All the Little Houses

 

All the Little Houses by May Cobb
1/20/26; 480 pages
Sourcebooks

All the Little Houses by May Cobb is a very highly recommended soapy domestic thriller. As all the trash talk, grudges, secrets, infidelity, drinking, and amoral actions collide with all the egos, this melodrama set in the mid-1980s quickly becomes a guilty pleasure to read.

Alexander and Charleigh Andersen are the wealthiest couple in the town of Longview, Texas. Their seventeen-year-old daughter Nellie is spoiled and shunned by all her peers probably because of her temper when she doesn't get her way, but her mother Charleigh can buy her a boyfriend and hopefully a social position. Charleigh came from a dirt poor family and knows the struggle to fit in with the privileged, wealthy crowd. Even now she struggles for the approval of the old money elitists in their social circle. She relies upon her best friend, Jackson Ford, who is also her decorator and party planner.

When Ethan and  Abigail Swift move into town with their family the social order is shaken, even though they live an agrarian life in the country and wear homemade clothes. Seventeen-year-old Jane Swift is immediately accepted by the in crowd, leaving Nellie behind. Ethan is a handsome man who builds custom furniture and has captured the eye of every woman, and one man (Jackson), in town. Abigail, who sells love potions and offers workshops catering to the wealthy townswomen. The whole family, especially Jane and Abigail, are Nellie and Charleigh's archenemies.

The well-written, complex plot opens with the ending, when a body in the water is not sinking fast enough for the unnamed  murderer. Following this, the narrative is told through the point-of-view of Charleigh, Jane, and Nellie. It is clear that the adults are misbehaving as bad as the teens, which is what keeps this soapy melodrama un-put-downable. There is also a backstory for several of the characters that increase the tension and drama. It does end a bit abruptly and deserves the sequel reportedly in the works.

Honestly, every character is unlikable, ruthless, and resentful while planning the downfall of someone while trying to elevate themselves. All the lies, secrets, misbehavior, scheming, revenge, drinking, grudges, etc., run rampant through every page and with every character. As the three narrators tell the story through their perspective, the suspense and tension increase. This novel would make a great movie or TV show with all the beautiful, unlikable characters scheming while smiling.

All the Little Houses is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys soapy dramas full of people behaving badly. Thanks to Sourcebooks for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

No One Would Do What the Lamberts

 

No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done by Sophie Hannah
1/20/26; 416 pages
Sourcebooks  

No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done by Sophie Hannah is a recommended absurd, farcical tale, that borders on the ridiculous, told through a manuscript found after the events occurred.

In the English town of Swaffham Tilney a policeman comes to the residence of Mark and Sally Lambert and their children Ree and Toby. The constable informs Sally that the Gavey family has accused Champ, the Lambert's  loyal and beloved Welsh Terrier, of biting their daughter. The Lamberts know that Champ did not do it and the Gavey's are horrible liars. Sally, who is afraid that Champ will be euthanized because of this accusation, looks for help.  Corrine Sullivan, a local wealthy woman comes to her aid and Sally goes on the run with Champ and her family in order to keep Champ safe.

There is no question that No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done is one of those entertaining novels that people will either love or not. You will definitely have to set disbelief aside. Many, including me, will enjoy it at first and appreciate the various characters and the dynamics of the town denizens. Then, as the narrative continues, the enjoyment lessens as more happens and is revealed. There are plenty of twists and a surprising one that left me shaking my head. It certainly shows the devotion of dog lovers and the power of social media. 

No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done might be a good choice for those who enjoy odd, quirky novels and love dogs. Thanks to Sourcebooks for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

 

Detour

 

Detour by Jeff Rake, Rob Hart
1/13/26; 320 pages
Random House
Detour series #1

Detour by Jeff Rake, Rob Hart is a highly recommended character drama and lite science fiction thriller which marks the start of a new series. Warning: this ends on a "to be continued..." cliffhanger and I really needed closure so my rating may go up after I get to finish the story. 

John Ward, billionaire and presidential candidate, is financing an exploratory manned 2 year trip to Saturn's moon, Titan, where the crew will circle Titan, release a satellite, and return. This exploratory trip will provide information on Titan's potentially habitability. 

