The Not So Happy Couple

 

The Not So Happy Couple by Emily Shiner
10/30/26; 300 pages
Bookouture 

The Not So Happy Couple by Emily Shiner is a recommended domestic drama for the right reader. 

Marissa and Bradley are taking out his 50 ft. yacht "Surprise of the Seas" for a long weekend to celebrate their first anniversary even though she hates being on the water. Once they are far out to sea (because Bradley's trying to out run a storm he neglected to mention to her) she discovers a dead body in the master bedroom. She screams, Bradley comes running and when he uncovers the face, he claims to Marissa he doesn't recognize the dead woman, but she can tell he does. The thing is, she also recognizes her. The body is of Evelyn Borth. Bradley contacts the Coast Guard, they have problems with the boat, but eventually get back to land. Now the game of secrets and deception begins in earnest.

The narrative alternates between the point-of-view of Marissa, Bradley, and Cami. Early on there are also love letters written to Bradley from a former girl friend. Readers will know from the start that Cami, Marissa's friend, is not trustworthy as she made Marissa promise to never tell Bradley about her, claiming they were estranged siblings. (Yeah, right, I have a bridge I could sell you too, Marissa.) Set disbelief aside. The short chapters do keep the pace steady at first, but after the body was found, Marissa freaks out, and they are back on land, the plot lags. 

It's at this point it becomes a slow moving plot that loops continually on a chorus of "Oh, we don't trust each other; oh, we all have secrets; distrust; suspicious; secrets" - on repeat, but nothing really happens until the twisty, explosive ending. There is no doubt that a bunch of people who are purposefully keeping secrets from each other while planning and scheming can be compelling and keep you reading to see what they do next. This is the reason I kept reading because every single character is has some sort of subterfuge underway. However, this is also a plot that requires you to set a huge dose of disbelief aside. None of the characters are even remotely believable or likable, which made any deep investment in the plot difficult. I've enjoyed other books by Emily Shiner much more and look forward to her next book.

The Not So Happy Couple is recommended for readers who like domestic dramas with deceptive characters. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Monsters of Ohio

 

Monsters of Ohio by John Scalzi
11/3/26; 272 pages
Tor Publishing Group 

Monsters of Ohio by John Scalzi is a very highly recommended quirky monster story. Chose your own adventure: this can be an entertaining farcical science fiction story about an amicable, but bloody monster outbreak in a small town, or it could be allegorical tale about contemporary politics. I chose the hilarious, entertaining sci fi option.

The appealing prologue featuring the story of a rabbit, provided a quote (censored and abbreviated) that left me laughing, in tears: "Rabbits absolutely ___ swear. You're a prey animal for ___'s sake, and everything.... is trying to eat you every single moment you exist. You aren't made for any existential crisis." Following this we are introduced to Richland, Ohio, a small town, population 2800, in Darke County. With the impending loss of jobs from the closing of the local meat processing plant Bradson Foods, what the town doesn't need, but finds itself facing, is something strange and explosive happening to animals and people while some other underhanded fraud is underway.

Mike Boyd, a furloughed government USDA employee, is returning to stay with his Dad, Harv, and Harv's wife, Barb in Richland while he looks for a new job in Ohio. Even though he graduated from high school 20 years ago, Mike's immediately recognized by Bill at the gas station and his old friend, Dave Prost, now the Police Chief, has fun pulling him over. Dave and Mike make plans to meet later at Club 713. It is there they run into the new Mayo Caleb Huber, Bret Lawrence, who is there representing Leyton Capital as they prepare to close the Bradson Foods Plant, and Andi Sunders who was brought in to plan the fall festival, the Monster Mash. While there Caleb is call out to the Keller's farm. Something awful has happened to young Jeremy's favorite cow and best friend, Cassie. This portends the messy, but congenial monster outbreak.

