The Hanging Place

 

The Hanging Place by Nick Louth
5/14/25; 336 pages
Canelo Crime
Detective Jan Talantire #5 

The Hanging Place by Nick Louth is a very highly recommended procedural and the 5th book in the series featuring Detective Jan Talantire. This continues to be an excellent series with interesting investigations. Previous books in the series include: The Two Deaths of Ruth Lyle, The Last Ride, The Dark Edge, and The Deep End.

First there was a theft on his farm and then, at a later date, Police and Crime Commissioner Lionel Hall-Hartington (Bagpuss) and the employee in charge of security are both shot dead at his farm, Bychecomb Manor. All CCTV footage from security is down. Lionel's disabled wife, Helena de Courchevel, Mrs. Hall-Harrington, is found injured and suspended upside down in an ancient well in the cellar, her wheelchair left upstairs. On the door to the well is a creepy Victorian-style doll and a knife on the floor. There are bloody footprints, but no real clear perpetrator or suspect is in sight. Most employees were at an engagement party at the pub. It appears the house has been ransacked, but no clear robbery has taken place. 

Jan Talantire and her team have their work cut out for them trying to determine exactly what happened with the clues available. The number of potential suspects at the manor is limited because almost everyone was at the party, making this akin to a locked room mystery. Helena is hospitalized the team has to wait to question her more about any clues she may recall. 

This is another well-written, intricate, and expertly investigation that includes twists and surprising discoveries. Nothing is as it seems and every piece of evidence and lead has to be carefully examined and considered while trying to figure out what the clues left behind may mean. The case was very compelling this time out and held my complete attention.

Talantire's is portrayed as a tough, intelligent and compelling character with strengths and flaws. Her character's personality is well established by this addition to the series and most of the team members should be recognizable to those following the series. I think it could be enjoyed as a standalone novel but you would miss the previous character development

The Hanging Place is a great choice for readers who enjoy complicated procedurals and especially those following the series. Thanks to Canelo Crime for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.    

Space Marine

 

Space Marine: and the Edge of Moon Rising by Stephen R. Pratt
5/2/26; 702 pages
Ocean's Light Publishing
Space Marine #1 

Space Marine: and the Edge of Moon Rising by Stephen R. Pratt is a very highly recommended science fiction adventure/space opera for New Adult readers featuring a group of unlikely heros.

Aspiring marine biologist and naval cadet Naval Mason Beckett, 21, just failed his diving test aboard the submarine Arleth. Of course having a robotic shark attack him wasn't exactly his fault, but Mason informs Captain Silva that he's giving his notice. His father and sister Ella, 14, are going to visit the moon colony via the space elevator, while he'll be staying with Nan, his grandmother who has Alzheimer's disease. Mason doesn't have empathy status, which allows those who do have it to not only get away with a lot, they can also claimed to be easily triggered, get cushy jobs, and benefit from others doing the hard work. Mason, who does have a crippling fear of heights, finds a new position in the strategic command building. 

In his new position he formally meets Winston Huxley, who he briefly met on the sub, and Zoe Torres. The three are together when they learn that something is going wrong on the moon and they are running out of oxygen. Clearly something big is in play as the quantum distortion has grounded all aircraft and all governments are claiming any rescue mission is impossible. Mason, Winston, and Zoe all have family on the moon so the three devise a daring lunar rescue plan using a submarine, the Stealth Falcon, and launching it into orbit by using the space elevator.

This well-written, entertaining but hefty space opera unfolds in five parts and represents the first book in a planned new Space Marine series. It is indicated that it is a New Adult book, but most fans of hard science fiction will enjoy it. At 700+ pages there is room for plenty of action scenes and narrow escapes as the nefarious plot taking place on the moon is uncovered and our young heroes take it on while trying to save the survivors. Sure, some disbelief must be set aside but it is easily done as you will want to know what happens next.

The three main characters are all portrayed as fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses who must go far beyond what they think they are capable of during their daring rescue mission. You will be rooting for them as they are undertaking the seemingly impossible task of rescuing survivors from the moon in a submarine. Along the way there is backstory provided for the characters, with the focus on Mason. 

The one drawback for some readers is going to be the substantial page count. A case could be made for additional editing to pare it down, but on the other hand many readers who enjoy sagas set in space won't mind the extended story and action. There are author's notes at the end on the science and the very specific date chosen for this story. 4.5 rounded up.

Space Marine: and the Edge of Moon Rising is a great choice for readers who enjoy science fiction adventures/space operas with a hefty page count. Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Dissection of a Murder

 

Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray
5/5/26; 416 pages
Dutton  

Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray is a highly recommended British legal thriller, courtroom drama, and a great debut novel. 

