Close Range

 

Close Range by Paul Heatley
9/13/26; 289 pages
Inkubator Books
Tom Rollins #22

Close Range by Paul Heatley is a highly recommended thriller and the 22nd book in the Tom Rollins series. This time Tom encounters a corrupt police force  in Pennsylvania.

Tom Rollins is traveling while waiting for a call from Cindy Vaughn who is tracking down Blake Stavers, the man who killed Tom's Parents. When he is near the town of Furness, PA, he decides to pull over into a quiet spot and get a few hours of sleep. Deputies Holland and Becker out of Furness wake him up and rather than telling him to move on they decide to threaten him. Tom handles them in his own special manner, but is later stopped by Deputies Paver and Olivia Brown which leads to his stay in the jail. After the deputies continue to try to take him down, it suddenly occurs to Sheriff Watson that the local who runs the town could use a man with Tom's skills.

Sebastian Huskey along with his "aide" Charlie (Charlotte) Russell meet with Tom. Sebastian claims his nephew Jack is on meth, cooking it on the mountain somewhere, and he need someone who can track Jack down and bring him home so they can get treatment for him. Helping a young man who needs it is in Tom's wheelhouse so he agrees and heads up the mountain with Riley (Sebastian's son) and hired men Bobcat, Rayjohn, and Gil. However, once circumstances lead to Tom finding Jack without the others, Tom learns what is really going on, and it's time to take Sebastian and his men down. Deputy Olivia Brown is pulled in to assist.

As expected this is another fast-paced, action-packed thriller with clear distinctions between good/bad players in which Tom takes no prisoners and eliminates the bad guys. The setting, search on the mountain, along with an encounter with moonshiners helps add to the suspense and danger, which rises exponentially throughout. There are really no surprises in predicting that Sebastian is dirty, along with the police. The only real questions are when will Tom uncover what is really going on and how will he handle it. Olivia really added little to the plot and her role, other than their brief physical attraction, could have been filled with any honest character, although it does make Tom realize how important Cindy is to him.  Set disbelief aside and enjoy the non-stop, over-the-top action.

Close Range is a great choice for those who enjoy action-packed thrillers. As the 22nd book in the series, you might appreciate this latest outing more if you have read some of the previous books and are already acquainted with Tom and his background and very particular set of skills. However, I think new readers can enjoy this and then may want to look at some of Tom Rollins earlier adventures. Thanks to Inkubator for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The French Illusion

 

The French Illusion by John Grisham
9/29/26; 352 pages
Doubleday 

The French Illusion by John Grisham is a highly recommended thriller that begins with a kidnapping and ransom demand.

Paul and Chelsea Tanner are on their honeymoon in Paris and Chelsea is posting everything they see and do on social media. Neither of them realize that they have been under surveillance. Then the nefarious plan of the unknown perpetrators is set into motion. The two end up kidnapped, drugged, held in separate places and the ransom demands start. First Chelsea's parents, Dr. Lowell and Justine Clayburn, are contacted. They can tell no one, no law enforcement, if they want Chelsea to remain alive. 

The demand is a $2 million ransom. The Clayburns are able to meet this demand. Their son, Sam, has the foresight to get and set up burner phones for the families so they can communicate privately. Lowell travels to Paris for the exchange. Next Paul's parents Fritz and Linzy Tanner are hit with the same $2 million ransom and demands. They have to sacrifice almost everything to raise it. It is here that the story takes a dark and dangerous turn. It also marks the second part of the novel.

The first part of The French Illusion is excellent and held my complete attention. The second part lost some of the initial tension and marks a change in tone as it becomes a rescue mission involving FBI, CIA, and French Intelligence. It seems the kidnapping and ransom demands have occurred at least twice before. Now the plan is to recruit a young lawyer to be the bait in an elaborate rescue operation. 

This time the novel is not a legal thriller with a trial and a courtroom, although there are several lawyers. It should be noted that there are very graphic torture scenes described and a plethora of drugging characters. I felt the pace slowed down in the second part of the novel as more logistics are undertaken and discussed. The ending felt rushed. It also leaves Chelsea behind even though readers care about and sympathize with her character. There is a plot element that involves/is described as dental implants that is not realistic.

The French Illusion is a good choice for those who enjoy thrillers and fans of Grisham. Thanks to Doubleday for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Dying Light

 

The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves
9/29/26; 384 pages
St. Martin's
Two Rivers series/Detective Matthew Venn #4 

The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves is a recommended police procedural. This is the fourth book in the Two Rivers series featuring Detective Inspector Matthew Venn. It can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

Friends Hannah Armstrong and Lottie Cauldwell, both 17, have finished their A levels and immediately drive to the Devon vacation home of Hannah's family, Tide House, near the small town of Millscombe. They'll spend a few days there during Millsfest, a music festival, before the family arrives. When Hannah's father MP Paul Armstrong along with her mother Cath and two little brothers arrive, Lottie is found dead in the pool and Hannah is missing. DS Jen Rafferty calls DI Matthew Venn and the search is on for Hannah as they start questioning locals. When Hannah's body is found, clearly murdered, the investigation expands.

The tension with some of the locals opens up the inquiry, especially when Lottie's social media videos mocking them as parochial slowly comes to light. There is also a previous event a couple years earlier with another student, Elizabeth, whose parents just happen to be in the area, evading questioning, while disappearing and reappearing frequently. There are several red herrings along the way and the final denouement is surprising, but a logical conclusion to the investigation. 

While well-written, the pacing is glacially slow at times in this investigation. I appreciate detailed investigations where clues are logically followed up on, and that is present, however, the pacing of the investigation was so slow and repetitive, tedious, and overly descriptive. Adding into the mix is Matthews relationship with husband Jonathan. Everything is fine, but there is focus this time on a personal issue that Jonathan is going through, which, while very surprising, detracts from the investigation, increases Matthew's anxiety, and is totally an unnecessary distraction. I'm an outlier on this one as other's enjoyed it much more. I just wish the main focus was the investigation and the pace picked up.

The Dying Light is a good choice for those already following the series. 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.

Watch Her Run

 

Watch Her Run by Jennifer Moorhead
10/1/26; 319 pages
Thomas & Mercer 

Watch Her Run by Jennifer Moorhead is a recommended psychological thriller. Get the popcorn ready, a seltzer out, and put on some dramatic mood music for this one as it follows a 23 yr. old influencer. 

Jade St. James, 23, is a very successful influencer living an affluent lifestyle is preparing to marry LSU quarterback Jax McCoy, 22, in a lavish wedding. Thinking she is in danger, after spotting a scarred bartender and nosy reporter, she jumps into her aunt's truck before the valet, and takes off, crashing the truck. The woman who helps her after her accident, drives Jade to a secluded cabin deep in the Louisiana swamp rather than the hospital or calling 911. Then she proceeds to care for Jade, telling her that she is protecting her from danger, while also drugging her. Jade, who has been injured is essentially a prisoner while she recovers.

The narrative follows Jade, her family, and events in her past along with those leading up to the wedding, while alternately following Jade's current situation. Honestly, Jade had very little appeal as a character. It could be the whole very young influencer thing, equating her with someone I would avoid at all costs in real life and give zero credibility too, or it could be her repeated, ongoing poor decisions. An even more repulsive character displaying bad behavior and poor choices was Jade's mother, Virginia. All of the characters are really more caricatures of a type of person and one dimensional.

