Audiobook Review: Sizzle and Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz

Sizzle and Burn
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Narrator: Islay Jacobs
Series: Arcane Society (Book 3)
Publication: Tantor Audio (July 4, 2023)
Length: 9 hours and 56 minutes

Description: Raine Tallentyre always tried to heed her late Aunt Vella’s advice—and keep her paranormal abilities a secret. But when she journeys to Shelbyville, Washington, to clear out her aunt’s house, Raine’s highly developed sensitivity leads her to a horrifying discovery: a young woman is held captive in a basement storage locker. And her kidnapper is on the loose.

Without warning, a new man enters Raine’s life—investigator Zack Jones. While Raine hears voices, Zack sees visions, and suddenly Raine experiences an intense, thrilling intimacy with him that she never dared to expect. There’s one complication, however: Zack is working for the secret Arcane Society. Dedicated to the study of paranormal phenomena, the organization lost Raine’s trust long ago, when it shattered her family with an act of betrayal.

Now, as a killer makes her his target, and a cabal of psychic criminals known as Nightshade operates in the shadows surrounding them, Raine and Zack must rely not just on their powerful abilities but on each other as well.

My Thoughts: Raine Tallentyre is in Shelbyville, Washington, to clear out her recently deceased aunt's house to prepare it for sale when her psychic talents lead her to discover a young woman help captive in a locked basement closet. She's found the latest victim of a serial killer who is determined to kill the witches. 

Meanwhile, Zack Jones is trying to find out what happened to a missing Arcane Society agent who disappeared in Shelbyville. Zack is a level 10 psychic with an unusual talent. He works as a part-time agent for the Arcane Society.

Raine and Zack meet and fall in love but there are definite roadblocks on their path to a happily ever after. Not the least of them is her distrust for the Arcane Society that threw her father out for doing unauthorized experiments on the founder's formula that was used to give the first members of the Society their psychic gifts. 

Nightshade is eager to find the formula which they see as a necessary step to their goal of beating the Arcane Society and taking over the world. As Raine and Zack deal with various agents of Nighshade, they find themselves in danger from multiple fronts. Not only does Nightshade want them dead but the serial killer also has Raine in his sights.

This was another engaging episode in the Arcane Society series of paranormal romances. 

I bought this one at Chirp March 7, 2025. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Split Screen by Lee Goldberg

Split Screen
Author: Lee Goldberg
Series: Eve Ronin (Book 7)
Publication: Thomas & Mercer (October 20, 2026)

Description: Reality and fiction collide in shocking violence for Detective Eve Ronin in a propulsive thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg.

When Erin Casey, the actress who plays LASD detective Eve Ronin on TV, is gunned down after a ride-along, the intended target is obvious: the real Eve. What isn’t obvious is why.

As Eve hunts the shooter, her world fractures into more deadly reflections. The new sheriff forces Eve to exploit her fame to burnish his image―or he’ll destroy her partner, Duncan. And a reckless half sister Eve never knew she had pulls her toward a criminal conspiracy that’s already dumped a corpse in a Topanga Canyon ravine.

To save Erin, protect her half sister, and survive herself, Eve must find the killers before they strike again―and before her enemies inside the department finish the job for them.

My Thoughts: The story starts with the death of an actress by an apparent drug overdose which isn't totally unexpected since she's been an addict for years and has blown up her career a few times because of it. 

While waiting for the tox screen, Eve's called to meet with her new Sheriff. He wants to use Eve's reputation to burnish the tattered reputation of the LASD. He uses her partner's future as a lever to force Eve to comply. Duncan is under investigation for actions around the forced resignation of the former Sheriff. The new Sheriff also orders Eve to take the actress portraying her on the television show about her career. 

Erin Casey shows up for the ride along in a car identical to Eve's and dressing and looking more like Eve than Eve does. Eve takes Erin along while she runs an errand for her estranged father who is one of the producers on Erin's show. It seems that her father has scattered other illegitimate children throughout the area and one is in trouble. Her mother is convinced that she's involved herself in prostitution after failing to find a job in journalism. Eve slips a tracker onto her new half-sister's car to see where she's been going all those nights she's out impossibly late.