In Durham, England, Leila Reynolds, a newly qualified barrister from a working class background, is defending club bouncer and ex-con Jack Millman who is on trial for the murder of Crown Court judge Anton Smythe. Millman asked for Leila personally to represent him. The experienced and ruthless prosecutor, Leila's opponent, is her mentor and now husband, Julian Kesler. Let the games begin, where no one is seemingly telling the truth and more is going on behind the scenes than anyone will admit.

The narrative is mainly told through Leila's point-of-view with some chapters from the mysterious Witness X. Leila is clearly recognizable as an unreliable narrator, and this is proven out as the plot continues. Witness X not only knows what happened, they also know secrets from Leila's past and become increasingly threatening about exposing the secrets they know. Along the way there are details about numerous other entanglements and relationships thrown into the mix.

Dissection of a Murder opens with an explanation of the court system procedures and legal terminology in Great Britain, which is helpful. Author Murray was a Criminal Barrister so her experience provides insights about the British legal system, including the procedural peculiarities and gender inequality ingrained in it. The astute information about the inside working of the legal system are presented throughout the plot.

Then the novel is presented in two parts. Part One is The Arrest and follows events leading up to the trial. Quite frankly, this part, while playing an important, informative role in the plot, can be a little slow moving even while it builds tension and suspense. Lots of suspicions about others are raised during this part. Part Two is The Trial, which is really putting all the information together for the surprising, very twisty conclusion and revelations after the trial. 

Dissection of a Murder is a great choice for everyone who enjoys legal thrillers, especially British courtroom dramas. Thanks to Dutton for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.    

The Anniversary

 

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
5/12/26; 336 pages
St. Martin's Press  

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay is a very highly recommended suspenseful mystery/thriller following an elusive serial killer in small towns of Nebraska dubbed the May Day Killer because he strikes his victims on May 1st. 

On May 1, 1992, teenagers Jules Delaney and Quinn Riley both end up separately attending the same concert. Following it Jules is assaulted in her car by the May Day Killer. She is one of the lucky ones he allows to live and she reports it to no one until later, through a letter anonymously. The same night Quinn breaks up a fight, resulting in his being arrested and sent to juvenile detention. Jules is traumatized by her attack and begins to drink daily. While Quinn is in juvie, his mother is bludgeoned to death. 

What follows is an addictive story spanning over ten years revisiting Jules and Quinn on May 1st. Jules continues to ask "Why was she spared?" even as she suddenly finds success as a model. When released, Quinn first wants to find out who murdered his mother, but he goes on to join the army, is injured, and returns to become a private investigator. The narrative alternates between the story of Jules and Quinn every May 1st catching up with the two. Their paths occasionally intersect over the years. 

This excellent, well-written character-driven thriller moves at a fast pace with a compelling plot. It held my complete attention and I stayed up late to finish it since it quickly became un-put-dowable. As the years went by, I was equally interested in the lives of both Jules and Quinn. They both experienced very different trauma and hardships, but also worked to overcome them. This single day of the year held such trauma and dread. 

Both of the characters were fully realized, with both strengths and weaknesses. Doing what he thought was the right thing changed Quinn's life as a teen and now he still persists in finding out the truth behind his mother's murder. Jules questions why she survived and eventually turns her traumatic experience into something that could help others. I had suspicions but was totally surprised by the twisty ending.

The Anniversary is an perfect choice for everyone who enjoys character-driven, suspenseful mysteries/thrillers. 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.

The May House

  

 

The May House by Jillian Cantor
5/12/26; 368
Atria Books 

The May House by Jillian Cantor is a recommended domestic drama/soap opera saga for the right reader. It follows three sisters over forty years for the one week they spend together.

Julia, Emily, and Nora May spend one week every May creating memories at their maternal Grandmother Vera's beach side home in Coronado, near San Diego. They also made a life-long friend with Nate, who lived next door and was pleased to see them every year. Their mother passed away when they were very young and the three grew up with their father in Chicago, so Grandma Vera was a link to their mother. After Grandma Vera's passing the three inherit her home on the condition that they continue to meet together one week in May every year. Even as they go their separate ways, they continue the tradition until one year when Julia didn't show up, arriving first, as she always did.

While the quality of the writing is good, the pace is rather slow and plodding. The narrative is written in a non-linear timeline, jumping between the present (mainly 2019) and various years in the past when they were in Coronado. In this case the presentation of the plot via the dual timeline was a drawback. It wasn't very effective to have "Oh no, Julia didn't show up" in 2019 going on for an abundance of chapters contrasted with events from many years earlier. It might have made more sense to tease with an opening about 2019 and then organize the novel chronologically as a family saga over the years leading up to Julia not arriving first and missing.