Moorhead is a good writer, though, so I kept reading. The fast pace, little twists and secrets alongside tension filled moments kept my attention, like any soapy drama would once you've committed yourself to following it. This isn't a bad novel, it's just a popcorn thriller set mainly in a swamp that follows a familiar trope. All the action leads up to a twisty ending that is surprising. I'll be looking forward to Moorhead's next novel, perhaps with Rita Meade back.

Watch Her Run is a good choice for those who like popcorn thrillers and can appreciate a young influencer as the main character.  Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Vanishing Family

 

The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker
9/29/26; 368 pages
Knopf Doubleday 

The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker is a very highly recommended intimate family drama as it presents an account of a family's experiences with a hereditary illness alternating with a medical detective/research story. This represents exceptional nonfiction.

Journalist Robert Kolker follows a family with nine siblings in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania. When their mother, Jean, began to change into a different person while in her forties, the youngest child, Barb, was the only one still at home to witness the change in her mother as she began drinking, her personality changed, and she became withdrawn, neglectful, and uncaring. This begins the realization that something is wrong. Then some of their siblings begin to fall into the same pattern while still young, in their middle age, while another sibling, Sue, devotes her life to caring for the inflicted. The support among family members is admirable.

This is a very intimate and heartbreaking story following a real family as they learn there is a fifty percent chance they will also succumb to the genetic disorder. Koler follows the journey of the family while five of the nine siblings are eventually diagnosed, as well as, later, some of their children. Alongside the very personal story, Kolker also follows the scientific research into dementia. There is a family tree at the opening of the novel (no last names and some first names are changed) to help you follow their story. Additionally, Notes and a Bibliography are included at the end of the text.

It is determined that the family has a rare inherited form of FTD, frontotemporal dementia, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that "attacks the part of the brain responsible for planning, organizing, expressing language, understanding social cues, and exercising judgment.” The genetic mutation, V337M, has a fifty percent chance of being passed on to progeny. Those inflicted gradually have their personality, judgment, and language erode. It is thought that this family’s flawed genetic code and rare form of FTD might lead to a breakthrough in the prevention and treatment of all dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. There is a discussion how gene-editing (CRISPR) and IVF genetic screening that may offer hope, but this also brings up ethical questions. 

One of the big questions family members face as others succumb to FTD, is "Do I get tested? Do I want to know?" This is an age of genetic prognostication, of noting and discovering future biomarkers of illness, but do you want to know? FTD is emotionally devastating for those around you, as you become someone they don't know. For many people, as you are giving your family's medical history, you are listing off a series of symptoms and illnesses without much thought, but with some diseases, like dementia, it is different, as it is for anything with serious repercussions that can be passed on genetically to your children. Kolker handles both the deeply emotional and personal account and the scientific research background equally well.

The Vanishing Family is an excellent choice for everyone who appreciates a well written and considered account of a family and a devastating genetic disorder. as well as those who read Kolker's book Hidden Valley Road. Thanks to Knopf Doubleday for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Watch Them Disappear

 

Watch Them Disappear by Carla Kovach
9/21/26; 350 pages
Bookouture
Detective Gina Harte #19 

Watch Them Disappear by Carla Kovach is a very highly recommended investigative thriller. This procedural hits on some timely topics. Even though this is the 19th novel in the Detective Gina Harte series it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

When Ursula leaves her pet grooming business for the day she is more concerned about the group of unruly teens that seem to take over the street. The leader of the miscreants even threatens her on this day. Then she sees the car of her employee, Mindy, still parked outside even though she left an hour earlier. What Ursula finds at the car is a smashed phone, blood on the windshield, and Mindy's pet bunny sitting outside in it's basket. She immediately calls the police.  

DCI Gina Harte and her team respond and quickly determine that Mindy has been kidnapped. They also discover a video and email from OpenMeSmiler threatening blackmail sent to Mindy just before she left. 

During this same time period Brian, 18, is on the dark web and being pulled into joining OpenMeSmiler, which shows viewers secret camera footage from unsuspecting people. What he doesn't discover until it is too late is that watching it also means whoever is behind OpenMeSmiler has complete control of your computer and collects film of you for blackmail purposes. What is quickly clear is that there is a psychopath who has secret cameras on people and is deliberately filming them. While DCI Harte and her team have uncovered secret cameras at Mindy's house and are following clues, they have no idea about the reach, evil, and intent of the operator behind OpenMeSmile. The investigation quickly escalates.

This is another great addition to the well-written series. The investigation is complex, all the clues are logically followed, and the pace moves quickly. The whole question of filming people without their knowledge or consent, including surveillance,  personal privacy versus the public good, social media, and the dark web are timely topics in many discussions today and give the novel a timely, cutting-edge advantage while holding your attention and interest throughout. There is a lot going on in this procedural, so, follow the action and take note of the clues uncovered while following the investigation.

The chapters in the narrative follow DCI Harte and the team, Brian along  with his sister Tabby and friend Curtis, and the anonymous perpetrator. The anonymous OpenMeSmiler operator is chillingly nefarious as he controls his viewers with threats and blackmail while he is watching them to make sure they are watching his actions.

Those following the series are well acquainted with the background of DCI Gina Harte and her team. In Watch Them Disappear the personal information about and any further character development of the team members is really only focused on near the beginning of the novel and at the end. The bulk of the story is fully invested in the investigation and following clues to stop the perpetrator. This makes the novel very appealing as a standalone procedural.

Watch Them Disappear is an excellent choice for those who enjoy procedurals/investigative thrillers with a tie to cutting edge topics. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Strangers

 

The Strangers by Naomi Alderman
9/22/26; 288 pages
Little, Brown and Company 

The Strangers by Naomi Alderman is a highly recommended novel which is part memoir, part speculative novel. This unique novel is autofiction and unlike anything I've read before as it mixes a deeply personal autobiographical account of grief with additional science fiction elements.

Across England more and more people begin seeing a strange new creature they never noticed before. It is about the size of a badger with fur that is brown and cream and black and grey. It has a fanned tail, flat face, and a long proboscis , like an elephant's trunk. It is given the moniker mimmoth, based on "mini-mammoth." They gradually appear to be everywhere and writer Naomi Alderman captures an early photo of one on a wildlife camera in the garden of her parent's home. As the mimmoths spread across the globe, it appears that they are docile, private animals who also spread a beneficial fungus, restoring the land and breaking down waste.

While this phenomena is occurring, Naomi is deeply grieving the loss of her mother as well as a series of miscarriages that has left her devastated. She recounts her relationship with her mother along with the extended health issues her mother experienced. At the same time she is documenting her sometimes fraught relationship with her mother. There is also the overwhelming grief she has for the children she loss before they were born and the family they represented. The grief Naomi is working through, along with her father, who is dealing with his own health concerns, is very real and palpable throughout the novel. 

This is all set after Covid and Brexit, which, along with the mimmoth psychosis it was claimed some people were experiencing, begs some sort of connection that was never directly made, but could be speculated upon as allegorical. The plot point that introduced the bureaucrat/conspiracy theorist Ian Frinton was never fully realized (or I couldn't make the direct connections), but begs some symbolic connection to a changing reality. Perhaps the sudden appearance of mimmoths draw on the sudden appearance of a (manmade) virus... One benign and helpful versus one used for control and destruction. 