Then another call comes in and Erin finds herself really seeing what Eve does. A noted doctor is found beaten with a baseball bat next to his bougie car and behind his clinic. That one should be a no-brainer since the doctor's partner saw the doctor's ex-wife and current boy toy speeding away from the scene.

But then Erin is shot while out for coffee with a friend and Eve believes that it is because someone thought she was Eve. Of course, the shooter shouting "Die, Ronin, die" was sort of a clue. Since videos of the scene indicate the shooters could be from a Russian mob, she recruits Walker to go along with her to see a mob boss he knows which leads to all sorts of complications.

This was a busy episode with lots of realizations for Eve and lots of changes for the whole cast of characters. I enjoyed the fast-paced action.

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

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.

ARC Review: Home for the Homicides by Elle Cosimano & Hannah Morrissey

Home for the Homicides
Author: Elle Cosimano & Hannah Morrissey
Series: The Holly & Mark Mystery Series (Book 1)
Publication: Minotaur Books (October 13, 2026)

Description: 'Tis the season . . . for murder.

When Special Agents Holly Frost and Mark Shepherd report to the idyllic town of Christmas to investigate a very less than idyllic murder, they’re in for more than the average whodunnit.

Welcome to Christmas, a town so cozy and charming it could be the backdrop of a Hallmark movie, where crime is never in season and it’s the holidays all year round. So when a tourist is found stabbed to death by an icicle ornament in the middle of the town nativity scene, the local police are out of their depth―after all, how do you find a criminal in a town where crime doesn't exist?

The stakes are high: the whole town is relying on Holly and Mark to solve the crime before the annual Jingle Bell Jubilee festival (which naturally the town's entire economic survival relies on), plus, whichever of them cracks the case will receive a promotion to Major Crimes―and there's only one spot.

Holly and Mark are both on thin ice after screwing up on the job. This assignment is their one shot at redemption, if they can put aside their bitter rivalry. And of course, it's not only their careers on the line, it's their hearts, too―regrets of their holiday party hookup last year haunt them like ghosts of Christmas past, so they both want to wrap up this rom-com gone wrong as quickly as possible. But with just twelve days until the festival, the countdown to catch a killer―without killing each other―is on.

Co-authored by New York Times bestseller Elle Cosimano (Finlay Donovan series) and USA Today bestseller Hannah Morrissey (Black Harbor series), Home for the Homicides is a sexy, light-hearted romp, with a dash of merriment and murder.

My Thoughts: HOME FOR THE HOMICIDES manages to throw in every possible romance trope in a Hallmark Christmas movie setting. Mark and Holly both work for the SBI - State Bureau of Investigation - which is often confused by suspects, witnesses and the odd tourist with the FBI. Mark works in Major Crimes while Holly toils away in Mail Fraud.

When each screws up at work, they are teamed up to solve a murder in Christmas - the most holiday town in their state. No one is ever murdered in that town since it would clearly destroy its pristine image. The one who manages to solve the crime stays in Major Crimes with the other's fate to be determined.

Holly and Mark have a history. Last year's holiday party hookup should have led to a romance but Mark getting the job Holly wanted wrecks things. Now, they have to work together to uncover the secrets of Christmas before the Jingle Bell Jubilee is ruined. 

This was an entertaining and engaging story that managed to have a lot of heart mixed in with all the tropes. It was also laugh-out-loud funny as the two uncover the towns secrets. This one has it all. Readers of romance and/or mystery and fans of the authors will greatly enjoy it.

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

ARC Review: Written in Starlight by Sloane Brooks

Written in Starlight
Author: Sloane Brooks
Publication: Atria Books (October 13, 2026)

Description: A storybook chambermaid’s and an intergalactic bounty hunter’s worlds—and hearts—collide through a magical book, threatening to rewrite fate in this romantic portal fantasy with a cosmic twist. Perfect for fans of Tusk Love and The Spellshop.

Della Farley has always known her place: scrubbing floors, keeping her head down, and dreaming of something more. But when she stumbles upon a strange book that seems to be writing itself—a story about a man named Ansel Tulzok, a wanted fugitive traveling the stars—her quiet life turns extraordinary.

