The Parkwood Murders

 

The Parkwood Murders by Chris Chibnall
12/1/26; 352 pages
Viking Penguin
Detective Nicola Bridge #2

The Parkwood Murders by Chris Chibnall is a highly recommended procedural/murder mystery and the second book in the Detective Nicola Bridge series following Death at the White Hart.

Parkwood Holiday Village is a vacation resort that offer families a whole series of amenities and excellent customer service in an idyllic woodland setting, so when a dead man is found stabbed in the wave pool it causes a whole different kind of experience. Detective Nicola Bridge and her younger partner DC Harry Ward are called in to investigate and face numerous challenges. Any evidence was washed away by the pool water, the identity of the dead man in unknown, and between the visitors and staff there are hundreds of people to question. With limited help, Nicola and Harry along with investigator Mel Hardiman have their work cut out for them.

The setting comes to life in this exceptionally well-written, carefully plotted, fast-paced intelligent and complex procedural. Following along as the team uncovers information and investigates held my complete attention. In this case the potential suspects are numerous and the setting could allow someone coming in secretly. Readers are privy to the questioning of several suspects, each with varying degrees of skepticism over their trustworthiness. There are plenty of twist, several suspects, and increasing tension. 

The team work to uncover clues and carefully follows up on all of them. They end up identifying the body as belonging to the former manager of Parkwood. Along the way also uncover a case of a woman who disappeared years earlier and several questionable activities going on in the resort. The final denouement was a shocking surprise. 

All of the characters, including supporting ones, are fully realized and are presented as unique individuals which makes it easy to follow the investigation. The interactions between the characters is realistic. Nicola is also going through private domestic struggles with her 18-year-old son. It was a pleasure to follow these characters in another investigation and I hope there will be another novel to continue their story. 

The Parkwood Murders is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy well-written British police procedurals. Thanks to Viking Penguin for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Dead Ringer

 

Dead Ringer by John W. Mefford
11/19/26; 339 pages
Book Whisperer
Book 8 of Alex & Ozzie, Dark Horizon  

Dead Ringer by John W. Mefford is a highly recommended investigative thriller. This is the eighth book in the Alex & Ozzie, Dark Horizon series but it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone novel. This outing focuses on two different investigations.

Austin Horizon Investigations consists of private investigators Alex Troutt, former FBI agent, and Ozzie Novak, former defense attorney, along with some assistance by Alex's son, Luke, 22. Ozzy's twin sister, Ivy Nash, has her own PI firm, ECHO, with her partner Cristina, which focuses on finding lost children. When Ivy drops off her son Miguel, 12, for Luke to watch while she's on a case, Alex has the time to help her. They are looking for Vince, 11, who was playing in the park when he disappeared. Vince and his mother Kyla Robinson are now living with her fiance wealthy real estate developer Simon Wilcher. At the same time Ozzie is called by insurance claim adjuster Nancy Lee to look into a painting stolen from the home of wealthy couple Keith and Angela. He has his college aged daughter Mackenzie help him in the investigation, while his 11-year-old daughter Charlotte, spends quality time with Luke and Miguel.

The well-written narrative switches smoothly between the two cases through chapters from the point-of-view of Alex, Ivy, and Ozzie. As they uncover clues in both of the cases, the tension rises quickly, especially in the case of Vince. While they are investigating, the focus is initially on a mysterious van at the park. Kyla's ex-husband, Vince, is also causing trouble as he rages and tries to cause trouble while Kayla is spiraling. Ivy also seems to be increasingly having problems, which leads to a shocking disclosure. The phone calls they've had haven't demanded a ransom - yet. The missing painting case is not as tension packed, but it does present a mystery. Both of the cases come to a satisfying conclusion, although one outcome was predictable early on.

There is a whole lot of information given at the beginning to help readers new to the series follow who's who and how everyone is connected. This serves to catch readers up on some additional character development and background before the two cases really take off. All of these characters have been through a plethora of traumatic experiences. The dialogue between them is well done and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the humorous scenes with Luke, Miguel, and Charlotte having a great time together getting prepared for Christmas in their own way. 

Dead Ringer is a great choice for those who enjoy investigative thrillers and mysteries. Thanks to Book Whisperer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Destined: A Promise Fulfilled

 

Destined: A Promise Fulfilled by Rẹmi Adejumo
10/22/26; 482 pages
Seven Acre Press 

Destined: A Promise Fulfilled by Rẹmi Adejumo is a highly recommended love story - for the right reader. This is a love story that also encompasses grief, family, faith, friends, and visions.

In April 1989 in Nigeria, Atoke's father was assassinated right in front of her. She was 12 years-old and next to him in the front seat of the car on their way home from church. Obviously, it changed her entire life. Atoke had the gift of sensing things, or seeing events before they happened. Additionally, she had had a premonition about her father's death in 1984. She was sent to boarding school with hopes that removing her from their home would help. What Atoke learned was discipline, achievement, as she cultivated a carefully guarded certainty about life. She kept her best friend BK, traveled, and became a solicitor living in London.