The writing is excellent and descriptive. Since this is a short book, the speculative fiction part of the plot works quite well. The mimmoths are there along side the brutal reality of life and death, enhancing the sense of the unknown. This won't be a good choice for everyone, but it turned out to be a very good, unique choice for me that was both thoughtful and introspective. If you have experienced loss in your life, you will sympathize with Naomi. It will also appeal to all those who enjoy watching wildlife and would notice a new visitor in their garden.

The Strangers by Naomi Alderman is a wonderful novel for the right reader who is open to autofiction combining an autobiography with science fiction. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Night Calls

 

Night Calls by Joe Hart
9/22/26; 367 pages
Thomas & Mercer

Night Calls by Joe Hart is a highly recommended character based psychological thriller. This one is heavy on the psychology in the character development and not really a thriller until later in the novel. 

After her husband Ed died from a heart attack, Hattie Conlee escaped her life in Pennsylvania, moved to a coastal town in Maine, and is now known as Mary Whittaker. Eight years ago, Ed and Hattie's son, Tommy, was convicted of being a serial killer known as the Bedfellow. Tommy managed to escape custody and disappeared. Hattie now lives a quiet life next door to Kevin and Wendy Crawford, and is a reliable babysitter for their son Julian, the son they adopted. What they don't know is that Julian is actually Tommy’s child and Hattie’s grandchild.  

Unexpectedly, investigative  journalist Ross Eeling has tracked her down. He shows up at her door, threatening to tell the Crawford's her secret if she doesn't talk to him about a book he is writing. After setting her own demands, she agrees to tell Eeling about her son and the events in 2018 along with the accompanying guilt, shame, memories, repercussions, and grief. Then several unexpected events happen which change the trajectory of everything.

The narrative is well-written, but the plot is very slow moving until later in the novel. For much of the beginning it is really focus much more on the character development of Hattie and what she is experiencing. It is clear that Hattie may not be okay. She feels watched. She sometimes loses track of where she is and gets lost in her thoughts. She sees owls where there are none. She is still grieving the loss of her husband and her son. It seems she is strong, but, simultaneously, her mental state is also very fragile. She is in great pain internally, but outwardly keeping it all together, in spite of the momentary lapses into internal thoughts. There is no one she can confide in, no one supporting her.

Once the tone changes in the narrative, the true thriller portion of the novel starts. The pace picks up dramatically, along with the plot twists and multiple dangers. The ending does stretch credulity, but there is no question that it is also very compelling and will hold your full attention right to the end.

Night Calls is a great choice for those who appreciate a deep dive into character development along with a thriller. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Die Famous

 

Die Famous by Michael Koryta
9/22/26; 416 pages
Little, Brown and Company 

Die Famous by Michael Koryta is a highly recommended historical gangster novel set in the spring of 1937.

Edward "Nickel" Terhune is the getaway driver for the Al Brady and the infamous Brady Gang, but Savannah Cody knows him as Eddie. Eddie is the father of their son Alford, 12. When Savannah notices her first gray hair, she announces that she is going to murder Eddie, it is presumed for the bounty. Nickel is arrested after a failed robbery, but the Brady gang manages to spring him out of jail. The gang has a more successful robbery and then heads to Maine. Savannah, who is still searching for Eddie, ends up dragging Alford and her father Wendell, a retired railroad detective, on the journey to find him before the FBI does.

The narrative is told through individual chapters from the point-of-view of Savannah, Nickel, and Alford. Savannah's chapters are from her confession as FBI agent Toland questions her. The well-written, fast-paced novel captures the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters along with period details as the search for the gang at the top of the FBI’s most-wanted public enemy list unfolds. 

The characters are all portrayed as realistic, fully-realized individuals, with strengths and more obvious weaknesses. Plenty of bad decisions are made by Savannah and NickelMany of the characters are based on real individuals and events from the historical period that are incorporated into this fictional account.

Die Famous is a good choice for those who enjoy historical gangster novels. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Fold Catastrophes

 

Fold Catastrophes by Peter Watts
9/22/26; 352 pages
Tachyon Publications 

Fold Catastrophes by Peter Watts is a highly recommended collection of eleven hard science fiction short stories. The introduction to the collection, Desert Prophet Wanted, is by Richard K. Morgan. 

An anticipated, these are all well written, incredibly detailed speculative hard science fiction stories. Some of the stories tie into novels Watts has written. Although you can appreciate the stories without reading the novels first, familiarity with them and the characters can help you readily follow the story line. As with any short story collection some stories may resonate with readers more than others. Included after each story are author's notes, which was a welcomed addition.

Contents include:
Gut Feelings: Anti-Google sentiments are violently released via a gut bacteria. 
Twenty One Second God: A mass mind event impacts 15 million people and Meta wants to study a survivor. 
Contracting Iris: Iris has symptoms that may be her MS or a novel biological zoonotic infection that entered the cornea via tears/strange rain.
Defective: A defense station is set to stop the invasion of our sun by an alien race.
Giants: The story of ultra distant galactic travel aboard the Eriophora
Test 4 Echo: Exploring the volcanic ocean floors of Saturn's moon, Enceladus, with an AI rover that has limited sentience, and survival instincts. 
ZeroS: Special ops supersoldiers zombie squad are reanimated corpses
Critical Mass: Artist and sculptor Leo Gregory is coasting on his legacy as his art work disappears. 
The Colonel: Colonel Jim Moore is on a mission investigating and thwarting the increase of hive minds.
Wisdom of Crowds: The Starfish Initiative announces an unmanned hypersonic glide vehicle carrying a payload of 300 kilotons will have the target chosen by a million randomly selected voters.
Game Theory: It's all a simulation.

Fold Catastrophes is an excellent choice for fans of Peter Watts and hard science fiction. Thanks to Tachyon Publication for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

It's Not What You Think

 

It's Not What You Think by Clare Mackintosh
9/22/26; 416 pages
Sourcebooks 

It's Not What You Think by Clare Mackintosh is a recommended (maybe) "thriller steeped in current tensions."

Nadeeka is rushing home, certain that she is about to catch Jamie having an affair. Instead she arrives home to find the police there, tape across the front door, and Jamie is dead, stabbed in their living room. DI Burton is helpful and supportive while Nadeeka is overwhelmed. As she tries to handle the details a troubling fact comes forth and DCI Lauren Caldwell takes over the case.

The novel is broken down into six parts and 18 months later. The narrative is told through the points-of-view of Nadeeka Prasanna, DCI Lauren Caldwell, Jaimie Golding, and DS Fraser Hogan. The first part starts out very strong and immediately grabbed my attention. This continues into the second part and I was completely engrossed, feeling this could be a winning novel. And then a choice is made by Mackintosh to set the plot on the highway of controversy. She proceeds to takes a serious political and social concern, simplify it, and takes a side. Big sigh. She does take this and later uses it to makes an even more unbelievable twist. 