Light-years away, Ansel finds a mirror copy of the same book. Page by page, the story unfolds with details of a woman he’s never met—one whose words feel achingly familiar. As the two begin writing to each other through the mysterious pages, they open doors not just to each other’s worlds, but to their most vulnerable hopes and fears.

But every story has its price. And as their worlds entwine and their hearts collide, Della and Ansel must decide how far they’re willing to go to change the ending fate has written for them.

My Thoughts: WRITTEN IN STARLIGHT was a fantasy romance. Della Farley is an underappreciated chambermaid in a dull provincial town. One day when she's sending most of paycheck home to her sick mother, she's almost run over by the duke's carriage. What could be a wonderful romantic opportunity turns sour when Della finds herself speechless in his presence. She does find an unlabeled package that contains a strange story about a wanted fugitive named Ansel Tulzok who is traveling the stars.

Ansel also finds a strange book about a chambermaid in a small country town. It doesn't take them long to learn that they can read each other's life stories and can write and influence them too. Since both are lonely, it doesn't take long to form a friendship which quickly becomes a romance.

After Della is fired from her job, she finds a way to switch stories and ends up on Ansel's spaceship where they learn that it is easier to read someone's mind in writing than when they are actually in the same place. However, romance blossoms as do friendships with Ansel's very eclectic crew.

But the villain that Ansel is trying to find to clear his own name on his home world is not eager to be caught and may have some designs on both of their books. 

This was an entertaining love story in an interesting world where librarians aren't allowed to actually read the books in their collections. Della's mother ignored this rule which has a lot to do with Della's ability to switch from world to world yet never feel like a part of any until she meets Ansel.

I recommend this one to fantasy and romance lovers. 

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

ARC Review: Jay to the World by Donna Andrews

Jay to the World
Author: Donna Andrews
Series: Meg Langslow Mysteries (Book 40)
Publication: Minotaur Books (October 13, 2026)

Description: There's merry mischief aplenty in Donna Andrews' latest avian-themed Christmas mystery!

The Christmas season is underway in Caerphilly. The members of the Hollingsworth clan, Meg’s mother’s family, are beginning to arrive in force, and Mother has several special projects underway this year. One is the playhouse she’s having built for Brynn, her two-year-old granddaughter. Brynn is a bright, lively child who loves animals, especially a wounded jay that she and Meg are trying to rehabilitate. She’s also hoping to play matchmaker and set up her cousin with an old friend of hers who was recently widowed.

But all is not going smoothly in Caerphilly. Someone vandalizes the playhouse and sets a dangerous trap that injures and could have killed Mother. She reveals that she has been getting nasty anonymous letters, and it’s obvious that someone is targeting her. Meg realizes she has to do something to figure out who could possibly have it in for her mom.

Meg juggles holiday preparations and celebrations while investigating these potential enemies – not to mention helping repair the damaged playhouse, taking her turn at nursing the wounded jay, and trying to coax Mother’s elderly cousin into a reunion with his long-lost love. When one of Meg’s suspects is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the family rejoices that Mother is out of danger. But Meg isn’t quite sure they’re out of the woods just yet.

My Thoughts: Christmas is coming again in the 40th Meg Langslow mystery. Michael is away supervising a trip to Broadway and way off Broadway while Meg is at home helping with the annual design house, sneaking abused women out of town, and helping her two-year-old niece Brynn babysit an injured blue jay. 

Meg gets a call from her mother telling her that her granddaughter Brynn's Christmas present - an elaborate playhouse - has been vandalized only to hear her mother attacked. Someone had boobytrapped the playhouse which almost kills Mother. Luckily, she was bending down to pick up a stray feather when the pendulum suspended cosh fell. Now, Meg has to determine who might have wanted her mother dead.

There are multiple suspects including a rival designer at the show house, the husband of one of the women being spirited out of Caerphilly to a new home, and a jealous rival from the gardening club. Mother does mention that she has been getting threatening emails, but only after her "accident."

The story was filled with the usual hijinks including mother's attempt to do some matchmaking between a cousin and the woman who was almost his fiancée and a bridesmaid at her mother's wedding. It is always fun to visit Caerphilly at Christmas time. This story was no exception.

