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.

The Riddle Maker

 

The Riddle Maker by Bruce Borgos
11/17/26; 352 pages
St. Martin's Press
Porter Beck Mystery #4 

The Riddle Maker by Bruce Borgos is a very highly recommended investigative mystery and the fourth book in the Porter Beck series. It was a pleasure to return to Lincoln County, Nevada and it's environs to following Beck and Charlie on more investigations. 

Sheriff Porter Beck receives an anonymous riddle addressed to him that a tourist originally found it in the Black Mailbox, located in the desert by Area 51. Arshal Jessup delivered the message to Beck and Charlie Blue Horse, a state police detective and Beck's fiancee when they are in Los Vegas for Charlie's OB appointment and Beck's eye doctor appointment. Charlie is 6 months pregnant and the two have decided to get married. Beck's retinitis pigmentosa (degenerating night vision) hasn't progressed, but this time the doctor wants him to try a new procedure PHAROS-11, which could bring back some night vision.  The riddle leads them to Lake Mead where they find a 55 gallon oil drum chained to the bottom. Inside are the remains of Press Halvorson, a man who went missing in 1975 and Beck's grandfather.  

When FBI profiler Jett Lowell learns of Beck's riddle, she immediately travels to Nevada. Jet believes a serial killer is at work. She also received a riddle 7 years ago, when she was 24, about her brother who was kidnapped when he was 5 and she was 14. His body was never found. Everyone unravels Jett's riddle, finding another body. This results in another riddle and body. At the same time, Beck asks X-files (Greg Knutson) to investigate 2 crop circles covering an acre each in alfalfa fields that the dogs go crazy when near.  Additionally, Charlie goes to investigate another bull elk shooting and is almost killed by a sniper. Needless to say, there is a whole lot going on in Nevada.

This is another well-written, excellent addition to the series. The pace is lightning-fast and the tension quickly rises throughout this intelligent and complex investigative mystery. Both the intrigue and the action are sustained and truly non-stop right to the exciting conclusion. Expect an intricate, immersive plot that moves quickly while keeping your engagement high. Twists abound in the narrative as discoveries and new information are uncovered. The setting is a major part of the series. I think it can be read as a standalone novel, but will definitely be enjoyed by those following the series.

All the characters in the series are well-developed and portrayed as realistic individuals with strengths and weaknesses. Returning supporting characters to the series are back, if briefly, including Beck's dog, Columbo/Bo, Arshal Jessup, Sev Valasco, Vegas Detective Darlene Spear, Beck's sister Brinley and daughter Mercy, the identical twin deputies (Twin Peaks/Jolly Greens), Deputy Tuffy, and the podcaster named “X-Files."

The Riddle Maker is an excellent choice for those who enjoy investigative mysteries. 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.

All the Little Secrets

 

All the Little Secrets by May Cobb
11/17/26; 400 pages
Sourcebooks Landmark 

All the Little Secrets by May Cobb is a very highly recommended soapy domestic thriller. This is the sequel to All the Little Houses, set in the mid-1980s, and marks the return to Longview, Texas, I have been anxiously awaiting. 

It opens with a murder and brings back all the egos, trash talk, grudges, secrets, infidelity, drinking, social scandals, amoral actions expected and adds a couple ruthless power grabs to the mix. This, again, quickly becomes a wildly entertaining guilty pleasure to read. While it says it is a standalone thriller, I really think you need to read All the Little Houses first and then jump right into All the Little Secrets. Trust me on this. I'm not going to say much purposefully so it won't spoil anything.

The well-written, complex plot opens following a murder. The social order in Longview is in turmoil and among the mourners there are several suspects. At the same time there are also several schemes in play where people want to increase their own position and power in the local hierarchy. The ghost of the deceased is still around, observing everything. 

All the characters from the first novel are here:  Alexander and Charleigh Andersen and their spoiled daughter Nellie; Jackson Ford, Charleigh's best friend; Ethan and Abigail Swift, their daughters Jane, Julia, and Molly; Luke; and Detective Roy Walker. In short chapters that make the pace move very quickly, the narrative switches between the point-of-view of Detective Walker, Jackson, Charleigh, Abigail, Nellie, Jane, and, briefly. Julia. As the narrators tell the story through their perspective, the suspense and tension increase. This novel would make a great movie or TV show with all the beautiful, unlikable characters scheming while smiling.

Yet again, everyone is behaving badly, which is what keeps this soapy melodrama un-put-downable. There is also a backstory for several of the characters that increase the tension and drama. This time out the ending brings more closure but leaves things open for a third book. Honestly, just like the first novel, every character is unlikable, ruthless, and resentful while planning the downfall of someone while trying to elevate themselves. All the lies, secrets, misbehavior, scheming, revenge, drinking, grudges, etc., run rampant through every page and with every character. 

All the Little Secrets is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys soapy dramas full of people behaving badly and especially those who have read All the Little Houses. 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 Collateral Heart

 

The Collateral Heart by Jeffery Deaver
11/17/26; 416 pages
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Lincoln Rhyme series #17 

The Collateral Heart by Jeffery Deaver is a highly recommended investigative thriller and the 17th book in the Lincoln Rhyme series. After former Homicide Detective Lincoln Rhyme became a quadriplegic, he began working as a Forensic Criminalist/Consultant with the NYPD. Amelia Sachs is his partner and wife who acts as his eyes as she walks crime scenes. This time they are investigating a series of arson cases in New York City.