Now, yet again, I need to caution an author to keep their personal political/social views to themselves as it diminishes and dates the novel. Novels are written, edited, and then published. There is a delay between the writing and the publishing. Due to this fact, I have a long held rule that authors need to keep their editorializing on contemporary political topics to themselves and out of novels. FYI: the content warning at the end should have been mentioned in the synopsis, then I would not have even started reading this. 3 stars for the opening. Thanks to Sourcebooks/Landmark for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Victims of St Just

 

The Victims of St Just by Sally Rigby
9/15/26; 263 pages
Storm Publishing
Cornwall Murder Mystery #8 

The Victims of St Just by Sally Rigby is a very highly recommended procedural and the 8th novel in the reliably entertaining Cornwall Murder Mystery series. It can be easily be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

The body of Russell Keene is found inside a locked commercial freezer and it is quickly determined that this was no accident. Detective Inspector Lauren Pengelly and Detective Sergeant Matt Price are called out to Tredown Manor to investigate. Russell is the partner and boy friend of the owner of the manor, celebrity chef Lydia Yeoman. The manor has been set up so they can conduct exclusive weekend cooking courses using cutting edge scientific techniques. Since the class size is limited, the killer is likely one of eleven people including guests and staff, who had access to the freezer. This is set up as a classic locked room murder mystery. 

The well-written procedural/murder mystery moves at a fast pace while all the clues are logically followed. It is clear from the opening scene that Russell was also poisoned, so when medical examiner Henry Carpenter provides that information to Pengelly and Price, it provides even more information for the team to work with. New connections and additional information uncovered during the investigation point to several different suspects. While there are a few of these clues that could point to someone off the manor grounds, the main suspects are all either guests or staff. There is also all manner of background information, secrets, and hidden connects also exposed.

The backgrounds and personalities of both Pengelly and Price have been presented as realistic, believable characters with individual personalities and depth in the series. Although there isn't a great focus on the individual characters this time out, those of us following the series know these characters and appreciate any and all character development in this excellent series. Following the team during an investigation is always satisfying.

The Victims of St Just is a wonderful choice for everyone who enjoys procedurals/murder mysteries. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Fallow

 

Fallow by Sarah Anderson
9/15/26; 336 pages
Farrar, Straus and Giroux 

Fallow by Sarah Anderson is a recommended speculative women's fiction tale, for the right reader, about a young woman who makes a life changing decision because she needs an expensive dental procedure and then switches to an entirely different novel.

Natalie Gallagher, 23, does not enjoy working. Her current job is at a call center, with no dental plan. Then the tooth pain begins and she discovers she needs dental surgery. She starts out selling her plasma at the blood bank for easy cash, but while there, she learns about another opportunity which results in Natalie being employed as the world's first in-house corporate surrogate for The Company, which includes a very hefty paycheck, a condo, meals, cleaning service, around-the-clock health care... and dental insurance. Seven pregnancies with six-month sabbaticals in between them over ten years will net her over $1 million. Then the novel takes a dramatic turn at the midpoint and Natalie is pulled into an entirely different kind of social experiment.

This debut novel presents an interesting scenario that initially grabbed my attention. As I awaited the start of a compelling plot, it never quite delivered for several reasons. Natalie never questions her corporate job, she simply accepts everything and goes along with it, looking forward to her fallow period between pregnancies, when she has no obligations or expectations and can mindlessly party. She is paid very well for selling her womb as a commodity for rent. As a character, Natalie is superficial, neither likable nor self aware. Additionally, the pregnancies and births are not handled in a believable manner. 

I kept waiting for the critique of corporate America or the ethical questions to arise, but they just sit there, waiting. Readers get zero. There is no great awakening or realization. Then the novel hits the twist, pivots, and changes to an unbelievable direction and different tone. Natalie continues to abjectly accept whatever happens to her when a few important words would change everything. Additionally, you know, even living in the country, you can actually walk away and get somewhere in time. I get that the latter pastoral scenes are supposed to be better than the corporate gig, but it is at this point the novel also lost me and I no longer cared. 

Fallow will likely be enjoyed more by the right reader. Thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

One Split Second

 

One Split Second by Robert Dugoni
9/15/26; 415 pages
Thomas & Mercer
Tracy Crosswhite #12 

One Split Second by Robert Dugoni is a very highly recommended investigative mystery that covers a current case that has ties back to a cold case from 45 years earlier. This is the twelfth novel in the excellent Detective Tracy Crosswhite series.

Sheriff Jenny Almond of Klickitat County, Washington receives a phone call from Anthony Alvarez, a Vietnam vet who suffers from PTSD, asking for her deceased father and former sheriff, Buzz. Even though Jenny lost her reelection after a dirty campaign by newly elected Travis Beaumont, she responds because she is still the sheriff for a few more weeks. When she gets to Alvarez's place the whole encounter ends with Alvarez shot twice, by Jenny and an unknown shooter. Beaumont charges Jenny with first-degree murder. Jenny calls Detective Tracy Crosswhite and her husband, attorney Dan O’Leary, who both rush to help. While Dan sets in to defend Jenny, Tracy begins to investigate.

Alternate chapters jump back to 1980 and the disappearance of fifteen-year-old babysitter Jacquelyn Parker, which seems to tie into the current case. Buzz Almond was the under sheriff at that time and investigated the case. Initially Alvarez was a person of interest, but it became clear he was framed. As Buzz's investigation in 1980 is followed, Tracy's current investigation uncovers connections back to that case that seem to point to evidence someone is trying to hide.

The writing is exceptional, the pace is fast, the plot is interesting, and the tension rises as the past may be the key to Jenny's defense. Alternating chapters between the kidnapping investigation from 1980 and current investigation and defense of Jenny works exceptionally well in the plot, helping to uncover the conspiracy while holding my complete attention throughout. The story in both timelines is compelling and intricate. The courtroom scenes are especially entertaining.

At this point if you have been following the series, Tracy and Dan are known characters and it is a pleasure to join them in another mystery. For those starting here, One Split Second can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. There is enough background information on the characters to easily jump into the investigation and mystery. The final denouement is very satisfying.

One Split Second is an excellent choice for those who enjoy cold cases solved along side current investigations. Robert Dugoni continues to be a reliable go-to author for me. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

I'll Be Watching You

 

I'll Be Watching You By Allison Brennan
9/15/26; 384 pages
Hanover Square Press
Anelhart Investigations #3 

I'll Be Watching You By Allison Brennan is a very highly recommended investigative procedural and the third novel in the Angelhart Private Investigators series.  It was a pleasure to follow Margot and the Angelhart family in another investigation.

Private investigator Margo Angelhart has recently rejoined her family's PI business, but she is still determined to prove that her father Dr. Cooper Angelhart did not kill Dr. Devin Klein. When Liz Swanson, a nurse who worked with Dr. Cooper, has a patient's entire chart disappear, she mentions it to Georgia Rollins, who was a part of Margo's earlier investigation. Georgia encourages Liz to call Margo. The two agree to meet the next morning, but Liz and her husband are murdered right as they are leaving for the meeting. 

Margo visits her father in prison after this to see if he will tell her the truth now. He encourages her to talk to her mother, Ava. Then, without warning, Cooper is transferred  to a Federal Supermax prison in Colorado at 2 am. Finally, Ava tells the truth. Cooper confessed to the murder to protect his family. Apparently Dr. Devin Klein was murdered after he discovered falsified data from a drug trial, including patients who had their adverse reactions removed from their files. Cooper's family was directly threatened, so he confessed to the murder to protect them. Now the killer is back and the family's investigation to clear Cooper's name will make them all targets.