The sisters are all portrayed as unique individuals with strengths and weaknesses, but, honestly, none of the characters in this book were likable or relatable in any way. There are some strong story lines along the way, however, making a promise that you will meet every May for one week is nonsensical in real life. I guessed the big twist immediately. Additionally, Nate's continuously damp, tousled, curly hair and acorn colored eyes, along with everyone else have green or hazel eyes was mentioned way-too-often. I'm an outlier here as most reviewers enjoyed this novel much more.  My rating is generous.

The May House is recommended for those who enjoy soapy family dramas. Thanks to Atria Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Death on the Norfolk Express

 

Death on the Norfolk Express by Ross Greenwood
4/30/26; 392 pages
Boldwood Books
The Norfolk Murder Series #6

Death on the Norfolk Express by Ross Greenwood is the very highly recommended sixth procedural in the Norfolk Murder Series featuring Detective Inspector Ashley Knight. This investigation is centered around the steam engines on North Norfolk Railway also called the Poppy Line.

When Terry Hardy, 90, is found dead in one of the carriages on the North Norfolk Steam train, it is initially assumed he had died of natural causes but later determined to be murder. When another man is spotted tied to the tracks and barely manages to free himself before being hit by the train. At the start DI Ashley  Knight is dealing with life shattering news but still chooses to work to take her mind off of things. The man tied to the tracks is identified as Luke Dillon, and there is a connection between the Hardy family, Dillion, and others. When another murder occurs it is clear that resentment and anger is still seething below the surface due to events that happened many years ago and this may be the impetus for the current murders.

In this character-based procedural the action follows DI Ashley Knight of a Wymondham based Norfolk Major Investigative Team and her colleagues as they carefully, and methodically investigate the murders and the interconnections between the victims. All the characters are fully realized and familiar to readers following the series. There are further development on personal matters for several characters too. For those new to it there is a helpful list of the team members at the front of the novel. 

This marks another well-written procedural in the series. With a fast-paced plot, it is descriptive, atmospheric, and interesting throughout. The investigation proceeds logically, clues discovered, information revealed, and suspects were noted. Even though I had several suspects in mind, the perpetrator was completely unpredictable until the end.  Along the way I learned some new information about steam trains and the North Norfolk Line. Although this is the sixth in the series, I think new readers could read this a a standalone novel.

Death on the Norfolk Express is a great choice for those who enjoy character-based procedurals and for everyone following the Norfolk Murder Series. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Our Little Secret

 

Our Little Secret by Samantha Hayes
5/5/26; 322 pages
Bookouture 

Our Little Secret by Samantha Hayes is a highly recommended psychological thriller that epitomizes everything a popcorn thriller should encompass.

Gemma and Doug have been happily married for twenty years and have two teenagers. She has a clothing store she loves and a new assistant who is wonderful help. Gemma also meets once a week with a support group for her previous drinking problem, a secret she keeps from her husband, claiming to go to the gym. This is the life she dreamed of after running away from a secret in her past and a man she knows was dead the last time she saw him.  When Aiden Black, the man she once loved and left for dead, shows up at the support group one night, Gemma is shocked. Aiden is the one man who knows her deepest, darkest secret and now he begins to insert himself into her life again.

The action will grab your attention from the start, mostly because of the over abundance of lies, continuous bad choices, secrets, nonsensical actions, and highly unlikely coincidences, which all quickly multiply. Adding to the absurdity is how very annoying Gemma can be as a character. However, sit back, set a huge, gigantic dose of disbelief aside, tamp down any initial annoyance, keep reading, and let the ridiculousness play out. It will quickly reach popcorn thriller perfection, become wildly entertaining, and will hold your complete attention.

The narrative is through Gemma's voice and chapters alternate between present day action and events from over twenty years ago when Gemma and Aiden were dating. While we watch Gemma feel threatened in the present day, she is fawning over Aiden in the past. The pressing question is what did he do to change her mind about him? The next question is why is he back? The twists in the action from both timelines come quickly toward the end. Some you will have predicted, other's maybe not, but there is no question it ended up entertaining.

Our Little Secret is a great choice for those who love popcorn thrillers and can set any and all disbelief aside while reading. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Where the Water Meets the Sky

 

Where the Water Meets the Sky by Diane Les Becquets
5/5/26; 320 pages
Simon & Schuster  

Where the Water Meets the Sky by Diane Les Becquets is a recommended coming-of-age drama about memory and the natural world. 

