The Late-Night Witches by Auralee Wallace with Robyn Maryke

Cassie Beckett lives on Prince Edward Island in a neighborhood she loves. The book opens with her enjoying the quiet of her neighborhood but she does feel a gentle quiet, like she's supposed to be doing something other than all of the other things she does as a mother with three kids who's husband is away with Doctors Without Borders.  Then, her sister Eliza appears with a story about going to battle with a car. There's a lot going on. This is really not the time to find out she's The Chosen One. Well, the thirteenth witch. There's a Big Bad and, if he kills her, she's the thirteenth witch and he can escape the curse her great-great-whatever-grandmother put him  under. 

There was some character development but not a lot. There was also a lot of time hopping and glossing over parts. 

Three and a half stars

This book came out August 19, 2025

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

Fortune Favors the Dead by Stephen Spotswood

Willowjean Parker (not the name she was born with) meets Mrs. Pentecost on a fraughte evening when they both almost die. Willow grew up in a small town then moved around frequently with a circus so she hadn't heard of Mrs. Pentecost, the famous detective. But after that night, Mrs. P sought her out and hired her. Three years later, Willow is still working with Mrs. P. They are approached by the Collins twins and their "uncle." Their father committed suicide then, during a party with a seance, their mother is bludgeoned to death. They want to know what is going on. 

Willow and Mrs. P are on the hunt for a murderer and getting pulled into the world of a medium who, past the time when most were moving into the world of tarot readers, is still working with the richest people (including Mrs. Collins.)

The set up very much reminds me of Wolfe and Goodwin with Parker being the legs, though she is not just the muscle, she is very much being trained to take over the agency some day.   

Three and a half stars

Pentecost and Parker #1

This book came out October 27, 2020

Followed by Murder Under Her Skin

Opinions are my own

I Haven't Been Entirely Honest by Miranda Hart

I knew of Miranda Hart from her show, "Miranda," and didn't look to closely at what this book was before requesting it from the library. I didn't realize how much of this would be talking about her illness. I was newly dealing with my own brush with a scary illness and had to take a break from the book for awhile.

She talks a lot about what worked for her in coming to terms with the life she has versus the life she thought she was supposed to lead. Instead, she had to become very introspective, to go into a metaphorical cave to find the treasures of her life. 

As Hart reads the biography, it becomes apparent that many of the most delightful parts of her fictional character are a part of her own true life. Speckled with poetry and suggested dance breaks, this was an interesting story that I may have enjoyed more if I were in a different place in my own life. 

Three and a half stars

This book came out October 10, 2024

Borrowed as ebook from Libby

Opinions are my own

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Agatha Christie

A visit to the dentist doesn't usually but end up with a visit from the police, but it happens to our favorite protagonist. After he sees Dr. Morely for a tooth issue, the man ends up dead. It is possibly a suicide but Japp would like to talk to Poirot anyway. Alistair Blunt had an appointment with the same dentist and there is a possibility that this was an assassination attempt on the banker. 

There is a sprawling cast of characters in this one including an actress who was also at the dentist but who has since disappeared, a political activist, and the people who live with Mr. Blunt. The solution is a bit convoluted but wouldn't be out of place in a story that was written today. 

Three and a half stars

This book came out November 11, 1940

Follows Sad Cypress

Followed by Evil Under the Sun

Borrowed as audiobook from Hoopla

Opinions are my own

Murder on a Moon Trek by Diane Vallere

Sylvia Stryker has a Plunian mother and human father. Her family business is ice mining but she longs to be a part of the Intergalatic Cruise Ship Security team. Perhaps sneaking on board a ship and posing as the uniform lieutenant is not the way to do that but it's a way she can get on board ship. She just has to lay low. 

Too bad practically the first thing she does is discover a dead body which brings her right into the focus on the ship's Head of Security. Then she discovers two of the ship's crew passed out. What is going on on this ship? Neptune, the Security Head seems to believe her but still puts her in a cell. 

There is a lot going on in a relatively short book which introduces not only a number of characters, but a whole world. That means the end is a little rushed but I'd like to at least read the next book to see how the series builds. 

Three and a half stars

Sylvia Stryker Space Mystery #1

This book came out December 17, 2017 (reissued February 5, 2026)

Followed by Scandal on a Moon Trek

ARC kindly provided by Polyester Press and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

A Killer Guest List by Sarah Bonner

A mysterious invitation appears, a party is being hosted at the Holne House and Cassie is ready to go. She's not sure why she and her wife were invited but figures it may be down to a previous coworker she recommended to the venue. When they arrive, they are paired up with a brother-sister team who have also played the game before. 

