Audiobook Review: You Can Tell Me by Melinda Leigh

You Can Tell Me
Author: Melinda Leigh

Narrator: Mandy Figueroa
Series: Olivia Cruz (Book 1)
Publication: Brilliance Audio (May 12, 2026)
Length: 10 hours and 52 minutes

Description: Crime writer Olivia Cruz is drawn into the dark secrets of a missing friend in a terrifying novel of suspense by #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh.

On the three-year anniversary of true crime writer Olivia Cruz’s horrific kidnapping, she’s scheduled to walk her podcaster friend Zoe March through the crime scene, but Zoe fails to show. Olivia knows Zoe would never stand her up—not today.

Zoe’s husband, who claims she never came home the night before, has reported her missing. But marital conflicts make the police suspect she has left him. Olivia thinks otherwise. The police aren’t looking for Zoe, so Olivia begins her own investigation. Retracing her friend’s last steps, she finds Zoe’s phone and a text with one chilling word: Run.

It soon becomes apparent that Zoe has been keeping secrets, and with her true crime podcast, there’s no telling what she has unearthed. To find her, Olivia must dig into her friend’s past. Did Zoe vanish to escape a killer, and is Olivia walking into a deadly trap?

My Thoughts: Olivia Cruz is finally ready to talk about the horrific kidnapping that changed her life three years earlier. She is scheduled to meet with her friend and podcaster Zoe to walk her through what happened. However, when she arrives at the site, Zoe is not there. 

Olivia meets with Zoe's husband who is very concerned and she meets with Zoe's podcast producer who is not. With the police not considering Zoe missing since a woman has a right to leave her husband and life, Olivia with her boyfriend Lincoln Sharpe and her niece Nikki begin their own investigation. 

It soon becomes apparent to Olivia that she really doesn't know very much about her friend's past or her secrets. Her husband Dylan Sanders is also keeping secrets including that his marriage with Zoe is having major problems. 

Each secret they uncover puts them all in more danger in this exciting thriller. I really enjoyed the tension in this one. I liked learning more about characters who have appeared as side characters in earlier books by the author. Knowing about those characters isn't necessary. The book stands alone perfectly well. 

I bought this one May 20. You can buy your copy here.

Audiobook Review: The Ruling Class by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Ruling Class
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Narrator: Ina-Marie Smith
Series: The Fixer (Book 1)
Publication: Bloomsbury YA (September 2, 2025)
Length: 10 hours and 5 minutes

Description: This mystery thriller by the bestselling author of The Inheritance Games is a gripping story of high stakes, betrayal, and unpredictable twists.

Any problem can be fixed for a price . . .

When Tess Kendrick is  isent to stay with her older sister in Washington D.C., she has no idea that Ivy is the capitol’s go-to “fixer,” a person who can make powerful people’s scandals disappear with a snap of her fingers. Tess never thought she and Ivy had much in common, but when she enrolls at the exclusive Hardwicke School, she soon finds herself thrust into the role of high school fixer, solving problems for the children of the D.C. elite.

But secrets pile up as each sister lives a double life, and their worlds come crashing together when a scandal from the halls of Hardwicke reaches Capitol Hill. As the stakes turn deadly, Tess must uncover who’s behind the power play before she becomes a target herself.

My Thoughts: Seventeen-year-old Tess Kendrick lives in Montana on her grandfather's ranch. She has been taking care of him while he is developing Alzheimer's, but the school alerts her older sister Ivy Kendrick when Tess's behaviors change. 

Ivy sweeps Tess away to Washington, D.C., where she works and transfers her grandfather to a facility in Boston for possible treatment. Tess resents being swept away by the older sister she thinks abandoned her years earlier. She doesn't even know what Ivy does.

Tess is enrolled in the Hardwicke school where she meets the children of Washington's movers and shakers. Many of them know more about Ivy than Tess does. She learns that Ivy is a fixer who manages to take care of a multitude of problems in Washington.

Many of her classmates look at Tess as their own fixer which isn't far from the truth. When she comes upon a freshman crying in the bathroom, she's the one who confronts the older boys who have taken pictures of her and confiscates the phone. She later learns that the girl is the Vice President's daughter and the picture taking slime is the son of the Whip. 

When she arrives, things are already in turmoil. Her fellow student Henry's grandfather is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He dies under what the grandson believes are suspicious circumstances and her new friend Vivvy's father is the man who operated on him. Vivvy overhears enough to believe that he killed him. 

Tess and her new friends are busy investigating. So is Ivy but their investigations, while on parallel tracks, are secret from each other. 