As a seven-year-old Abby escaped from the fire that killed her mother at their farmhouse in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She has few memories of that night and it haunts her because she fears she started it because she was found holding a book of matches. Now, over ten years later in the summer of 1996, she has returned to the area to help her Uncle Dennis with his environmental study of trees. While there she is hoping to find answers about that night as she reconnects with her Nonna, her aunts, and Brew, the cousin by marriage she’s loved since childhood.

Honestly, while I was initially reading this novel it was rated much, much higher in my estimate until the thoroughly unnecessary, unbelievable, and ridiculous twist in the plot toward the end. In one fell swoop, after the eye rolling stopped, my rating dropped two points.

Setting aside the incredulous twist, the pace is even and the writing beautifully descriptive and thoughtful as Abby reflects on the natural world around her. Abby and Seda, a local girl she meets, end up retreating to a local abandoned cabin they found where Seda becomes a friend of sorts and a safe sounding board for Abby's feelings as she tries to remember what happened years earlier. 

Where the Water Meets the Sky is recommended for those who enjoy the natural world and reflective coming-of-age stories, and can ignore a very bad plot twist. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Teacher

 

The Teacher by Tim Sullivan
5/5/26; 408 pages
Grove/Atlantic
DS George Cross Mystery #6 

The Teacher by Tim Sullivan is a very highly recommended procedural and the sixth book in the series featuring Detective Sergeant George Cross of the Avon and Somerset Major Crimes Unit.

Alistair Moreton, an 80-year-old retired headteacher is found dead at the foot of the stairs, but the stab wound  makes it clear it wasn't an accident. By all appearances Moreton could be a taciturn but disagreeable man. The first likely suspects in the investigation are Moreton's neighbors with whom he has had multiple, on-going disputes. Cross's partner, DS Josie Ottey, is on leave, so DS Cross is initially at the scene collecting evidence with his boss, DCI Ben Carson.

Carson brings in DI Bobby Warner from Kent to work with Cross, and Warner immediately tries to antagonize Cross just because he can. He is a thoroughly disagreeable man who also resorts to taunting, name-calling and belittling Cross while simultaneously harassing Alice Mackenzie. Warner immediately decides who is the perpetrator, charges him, and looks no further, operating in a manner in complete antithesis to the manner in which Cross investigates. While Warner charges forward with his brash decision, Cross individually continues his careful, methodical investigation, looking into all clues. Ottey does return to work early, joining Cross in his investigation.

George Cross is neurodivergent. He has autism spectrum disorder or, as he prefers, condition. He is a tenacious, brilliant, and insightful investigator who can also struggle following social cues. On the job his differences make him a formidable investigator who can follow and catch clues others might miss. Cross is known in the department for his high conviction rate. Ottey understands Cross and works well with him. Cross also continues to deal with some personal, family issues in this outing. 

The Teacher is a another very well-written addition to the series which sets itself apart with the uniqueness of the main character and the twisty, complicated, intuitive, and analytical investigation. The intelligent investigation which proceeds through logically and instinctively following the clues and putting the puzzle together made it another enjoyable procedural in the series. Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, reading the previous books in the series and knowing all the characters and their backgrounds makes it a even greater pleasure to read. 

All the characters are portrayed as a fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses. At this point in the series, they are all well-known, unique characters. This series depends on both the strong characterizations, along with the complicated, well reasoned plot, to propel the action forward. The unique main character also serves to set this series apart from others. 

The Teacher is a wonderful choice for those who enjoy procedurals and are also following the DS George Cross series. Thanks to Grove/Atlantic for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.     

Platform Decay

 

Platform Decay by Martha Wells
5/5/26; 256 pages
Tor Books
Murderbot Diaries #8 

Platform Decay by Martha Wells is highly recommended science fiction rescue adventure and the eight book in the Murderbot series. 

SecUnit, a security robot is on a mission with SecUnit Three on an extraction mission of three individuals at a Corporation Rim station. SecUnit Three will provide the distraction while Murderbot follows Dr. Mensah’s instructions, gets through the Rim security and proceeds to the safe house holding Farai, Sofi, and Naja. Once there, however, the three aren't alone. Supervisor Leonide, a higher-up in the Corporation Rim, informs Murderbot that five more humans, members of her family also needs to be rescued. The extraction/rescue suddenly becomes much more complicated and dangerous.

This is an entertaining, well-written character-driven series. Admittedly, I dropped into the series unprepared and struggled when starting to get up to speed on the "snarky, hyper-aware, murderous security android." It is probably to your benefit and well-being to read this series in order rather than dropping into it with no background information - unless you've been watch the Apple TV+ adaptation, which I had no idea existed. Once you understand the mission and Who SecUnit is, the setting, and the mission, you will quickly get caught up in the fast-paced plot.