The mission will be manned by three NASA astronauts and 3 civilians with limited training. The civilians include Padma Singh, an astrophysicist for Ward, Ryan Crane, a police officer who saved Ward’s life, and Stitch (Courtney) Smith, a graffiti artist who won a lottery for his place on the crew. The astronauts include Mike, who has a drinking problem, Della, who has family problems, and Alonso, who has personal questions. 

The focus is more on the personnel, their private lives, the preparation for the trip, and repercussions after the trip rather than the space mission itself. The two year mission flies by quickly with one major event. As the ship is circling Titan, there are two unexplained explosions, but the crew works together to get back on course, and they return to Earth as heroes. Once back on Earth, it quickly become clear things have changed and the crew members may now be in a parallel universe.

It is a well written novel and held my complete attention. For the first book in what will hopefully be a great series, it was a great choice to focus on character development and background. The mission to Titan is important, but really serves to further the complicated interpersonal drama already established. Readers will be invested in what happens to these characters and all the information behind the conspiracy that seems to be taking place. While reading, it becomes quite clear that this was written for a TV series.

Detour is definitely worth reading, but it is best to start knowing there will be no closure until the next book in the series. Cliffhangers are perhaps better saved for TV shows rather than books; rounded down due to 4 due to this. Thanks to Random House Worlds for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

 

The Swamps

 

The Swamps by Seraphina Nova Glass
1/27/26; 200 pages
Podium Publishing

The Swamps by Seraphina Nova Glass is a highly recommended atmospheric mystery following influencers looking into two missing women in the Louisiana bayou.

Macy and Ethan are investigating the paranormal on their YouTube channel, Ghost Patrol, where Ethan is a believer and Macy counters him as a skeptic. Ethan is sure their look into the mysterious disappearance of two women is sure to get them the views and perhaps seal the Netflix deal they are seeking. Photographers Tasha and Max show up with Max's brother Robert to the rundown cabin they rented on the bayou and they all start their investigation.

Because this is a fast paced, short novel/novella, it quickly sets up the creepy atmosphere and keeps the plot moving while making it sinister almost immediately. The action unfolds through mainly through the point-of-view of Macy and Tasha and there are illustrations included along the way. While the character development meets the minimal requirement and the plot depth and intricacy may be abbreviated, the twisty story moves at a lightning fast speed, which ensures you will be thoroughly satisfied. 

The Swamps is an enjoyable, well-written, entertaining, quick read that will be a great choice for those who enjoy mysteries mixed with true crime and a little horror. Thanks to Podium Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Old Fire

 

The Old Fire by Elisa Shua Dusapin
Translated by Aneesa Abbas Higgins 
1/13/26; 192 pages
S&S/Summit Books

The Old Fire by Elisa Shua Dusapin is recommended literary domestic fiction translated from the French by Aneesa Abbas Higgins. Two sisters, Agathe and Vera, return to the crumbling family home five years after their father's death in order to clean it out after selling it.

Agathe, a 30 year-old screenwriter living in New York, left her home at 15 to live in the U.S. and hasn't returned to France until her Vera calls and asks for help cleaning the family home out.  Véra has been aphasic since she was six, after their mother left them, and communicates through texts. Now the two, almost strangers, have nine days to empty the house which will them be demolished while simultaneously old memories, resentments, secrets, and traumas resurface.

This atmospheric novel has a unsettled, melancholy feeling due to the dilapidated house, the untamed setting, Agathe's personal struggles, and even the hunters in the woods, all intermingling with the haze of old memories, hurts, and expectations. The pace is slow, but the novel is short. In spare writing, it begs the question what do we owe an estranged family member and can you set your past aside.

The two sisters know very little about each other, have no connection except their parentage, and don't appear to truly care to try to reconnect. Agathe, as a successful scriptwriter, has achieved some success, but Vera's life is unknown. Their relationship growing up was complex and left scars. And, no, to answer the question Vera asks, the two would not be friends if they weren't sisters. 

The Old Fire will be best appreciated by those who enjoy atmospheric, pensive literary novels. Thanks to S&S/Summit Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Murder Your Darlings

 

Murder Your Darlings by Jenna Blum
1/13/26; 368 pages
HarperCollins

Murder Your Darlings by Jenna Blum is a recommended romantic suspense drama, perhaps highly recommended for the right reader. 

