Murder Cuts the Mustard By: Jessica Elliott To Be Published: 10/29/19

Oh, how I lOVE this series!  It combines my love of all things British, fun characters and a great mystery.  In this third installment, Edwina and Beryl deal with an interloper in the grading shed, ashes on a gravestone and condiments!  If you're wondering how all of those things come together to make any sense, you'll have to read the book when it's published.  Also-make sure you check out the author's note to check in on the historical context in which the story is set.

Christmas Cocoa Murder By: Carlene O'Connor/Maddie Day/Alex Erickson To Be Published: 9/24/19

I Love that Kensington Publishing puts out these themed compilations.  It's a fantastic opportunity to check in with authors you know and learn about authors you don't.  Having not read any of Carlene O'Connor's work prior to this, her story was a great introduction to Siobhan and the small Irish village setting of her series. Maddie Day delivers another stunning mystery and another installation of her Country Store Series.  Having only read one other work by Alex Erickson, I was thrilled to visit with Krissy again-and her adventure in an escape room was amazing!  All of these stories feature the Christmas holiday and hot cocoa in some sort of intriguing twist to the story.  A must for cozy fans!

a friend's manuscript of the first book in a new series

I'm blessed to be surrounded by many talented authors, and doubly blessed when they ask me to take a gander at their new work. This one is a 1st for a new series, by a beloved, established cozy author. A fantastic twist on a classic fish out of water heroine, having to navigate new surroundings while solving all sorts of mysteries. The author's fans will love this new series!

Undying Glory: The Story of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment By: Clinton Cox

Although short in pages, this fascinating look at the 54th is long on facts and action.  It's very rare for a short book to pack so much information in without being dry, but Mr. Cox has managed it!  A vivid picture of the formation of the MA 54th, and the circumstances surrounding it and their place in the Civil War's and the US' history.

The Nest By: Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

A set of four siblings, all with unique problems, wait for their inheritance.  That's it-a simple concept-yet the drama that ensues is anything but simple.  A searing, yet humorous, and touching look at family, friends, responsibility and finding one's own freedom within the confines of one's life.  A great read!

The Battle of Gettysburg By: Neil Johnson

A quick look at the re-enactment of the 3 major engagements that made up the battle of Gettysburg. Too short to give a great amount of detail, but the pictures were cool.

The Boys' War By: Jim Murphy

This one was more informational about certain topics, and had some pop from the boy soldiers, but a lot less than I was expecting.

Gentle Annie By: Mary Franics Shura

I know this is written for a younger audience, but if it's well written, it's well written and this is well written.  Culled from newspaper articles and personal recollections, the story of Gentle Annie, is beautifully crafted, it moves, and is moving.  A lovely little biography of an extraordinary young woman.

The Under Dog and Other Stories By: Agatha Christie

The more I read of Hercule's adventures, whether long form, or in this case, short stories, I realize he is a major putz!  He's a lovely, quirky putz, but a putz none the less.  It's a testament to Dame Christie that she can write a character who can be pompous and annoying, and yet fascinating enough to keep readers coming back for more!

Three Blind Mice and Other Stories By: Agatha Christie

This series of short mysteries, remind me why I adore Agatha Christie.  Her ability to set a scene, have plenty of action and a plausible solution all within a few pages is extraordinary!  

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost By: Traci Wilton

A fun romp through Salem (a neighboring town to where I live), with Charlene, the new B&B she's opening and the ghost who inhabits it.  Roam around historic Salem as Charlene attempts to release Jack from his early confines and maybe solves a murder or two!

The Way of Kings By: Brandon Sanderson

WOW!!!!! This is an extraordinary world, with extraordinary characters in a SUPERB novel!  What an achievement-a work that didn't drag over more than 1200 pages, that created a whole world, fascinating story lines and gorgeous writing.  The most amazing aspect of this novel is that Mr. Sanderson managed to wrap up all of the story lines, and "end" the book, while at the same time, not ending it and leaving the reader sated but desperate for more.  Sanderson's works take the usual fantasy tropes and makes them new, and interesting.  Can't wait to dig in to book #2!