The SecUnit is developed as a character, which is at times quite humorous. This character development includes walking like a human and appropriate hand movements, while simultaneously hacking security systems, erasing the SecUnit's existence while dealing with human emotions and ill intent in an interesting setting. The worldbuilding is well-done too.

Platform Decay is going to be thoroughly enjoyed by those already following the Murderbot Diaries series. Thanks to Tor Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Mercy Hill

 

Mercy Hill by Hannah Thurman
5/5/26; 352 pages
Knopf Doubleday 

Mercy Hill by Hannah Thurman is a recommended debut domestic drama/coming-of-age novel following a dysfunctional family of four sisters, their domineering mother, and easy-going father.

Starting in 1999 the narrative follows psychiatrist Dr. Lisa Cross, her husband Tucker Palmer, and their four daughters, J.J. (13),  Caro (12), Mimi (10), and Denise (9). The family lives in an isolated setting, in a cottage on the grounds of Mercy Hill, the state mental hospital in Raleigh where their mother is the head of psychiatry. As state mental hospitals are being closed across the country, Dr. Lisa Cross is single-mindedly determined to keep Mercy Hill open and expects her daughters to become doctors and work with her as part of her plan to protect the hospital. Part of her plan involves enrolling her four daughters in a magnate school, two grades above their level, without any thought to the emotional and social effects. Tucker reluctantly agrees to the plan. She even has the girls volunteer to help at the hospital which leads to distressing results.

This is a worthwhile debut novel in the sense that it explores the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters. Thurman also does a good job creating an atmospheric setting. Setting the novel over 5 years was to show the end of an institution in real time, which it does, but it also shows a family crumbling due to unrealistic expectations and demands placed on everyone by Lisa. Youngest daughter Denise Cross is the narrator of the story and her account shows her sister's struggles, along with her own. 

After a reasonably strong and interesting start the narrative begins to flounder a bit. Their mother, Lisa Cross, is quite simply an authoritarian bully. All her daughters have her last name rather than their father's and she has plans for all the girl's without even a modicum of thought about their own personal strengths and interests. This also has Denise starting college at 14. 

As the plot developed, the novel veered toward a new adult novel and my interest waned. At the same time, the plot slowed down and began to feel imitative and forced, as if it had to meet a list of expectations. Additionally, there are two major plot elements that simple stretch all credulity. All four of the girls being brilliant and allowed to skip two grade levels in a magnate school is unrealistic. period. The same is true of them being allowed to volunteer at the state hospital. No matter who their mother is, this is incredulous. 3.5 rounded down.

Mercy Hill is a good choice for those who enjoy domestic drama/coming-of-age novel featuring a dysfunctional family. Thanks to Doubleday for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.    

True Crime

 

True Crime: A Memoir by Patricia Cornwell
5/5/26; 464 pages
Grand Central Publishing 

True Crime by Patricia Cornwell is highly recommended memoir for those who enjoy Cornwell's oeuvre. It may also appeal to readers who appreciate detailed autobiographies of those who overcame traumatic childhoods and used that resiliency to later succeed.

What sets this memoir apart from many others are the numerous detailed recollections of a plethora of experiences from her childhood. This is a direct result of her writing her memoir while in college, recording everything that happened to her through her childhood. Born in Miami in 1956, the childhood of Patricia (Patsy) and her two brothers was chaotic. When she was five their father left the family on Christmas day. Their disturbed mother, Marilyn Daniels, later moved them sight unseen to Montreat, North Carolina, home of evangelist Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth. Her mother's decline in mental health is noted and obviously a major influence in her life.

Her mother's delusions led to the family making contact with Ruth Bell Graham. Ruth ended up becoming a life-long touch-point and second mother to Patsy. The memoir shares her disturbing experiences with a foster mother during her mother's hospitalization. She later honestly details her own agonizing hospitalization, serious car accident, and sexual assaults. Because of her interest in crime, she turned from journalism to a research job with the chief medical examiner of Virginia. This job would directly become the inspiration for the character of Kay Scarpetta.

Both successes and failures are honestly shared along the way and her road to success was hard fought with many challenges and failures. At over 450 pages, this is a dense autobiography and, honestly, overly long. I'll be the first to admit that there are almost too many childhood stories included, but, on the other hand, knowing the source of them, their inclusion makes sense. Included is a section about her research and book identifying Jack the Ripper and the blow-back over that. Once Cornwell becomes well known there is a whole lot of name dropping going on.  