Simone “Sam” Vetiver is a writer who just finished a publicity tour for her latest novel and now faces both writer's block and a deadline for her next book. She receives an fan email from successful author William Corwyn and attends one of his publicity events where the two the two meet and go out for dinner. This is the start of a steamy affair. During this time William is being stalked by a woman he calls The Rabbit, who also begins to follow Sam. However, everything isn't as it seems to be.

The plot unfolds through the point-of-view  of Sam, William, and the Rabbit. The glimpse into the publishing world was interesting and when the plot finally becomes interesting toward the end of the novel it did make up somewhat for the bulk of it. Sam is a well developed character, which is part of what made it hard to believe she'd fall for William who is more of a caricature of a type of man. Rabbit is an interesting character who is introduced into the narrative as an antagonist.

For me, the majority of the novel was glacially slow paced. Honestly, I almost gave up on this novel early on and struggled to keep an interest in it until the last quarter, when it does become much, much better. I'm not a fan of romance novels, so all the steamy encounters were just time wasters, especially when it was made clear from the start that William is an arrogant narcissistic player. It was impossible to believe Sam was foolish enough to fall for his drivel. 

Murder Your Darlings would best be appreciated by those who enjoy romance novels. Thanks to HarperCollins for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Inside Man

 

Inside Man by John McMahon
1/13/26; 400 pages
St. Martin's Press
Head Cases #2 

Inside Man by John McMahon is an exceptional, very highly recommended investigative thriller. This is the second novel in the series and an excellent followup to Head Cases. Gardner Camden and the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit of the FBI are back and this time their investigation reveals potentially connected cases. 

In their investigation involving fraud and a militia group stockpiling ghost guns and ammunition, PARs confidential informant Freddie Pecos is found murdered. When Gardner Camden and  Joanne "Shooter" Harris are at Freddie's it becomes clear that someone else killed him as his co-conspirators in the militia group are trying to contact him and are on their way to his house. As the team investigates, an unidentified man is caught on camera with Freddie. This man is connected to another case at the FBI, an unsolved series of murdered women. Now they may have a serial killer they need to stop along with the militia group.

The PAR Unit of FBI's Behavioral Sciences department team is composed of FBI Agent Gardner Camden, an analytical genius in solving puzzles, riddles, and codes, as well as recognizing patterns and interconnections between items. Team members Cassie Pardo, who is detail-oriented and brilliant with numbers, Jo "Shooter" Harris is a weapons expert, and tactician, and Richie Brancato, a data analyst. Former leader Frank Roberts comes back to help lead the investigation and may be back to stay.

This is another well written, fast-paced, un-put-downable procedural in the Head Cases series. The plot immediately grabbed my attention as both investigations are suspenseful, intelligent, and intriguing. It is a pleasure to follow the team as they uncover clues, make connections, figure out patterns, and analyzing each new development.

The characters are all fully realized, complex individuals with obvious strengths along with their individual unique abilities, quirks and weaknesses. This second book in the series furthers the character development, including Gardner's personal life and relationship with his daughter. I really enjoy all the members of PAR and can't wait for their next outing!

Inside Man is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys investigative thrillers that are fast-paced and well-written. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Head Cases

 

Head Cases by John McMahon
1/28/25; 352 pages
St. Martin's Press
Head Cases #1

Head Cases by John McMahon is a very highly recommended investigative thriller following members of the FBI's PAR (Patterns and Recognition) Unit as they hunt down a serial killer who is targeting other serial killers. As a fan of McMahon's exceptional P.T. Marsh series, it's a pleasure to say I love the start of this new series and am looking forward to the next book in the series, Inside Man, released in January 2026.

FBI Agent Gardner Camden is an analytical genius who has an eidetic memory and an unique ability for solving puzzles, riddles, and codes, as well as recognizing patterns and interconnections between items. He is part of a team of misfits who compose the PAR Unit of FBI's Behavioral Sciences department lead by Frank Roberts who are brought in for cases that no one else can solve. Team members working with Gardner include his partner Cassie Pardo, who is detail-oriented and brilliant with numbers, Jo "Shooter" Harris is a weapons expert and tactician, and newbie Richie Brancato, a data analyst.