This is another well-written, compelling, complicated, and intricate investigation in a fast-paced plot. Margot and her whole family with Angelhart investigations work well together, logically follows clues while uncovering a deadly conspiracy. Those involved with the coverup seemingly will do anything, including murder, to keep the falsified data and adverse reactions secret. There are plenty of clues to follow and Margo and her family quickly realize that the danger to the whole family is exponentially growing with each new discovery.

At this point I'm well acquainted with all the characters. They are realistically portrayed as complicated individuals with strengths and some flaws. Margo is tenacious, intelligent, and very intuitive. She has plenty of discernment and can really read people and get them to open up to her when talking to them. Margo's relationship with Cal Rafferty, a DEA agent, is growing.

Even though this is the third book in the series enough background is provided that it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, but those following the series will, perhaps, enjoy it more as they know the characters and the background information. As a family business, Angelhart Investigations consists of, in part, Margo, an experienced P.I., her brother Jack, a former police detective, her sister Tess, who excels at research, and her mother, Ava, a former county attorney and prosecutor.

I'll Be Watching You is an excellent choice for everyone who enjoys intricate investigations featuring a tenacious P.I. Thanks to Hanover Square Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Thoroughbreds

 

The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand, Shelby Cunningham
9/15/26; 464 pages
Little, Brown and Company
The Academy #2 

The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham is a recommended drama, for the right reader, and a sequel to The Academy.

School is back in session and the students from The Academy are arriving at Tiffin Academy, a boarding school, for their senior year. This year sees two new students are added to the senior class and two new staff members.  Expect plenty of teen drama, relationships, partying, treachery, and changing allegiances, etc. as the novel follows the school year and follows the school year month by month. Additionally, Head of School Audre Robinson has lost 7 million dollars. The beginning of the novel does recap what happened in the previous book.

The pace moves fast and the story lines provide constant drama, which does keep you reading to see what in the world will happen next. The opening of the novel provides the cast of characters to assist readers in knowing who's who. This should be appealing for those interested in a boarding school drama and all the inside scandals that entails. The brand name dropping always annoys me. Honestly, for me, this seemed to be more a new adult/YA novel and is full of teen angst and misbehavior with only a few more adult scenes in the mix. 

I would recommend that those interested in The Thoroughbreds read The Academy first. I didn't do this and felt the disconnect. It is well-written, but I don't think I was the right reader for this novel. It was just okay for me. 3 very generous stars acknowledging that I was not the intended audience for this novel and others will likely enjoy it much more. 

The Thoroughbreds is for those who enjoyed The Academy. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

A Perfect Mother

 

A Perfect Mother by Miranda Smith
260 pages; 9/10/26
Bookouture 

A Perfect Mother by Miranda Smith is a highly recommended, soapy, domestic suspense novel following a social media mommy blogger.

Megan Thorne has made it. She has an impressive and profitable social media presence with her blog "The Years Are Short," and a best selling book. Her content features her and her adorable five year-old daughter, Stella, with her husband Ian preferring to stay in the background. She has two nannys/helpers, Sabrina and Tanner, and even a social media advisor, Eliza.

Imagine her shock when, during the media questions following her speaking at a conference, Sabrina stumbles into the room, blood on her face, and no Stella in sight. Apparently, while in the bathroom on the main floor of the conference center, Sabrina was injured and Stella was kidnapped. Katy Wang, head of security, looks at the cameras and they find the suspected perpetrator. Detective Olivia Ross is on the case with her team. Megan is left wondering how this can be happening to her.

There is plenty of tension and drama as the intricacies of the plot unfold. The narrative is presented from the point-of-view of Megan and the kidnapper in alternate chapters. As Megan is a self-absorbed, self-promoting lifestyle and mommy blogger, most readers should already be primed to have some dislike for her just on the amount of narcissism this requires. The kidnapper has her own agenda. There really isn't a lot of character development for anyone beyond the main characters, but don't expect any likable characters beyond Stella, Ian, and minor characters like Detective Ross. 

As some basic background information is released, some plot points are predictable early on in the narrative. However, since the page count is low, the pages will fly by. Set disbelief aside, stay hydrated, and enjoy the soap opera-like disaster about to implode. This could also be a cautionary tale to keep the photos of your children private, and regulate your online profile to a minimum, especially if you have some hefty secrets to hide. The over-the-top ending is really something spectacularly enjoyable.  

A Perfect Mother is a good choice for anyone looking for a short, fast-paced, entertaining soapy drama. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Board to Death

 

Board to Death by J.C. Eaton
8/18/26; 314 pages
Level Best Books
A Charcuterie Shop Mystery #5 

Board to Death by J.C. Eaton is a recommended cozy mystery, for the right reader, and the fifth book in the Charcuterie Shop Mysteries series. J.C. Eaton is the penname for Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp.

Katie Aubrey owns the Char-board, a charcuterie restaurant and sandwich shop in Cave Creek, Arizona. Katie also has a vintage-clothes-loving ghost, Edith Ellroy, living in her home and apparently Edith is in trouble with her Supervisor from the Netherworld Larkeshian Drimmelspout, Larken for short. Edith has missed her bi-annual performance review and Larken is looking for her. Edith, who seemingly follows Katie around everywhere is constantly interrupting and making snarky comments only Katie can hear. 

The busy week has even more complications when the Heavenly Holsteins Dairy Farm is sabotaged resulting in a whole lot of cows running loose and blocking roads. Katie and her employees Lilly-Ann, Javie, and Matt, already have several caterings, including preparing twenty custom charcuterie boards for an event at The Pinnacle, a prestigious five-star senior residence. Then, as the event is winding down, Katie and an employee discover the body of The Pinnacle's manager beneath a date palm. It was murder, and there is some evidence that connects it to Javier. Clearing his name is the impetus for Katie to start investigating the Pinnacle and its residents on her own.

Honestly, at the heart of this novel is a very good cozy mystery. Katie inserts herself into the investigation and looks for clues that will solve the whodunit. What sets it back and significantly lowered my rating is the gimmicky inclusion of the multiple ghostly annoyances, and their overly large and exaggerated role in the novel. The synopsis mentions Edith, but it didn't hint at the major role she plays in the plot. That Katie even replies to Edith, out loud, with others around, was exasperating and points to questionable mental health. Sure, I guess all the shenanigans add an element of humor to the plot, but what it takes away from the plot is credibility.

The novel can be read as a standalone novel, although reading the previous novel would provide more background information about the character. Intrigued by the charcuterie plot element, this was my sampling of the series and I'm going to bypass the previous novels in the series based on the plague of irritating ghosts. 2.5 rounded up when needed. It would be 4 but for the bothersome Edith and friends.

Board to Death will best be appreciated by those already following the series. Thanks to Level Best Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Christmas Killer

 

The Christmas Killer by Ross Greenwood
9/2/26: 330 pages
Boldwood Books
DI Barton #9 

The Christmas Killer by Ross Greenwood is a very highly recommended police procedural and the 9th book in the DI Barton Series. Expect a plethora of twists and surprises in this unpredictable plot.