True Crime is a memoir that will mainly appeal to die hard fans of Cornwell's oeuvre. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.   

The Calamity Club

 

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
5/5/26; 656 pages
Spiegel & Grau 

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett is an exceptional, very highly recommended literary historical domestic drama and women's fiction set in 1933 Oxford, Mississippi, during The Great Depression. The Calamity Club will certainly be one of the best books of the year. With a well-written, compelling, immersive plot that is historically accurate, it will hold your complete attention, which is good because at over 650 pages it is a time commitment to read. This is both Southern fiction and an epic tale of women and a young girl doing whatever it takes to overcome their circumstances during a specific time period when the consequences of their plans could be ruinous or redemptive. 

Meg Lefleur, a precocious eleven-year-old "exceptional learner," was abandoned by her mother two years earlier and sent to the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, or the Orphan, which is run by volunteers in Oxford. Chairlady Garnett has seemingly made it her life's goal to make Meg's life even more miserable than that of the other unadoptable "big girls." Instead of attending school, Garnett forces Meg to stay in a moldering room, alone for the whole day, while Meg counts down the days until she is twelve when she’ll be sent to work in a Biloxi cannery.

Birdie Calhoun, twenty-four, is an unmarried bookkeeper who is the sole support for her mother and grandmother. She has traveled from small Delta town of Footely, to Oxford to ask her sister Frances, who married into the wealthy Tartt family, for some financial help before lose their home due to back taxes. Frances is more interested in courting the society women by volunteering at the Orphan. She talks Birdie into volunteering to do the asylum’s books at the Orphan before the state inspector arrives in a few weeks. Birdie easily does this, while also befriending Meg and taking note of Garnett's innate cruelty and need for control. 

It also becomes quite clear that all is not well with the Tartt family and their wealth is an illusion. Frances's husband Rory has been lying. Their lives are suddenly catastrophically changed. At the same time Birdie meets Charlie, Meg's mother, who has a heartbreaking story to tell and just wants her daughter back. She has a daring plan to make money to help all of them, but it's unconventional and defiant. 

It has been years since Stockett's The Help (2009) was published so the anticipation for the publication of The Calamity Club has been momentous. The wait was worth the outcome. This is an exceptional, meticulously written novel that held my complete attention for two days. I felt invested in these lives and the outcome for both intricate, and at times, heartbreaking, story lines that eventually result in a dramatic ending. Honestly, this novel was made for a miniseries. 

The characters are all fully realized and portrayed as real individuals with personalities displaying both strengths and weaknesses. They all memorably come to life in the novel. The time period is also portrayed with historical accuracy, reflecting the hardship, prejudices and prohibition during the Great Depression. Please take note that a dance hall and house of ill repute is part of one story line if this will bother you. 

The Calamity Club is an excellent choice for those who enjoy literary historical Southern fiction and domestic dramas of epic proportions. It will definitely be on many lists for best book of the year. Thanks to Spiegel & Grau for providing me with an advance reader's copy. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.     

Broken Circle

 

Broken Circle by Matt Brolly
4/28/26; 299 pages
Thomas & Mercer
DS Liam Kilshaw #3 

Broken Circle by Matt Brolly is a highly recommended investigative crime thriller where modern murder meets ancient historical sites and folklore. This is the third novel in the DS Liam Kilshaw series.

In the Merry Maidens stone circle in Cornwall the body of a teenage girl is found posed in a kneeling position, with her face, hands and feet covered in clay and yellow ochre. The location could suggest a ritual or some specific purpose for the staging of the body in that location. Then two skeletons are found buries beneath a stone in the circle that looked disturbed. The last known person who was with the girl, a young man is now missing. Ties to the legends surrounding the stone circle need to be explored, along with other remote historical sites with stone monoliths/circles in the area, especially when another victim is discovered. 

The opening will immediately grab your attention in this well-written, even-paced procedural. You really do feel the tension and stakes rising in each chapter as more information is uncovered and the body count rises. The narrative is told through the alternating point-of-views of Kilshaw and the unknown killer. DS Liam Kilshaw continues to have a good working relationship with his colleague and boss, Maya as they logically follow clues, background, history and other information, making this a solid police procedural.

Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, at this point, after reading all three books in the series, I think there is much to be said for reading them in order. This serves to provide the background and context for some of the relationships and characters mentioned in the novel. The series at this point is: The Lines, The Replacement, and Broken Circle. They all have a strong sense of place and are solid procedurals.

Kilshaw, a former Marine, is a intuitive investigator who also suffers from PTSD and has alopecia. He is continuing to work on his interpersonal relationships, a skill with which he struggles. He is portrayed as a realistic, complicated individual with strengths and weaknesses, who also has a strong work ethic and the intelligence to follow the clues uncovered as he races against time before more bodies are found.