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 5, 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 even though my Braves made for stressful baseball games. I'll be watching them play again this evening. 

I had a busy week for adding to my TBR piles. I accepted seven new Review copies and turned down four. I also added two Kindle books and their associated audiobooks. I used saved up Reward points for one of the books. The other was on sale for $2.99. I bought the audiobooks rather than using my Audible credits because each cost less than I paid for my Audible credits. 

Even though I read four review copies this week my Review stack now sits at 40 books. I have lots of review copies on the stack to read this week. I have 13 November releases to read but only 5 for December. Other than review books, my 2026 TBR stack is sitting at 23 books. 

This week should be quiet. I hope the Braves will be able to win against the LA Dodgers so that my baseball watching isn't over until Spring training. I also have some landscapers coming on Tuesday to trim trees and shrubs and get my garden beds ready for the winter. Otherwise, my calendar is empty of everything by reading time. 

September Report

I read 33 books in September including 22 of mine and 11 review copies. Twenty of mine were audiobooks for a total of 217 hours of listening. Seventeen of the books I read were from my TBR pile. I also had five rereads. 

I added 38 books to my LibraryThing account including 19 audiobooks and 11 review copies. I used three Audible credits and took advantage of one Audible Plus selection. Eighteen of my new additions are still on my TBR pile.

Here is my September State of the Stack post. 

Read Last Week

• The Key to a Killer by Olivia Blacke (Review, October 20) -- The third Ruby and Cordelia mystery. My review will be posted on October 14.
• Split Screen by Lee Goldberg (Review, October 20) -- An Eve Ronin mystery. My review will be posted on October 15.

• Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines (Review, October 27) -- The finale to the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series. My review will be posted on October 20.
• Murder at Pellhurst Pond by Clara McKenna (Review, October 27) -- A Stella and Lyndy mystery My review will be posted on October 21.

• To the Hilt by Dick Francis (Kindle & Audiobook, Mine since September 16) -- An artist finds himself mixing with villains when his stepfather asks for his help. My review will be posted on November 12.
• The Tropic of Serpents by Marie Brennan (Kindle & Audiobook, Mine since September 25) -- The second Lady Trent memoir. My review will be posted on November 13.
• The Voyage of the Basilisk by Marie Brennan (Kindle & Audiobook, Mine since September 25) -- The third Lady Trent Memoir. My review will be posted on November 17.

Currently

• In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan (Kindle & Audiobook, Mine since September 25)
• Murder in the Upper Crust by Mindy Quigley (Review, October 27)

Next Week

• The Bone Woman by Paige Shelton (Review, October 27)
• Midnight in the House of Commons by Charles Finch (Review, November 3)
• A Glimmer of Death by Laurell K. Hamilton (Review, November 3)

• The Trial of Magdelena Overmorrow by Caitriona Moran (Review, November 3)
• Sunflower Season by Danica Nava (Review, November 3)
• The Fey Duology by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (Kindle, Mine since July 1)

Reviews Posted

• The Vanished Sister by Sherry Thomas (Review copy)
• Where There's Smoke by Rachel Louise Adams (Review copy)
• The Case of the Body on the Orient Express by Kelly Oliver (Audiobook)

• Dragon Blood by Eileen Wilks (Kindle)
• The Astral Library by Kate Quinn (Audiobook)
• The Lady Jewel Diviner by Rosalie Oaks (Kindle)

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

Review:

• Pressure Point by A. J. Landau (Review, December 8)
• The Book Binder's Code by A. D. Bell (Review, January 26)

• Perfect in Death by J. D. Robb (Review, February 2)
• Please Kill My Boss by Evie Ross (Review, February 9)
• Last Resort at Haven's Rock by Kelley Armstrong (Review, February 16)

• Death on Campus by Victoria Gilbert (Review, March 23)
• Gone at First Light by T. Jefferson Parker (Review, March 23)

Bought:

• Tonight and Always by Nora Roberts (Kindle & Audiobook Add-on, $8.17)
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (Kindle & Audiobook Add-on. $5.19)

What was your week like?