Stefan grew up in Germany and  kept having a recurring dream/vision where a man tells him to look after her (no name).  When BK talks Atoke into go to a reunion in Los Vegas, Stefan sees her and is immediately attracted to her. She is also attracted to him, however, also hesitant so she dissuades him from his affections.  He can't forget her and a couple years later has a friend find her. He then goes to London to see her, finding her at the coffee shop mentioned years earlier. This time the two start a relationship, a long distance one with Stefan living in Florida and Atoke in London. 

After they start a relationship the novel focuses on them building that relationship, learning to trust, and strengthening their connections to each other. They also need to open up about their pasts, her about her father and him about his vision. It is detailed as the narrative delves deep into their character development while establishing that they were destined to meet each other. It does come to a satisfying conclusion.

If I'm honest, I'm not a huge fan of romance novels and reading this was a stretch for me at times. It was not what I expected. However, I think those who do appreciate romance will likely enjoy this novel. The character development kept me reading as the two tried to work out their relationship. However, it also felt overly long and could have used some major editing. I am also having some doubts about characters that are all very successful and seem to have unlimited funds. I prefer novels more grounded in reality. 3.5 rounded up when needed. 

Thanks to Seven Acre Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Something True

 

Something True by Gina Cafasso
7/29/26; 220 pages
Independently published 

Something True by Gina Cafasso is a highly recommended introspective novel tackling the question of beginning to live a life of personal authenticity and honesty.

Veronica (Vera), 54, has been a capable professional for years, while waiting for her real life to start. Whenever someone needed something, she was the one who was always there and now she has begun to realize that being needed was her existence, as though she was a resource rather than a person. She is the one who is always fine, always useful. The one who was adored, but never chosen in a 7 year relationship. Vera wanted to write something true when she first started a novel at age 31 and then set it aside for over 20 years. She has now retired from a job she has excelled at for 11 years and plans to finally write something true, but first she needs to learn to be available to herself. Vera's newly discovered medical situation also pushes her to finally confront what she wants in life. 

This is a beautifully written, descriptive and contemplative novel where a woman is examining her life, her inner life versus her outer actions, and finding it lacking. Many of her inner thoughts will resonate with readers. The real issue is that she was never honest with herself and never did things for herself that she would enjoy. The style resembles stream of consciousness and is sometimes repetitive as Vera's inner thoughts are shared on repeat but phrased differently. This would resemble someone struggling with the concept of being available to herself and what she wants. The narrative is full of symbols representing her changed thought patterns.

Vera's professional persona, the one that she is questioning, is present in many people across a multitude of professions - smile and project competence while in the public or at work. Her real struggle is understanding herself and what she wants. She is having an existential crisis and wondering who she really is now that she's not working. If I'm totally honest, I reached a point while reading where I wished her well but I also wanted to tell her to cherish the luxury she has of being able to afford to retire early without the financial concerns of day to day living. Not everyone can afford or has the extravagance of this much time to have an existential crisis or search for who they really are in their 50's. 

Something True is a wonderful selection for those who enjoy introspective novels about a woman examining her life's choices. Thanks to Gina Cafasso for providing me with an advance reader's copy via LibraryThing Early Readers. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Osteoporosis

 

Osteoporosis: The book I wish I'd had when I was diagnosed by Lisa Pocius MD
6/16/26; 232 pages
Lisa Pocius MD
https://mybone.health 

Osteoporosis: The book I wish I'd had when I was diagnosed by Lisa Pocius MD is a very highly recommended, clear and concise guide written for those newly diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia. 

Knowledge is, indeed, power, and this a very accessible book is a treasure trove of information and an well organized reference for those facing bone loss. Dr. Pocius wrote Osteoporosis after her own diagnosis, so this is personal and provides the basic information she wishes someone had given her. This guide respects your intelligence, refuses to scare you, and gives you a concrete plan for a stronger future. The information provided will be useful for anyone with a family history of fractures, low bone density, adults over 50, and everyone diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia.

The guide is organized into three parts. Part 1: Discovery; Part 2: Treatment and Active Management; and Part 3: Living with Osteoporosis. Each chapter helpfully has Key Takeaways at the end. Following the guide is a chapter on Frequently Asked Questions, a Glossary of Medical Terms, and Notes. You can choose to read the guide straight through or start with the 30-day Action Plan and come back later for additional information.

Honestly, I wish I had this guide a year ago after being diagnose with osteopenia, which was a shock in itself, and then had to figure out a course of action on my own. As I was reading Osteoporosis I used a whole little pack of post-it flags to note important information. Clearly, I can't share the whole book, but I will note some of the topics flagged. I want to emphasize that the scan is very, very easy, and here Dr. Pocius explains how to read the numbers. Also, although the majority of those diagnosed are women, men also can have osteoporosis and genetics plays a big role. She clearly explains bone structure with illustrations and notes early signs of bone loss, including loss of height, receding gums, weakened grip, brittle nails, stooped posture, and chronic back pain. Medications that may affect bone health are also listed.