Broken Circle is a great choice for anyone who enjoy British procedurals. Matt Brolly is always a dependable author who writes compelling stories. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.     

One Second Away

 

One Second Away by Rick Mofina
4/28/26; 400 pages
Doubleday Canada 

One Second Away by Rick Mofina is a very highly recommended complex thriller where the stakes are high and the pace is fast. 

The novel opens with a train operator in Toronto notices a few glitches in the automated while traveling his route. Then his worst nightmare comes true. He has the green light to proceed along the track when he sees a stopped train in front of him. The resulting crash kills five passengers and injures dozens of others. Was this human error or is something more nefarious in the works.

During this same time period, Jessie Ward nine-year-old son, Dylan, is flying to see his dad, Vaughn, in NYC. Jessie and Vaughn are separated. Vaughn's parent's, Dylan's grandparents, Lillian and Miller, will be picking him up at JFK. Jessie has several ways to track Dylan and he has made this trip once before, so they both know the procedures. Then, several hours later Dylan is missing. His grandparents claim to have received a message sending them to another gate. The airline claims that Dylan was picked up by an elderly couple with the ID of Lillian and Miller.  Vaughn says he is working up in Canada, but will immediately head back to NYC. Jessie's worst nightmare is unfolding before her eyes.

Jessie's company Instinct Nine-99 specializes in the creation of classified advanced network security systems, with many big, private and government contracts. Two of her exceptional programmers, Bobby and Serita, use their specialized skills to help Jessie try to find Dylan. At the same time, Vaughn's actions are odd and the police are suspecting Jessie of plotting something to keep Dylan away from his father.  Jessie and her team have to actually help the FBI and police with information they uncover, including pictures of the elderly couple who did take Dylan.

There is a whole lot of action and intrigue happening in this well-written thriller with events that could be ripped from headlines today (but hopefully never happen). The pace is fast through both the investigation of Dylan's disappearance and the inquiry into the glitches resulting in crashes of trains in major cities across the globe. There are several other things going on that make it clear the stakes are high and the danger is very real. Both story lines are interesting, although Jessie's search for her son will be the most frightening one for any parent.

Expect an intricate plot in both of the complicated cases along with several heart-stopping incidents during the investigations. The short chapters help to keep the tension building and the suspense high throughout the novel. Once you start reading, it will be hard to set this thriller aside.

One Second Away is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy complex, fast-paced thrillers and everyone following Rick Mofina's novels. Thanks to Doubleday Canada for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

How to Cheat Your Own Death

 

How to Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin
4/28/26; 336 pages
Dutton
Castle Knoll Files #3 

How to Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin is a highly recommended mystery and the third novel in the Castle Knoll files cozy mysteries. Annie Adams is back in a dual-timeline, dual-mystery story, that shifts between the 1960s and the present day. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order. 

In 1968, Frances Adams has moved to London and is enrolled in the University College London. With her new wealthy, socialite friend, Vera Huntington, she's introduced to a new world. At school, Frances develops a knack for amateur detective work, and she puts that knowledge to work along with her friend Ford when Vera is murdered. 

Annie Adams heads to London to visit her famous artist mother, Laura, after a heart is found on her doorstep. Annie discovers the body of her mother’s new apprentice, Felicity Rowe, in a nearby garbage bin, lying on top of some paintings by Annie’s mother.  Annie also recognizes the murder as resembling one described in the journals of her late great aunt Frances. Her friend Vera was killed in the same way in the 1960s. Annie investigates with her friend, police detective  Rowen Crane.

How to Cheat Your Own Death is well-written and contains two detailed and eerily similar murders in the two timelines. The investigations are interesting to follow and clues are provided, but instincts and intelligence are vital skills utilized in both the past and the present investigations. There is a sense of an impending threat in both mysteries. This is definitely a novel for those who don't mind following two murders in two timelines via two story lines. 

While I enjoyed the dual-mysteries, please allow me to repeat that this is a book where reading the series in order matters. There were several times I knew I was missing connections and vital background information while reading. This did lessen my enjoyment of the novel as my brain scrambled to make connections. Some of this background information was included, but it wasn't as clear and concise as it would be if I had started the series at the beginning.  

How to Cheat Your Own Death is a great choice for everyone following the series and those who enjoy dual timelines in a novel. Thanks to Dutton for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.     

Elegy in Blue

 

Elegy in Blue by Mark Helprin
4/28/26; 256 pages
Abrams Press 

Elegy in Blue by Mark Helprin is a highly recommended, introspective, literary novel set in Brooklyn where the unnamed 82-year-old narrator recalls events and experiences in his life, including great loves, and losses. 