I was entertained throughout this well written, fast-paced science fiction story about a bloody, explosive monster outbreak, with tentacles and all, that actually results in everything improving in Richland. There is a plethora of characters introduced, but in a small town everyone pretty much knows everyone else and all their business. The actual narrative focuses on several main characters and it is easy to remember who's who as they are all portrayed as unique individuals with their own distinct voices. The dialogue between characters is natural and flows smoothly. There is a reason for the outbreak that is clearly introduced early in the narrative. The ending ties everything up nicely.

Scalzi's gonna Scalzi (sigh) but I've given Scalzi a hall pass. I have a fluid rule that authors need to keep their editorializing on personal social/political views on contemporary topics to themselves and out of books to extend the longevity of the novel. Most readers will know his opinions will be present in some form, but at least he's talented enough to integrate his allegorical and satirical take on contemporary societal ills into the story and keep it entertaining. Adding the storyline involving executive theft and corporate greed gets a pass too. He should count himself as lucky because I haven't given out many of these special exceptions at all. 

Monsters of Ohio is an excellent choice for fans of quirky monster and science fiction stories along with those who enjoy Scalzi's oeuvre. Thanks to Tor Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers

 

Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers by Alan Bradley
11/3/26; 256 pages
Ballantine
Flavia de Luce Novel #12 

Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers by Alan Bradley is a very highly recommended cozy mystery featuring Flavia de Luce, a favorite precocious young detective and chemistry prodigy. This is the 12th and final addition to the Flavia de Luce mystery series. Author Alan Bradley, died at the age of 87 on May 20, 2026. 

While preparing the body of deceased Sister Garance for her burial, the Sisters of Clemency in the cloisters of Golgotha House are shocked to discover she was actually a man. The Reverend Mother asks Flavia and Dogger, of Arthur W. Dogger & Associates (Discreet investigations), for their assistance in identifying who Sister Garance was in order to notify the family. It seems being a man in an order of nuns who have a vow of silence is a perfect hideout. Flavia and Dogger undertake the challenge to discover the secret behind the decades-old deception. 

Flavia is well-established, intelligent, resourceful, and innovative character in the series set in 1950s England and it is a pleasure to be back in her world as she conducts a charming, more traditional final investigation. There is the expected humor and wit along the way while Flavia researches the past to uncover the identity of Sister Garance. There is a side story that Cynthia Davidson, the vicar's wife is concerned Denwyn, the vicar, is drinking. Mrs. Mullet, Feely, Deiter, Daffy and Undine all make an appearance. There is a heart-felt farewell from Alan Bradley at the end of the novel. 

For all of us who have been following Flavia Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers is an excellent, suitable final mystery for her to solve. If you have never accompanied Flavia on an investigation, this is a series worth reading right from the start with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (2009). Thanks to Ballantine for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Other Kind of Lion

 

The Other Kind of Lion by Catherine Ryan Hyde
11/3/26; 286 pages
Lake Union Publishing 

The Other Kind of Lion by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a very highly recommended, tenderhearted, domestic drama where an act of kindness marks the beginning of a life-long relationship.

In the Autumn of 1970 in rural California, Shirley Bennett, a widow after her husband Hal died 15 years ago in the Vietnam War, lives with her two sons, Reid and Curtis. One morning Shirley hears Hal's horse, Phoenix, nicker at an unkempt boy who is walking by the fence. The only person Phoenix ever nickered at was Hal, so she wants to know who is this boy. She asks 16 year-old Curtis to offer him a ride to school and find out. This marks the start of Ludlow "Cash" Pierce, 11 years-old and in 6th grade becoming essentially a part of her family. 

Cash's mother is in jail, his father disappeared, and he is being cared for by his 18 year-old brother, Jace, who works at a gas station. Curtis comes up with his nickname and protects him from a bully. He is there for dinner every night after school. Shirley makes sure he has lunch money. She even made him a couple shirts. Even Edsel, their older dog likes Cash. He is there when Reid goes off to war and never comes home, comforting Shirley the best he can. Then one day Cash and his brother disappear, they moved away so his brother could find a better job.