Barton, who is on sabbatical, is out golfing with retired medical examiner Mortis, who subsequently invites Barton to join him at the scene of a mummified body he has been asked to examine. Immediately following this DC Superintendent Andrew Troughton calls Barton also inviting him to examine the same scene and asking him to return for two weeks to help the investigation as MIT is short staffed due to illness. The scene is brutal. The victim was taped to a chair, with his mouth taped shut, and left to die a slow, tortuous death. When another murder occurs closely resembling the first, the race is on to uncover the past secret that connects the two, and hopefully prevent any more from occurring. 

This is a very well-written, unpredictable procedural with an abundance of twists. The complicated investigation logically and intelligently follows all the clues. It held my complete attention throughout. The murder investigation serves to keep the tension high and accelerating throughout the novel as the team digs into the past to try and uncover the identity of the intelligent and cunning killer. Along with the murder investigation there is also an ongoing departmental internal investigation, so the tension is already high. Even the weather becomes an ominous atmospheric presence as winter storms arrive.

The narrative is mainly told through Barton's point-of-view, along with a few others, including the killer. For those following the series, these are all known characters and we have a history with them. Greenwood does include a cast of characters at the beginning of the novel to assist those new to DI Barton novels as well as anyone who needs a refresher course on the characters. The novel will be loved and welcomed by fans, however, it could also be enjoy as a standalone novel for new readers. 

The Christmas Killer is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys complex procedurals along with readers following the beloved 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.

Switzy

 

Switzy by Emma Cline
9/8/26; 352 pages
Random House 

Switzy by Emma Cline is an exceptional, very highly recommended literary novel following a man with Alzheimer’s disease on his final destination. This novel has been rightfully longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize and will be on my list of best books of the year.

"Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

                                                        - Dylan Thomas 

The narrative follows the scattered, thoughts in the mind of David Hastings. He is in his 70's and has amyloid plaques in his brain, the primary markers of Alzheimer’s. David hears this as Amy Lloyd, and hates her. His former boss loaned him his private plane to fly to Switzerland for his assisted death. Traveling with David is his assistant, Cody, who has all the schedules and papers needed. "The boy" keeps track of David. In David's pocket is his notebook, with notes he can no longer read. The two will stopover in London to see David's daughter and meet an estranged friend in France. Then they will meet Anna Gould, called Ghoul by David, for his final destination.

Switzy is an incredible, masterful novel and the writing is absolutely perfect as it captures the interior dialogue in David's mind, as well as the situations he tries to traverse during his final trip. He mishears words, has bursts of anger, loses himself in past memories, can be suspicious of Cody, and forgets... Oh, how he forgets as his mind is unraveling, while at the same time he is trying to remember and unable to grasp what he once had. Is he likeable, no, not at all, nor is he relatable, but he is a sympathetic character because in the final sum of a man's life, death comes to all. 

Switzy is an excellent choice for everyone who appreciates literary novels covering hard topics. Thanks to Random House for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Fury in Death

 

Fury in Death by J. D. Robb
9/8/26; 368 pages
St. Martin's Press
In Death/Eve Dallas Series #63 

Fury in Death by J. D. Robb is a highly recommended procedural for those following the long-running series. This is the 63rd book in the In Death/Eve Dallas Series.

The opening chapter is set in 2048 and introduces us to Steve Redman, his son Luke, 2, and his very pregnant wife Ari. Steve works for the Banner-Wyst Corporation on the Rainmaker Project and is on the path to stabilizing the climate. However, he just discovered some of the people in power at the company are traitors who are planning to use the ability to control the climate to their own benefit for power and financial gain. He has installed a virus into his program and plans to talk to the FBI the next day. As he is returning from buying ice cream for his wife, their building is bombed and all the residents perish, including his family.

In September 2061 NYSPD lieutenant Eve Dallas and her partner Detective Delia Peabody respond to the death of Dave Pressley. It appears the retire 83 year-old man accidentally fell off a ladder, but Dallas needs to collect all the evidence to be sure. Then she is called to another death. The victim is Lawrence (Larry) Cho and this time it was clearly no accident as he has been brutally beaten to death. Cho was the director of bio engineering at Banner-Wyst. As the investigation continues, it appears that Cho received a large payout 13 years earlier from the company and since then he has amassed a great deal of wealth. It seems the killer may be tied to the Banner-Wyst Corporation.

This long-running futuristic procedural introduces features the return of the known series characters and continues their stories and development while uncovering clues to solve the murders. The procedural part of the narrative is satisfying as they logically investigate, uncover information, and followup on clues and leads.Honestly, as this is the 63rd book in the series, fans know all the characters, their history, and will be anxious to read this latest installment. 

The actual investigation is rather predictable. The fact that the perpetrator is known from the start didn't work for me in this novel. It means readers are missing and have lost some of the intrigue created by following clues and trying to piece together the identity of the killer. Yes, we have the background information which provides the impetus for his actions, but in this case it didn't make up for a lack of mystery. Since I've only read a couple books in this series, I'm not quite as accepting about knowing whodunit from the start. 

Fury in Death will be appreciated by all those following the long running series. 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.

Untamed Coast

 

Untamed Coast by Kevin C. Morris
9/1/26; 304 pages
Ballantine

Untamed Coast by Kevin C. Morris is a very highly recommended debut mystery set on the Alaskan coastline and told through three timelines. 

In 2017 Marconi (Marco) Franco is still grieving the loss of his wife, Michelle, while carrying on their dream aboard their boat, Radio Flyer, in the coastal waters of Chichagof, Alaska, by Pelican, when he receives a garbled radio message on a SSB (single sideband ) radio from a woman who seemingly has fallen overboard and is in the water. She says something about an island and a red metal roof. Marco switches to VHF and contacts the coastguard about the message, but he is determined to also search for the woman. 

In 1938 Joe Baxter is on Radioville, an island off Chichagof in a cabin with a red roof.  It is a communication outpost and temperature monitoring station and Joe, the radio operator there, provides radio contact via Morse Code for the locals to the mainland. He also has a secret gold smuggling operation. Currently, the island has been offline for 70 years. Then, in 1982, Anya Baron is in the same waters operating the fishing boat Lady Melinda with her abusive husband.

As Marco continues his search for the missing woman, he learns that two other women have also gone overboard recently. Since he is sure the coast guard will only be doing a perfunctory one, he continues searching. Then it seems that someone doesn't want him to continue looking and he might be in danger. 

This is a well-written debut novel that uses the three different timelines to it's advantage. All three stories are interesting and quite different from each other. The danger also increases, due to both the setting and the characters/actions, in all three  time periods as the narrative unfolds. I appreciated that the individual stories in each timeline played out before everything began to come together. It also has a very strong sense of place and time in each storyline. 

Rest assured, the stories from the three individuals do all eventually converge and make sense in the very satisfying final denouement. I appreciated the descriptions of the setting and the way everything came together in the plot. This is a good debut novel and I enjoyed Morris's writing style. 4.5 rounded up when needed.

Untamed Coast is a great choice for those who enjoy intricate mysteries in a unique, authentic setting. Thanks to Ballantine for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Sez I to Myself

 

Sez I to Myself: The Collected Essays by Frank and Malachy McCourt 
Editors: Tom Allon, Jonah Allon  
9/8/26: 336 pages
Abrams Press 

Sez I to Myself: The Collected Essays by Frank and Malachy McCourt is a very highly recommended collection of essays, articles, and speeches from the brothers which span decades. For those who have enjoyed their writing over the years this will be a welcomed and cherished addition to your library. I have been anxiously anticipating reading this and it was a pleasure to do so.