On the other hand, Sadie has been going to the murder mystery weekends for almost fifty years. And every year she's taken care of somebody who... needed to be taken care of. This year, she's bringing her twenty-five-year-old goddaughter, her best friend's granddaughter. They are paired up with twins, young men for whom this is their first time playing.

There is a LOT going on in this book and we keep seeing the situations as they flip back and forth between Cassie and Sadie. I knew that this was going to be a book to REALLY suspend my disbelief but the ending was a little too much, even based on what we had read so far. An interesting read for most of the book. 

Three and a half stars

This book came out February 10, 2026

ARC kindly provided by Boldwood Books and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Murder Wore a Mask; Deadly Cargo; Danger in the Air by by Neil Richards, Matthew Costello, Nathaniel Parker (Narrator)

Follows books 1, 2, 3

Murder Wore a Mask

Aunt Lavinia is throwing a fancy dress ball. Kat and Harry are attending and having fun, but notice that that is not true for everyone. One of the people, Carmody, who was having a hard time (arguing with others) is found dead by the lake. His partner is convinced it is no accident and asks Aunt Lavinia for help.

The suspects include an MP, Palmer, a singer and her fading-star-actor husband, an illegitimate son posing as a footman.

Three stars

Mydworth Mysteries #4

This book came out May 25, 2020

Audible book of mine

Deadly Cargo

We open with the point of view of a lorry driver. He is delivering a dozen radio-phonographs from the Excelsior Radio Company, arguably some of the best radios currently being made in England. The problem is that someone is getting ahold of the delivery routes. Why? To do what exactly happens to this driver, to hold them up and take away their inventory. The problem is that this is the second time it's happened to this particular driver. Luckily, his wife appeals to Kat and Harry for help. 

There was a LOT going on in this little book. Fast, fun, and fluffy if you need a quick read. 

Three stars

Mydworth Mysteries #5

This book came out December 2, 2020

Audible book of mine

Danger in the Air

Airplanes come to Middlebridge when Amelia Earhart, at the beginning of her fame, has come to England. She, and a number of other pilots, are going to have a show. Harry is especially excited as he used to be a pilot, himself.

It is that history that allows him to notice that the plane that Earhart is flying seems to be having more problems than one might expect. 

Three stars

Mydworth Mysteries #8

This book came out July 28, 2020

Audible book of mine

Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent

10 years ago, Martha's sister disappeared. Today, postcards are arriving at the Clarendon English Dictionary office where Martha now works. The postcards hint at the true series of events that happened. Some of Martha's coworkers today were Charlotte's coworkers then, so there are plenty of suspects, especially when previously held secrets start coming to light. 

I heard about this on NPR's A Way with Words and they were enjoying the wordplay. Knowing of Susie Dent from various game shows, I expected no different. I didn't think there was a lot of plot because there was so much built up around the characters. I also felt vaguely like I had read so many similar books but couldn't really pinpoint one. However, the word use exceeded my expectations. 

Three and a half stars

The Clarendon Lexicographers #1

This book came out August 13, 2024

Borrowed as audiobook from Hoopla

Opinions are my own

The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz

There has been a Harper-Wells feud for generations. Krentz tells us that quite a bit in this book. But that feud seems to have been broken by Sophy's aunt, Bea, and Luke Well's uncle, Deke. And the two have discovered that because Bea and Deke have disappeared.

Luke is in line to inherit his family's company specifically because he has no psychic talent. At least, that's what everyone thinks. However, he is unusually good at pulling data together and coming to conclusions. Most often, this happens when he dreams. He's come to the conclusion that he needs help because he needs someone who can read crime scenes.

Bea is a librarian. She also reads crime scenes and can clear bad energy from a space. In the recent past, she's also had a series of failed experiments, men who have seen her work and then run away. One even called her a succubus.

Of course, these two are going to fit together and they'll figure that out in the three days this book covers. If you enjoy Krentz, I think you'll like this book. 

Four stars

This book comes out January 6, 2026

Loosely connected to the Fogg Lake books
ARC kindly provided by Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley

It's Jane and Dan's nineteenth anniversary (he seems to think it's their twentieth.) Dan won a reservation to a very exclusive restaurant that were for that same night so they are off to have an adventure. Well, sort of. This is the night that Jane is going to tell Dan that she wants a divorce. Except that, right after they are let in to the restaurant with the world's most expensive dessert, the restaurant is invaded by a group of masked gunpeople. They are after a specific patron, one who is not there yet. 