This was an engaging and suspenseful thriller filled with secrets. I loved getting to know Tess and empathized with both the disruption in her life and the uncertainty in it. Tess has lots of problems to solve not least of which is the relationship with her sister. Luckily, she has the brains and ability to do so. 

The cliffhanger ending is sending me running to The Long Game which continues the story. 

I bought this audiobook May 11. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: The Bravest Hour by Anna Lee Huber

The Bravest Hour
Author: Anna Lee Huber
Series: Verity Kent (Book 9)
Publication: Kensington (August 25, 2026)

Description: British Intelligence Agent Verity Kent managed to survive four years of The Great War, slipping in and out of German-occupied Belgium and northeastern France, dodging serious consequences or capture. But as she faces her most dangerous—and devastating—challenge yet, her luck may have run out. Hopefully, her resilience has not . . .

November 1920. Dublin, Ireland. Verity’s efforts to foil a contemptible plot by the traitorous Lord Ardmore and save countless lives—as well as the British government’s reputation—has exposed her to detrimental scrutiny, bringing her contact with the Irish rebels to light. Crushingly, she finds herself incarcerated in Dublin Castle, the “Dread Bastille,” where she must withstand interrogation from her own countrymen.

Despite her circumstances, Verity knows better than to talk—though decrying Ardmore to his face would be more than satisfying. For once again he has escaped culpability, scapegoating his associates. Her only hope is intervention from her shadowy superior. And yet, when rescue finally comes, Verity finds herself changed by what she has endured, perhaps for the worst.

Still, there’s no time for respite or healing. Ardmore’s latest nefarious objectives go beyond mere treason. Allegiances are shifting as the war between the Irish Republican

But just when victory seems assured, one shocking and vicious turn of events changes everything. Now Verity must decide where her loyalty lies. And it may not be on the same side as the man she’s loved to the grave and back.

My Thoughts: This is the third book in the Dublin story arc and begins with Verity arrested by the British who think she is working with the rebels. While she is being questioned and tortured, Sidney is pulling every string he can to get her released. Since Verity doesn't trust any of the British government in Ireland, she is determined not to tell them anything. And then there is the Official Secrets Act she signed while she was an intelligence agent during World War 1.

Sidney does manage to get Verity out of the clutches of those in Dublin Castle, but concessions have been made. She and Sidney need to help them find Michael Collins who is leading the Irish revolt against the British government, and they can't leave Dublin until they do. 

Meanwhile, their enemy Lord Ardmore is still hatching his nefarious plots and generally causing discord in Ireland. Sidney and Verity are determined to find the evidence to bring him to justice. The more Sidney and Verity get involved with finding proof of Ardmore's treason and the more they become invested in the Irish cause, Verity especially wonders if her loyalty to Britain has been misplaced. She suffers a real crisis on conscience in this story. 

I enjoyed the historical detail about events in Dublin during 1920. It was packed with intriguing detail and included of a cast of actual historical figures along with other characters to suit the needs of the story. 

I thought this one brought the three-book arc to a satisfying conclusion and left Verity and Sidney is a good place. Fans of the series will breathe a sigh of relief at 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? (August 17, 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 nice quiet week highlighted by a trip to the dentist for the first of two appointments to replace a crown. It went okay, but a trip to the dentist will never make my list of favorite things. 

The weather was nice with highs in the upper 70s for most of the week. We could use some rain but didn't get any. It is currently 69, windy, and cloudy. 

I had a nice reading week. I did have one review book that didn't really grab me. It is unusual for me to take four days to read a 300-page book, but I kept putting it down to listen to an audiobook or four. I did finish it and ultimately found it satisfying. 

This was a big week for adding books to my stack. Besides getting Audible copies of two books on TBR mountain, I also added three Kindle copies for books I already have in print but want to reread and I added one book from Prime Reading and its accompanying audiobook. I'm doing pretty well on reading what I buy. I only have 14 books purchased in 2026 that I haven't read yet and most are already on my reading calendar.

Then there were the six new review copies I added to my stack.

My review stack took a jump from 40 books to 44 with the new additions. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending how you look at it, I will be reading mostly review books for the next couple of weeks. I'm leaning toward fortunately since most of them are books in series and by authors I have already read and enjoyed. 

Since I have finished all of the audiobooks on my September calendar, I'll likely be rereading audiobooks for the next couple of weeks. The first audiobook on my October calendar is one where I might choose to read my Kindle copy instead. Or I might choose to read along with my Kindle copy as I listen.

 
Read Last Week

• Salvage Right by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (Audiobook reread) -- A Liaden Universe story. 
• The Raging Storm by Ann Cleeves (Kindle & Audiobook, Mine since August 3) -- Third in the Matthew Venn mystery series. My review will be posted on September 15.
• A Labyrinth of Honeybees by Heather Fawcett (Kindle & Audiobook, Free with Prime) -- a short fantasy story. 

• Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts (Kindle & Audiobook, Mine since June 26) -- Romance with ghosts. Great story. My review will be posted on September 17.
• Shadows in Death by Nora Roberts (Audiobook Reread) -- 51st in the In Death series
• Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich (Kindle & Audiobook, Mine since August 11) -- 30th in the Stephanie Plum humorous mystery series. My review will be posted on September 16.

• A Deadly Entanglement by Cathy Pegau (Review, September 15) -- Second Harriman and Mancini historical mystery. My review will be posted on September 9.
• I Am the Monster Under the Bed by Emily Zinnikas (Review, September 15) -- Contemporary horror story. My review will be posted on September 10.
• Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett (Kindle & Audiobook, Mine since August 13) -- Romantacy set in Montreal. My review will be posted on September 17.

Currently

• Murder on the Sacred River by Tasha Alexander (Review, September 22)
• Faithless in Death by J. D. Robb (Audiobook reread)

Next Week

• Turning Darkness into Light by Marie Brennan (Kindle, Mine since May 16)
• The Pumpkin Vice Cafe by Ellie Alexander (Review, September 29)
• The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves (Review, September 29)

• Cursed City by Kate Golden (Review, September 29)
• The Velvet Knife by Maureen Johnson (Review, September 29)
• Murder on Threadneedle Street by Andrea Penrose (Review, September 29)

Reviews Posted

• Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz (Audiobook)
• Crash & Burn by Lisa Gardner (Audiobook)
• Murder on Charity Lane by Jo Nichols (Review Copy)

• Night Candy by Max Tomlinson (Audiobook)
• For Services Rendered by Will Thomas (Review Copy)
• Going Rogue by Janet Evanovich (Kindle, Mine)

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

Review:

• The Vanished Sister by Sherry Thomas (Review, September 29)
• The Christmas Competition by Zoe Allison (Review, October 20)
• The Trial of Magdelena Overmorrow by Caitriona Moran (Review, November 3)

• A Murder Most Irregular by Vicki Delany (Review, January 5)
• A Rogue's Guide to Winning a Wife by Meredith E. Phillips (Review, February 2)
• Peril in the Night by Katharine Schellman (Review, March 23)

Bought:

• Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich (Audiobook, Audible Credit)
• Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett (Audiobook, Audible Credit)

• Slightly Shady by Amanda Quick (Kindle, $1.99)
• Don't Look Back by Amanda Quick (Kindle, $6.99)
• Late for the Wedding by Amanda Quick (Kindle, $6.99)

• The Half-Hearted Queen by Charlie N. Holmberg (Kindle, Prime Reading)
• The Half-Hearted Queen by Charlie N. Holmberg (Audiobook, $3.99)

What was your week like?

Audiobook Review: Night Candy by Max Tomlinson

Night Candy
Author: Max Tomlinson

Narrator: Terry Dien
Series: Colleen Hayes (Book 5)
Publication: Oceanview Publishing (July 25, 2023)

Length: 10 hours and 47 minutes

Description: 1970s San Francisco: the sights, the sounds, the serial killers

As the '70s draw to a close in San Francisco, things do not bode well for the city—or for ex-con PI Colleen Hayes, whose daughter Pam, in a tragic turn of events, has lost her baby. Pam leaves San Francisco, and Colleen, who moved there to reunite with her, starts to wonder what she's doing in the Bay Area.

Meanwhile, a serial killer given the name "Night Candy" is targeting sex workers, both male and female. The situation doesn't improve when Colleen's friend and ally—SFPD Inspector Owens—is arrested for the murder of his ex-wife, who was found burned in a fire the same night the pair had tried to rekindle their love. Could Owens have really done what they say? Even Colleen has her doubts.

But there are people depending on her: Owens, who needs help finding his ex-wife's real killer, and a trio of sex workers Colleen keeps her eye on—especially with Night Candy on the loose. Then, one of the three girls is next to disappear. If anything is to test Colleen's resolve, December 1979 seems to be it.

My Thoughts: When Colleen's police officer friend Inspector Owens is accused of murdering his ex-wife and the man in charge of the investigation is Owen's mortal enemy, she finds herself very involved in proving that her friend is not guilty of murder. Meanwhile, Colleen is worried about some working girls because the serial killer known as Night Candy is still targeting sex workers. 

Colleen is also still grieving the loss of a potential grandchild and the disappearance again of her daughter Pamela. She has to finally reconcile herself to the fact that she and her daughter will not develop the close relationship she wants. 