From his small Brooklyn apartment he recalls his past, including his beloved wife Clare, son Charles, career on Wall Street, childhood, recently burned down mansion, destroyed art work, and the various shades of the color blue surrounding him. As he remembers the past, and everything that was taken from him after a sacrificial act of heroism, he also knows his end is near. 

In Elegy in Blue, Helprin presents a beautifully written, literary, fictional memoir that encompasses both tragedy and a comedy. As this is an old man's inner voice reflecting on events in his life, the pace is slow and deliberate and not in a linear timeline. At times there are exquisitely written descriptive or contemplative passages, even as the narrator is acknowledging his upcoming death. It can also be depressing and bittersweet as a man’ reflects on memories. After a good deed seemingly devastates the end of his days, he, again takes action to help another family. 

Because it is the story of a life, the narrator is portrayed as a fully realized individual with strengths and weaknesses. The narrator is both retrospective and thoughtful about his life and current actions. It is also his tribute to Brooklyn and New York. Keep in mind that this is a dense novel for the limited page count.

Elegy in Blue is a wonderful choice for those who appreciate literary novels written as a memoir. Thanks to Abrams Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Bones of Logan Rock

 

The Bones of Logan Rock by Sally Rigby
4/21/26; 270 pages
Storm Publishing
A Cornwall Murder Mystery #7 

The Bones of Logan Rock by Sally Rigby is a highly recommended police procedural, cozy mystery, and the seventh book in the Cornwall Murder Mysteries series. 

Human remains are found at the site of an archaeological dig near Logan Rock in Treen, Cornwall, but these remains appear to be more recent than the Bronze Age. Detective Lauren Pengelly and her partner DS Matt Price are called to the scene. It is later determined that the bones are those of 16-year-old Ruth Penrose,who disappeared after a solstice party thirty years ago. Then, during the investigation, the body of one of the archaeological dig team members is found at the base of the cliffs. It appears that someone has a secret and is trying to keep the past hidden. Lauren and her team need to work quickly before the body count rises. 

This is another well-written police procedural and addition to the reliably entertaining Cornwall Murder Mystery series. The action moves at a quick pace while clues are logically followed and information and past connections are uncovered. The team focuses on the archaeological dig team members as they were friends from their university days. In this series, the police team relies heavily on intuition and instinct along with their investigation. There are several twists along the way as the inquiry proceeds. I did predict the direction things would go early on, but following the team is always satisfying.

Although I have been following the whole series, I believe The Bones of Logan Rock can also be read as a standalone novel. You may not know all the interpersonal connections, but there is enough information to follow all the characters and their relationships during the entertaining investigation. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Girls in the Dark

 

The Girls in the Dark by Avery Bishop
4/24/26; 404 pages
Bookouture 

The Girls in the Dark by Avery Bishop is a very highly recommended psychological thriller. This one improves with each new chapter and ended up capturing my complete attention. 4.5 rounded up.

Twenty year ago Megan escaped a sadistic serial killer who held her and her fifteen-year-old twin sister Alison captives for five months. Their brutal abductor had put shock collars on them and locked them up in cages in an underground room. It was incredible that Meagan escaped, although she is still traumatized by what happened and worries about what happened to her sister. Their abductor was never found and this, too, haunts Meagan.

Once out, Meagan ended up writing a book, which made her even more well known and exposed. Now, on the twentieth anniversary of her escape, during the Q&A after her talk she is asked a question about something only her sister would know. Then she later finds a black rose in her car with a note. It is a warning and she begins to wonder if her sister is still alive and angry at the promise she failed to keep. Complicating matter is the documentary being made about her case and questions about it arising.

This is a well-written psychological thriller that starts out feeling like a tried and true familiar plot but gradually kept getting better and more compelling until it was completely un-put-downable. I suspected one twist in the plot but was completely blindsided for several others. We know through Meagan that she has secrets, that she hasn't told the whole story. This fact alone makes you question everything that is happening to Meagan, and it becomes increasingly threatening. It is also clear that someone knows the truth behind what happened.

The narrative unfolds through dual timelines, the present day threatening occurrences and the horrific events from the past. Both timelines are equally compelling and will hold your complete attention. The past, with the girls in captivity, is horrifying and heartbreaking. The present, where Meagan feels progressively threatened by an unknown entity becomes increasingly ominous. Your sympathy and support will be with Meagan throughout the novel, even when you question her reliability as a narrator.

The Girls in the Dark is a perfect choice for those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.