As the night unfolds, both Jane and Dan will have to confront some home truths about themselves, about their family, and about the beliefs they have about the lives they are living. And also, why this all seems to be unfolding like the book Jane wrote six years ago that only three hundred people have read. 

An interesting book with a fun twist although the end stretched my belief suspension just a little too much, but overall enjoyable.

Three and a half stars

This book came out March 11, 2025

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

Double Fudge by Judy Blume

There are two Farley Drexel Hatchers? That's what Pete and his family discover on a trip to Washington, D. C. There, Pete's father rediscovers his cousin, Howie. Howie also has two girls, Flora and Fauna, who are about Pete's age in addition to the Farley who is a couple years younger than the Fudge we've grown to know and love. 

We also get to see past series favorites like Sheila Tubman and Jimmy Fargo, the latter of whom is moving out of the neighborhood with his father which upends Pete's world to no end.

Everything is changing but many things stay the same. A little more out there than some of the books in this series but still enjoyable. 

Four stars

Fudge #5

This book came out September 30, 2002

Follows Fudge-a-Mania

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

A Waffle Lot of Love! by Ben Clanton

It's time for Narwhal and Jelly to go on an epic friend adventure. If only Jelly can get Narwhale to pay attention for more than two minutes. We get to see a lot of sea life on the floor and how other friends are celebrating each other. I feel pretty bad for Jelly but I guess they end up okay. 

Three and a half stars
This book comes out December 30, 2025

Narwhal & Jelly #10
Follows Narwhal's Sweet Tooth

ARC kindly provided by Tundra Book Group and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Audrey Lane Stirs the Pot by Alexis Hall

Though they've been broken up for quite awhile, Audrey Lane still hears the voice her ex-girlfriend berating her for most of her decisions. But she goes on the baking show in Britain anyway. And comes right up against Jennifer Hallett, the producer. It starts when Audrey asks for help for the contestant who is over ninety. She, quite rightly, would prefer that Doris not have to walk up a giant hill to get back to the hotel after a full day of baking. Jennifer just wants her show to work; she's (at least on the outside) more concerned 

I don't remember this from the other books in the series but this book includes some time hopping and a switch to a first person point of view by someone who isn't the main character. And, while that story is kind of lovely and helps Audrey grow, I wish we had seen more of the two characters growing together. 

Three and a half stars

Winner Bakes All #3

This book came out December 9, 2025

Follows Paris Daillencourt is about to Crumble

ARC kindly provided as ebook by Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Experimental Magic by Iris Beaglehole, Lorna Bennett (Narrator)

In the first book of the series, Rosemary and Athena discovered they are witches and are now trying to navigate their new normal. Athena is about to start school and Rosemary is just trying to figure out her powers. And money. For now, she's working in the bakery. 

Athena is trying to figure out how school is going to work. She missed all of the basics and isn't even exactly sure what her power is or if she has power. 

Both Athena and Rosemary have some learning to do in this book. When Athena follows the boy she met in the first book into another realm, it's up to Rosemary and Athena's new friends to help her figure out a way home. Although, Athena does do a lot to help herself (and her father) as well. 

Three and a half stars

This book came out September 5, 2023

Myrtlewood Mysteries #2

Follows Accidental Magic

Followed by Combustible Magic

Borrowed as audiobook from Hoopla

Opinions are my own

Accidental Magic by Iris Beaglehole, Lorna Bennett (Narrator)

Rosemary hasn't seen her grandmother in a long time. That's what makes it so surprising that she's been left her grandmother's whole estate. She's careful not to get her hopes up though anything will help. Her daughter's father has left them in a mountain of debt and Rosemary is drowning. 

Going to the small town to see what her inheritance is, Rosemary is also trying not to get her hopes up. She hasn't spoken to her grandmother in years and the house probably isn't much anyway. Once she's in town, however, she becomes a suspect in her grandmother's murder and isn't allowed to leave. 

The shocks don't stop coming when Rosemary discovers the other family legacy and has to figure out how to save them all.

Three and a half stars

This book came out July 25, 2023

Myrtlewood Mysteries #1

Followed by Experimental Magic

Borrowed as audiobook from Audible Plus

Opinions are my own

Mistletoe Murders 3 and 4 by Ken Cuperus, Raymond Ablack (Narrator), Ann Carol Ann, Cobie Smulders (Narrator), Anna Cathcart (Narrator)

Mistletoe Murders 3

It's a year later and we're back in Fletcher's Grove. Emily's past has come back to haunt her. Not only is it possible that the group that almost took her out before is trying again, but her old boss and former flame is now in town trying to keep her safe. That is throwing her current relationship a little bit.... off. They're still finding time for themselves but it has to be a little more hidden. Of course, the murders aren't helping...