This specialized team isn't normally in the field, but when Ross Tignon, a man who, after murdering three women, was previously declared deceased seven years earlier is found dead, again, they are called in to investigate. This is quickly followed by a second victim, Barry Fisher, who was just paroled after serving 31 years in prison. The killer calls Gardner to boast, threatens his family, and suggests the team call him god, which leads them to give him the moniker "mad dog." He also plants clues on the victims. to see if the team, especially Gardner, can follow them.

As expected, the writing is absolutely excellent in this outstanding procedural. The plot is fast-paced, interesting, suspenseful, intelligent, and held my complete attention throughout. The case is enigmatic, which explains why PAR was assigned it when usually they work on cold cases. It was nothing but sheer pleasure to observe the team uncovering clues and following up on them intuitively and logically, sometimes with surprising outcomes.

The characters are all portrayed as fully realized, unique, complex individuals with both strengths and weaknesses. This is a team of misfits who didn't fit in with the regular FBI. Gardner is brilliant, unique, and socially awkward, however, although possibly more socially adept, all of the team members have their own gifts and quirks and could be described the same way. This is a great ensemble of characters and I am looking forward to their next case.

Head Cases is a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys procedurals that display excellence in both the writing and executed. Be sure to look for the second book in the series, Inside Man, released in January 2026.

The Briars

 

The Briars by Sarah Crouch
1/13/26; 320 pages
Atria Books

The Briars by Sarah Crouch is a highly recommended literary mystery melded with a romance novel.

After her marriage ends, Annie Heston accepts a job as a game warden in the small town of Lake Lumin, Washington, in the forests and mountains of the Pacific Northwest. When she arrives, Annie discovers a small office where she works closely with young local sheriff Jake Proud. Immediately there is a cougar that she needs to track and collar. This becomes more serious when a body is found near hiking trails with claws marks on it. Later it is determined that the claw marks were postmortem, the young woman was already dead.

The search is on for who killed the young hiker. While tracking the cougar, Annie meets recluse Daniel Barela who owns land near the lake. He allows her to set traps for the cougar and the two immediately feel a connection. Then the body of another young woman is found in the briars that border Daniel’s property, and Annie assists the local sheriff with the investigation.

The well-written novel immediately sets the atmosphere and setting of the plot while introducing the characters. Annie is an interesting young woman who has been deeply hurt but is very invested in her job as a game warden. Jake is depicted as an outgoing, friendly, and inexperienced. Daniel is a much more careful and guarded character, but his background, which he eventually shares with Annie, is heartbreaking. All the characters are depicted as fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses.

The narrative is mainly told through the point-of-view of Annie and Daniel, with some chapters through Jake's perspective. Since the town is small, Annie helps Jake with the murder investigation, While the search for the cougar is what intrigued me about the synopsis of the novel, the narrative very quickly set that plot point aside and focused on the burgeoning relationship between Annie and Daniel and the murder investigation. I'm not a great fan of romance novels. The unexpected focus on the quickly developing new relationship felt unrealistic as did the unlikely pairing of Jake and Annie investigating the murder together.

The Briars is a good choice for those who enjoy literary mysteries mixed with romance. Thanks to Atria Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

One Sun Only: Stories

One Sun Only: Stories by Camille Bordas
1/27/26; 304 pages
Random House

One Sun Only: Stories by Camille Bordas is a highly recommended collection of twelve literary short stories which explore the human condition. The majority of these were originally published in The New Yorker with the rest either from The Paris Review or original stories.

All of the stories are thoughtful character studies and present a slice of life of life rather than a conventional plot. They are perceptive, attentive, and reflective while following characters through a specific situation or while dealing with an occurrence. The characters can be acutely soul-searching and flawed as their lives are portrayed from multiple faucets while they deal with various situations.

The quality of the writing and use of language is what elevates these stories above the ordinary, even while they frequently portray ordinary events in the lives of their characters. The characters all react in understandable, ordinary ways to the events that they are experiencing. Admittedly, because the stories are more a slice of life with no real final resolution, I did feel a loss of closure for some of the stories. On the other hand they really represent a perfectly presented slice of life.

One Sun Only: Stories is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys literary short stories. Thanks to Random House for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.