't necessarily be enough to pull Andy out of his self-imposed retirement. Andy announces himself as Jon's lawyer when the peaceful surrender is turned into a SWAT event by the State Police.

All of the evidence is circumstantial but there is a lot of it. Andy's investigation leads to learning that the mayor was taking bribes all around for little things like drug running and money laundering. When two men associated with his crimes are also murdered, the case against Jon should be simpler. However, since he mayor was working for the two other murder victims, it is hard to understand why they might have wanted him dead.

Andy and his team pull off their usual tricks with Sam digging into the internet on sites legal and not-so legal and Marcus intimidating in his usual silent way. And then there is Andy who is his usual smart-mouthed, sarcastic self. 

This was another enjoyable episode in this long-running series. 

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

ARC Review: Please Enjoy Your Stay by Tara Goedjen

Please Enjoy Your Stay
Author: Tara Goedjen
Publication: Atria/Emily Bestler Books (October 13, 2026)

Description: After a true crime podcast reopens her cousin’s murder case, a woman must confront her past at a glamorous European castle where she follows a trail of toxic family secrets and deadly lies in this “addictive, atmospheric” (Tiffany Crum, New York Times bestselling author), gothic-tinged thriller perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.

When they were teenagers, Mia’s beloved cousin was murdered during their stay at an infamous castle in the Austrian Alps. As the only witness, Mia’s testimony put the killer behind bars, but it tore her life apart: the media accused her aunt, a controversial true crime author, of being involved. Now, a decade later, the murderer is appealing his conviction, and a popular true crime podcast starts covering the case, determined to exonerate him, and resurfacing lies about Mia’s family in the process.

Desperate to protect her aunt—and what she knows to be the truth—Mia returns to Austria. The castle is being revamped as a luxury hotel, and Mia gets a job as a nanny for the new owner, hiding in plain sight as she investigates, needing to set the story straight once and for all. But after someone mysteriously disappears on the property and sinister new evidence emerges regarding her cousin’s death, she realizes she might have accused the wrong man...and put her own life in danger.

My Thoughts: Mia takes a job as a nanny to a 6-year-old whose mother is reopening a castle in the Austrian Alps as a boutique hotel. Mia knows the hotel. Her aunt went there with her and her cousin Tristan to write her latest true crime book about the murder of a daughter of the house in 1969.

Her cousin was murdered and Mia was the only witness to the owner of the hotel's crime. He was convicted and imprisoned. Mia and her aunt went home but their relationship crumbled leading them to have separate lives. 

Now, a popular podcast is talking about Tristan's murder again and accusing her aunt of being the real killer. Mia needs to find out the truth and travels to the castle under her new name.

Many of the players who were there at the time of the murder are still there or there again. Mia finds herself exploring the castle and seeing visions that may or may not help her find out what really happened. 

Surrounding Mia's story in the present is the aunt's story from the time of her son's murder as she too found herself seeing visions and also found herself unable to write the dead heiress's story. She was consumed with a fiction story that told about her son's death. 

This was a twisty, spooky story about looking back into the past and trying to unravel what is real and what is not. 

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