Part 2 begins with information and illustrations on resistance exercises and follows with nutrition and bone health. The importance of calcium levels, Vitamin D, and nutrition is covered. If you are like me you will suddenly realize that you are not getting as much calcium in your diet as you thought, need to adjust your diet, and, perhaps, even add supplements. Foods to embrace and what to avoid are discussed and there are several useful pages of charts with beneficial food, the nutrients provided, and additional notes, followed by a suggested daily meal plan. This is followed by medication choices and working with medical professionals. Part 3 discusses living safely with your diagnosis.

Osteoporosis is a excellent choice for everyone seeking information on osteoporosis or osteopenia, especially those recently diagnosed. I was thrilled to receive it and want to thank Lisa Pocius MD at https://mybone.health, for the review copy via LibraryThing Early Reviewers. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Split Second: Thirty-Two Switcheroo

 

Split Second: Thirty-Two Switcheroo by Janet Evanovich
11/10/26; 320 pages
Atria Books
Stephanie Plum series #32

Split Second: Thirty-Two Switcheroo by Janet Evanovich is a wildly entertaining and danger-packed crime novel featuring bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. It has been a minute since I actually laughed-out-loud while reading and this happened several times while reading this 32nd novel in the long running series. It was pure pleasure to join Stephanie again while she works her magic. Needless to say it is very highly recommended. 

Stephanie and Joe Morelli are married, but she is struggling with actually living with someone - and his Grandma Bella who insists Stephanie is pregnant. She is still working for her cousin Vinnie as a bail bonds enforcement officer and the flamboyant Lula is right there as her partner as they chase down the bail jumpers in Trenton, New Jersey. They have several successful captures, but the tricky and dangerous Ziggy Zucker continuously eludes them and she has acquired a mysterious enemy sending threatening notes and disturbing packages. Additionally, Ranger, her ex-fiancé and mentor, hires her to help as a security guard for the 10 year-old daughter of a powerful political figure.

Expect more cars totaled and damaged than ever in this well-written plot that is filled with both danger and hilarity, often simultaneously. It provides a lightning-fast pace, plenty of suspense, action, risks, complicated relationships, and a hint of romance while providing the entertainment we expect from a Stephanie Plum novel. Some of the car accidents are memorable, as is Stephanie's attempts at cooking. You may have to set disbelief aside, but this is worth it so you don't get the evil eye from Grandma Bella. 

Everyone you know is back: Lula, Connie, Morelli, Ranger, Rex the hamster, Vinnie, Grandma Mazur, Stephanie’s parents, along with a few juicy tidbits from the old gossipy ladies. The dialogue between characters is pitch-perfect. This is mostly escapism, rather than a heavy, complicated novel with a brief exception within the job for Ranger, and it was exactly what I needed. Even though this is part of a long-running series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. 

Split Second: Thirty-Two Switcheroo is an excellent choice for those who enjoy humor in their crime novels. Thanks to Atria Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Baby Queen

 

Baby Queen by Ty Landers
11/17/26; 320 pages
Harper Perennial 

Baby Queen by Ty Landers is a very highly recommended Southern family crime drama set in Alabama. This is a great debut novel and not to be missed.

Natalie (Nat) Link has return to Noccalula, Alabama, and is back living with her irascible Grandmother Lana Link, who has declining health, on the family's honey farm. Nat's mother became Vivien "Green," ran off to Hollywood as a teen, and left an infant Nat to be raised by her grandmother. Now Nat has sold the horse farm her mother loved to finance her new endeavor. She used the money to start making honey-based skin care products. When contractors cleaning up the farm find a well-preserved body in a 55 gallon drum of honey, Sheriff Ed Sorter identifies it as that of Tom Rath, Nat's father, who went missing in 1988 at age 21. Nat learns about this when promoting her products on a local TV show, "Morning Y'all."

At the same time Adam Harmony and his brother Boy, used car salesmen and hired killers, are introduced, along with former detective Bob Sauk, current private investigator, who has a grudge and has been keeping records on the Link family, especially Lana, for over 20 years. Sheriff Sorter even calls Sauk when Rath's body is found. Suddenly Nat realizes that her grandmother has likely been involved in a criminal business enterprise with questionable partners for years. Nat is increasingly threatened to continue the operation, or else, and may need Sauk's help. 

In this well-written, entertaining Southern noir there is a plethora of things going on simultaneously in the fast-paced plot, and most of those things are clearly illegal or morally dubious. There are several major plot twists and plenty of action in the narrative. Expect family secrets, grudges, murder, scheming, drugs, shady people and a whole lot of dysfunction. There is something going on throughout the entire novel that will keep you glued to the pages as you keep reading as fast as you can. There is some offbeat humor to off-set all the power struggles, action scenes, and family trauma depicted. 

Nat is a great character. Clearly she had no idea what her feisty grandmother was involved in and how the family made money. She just wants to start her skin care business. Instead, she is presented with what is seemingly a non-choice, go along with the present set up or risk losing her life. She is a fully-realized character with strengths and weaknesses. You will be wishing her the best, even though it is not certain she will survive. Bob Sauk is also a fully-realized character who clearly has many flaws, but there are also some strengths and skills still there. 

Baby Queen is a excellent choice for those who enjoy crime dramas, Southern noir, and dysfunctional family dramas. Thanks to Harper Perennial for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.