Both of the McCourt brothers were gifted story tellers and known for their wit, shared memories, insight and keen observations. All of the pieces included are exceptionally well-written and distinctly personal from their individual points-of-view. The pieces in this collection run the gamut from humorous to deeply serious. Frank (1930–2009) died at 72 and his brother, Malachy (1931–2024) at 92. It is a pleasure to read every one of these pieces.

The essays are sorted into eight topics. Each essay is presented with it's title, where it was published, the date of publication and which McCourt authored the piece. There is a Foreword and Editor's note by Tom Allon and Jonah Allon and Acknowledgements at the end. Contents include (I'm only including the date and author of the essays): 

The Writing Life: Looking at Schools, Bars, and Houses of Worship (1987, Frank); My Mission: Write 800 Words Weekly (2001, Malachy); Growing Dependent on the Wayne Independent (2003, Malachy); Excerpt from a 2003 Speech at the Southampton Writers Conference (Frank); Yes, I Can Go Home Again (2000, Malachy)

McSorley's and the Rest: McSorley's: A Great Manhattan Pub (1987, Frank); Kiss Me I'm Irish (1999, Malachy); Yes, Recovery's Possible (2001, Malachy); A Ship, A Pint, and a Pamplona (1988, Frank)

The Religious Life: When You Think of God What Do You See? (1998, Frank); Defenders of the Faith (2000, Malachy); The People of Mercy at Ansche Chesed (1988, Frank); This Old House (1999, Malachy); Exploration and "Humanness" (1988, Frank); They're Seeking Scapegoats (2002, Malachy); The Pope and I (2003, Frank); Mourning My Pals (2001, Malachy); Spiritual Business as Usual at Methodist Church (1988, Frank); Where We Pray (2004, Frank)

New York City and 9/11: We Share Certain Images From the 11th. They Won't Go Away (2001, Frank); A Season to Honor Fallen Firefighters (2001, Malachy); The Dog's Days of Summer (2004, Frank); Advice: Get Out (2001, Malachy); New York: My Town, One Year On (2002, Frank); Packing For America (2004; Frank); Remembering John Scanlon (2001, Malachy); Because of the Pitcher's Eye (2000, Frank); What About the Homeless? (2005, Malachy); From an Affair with Books to a Book Fair (1997, Frank); How Tragedy Reveals America's Vital Heart (2001, Malachy); Seeing Rudy the G. Through a Hayes (1999, Malachy); The Day the Lights Went Out: Blackouts, a Rite of New York (2003, Frank)

The Classroom: On Staten Island: a Buried Treasure (1998, Frank); Brandeis Class Examines Afro-American Literature (1987, Frank); Mothers Who Get By (1997, Frank); An Immodest Proposal (1999, Malachy); What Children Really Want for 1988 (1988, Frank); Love and Learning at Children's Storefront (1988, Frank); Not for Extra Credit (1999, Frank); Hope and Education (1998, Frank); This West Side Story Is Doing What You Want (1988, Frank)

The Irish Life and St. Patrick's Day: Visiting with Bill at a Magazine Pow Wow (2001, Malachy); Patrick Was No Saint (2002, Malachy); Getting Mired in the Oul' Sod (1970, Frank); Cardinal Sins (1999, Malachy); On the Trail of a Jewish Princess (1971, Frank); Neighbors Provide Entertainment (1998, Malachy); Back on the Job (2002, Malachy); A Parcel of Celtic Paradox (1998, Frank); Ashes to Ashes? (2001, Malachy); Blowing the Lid Off... The Spud (1990, Frank); James Joyce Destroyed My Romance (1997, Frank)

Family: My Mother (2009, Frank); Not Ordinary Ever (1999, Malachy); Christmas Past (1997, Frank); The Brother (1998, Malachy); The Random Nature of the Grim Reaper (2000, Malachy); The Good Old Days of Raising Kids Are Over (2001, Malachy); My Unsainted Brother (2009, Malachy); Deadhead Daughter (1998, Frank)

Bits and Pieces: The Puritanical Punishing World of Business (2001, Malachy); A Diseased Nation Moans (2000, Malachy); Saluting a Fine Young Man (1999, Malachy); Closing a Hellhole (2000, Malachy); Smoke Out the Smokers (2002, Malachy); A Speech at the 2002 Southampton Writers Conference (Frank)

Sez I to Myself: The Collected Essays is an excellent choice for those who appreciated the McCourt's writing and is perfect addition to any library.  Thanks to Abrams Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Sipsworth

 

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy
5/7/24; 240 pages
paperback 9/1/26
David R. Godine, Publisher 

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy is a very highly recommended tender and insightful literary tale about an elderly woman finding a reason to live.

After living in Australia for six decades, Helen Cartwright, 83, has returned to the village of her childhood to finish her life where it began. Since losing both her husband, Len, and son, David, she is ready to face the end of her days. She's living an uneventful life in a detached pensioner's cottage on Westminster Crescent where one day seems like another until she brings in an aquarium from the neighbors trash. Initially she notices a diver toy inside and it reminds her of David, but, later, she hear something late at night and discovers a mouse inside a box in the aquarium.

Initially, she wants wants to get rid of it but the mouse ends up living in her kitchen sink, is named Sipsworth, and he watches TV and listening to the radio with her, while sitting in a slipper. The arrival of Sipsworth gets her out, interacting with the world and meeting people, as she cares for him. We also learn that Helen was a once a renowned pediatric cardiologist when Sipsworth has a medical issue and she meets people willing to help her save him. Caring for him gives her a reason to live.

This is simply a lovely, heartwarming, compassionate, and well-written story of an elderly woman opening herself up to caring, finding a new reason to want to live, and allowing new friends into her life. In the opening of the novel, Helen is a bit of a curmudgeon, but readers will see a gradual change in her as Sipsworth provides companionship and gives her a purpose, as she opens herself up to caring and, in that, establishing a connection to other people. 

If you have ever felt alone, if your life has lost all meaning, and then made a surprising connection with a pet (or person) you will understand Helen. Taking care of Sipsworth gives her life meaning, a goal, and purpose again. She thought she would die alone, but clearly she now has a group of people who will care, help, and watch out for her, just as she will for Sipsworth.  

Sipsworth is an excellent choice for those who appreciate heartwarming stories with meaning  and insight into the human condition. Thanks to Godine for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Good Villains

 

Good Villains by Shane Cashman
9/1/26; 312 pages
Skyhorse 

Good Villains by Shane Cashman is a highly recommended collection of fourteen news stories/essays, following an introduction. In the essays Cashman presents his personal journey along with a cultural investigation of various personalities. As with any collection of essays, some will resonate and interest readers more than others. As Bret Easton Ellis said, “Cashman will infuriate, delight, and offend just about everybody.”  Keep in mind the full title is: Good Villains: My Journey to the Frontlines of Fame, Controversy, and the War on Reality. 