The story was filled with period details for 1979 including the fashions and songs on the radio. I enjoyed this engaging story which is filled with twists, turns, and plots. 

I bought this one April 27. You can buy your copy here.

Audiobook Review: Crash & Burn by Lisa Gardner

Crash & Burn
Author: Lisa Gardner
Narrator: Christina Traiser & Mikael Naramore
Series: Tessa Leoni
Publication: Brilliance Audio (February 3, 2015)
Length: 13 hours and 26 minutes

Description: The number one New York Times best-selling author's latest stand-alone thriller, with a cameo by her fan-favorite character, Boston Detective D.D. Warren

My name is Nicky Frank. Except, most likely, it isn't.

Nicole Frank shouldn't have been able to survive the car accident, much less crawl up the steep ravine. Not in the dark, not in the rain, not with her injuries. But one thought allows her to defy the odds and flag down help: Vero.

I'm looking for a little girl. I have to save her. Except, most likely, she doesn't exist.

Sergeant Wyatt Foster is frustrated when even the search dogs can't find any trace of the mysterious missing child. Until Nicky's husband, Thomas, arrives with a host of shattering revelations: Nicole Frank suffers from a rare brain injury and the police shouldn't trust anything she says.

My husband claims he'll do anything to save me. Except, most likely, he can't.

Who is Nicky Frank, and what happened the night her car sailed off the road? Was it a random accident or something more sinister given the woman's lack of family and no close friends? The deeper Wyatt digs, the more concerned he becomes. Because it turns out, in the past few months, Nicky has suffered from more than one close accident. In fact, it would appear someone very much wants her dead.

My Thoughts: CRASH & BURN was an excellent twisty thriller starring Sergeant Wyatt Foster and Tessa Leone with a guest appearance by D. D. Warren. 

It all begins on a rainy night in New Hampshire. Wyatt is called to a car accident. A woman has driven her car off a cliff and then climbed back to the road for help. She concussed, has been drinking, and is confused but she's sure that she was traveling with a little girl named Vero who can't be found. An immediate search if begun for Vero but not even search dogs can find her. 

Wyatt learns that Nicky Frank is suffering from Post Concussive syndrome. She has recently suffered a number of falls and concussions. When she wakes up in the hospital, she doesn't even recognize her husband. 

The story is told from both Wyatt's and Nicky's viewpoints. In Wyatt's, they are searching for Vero and also trying to find out why Nicky has hired Tessa's investigative agency to find someone for her. Nicky seems like a woman without a past who might have been kidnapped as a child to be part of a child sex trafficking ring. In Nicky's viewpoint which is pretty surreal, we learn that Nicky is confused about just how old this Vero is and has some pretty dark memories about her. 

The story was compelling and really, really twisty. I enjoyed it very much. 

I bought this one April 16. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: For Services Rendered by Will Thomas

For Services Rendered
Author: Will Thomas
Series: Barker and Llewelen (Book 17)
Publication: Minotaur (August 18, 2026)

Description: In London, 1896, private enquiry agent Cyrus Barker's world is upturned when his longtime nemesis, Sebastian Nightwine, previously believed dead, turns up with evil on his mind, launching devastating and secretive attacks against not just Barker, but his network of friends and close associates.

In 1896, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, would be reformer and revolutionary, turns up in London, running away from China's Imperial Qing Secret Service, who has placed a substantial bounty on his head for his political activities. Captured by those agents, he's imprisoned in the Chinese Embassy until he can be smuggled back to China to face execution.

In the meantime, private enquiry agents Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn receive the unbelievable news that Sebastian Nightwine is both alive and in London. Not just that, it seems he's taking action against Barker and his close associates. At the same time, they've been hired to find this missing Sun Yat-Sen. With elements of the Chinese secret service, elements of the British government, and Nightwine himself all working against them, Barker & Llewelyn are at risk of being cornered by the deadliest set enemies they've yet faced.

My Thoughts: The intrepid Victorian detective duo of Barker and Llewellyn are hired to locate Dr. Sun Yat-Sen who has gone missing on a visit to London. He is on the run from the Imperial Qing Secret Service accused of treason against the emperor. Meanwhile, Sebastian Nightwine, long thought dead, is back in London determined to get revenge on Barker and his close associates from his days in China.

Thomas Llewellyn is the narrator and Barker the lead and very enigmatic senior partner. Things get exciting when Barker's associates begin to be kidnapped leaving Barker to find them before they too are returned to China for the prices on their heads. 

I liked the sections narrated by Sun Yat-Sen who has been captured and held prisoner in the Chinese Embassy. I also enjoyed the references to many of the duo's earlier cases. The story had an excellent Victorian setting. 

Fans who have been following along will be excited to read this seventeenth adventure. 

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