Gin and Panic by Maia Chance

This is the first book I'd read in this series but it didn't take long for me to catch up to what was going on. Lola Woodby is the main character in this book. She's supposed to be part of society but doesn't really have the money for it. She and her former cook, Berta, have opened up a "discreet retrieval agency" in order to make ends meet. In this book, she's supposed to have a simple retrieval, getting a rhino's head off a hunters wall. But it turns into diamond smuggling and murder and nothing is what it seems.
I thought this would be a fun mystery novel and for some readers it may be. It was just a bit too cutesy for me. Lola was actually pretty annoying what with not actually working on solving the case... ever. And she's food-focused? How is that new or interesting in a female detective?

Two and a half stars
This book comes out October 24

The Cycling Wangdoos by Kelly Pulley

I read this book with a two- and a five-year-old. There was a little too much text on some of the pages to keep the two-year-old's interest. But they mainly seemed to enjoy the pictures. The theme (teamwork is important) is great and the rhythm of the rhymes was very nice. I'm not sure if my ARC was damaged in some way but the book ended really abruptly; it would have been nice to do a wrap up of realization that everyone was doing their part rather than having the book end at the trophies.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out October 24

Unqualified by Anna Faris

If you've ever listened to the podcast, you've got a good idea of what this book is going to be like. If Faris had a ghostwriter, that person captured her voice perfectly. A lot of these stories have also been part of the podcast. And then there's the super-awkwardness of having your ex-husband not only do your introduction, but be referred to by "my sweet husband" in all of the stories that include him. I have a feeling this will be a fabulous audiobook.
If you like Hollywood bios, you'll like this book. If you like Anna Faris, you'll like this book.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out October 24

The Usual Santas: A Collection of Soho Crime Christmas Capers

Loving a holiday story and being a fan of anthologies, I requested this ARC from NetGalley. It is, as described, an eclectic mix of sixteen stories that span the subgenres of mystery from noir to cozy. There are stories with Santas but some without but all take place at the Christmas season. It is a nice collection with authors that were mostly new to me. There really are stories from around the world including England, France, Vietnam, China to name a few. There are also several time periods covered, early 1800s, early 1900s, 1970s, 1980s, present day.
An enjoyable collection.

Four stars
This book comes out October 24

How the Finch Stole Christmas! by Donna Andrews

It’s Christmas in Caerphilly once again. This year brings Michael directing A Christmas Carol but, instead of a one-man show, it’s a full-on play. The university is insisting he bring in an aging B-list (on a good day) television actor in as Scrooge. Too bad the man is not only ill-tempered, he’s drunk more often than not, even with the mayor threatening retaliation to anyone who gives the man liquor. And Meg Langslow’s usual web of spies can’t figure out where the man is getting his booze.

While it might be expected that the grumpy actor is the one to get bumped off, it is actually the man who is supplying him the alcohol. Oh, and seems to be illegally smuggling animals at the same time.

This is your usual Langslow book though lately I’ve felt like the books have fallen into the trap of some other long-time series – there is a certain smugness combined with seemingly miraculous fixes at the end. This has always been a fast, fun, and fluffy series without a lot of depth but the ending on the last couple books have felt more… judge-y than usual. 

Three stars

This book comes out October 24

Meg Langslow #22

Follows Gone Gull

Followed by Toucan Keep a Secret

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Reread as Audible book December 2023, November 2024

Christmastime Cowboy by Maisey Yates

Sabrina and Liam have a past. One that ended badly and scarred both of them for years. It even spiraled to the point where Sabrina is estranged with her father. She now works in the family's vineyard... which no longer belongs to the family since her brother cheated on his wife. Sabrina sided with her (not the reason for the estrangement but it certainly isn't helping since her brother is the family's golden child.)
Liam's family is trying to branch out their dairy program and think that partnering with the vineyard will be a perfect way to do so. Unaware of her past with Liam, Sabrina's boss assigns her to work with him.
Watching these two get back together was interesting. Liam didn't exactly sleep with Sabrina and then discard her but he was still an asshat, even thirteen years later. I didn't love the end of Sabrina's storyline with her father but it was overall a sweet book that regular Yates readers will enjoy.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out October 24

Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm by Dana Simpson

Phoebe and her unicorn are back and as adorable as ever. This time they not only have to deal with Dakota and her goblins but with a serious cold spell and a sudden lack of magic. Marigold and the goblins are able to figure out most of the story but they still have work to do to clear everything up. Through their explorations, they manage to charm the reader as well as help facilitate another human/magical creature pairing. All this and yet there is time for a costume montage.

Four stars

This book comes out October 17
Followed by Unicorn of Many Hats