Life goes on for Shirley. They write letters to Cash until one day they lose touch. Curtis moves to Canada. Shirley has a fall out with her neighbors. She eventually sells the house and moves, but always hopes Cash will reach out again. And He does, in totally unexpected circumstances. Then it becomes his chance to return her kindness and care for Shirley as well as reconnecting with Curtis. 

This was exactly the novel I needed. Yeah, I cried during several parts. It is well written and the pace is even throughout, but the pages flew by because of the excellent writing, the plot, and the characters. This is the story of a life, an ordinary, realistic person, and a chosen family. It also embodies how actions always have consequences, but this time the actions are giving and caring, are for the good, and the consequences are the same. Following the narrative are discussion questions that could be very beneficial for a book club discussion.

Shirley has faced many unexpected losses in her life, but she still reached out and showed love and kindness while caring for a neglected boy who needed the support. He always remembered the kindness of "Mrs. Shirley" and returns with the same years later. (The title is based on the fable of Androcles and the lion.) The novel spans 1970 to 2026, a lifetime, but moves very quickly. Shirley is regular, normal person who is just doing her best as she ages. She's not wealthy. She has experienced great losses. She doesn't become an opinionated curmudgeon that you are supposed to love because she's grumpy.

The Other Kind of Lion is an excellent choice for those looking for an uplifting domestic drama about a life well lived. Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Cold Sunset

 

Cold Sunset by William Boyd
11/3/26; 272 pages
Grove Atlantic
Gabriel Dax Novel #3 

Cold Sunset by William Boyd is a highly recommended literary espionage novel and the third book in the in this spy-drenched cold war series featuring Gabriel Dax.

In March of 1964 at the behest of Faith Green at MI6’s Institute of Developmental Studies, reluctant spy and travel writer Gabriel Dax meets with F.T. Falkner in Santa Monica. Falkner, a poet and former member of British intelligence in WWII, has information and a name. He believes Angus Fairford was a double agent for the Soviet Union. Faith orders Dax to talk to Fairford, who currently lives in Indianapolis. Once questioned, Fairford admits to being a double agent and agrees to identify others. Once Dax returns to his cottage in Britain, he soon realizes he is going to be targeted by a hitman and Faith wants him to travel to the Soviet Union.  

First, it must be mentioned that I started here, with the third book in the series and I think it would have been a more intelligent choice to start at the beginning. I could immediately tell I was missing backstory and connections from previous adventures. The first two books in the series are Gabriel’s Moon and The Predicament and I would recommend reading them before Cold Sunset. Because I was starting with book three, I also was a bit taken aback by our hero's heavy smoking, hard drinking, and promiscuity. I suppose it represents the 1960's, but it seemed a bit excessive. (This would apply to the description of what Faith is wearing too.)

The writing is quite good and the pace is even in this well-plotted novel. The chronological time line makes traversing the plot a breeze so readers can follow the action and drama along with plenty of treachery, subterfuge, and humor. It becomes clear that trust is a transitory idea that is best met with a cordial suspicion. Even though Dax is completely enamored with his boss, Faith Green, it is clear that she isn't trustworthy, but then this is a novel of spies and double agents, so who is? Even though I was missing backstory, I did enjoy this novel.

Cold Sunset is a great choice for those who enjoy cold war espionage novels and who have read the first two books in the series. Thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Madeline McKnight Signs Off

 

Madeline McKnight Signs Off by Evan Brooke
11/3/26; 352 pages
Atria Books 

Madeline McKnight Signs Off by Evan Brooke is a recommended literary novel, for the right reader.

Madeline McKnight's cancer treatment has ended and now she is waiting for the metastasized cancer to kill her. While in treatment, her doctor suggested journaling, which she considers a waste of time, so Madeline is calling it an annual report. In her report she rates how she is doing among other things. Madeline presents her former friend Cara's daughter, Bri Davis, who is a nursing student, a lucrative proposal if she will take time off from school to come care for her to the end. Bri, who has just broken up with her girlfriend and is drowning in debt, accepts. 