The first two sets of stories revolve around the wedding of Emily' frenemy. There have been a series of mishaps leading up to the wedding. The wedding day is the lowest, when the husband-to-be is almost killed and his good friend dies in an accident involving an amp. Lots of characters from past stories in this one. 

The last story has Sam's daughter trying to get into a prestigious forensics school. Unforunately, there's a body found on the first day on campus. In this story, Emiliy isn't featured as prominently but she does almost die.

Three and a half stars

Mistletoe Murders #3

This book came out November 7, 2024

Follows Mistletoe Murders #2

Borrowd as audiobook from Audible Plus

Mistletoe Murders 4

These stories are fast, fun, and fluffy. Not a lot of depth but really fun to listen to. 
It's been eleven months since Emily had to leave Fletcher's Grove. We don't know much about what we did while she was gone, but we get the conflicting emotions of her return. While the town doesn't seem to have changed much, it is just enough for Emily to feel off kilter. One of the changes is that Sam seems to have moved on which, fair, Emily had to leave without a word. 
Not everything has changed though, there are still secrets... and murders. So Emily hops right back in with one more person who knows her past and one who seems bent on murdering her. 
The series again ends on a cliffhanger, but this one has more serious implications if it all goes wrong. 

Three and a half stars

Mistletoe Murders #4

This book came out November 6, 2025

Borrowd as audiobook from Audible Plus

Opinions are my own

The Holly Village Murders by Benedict Brown

Marius and Bella have another mystery to solve when her Aunt Adele dies. They immediately head for her cottage in Holly Village which is made up mainly of people who are classed as "elderly." There have been a number of deaths in the past year but that's not really suspicious based on the median age. 

What is odd, however, is that the Manet that was over Adele's fireplace has disappeared and another painting was put in it's place. Compounding that is the fact that Adele's death is not the last that this group of people will see. 

An interesting story wherein Bella and Marius are pretending to be married. A nice addition to the series. I don't think you'd need to read other books in the series but it might help. 

Three and a half stars

Marius Quin Mystery #6

This book came out November 10, 2025

Follows Arsenic and Old Lies

ARC kindly provided Storm Publishing and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Middlebridge Mysteries by Ken Cuperus

This was a fast, fun, and fluffy offshoot of the Mistletoe Murders. Violet Winters was introduced as the daughter of a policeman in that series but now she is starting school at the illusterious Middlebridge University. Her mom's alma mater and Violet's dream school. She is working on graduating with a degree in criminology, but she has to make time to study and not be so distracted by mysteries. Mysteries like a missing cadaver, a professor who may or may not have completed his own work, and football players who are popping positive on drug tests yet claiming they are clean.

Violet was a little annoying and made a lot of bad decisions but it didn't seem outside the scope of a teenager who is just figuring out how to make her way in the world. It just made her a little more annoying than I thought she needed to be. 

Three stars

Middlebridge Mysteries #1

This book came out July 24, 2025

Borrowed as audiobook from Audible Plus

Opinions are my own

The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell

I was really expecting more with a subtitle like "Notes on Modern Irrationality." Really, most of this boiled down to concepts that have been around for... quite awhile. Like "Sunk Cost Fallacy" or the "Recency Illusion." Neither are new in the scope of humankind. 

Montell is a good writer but I wish there had been either a warning that this was more memoir than I was expecting or a deeper dive into some of these concepts. Montell generally defines them but doesn't give the same rigor to these as she had in previous books. 

Three and a half stars

This book came out April 9, 2024

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

Find Your Why: A practical leadership book to bring purpose to your team by Simon Sinek, David Mead, Peter Docker

This is a companion book to Sinek's "Start with Why." This book helps you to define and refine your why. It's a long process (estimated needing at least 3 hours for individuals, 4 for teams.) It starts with stories and discovering what themes are in the stories you remember the most, what gives you pride or regret. This is best done with a facilitator and there are notes throughout the book to help them. 

One thing that stuck with me is that people's whys may sound the same on the surface and that's okay. Hows and whats will provide variety to everyone. 

Three and a half stars

This book came out September 5, 2017

Connect to Start with Why

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own