You may not agree with him or be interested in all of the selections, but they do represent the wide variety of interviews/topics/stories/experiences from his point-of-view during a specific time period. However, he is also a journalist and these stories are all extremely well-written. Many will know Cashman from his appearances on and work for Tim Pool and for his show Inverted World Live, which should clue you into where some of his interests lie (conspiracies, big foot sightings, aliens, mind control, etc.). In a very timely manner while I was reading these essays Fauci was in the news repeatedly pleading the fifth with his twee diary exposed. Along with many people Cashman's life was very much personally affected by Covid and opens with this marking his entry into politics and current political topics. 

Contents include:

The Invisible Enemy: the intro and covid; "Either it'd [covid] disappear from headlines in a week or it was going to become my generations next psychological scar - like 9/11, WWDs, Y2K, Columbine, or worse, the Macarina."
The case for President Ye
Invalid Ballot Department - Kari Lake
The Perpetual Truama Machine - the Doomsday clock, Eliza Bleu 
Ohio's Airborne Toxic Event - The contamination and nonexistent/lackluster response after the catastrophic train crash and fire in East Palestine, Ohio
The Million Dollar Mullet - Riff Raff
Everyone Loves Alex Jones
The Bridge to Nowhere - smuggling and unsecured border
Vultures in Miami - Ye 
The Demon Hunters - Alex Rosen's Predator Poachers
The invasion of the Tech Vampires - "A tech vampire is a monster that pretends to be human that works in Silicon Valley and creates evil technology to feed off you, your emotion, your fear, your hatred, your love, and your dreams."
Inauguration at the End of the World - the incestuous relationship between politics and media
The FBI Sacrifices One of It's Own - whistle blower Teresa Tumblin
The Simulation is Burning - the Charlie Kirk assassination, do not let your emotions capture you, do not let your biases hold you hostage
Who Will Survive and What Will Become of Them?

Admittedly, there were some interviews/stories that didn't interest me (Ye, Eliza Bleu, Riff Raff, Alex Jones) but I found the others interesting whether I agreed with Cashman's extrapolations or not. It was noted that some reviews I saw were negative with no basis in reality. Yes, some of the topics may be polarizing for some people, but in that case, be a professional, note the essay you didn't like, and move on. Or, if you are not going to finish the book, say you are going to decline reviewing it and why. Of course the collection is from his point-of-view and biases and you are showing your point-of-view and biases by DNF it and then giving it one star. Certainly you can't disagree with stopping child predators, porn, and traffickers or think that it is a conspiracy? 

Good Villains is an excellent choice for those interested in journalistic essays and stories from an independent point-of-view. Thanks to Skyhorse for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Long Call

 

The Long Call by Ann Cleeves
9/3/19; 400 pages
St. Martin's Press 
Two Rivers #1 (Detective Matthew Venn)  

The Long Call by Ann Cleeves is a recommended procedural/murder mystery and the first book in the Two Rivers series which feature Detective Matthew Venn.

DI Matthew Venn is secretly attending the funeral of his father. He was raised in the Barum Brethren church and he was immediately shunned by his parents when he renounced their religion. Now he is a police detective in North Devon and married to Jonathan Church. After silently leaving the service he receive a call about a body found stabbed on a nearby beach. He meets DS Ross May and DS Jen Rafferty at the scene at Crow Point. From an address found on the body they quickly learn the man is Simon Walden. The tattoo of an albatross on his neck helps with the ID. 

The address is for a house where Simon Walden rented a room. It is owned by Caroline, daughter of Woodyard trustee Christopher Preece. Gaby Henry also shares the house with Caroline. The investigation quickly leads to the Woodyard Center, a restored factory that’s home to  counseling services, artists, and charitable organizations and is run by Jonathan. It is also quickly learned that Walden often rode the bus and befriended Lucy Braddick, a woman with Down syndrome who attended classes at the Center. The case is a slowly evolving set of clues and then another event happens, putting the pressure on the investigation.

This is a well-written procedural which provides very detailed descriptions of the people and the area along with a lot of background information. Expect a plethora of descriptions and character development. It is also very even-paced, even slow, until late in the novel. As someone who loves procedural, the team does follow clues in a logical manner while a lot of deception and lies are delivered to them, however the pacing dragged the story down. 

It does serve the purpose of introducing Matthew Venn and the setting as the first book in the series. Apparently this was also opted for a TV series. The issues is that I never felt fully invested in the plot or the characters and didn't particularly enjoy some of the descriptions. It could be that this first novel in the series is now already dated due to the attempt to be relevant. It would have served Cleeves better to simply write a good murder mystery/procedural with a fast-paced investigation. 2.5 rounded up because this novel may be an aberration for the normally very good oeuvre one normally expects from Cleeves.

The Long Call is a good choice for those who want to read the first book in the Two Rivers series. 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.

A Small Memory

 

A Small Memory by Robert Dyer
8/11/26; 304 pages
Atmosphere Press 

A Small Memory by Robert Dyer is a very highly recommended coming-of-age novel about friendship, forgiveness, memories, and recovery from trauma. This is an exceptionally well-written novel that captures a moment in time that completely changes two lives.

In 1975, Mike Youngstown is eighteen, fresh out of high school, and headed to Appleton College in Morrison Ohio for classes and to play basketball. His best friend Ted Dirksen who is older than him and already attending college, has a great offer for Mike. Ted's roommate is leaving and Mike can take his place as a counselor at the group home for developmentally disabled adult men. They get room, board and a small salary while teaching the men, Stuart, Mark, Paul, John, Kevin, and Henry, the basic skills to live on their own. They all have jobs during the day and go home on the weekends. 

After several incidents involving Henry, one where Mike had to pull him off Ted, he is replaced by Ray. It is immediately clear that Ray doesn't get along with the other residents and has a violent temper which is demonstrated when he threatens Ted with a screw driver and Mike had to restrain him. The Hope Agency Executive Director, Brad Douglas dismisses their concerns. Then Mike returns home one weekend night and finds Ted seriously injured and Ray, who does not go home on weekends, is gone, along with Ted's car. Ted is left in a coma. 

Ted's injury and gradual recovery marks the start of an emotionally charged, nuanced, thoughtful and insightful examination of friendship, forgiveness, memories, and blame. Their easy, well established friendship is displayed early in the novel, so we know what Mike has lost. He is there for Ted and his parents as the long road to recovery begins. Mike is at the hospital daily and blames himself for Ted's attack. He is sure he could have stopped it if he was there and carries the huge burden of guilt that grows and even threatens his relationship with his long time girlfriend, Karen.

The unreserved honesty of Mike's psychological state is clearly and honestly portrayed as he realizes he has lost the previously comfortable ease of his friendship with Ted. He also needs to undertake the enormous task of forgiving himself, along with others. With the change of Ted, their previous relationship has died, so he is in mourning for what was, even as he works toward a new relationship and friendship with Ted as he slowly recovers. He also needs to heal his relationship with Karen, which he set aside after Ted's injury.

What makes this an especially poignant narrative is the youth and future potential of these two young men who are portrayed as realistic characters. Mike is only eighteen when this happened and not yet fully matured. Ted's loss of capacity marks a sudden propulsion into maturity and an increase of responsibility for Mike. At the same time, Mike is continually struggling with blaming himself/forgiving himself while still trying to do his best. This reads like a real life experience. 

A Small Memory is an excellent choice for those who appreciate coming-of-age stories depicting life-changing events. Thanks to Atmosphere Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.