When Bri arrives at Madeline opulent "cabin" in the Poconos, she meets a woman who is still a force of nature and very much still resembles the former power player she once was on Wall Street. She also meets Lee, Madeline's boyfriend, Sue, her assistant and driver, and a Newfoundland name Hopie. This begins the fly fishing sessions and assisting Madeline in setting up a museum devoted to the life of Hetty Green, who was known as the Witch of Wall Street during the Gilded Age.

Chapters in the narrative alternate between the point-of-view of Madeline and Bri, with additional "reports" written by Madeline. This is technically an exceptionally well-written literary novel, but the actual content and plot would perhaps retain your attention more than it did mine if you are very interested in fly fishing, tying fishing flies, and Wall Street history involving Hetty Green, as the storylines are highly dependent upon this. I care zero about both so this narrative presented a struggle to hold my attention from the start and this continued right to the end. 

I liked Hopie. I didn't particularly like or care about any other character. Yes, Madeline reaches acceptance of things she did wrong in the past and Bri matures, experiences emotional growth, and becomes wealthy, but this novel is more dependent upon the plot (fly fishing and information/search for material about Hetty Green) rather than character development. Perhaps the better choice would have been to write a biography about Hetty Green, rather than adding her story to a fictional tale. I may be done with reading books about dying curmudgeonly old women. 

Madeline McKnight Signs Off would be recommended for those interested in a literary novel highly focused on Hetty Green and fly fishing. Thanks to Atria Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

There Are No Giant Crabs in This Novel

 

There Are No Giant Crabs in This Novel by Jason Pargin
11/3/26; 384 pages
St. Martin's Press
John Dies at the End Series #5 

There Are No Giant Crabs in This Novel: A Novel of Giant Crabs by Jason Pargin is a highly recommended bizarre science fiction satire with horror elements featuring peculiar alternate universes threatening our world. And maybe giant crabs. Basically, it is hard to find a category for this entertaining 5th novel in the John Dies at the End series. Pargin opens the novel with a warning: "...you should not read any further if you are in any kind of emotionally fragile place or have recently eaten. What follows is an unflinching look at how the powerful can twist the rest of us in to grotesque tools to serve their own diabolical ends."

John texts his partners David and Amy to report that they need to go look at a very large log of severed arms and legs has suddenly appeared at the Spirit Nothing Store (seasonally swap out Halloween in name). John, David and Amy are local subject matter experts, or the local weirdos, who are called when the cops don't want the headache of some extra-natural event which can be common in their town. Police officer "Judy Justice" meets them there. There are footprints leading away from the body parts. Then there is a strange otherworldly visitor at the house who tells them he believes a Penetrator is here and brought the log of limbs. Oh, and one of the arms is identified as belonging to David, who still has both of his arms....

Each chapter opens with a countdown to how long before the Giant Crab Attack is coming. The pace is fast and the whole absurd complicated multiverse plot has multiples of multiples going on, threatened war, and non-stop action. The town is apparently a magnate for inexplicable events and appearances of... things. As the plot deals with a multiverse situation, there are a variety of different locations and scenes, some humorous, some gory. The characters are... originals. I was unsure if John and, perhaps, David were acting the fool or really were stupid. Amy is acknowledged by everyone to be the brains behind them. 

I somehow stumbled into this series without reading the previous novels because I loved I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom (9/24/24). This is the only one of the John Dies at the End series books I've read. It has been noted that you can read this addition as a standalone, but I still felt I might be missing something by starting here. I will totally admit to feeling lost and confused at first, but once I realized this novel follows its own rules and all I was required to do was read and follow along, all was good.

There Are No Giant Crabs in This Novel is highly recommended. 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.