The first fire was set at the abandoned Abernathy & Ca building in Spanish Harlem and nearly kills a homeless man living there. The arsonist left behind a clue: a fireproof box with the number 1 painted on and contents that provide clues which once parsed indicate more fires will be happening and they do. The two turn to James Harper, a famous historian and host of a popular history podcast for information about the clues. Simultaneously another investigation is underway. Desdemona (Des) Vale is a detective and grandmother from Long Island who is determinedly and diligently searching for the killer of a young woman. 

Adding to the complexity, NYPD partner, Detective Lon Sellitto visits Rhyme to discuss the attempted assassination of Edward McGuire, founder and CEO of McGuire Computer Services, the developer of a new large language search engine. The assassin, anti-corporate activist Thomas Elron Olsen, was shot by McGuire's bodyguard, but Sellitto suspects a larger widespread conspiracy is afoot. Could all of this tie together?

This is a well-written, complex series of investigations underway that keep a steady pace as clues are uncovered and leads followed in the plot. In the investigations everything - clues, information, and evidence - is all logically uncovered and followed up on. There is a whole lot of additional information and historical background provided to support the investigation in the narrative that also serves to add complexity to the already complicated twisty plot. I did feel my attention waning at times while reading, but everything does lead to a satisfying conclusion.

At this point, when you reach book 17 in a series, the main characters and supporting characters are all well known and established. This time, Des Vale is a wonderful character and addition to the plot. I especially enjoyed following her character development that was detailed enough that it seemed to point to another appearance in a future novel.

The Collateral Heart is a great choice for those who enjoy complex investigative procedurals and are following the Lincoln Rhyme series. Thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Dream Family

 

The Dream Family by Lisa Hall
11/5/26; 300 pages
Joffe Books 

The Dream Family by Lisa Hall is a soapy domestic drama following an influencer. 

Heather Joseph is a social media influencer and is "the" Heather @ EverythingInItsPlace. She is making a good income now that she has reached hundred thousand followers.  She, her husband Jason, and their 10 year-old daughter Cora have just moved to Heather's dream home in her old hometown of Mapleford. When dropping off Cora for her first day of school Heather meets Tim, who introduces her to some of the other moms, Sanna, Verity, and Avanti. While Verity heads off to work, the others all invite Heather to coffee after drop-off and she enjoys their company. 

It seems like the move was a good choice, until someone switches Cora's lunch with junk food and reports her for stealing. Heather is also receiving aggressive, threatening messages from an anonymous sending calling her names. There are also several saying, "When are you ever going to learn that the truth can't stay hidden forever?" Posts appear that Heather didn't make. Someone is targeting Heather... and is Jason cheating again? 

After opening with an attention-grabbing future scene where Cora is picked up from a playdate by someone else, the plot settles into even-paced plot. It is also a very, very predictable plot, so the enjoyment is found in the soap opera-esque drama and interaction between characters. There is someone threatening Heather. This results in a modicum of suspense and tension building while you are waiting for the end. At the end the action picks up in a sudden burst and you get the popcorn drama you've been waiting for.

None of the characters are even remotely likable and they all feel fake, like caricatures of a type of person. That includes Heather. I think the influencer mommy character has had a good run in various dramas now and perhaps it's time to move on to some new archetype for the main character. (Note: this was originally titled The Playdate and the title was changed before publication.) I enjoyed other novels by Hall more.

The Dream Family is a good choice for those who like soapy dramas. Thanks to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Lying Dead

 

The Lying Dead by Nick Louth
11/12/26; 320 pages
Canelo 
Detective Jan Talantire #6

The Lying Dead by Nick Louth is a very highly recommended police procedural and the 6th book in the series featuring Detective Jan Talantire. This continues to be an excellent series with interesting, complex investigations. The previous books in the series include: The Two Deaths of Ruth Lyle, The Last Ride, The Dark Edge, The Deep End, and The Hanging Place.

At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barnstaple, two assailants wearing gorilla masks, one in a wheelchair, enter the stroke unit on the Tarka Ward. A nurse is held at gunpoint by one, while the one in the wheelchair shoots a newly admitted stroke patient, name unknown, three times. The masked attackers leave, threatening nursing staff on their way out. DI Jan Talantire responds along with DC Dave Nuttall and DS Maddy Moran. The name of the victim is unknown. He was found, already unconscious, at a nightclub with no ID and no phone. The staff along with the head of the hospital, Dr. Darragh McNamara are reluctant to share information, ostensibly based on privacy, or work with the police, which makes their job more difficult. Some of them display a decidedly truculent attitude. As Talantire’s detective team delves deep for clues, they also expose more than expected. 
 
This presents us with another well-written, complex, and extensive investigation that includes twists and surprising discoveries. It is a welcome addition to the series. Jan Talantire and her team are faced with a crime to solve, unhelpful hospital staff, and, as they investigate, the case becomes increasingly complex and comprehensive. Their work cut out for them trying to determine exactly what happened with the clues available and everything has to be carefully examined and considered. I always appreciate procedurals where the the investigation is thorough and clues are logically followed up on in the investigation. 

Talantire's is portrayed as a tough, intelligent and compelling character with strengths and flaws. Her character's personality is well established by this addition to the series and most of the team members should be recognizable to those following the series. This time the narrative doesn't follow the personal details of the characters lives as much as it has in other outings.

Although this is the 6th book in the series, I think it could be enjoyed as a standalone novel but you would miss the previous character development. It is also noteworthy that Nick Louth has a note to readers at the end of the novel informing readers that he suffered a stroke in January of 2025, which was some inspiration for the setting of The Lying Dead.

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