Adversary to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer,narrator: Em Eldridge

I’m not sure why I keep reading this series (actually, in this case, I borrowed the book from a friend about three years ago and felt obligated to read it at this point). At this point it is mostly about Hannah’s love life rather than the mysteries. In this one, she starts by telling her church’s congregaton that she’s not married and the reason why. Everyone rallies behind her, one man threatening to kill her erstwhile husband. But then her husband starts pressing her for the money he gave her as a wedding gift and Hannah is trying to give it back but the bank’s red tape is working against her. Then Nolan turns up dead and the reason for his killing is not really fairly clued.

Four stars

Assistant to the Villain #4

Follows Apprentice to the Villain

Followed by ?????

This book came out August 4, 2026

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

Caffeinated Calamity by Amanda M. Lee

Stormy is coming to terms with being a witch. She’s also hoping to get back together with her ex from high school but he literally just broke up with someone and wants to wait a week. They’re not very good at waiting. 

Meanwhile there’s a murder. A woman who played euchre with her gradmother’s senior center. Stormy inserts herself into the investigation again. 

Lando seems to recognize what she is and invites her over to dinner with his fiancee’s family in Hemlock Cove (crossover) 

Fantastic turn of phrase, forgot how much I like this author, made me laugh several times, one of which was euchre-related. 

Four stars

Two Broomsticks Gas & Grill Witch #2

Follows Sinfully Delicious

Followed by A Little Slice of Death

This book came out

Lonelyheart 4122 by Colin Watson

I'm fairly certain I heard about this book on the "Classic Mysteries" podcast, but, alas, the website is no longer available so I can't confirm. It was an interesting book but it took me a LOOOOONG time to finish. There are definitely stereotypes included in this book that would (hopefully) not have been added today. The story is certainly an interesting conceit.  

The book is the fourth in a series starring D. I. Purbright and Sergeant Sid Love. I belive that Miss Teatime is a new character to the series. She seems to be a lonely and vulnerable older woman and that is perfect because that is the victim-type of the crime our Detective Inspector is investigating. 

The mystery kicks off when Arthur Spain realizes he hasn't seen his sister-in-law for awhile. When he goes over to check out what is happening, he discovers her home has been sold. The only clue seems to be that she has been corresponding with a man through a Lonely Hearts club. 

Three and a half stars

Flaxborough #4

Follows Hopjoy Was Here

Followed by Charity Ends at Home

This book came out in 1967

This is a book licensed to me from Kindle

Opinions are my own

Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley; Agatha Christie

stars

This book comes out September 22, 2026

(Loosely) Follows Miss Marple's Final Cases

ARC kindly provided by William Morrow and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

A Killer for Christmas by Kim Harrington

stars

This book comes out September 22, 2026

ARC kindly provided by Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley

Opinions are my own

Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled by Dorothy Gilman

Mrs. Pollifax is itching for a new case. And, luckily, there's one on the books. It includes traveling with her good friend, Farrell to find an American woman who spoiled a hijacking and then was promptly kidnapped. As usual, she'll find herself in situations that are unbelievable and yet fun as she wriggles her way out of them. 

Three and a half stars

Mrs. Pollifax #14

Follows Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist

Last in series

This book came out February 1, 2000

Hard copy I did not keep

Opinions are my own

Helping People Change by Melvin L. Smith, Ellen Van Oosten, Richard Boyatzis

This is an interesting look at how peole can coach others, leading with compassion. They use stories and reading guides to help people become the best coaches that they can be, whether in work or in the rest of their lives. 

There were a LOT of initialisms in this book and quite a few sound very similar if you are listening to the audiobook. Some parts were also repetitive. I couldn't tell if that was to cement learning or whether it was filler to bulk out the book. It was also a little overly optimistic. I don't mind that in a cozy mystery but I refer my nonfiction to be a bit more pragmatic.

Three stars

This book came out August 20, 2019

Borrowed as audiobook from Hoopla

Opinions are my own