Saturday, June 13, 2026

BLOG TOUR - Beach Thriller

Title:  Beach Thriller
Author Jamie Day  
Publisher:  Macmillan Audio
Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers
Format:  Audio ALC and Kindle ARC
Length:  12 hrs 20 min
Narrators: Emily Shaffer, Jane Oppenheimer,
  Jennifer Pickens, Megan Tusing
No. of Pages:  368
Date of Publication:  June 9, 2026
My Rating:  4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

The next riveting summer suspense by the author of THE BLOCK PARTY, ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY, and THE LAKE ESCAPE Jamie Day.

Holly Sinclair, a struggling writer, is forced from her cherished New York apartment and returns to her family's seaside cottage in the charming town of Beauport, Massachusetts—a home she hasn't seen in nearly twenty years. Guilt grabs her the moment she arrives. Years ago, her sister died here, and Holly still blames herself.

She arrives on a mission from her literary agent to write a best-selling novel. Her future depends on it. But she’s not the only one with an agenda. Someone is watching Holly's every move from the shadows. Desperate for a good idea, Holly makes the fateful choice to write about her past. The Watcher sees all and knows what Holly doesn’t: Some secrets must remain buried.

As threats from the ominous Watcher become increasingly sinister, Holly realizes that, even though the past is a faint echo, it is still close enough to be deadly.


MY THOUGHTS:

Holly Sinclair is a struggling writer whose life has hit a rough patch. Recently evicted and feeling very much alone, she returns to Beauport, Massachusetts, the one place she swore she would never go back to. Nearly twenty years earlier, Holly lost her sister Anna, a tragedy that has haunted her ever since. With her writing career stalled, Holly is encouraged to write about Anna’s death and the events surrounding it.

Writing such a book is sure to be painful, but could it also be therapeutic? As Holly begins digging into the past and researching what really happened to Anna, she starts receiving threatening messages. Someone clearly does not want old secrets brought to light. At the same time, Holly unexpectedly finds herself caring for a runaway teenager named Jade. After hearing strange noises coming from her attic, Holly discovers Jade hiding there, and the girl’s arrival soon becomes intertwined with the mystery.

Told through multiple points of view, including those of Holly and Jade, the story also features a third narrator - an unnamed “Watcher.” This mysterious perspective adds an extra layer of suspense and creeping tension to an already intriguing story. The alternating viewpoints keep the pages turning as secrets slowly unravel and danger draws ever closer.

Jamie Day delivers a compelling blend of family drama, long-buried secrets, and psychological suspense. With its coastal Massachusetts setting, engaging characters, and steadily building tension, Beach Thriller is a captivating summer read that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

SERIES RREVIEW - Hill House Vintage Murder Mystery



SERIES DESCRIPTION:

From the creator of Hill House Vintage and “Queen of Cottagecore” (Vogue), a fresh, witty, fun, and delightfully quirky cozy crime novel set in a seemingly sleepy English village for fans of Richard Osman, Parini Shroff, Benjamin Stevenson, and Anthony Horowitz.

“Miss Marple for the 21st Century.”―S.J. Bennett, author of The Windsor Knot

Welcome to the beautiful, bucolic village of Pudding Corner, where there's death amongst the dahlias …

Daphne Brewster has gladly swapped south London for Pudding Corner, a Norfolk hamlet full of quintessentially English charm. With a mix of stone cottages, Georgian architecture, and Victorian Gothic houses all nestled together and surrounded by fields of gold and green, Pudding Corner and its neighboring village of Pepperbridge seem as far from the bustle of city living as one can get.

For Daphne, joy at moving into beautiful Cranberry Farmhouse with her husband, James, and their three young children is tempered by some concerns about being the only Black woman for miles around. But within a few short months, Daphne has become known as the parish’s “Vintage Lady” and has set up her own shop. Business is thriving, and so is her family. As for Pudding Corner, it’s rapidly revealing itself to be filled with complicated, intertwined lives on par with anything she left behind. Then the local school’s headmaster is found dead in his allotment patch, unleashing a storm of secrets and scandal.

Even a sleepy village has its social hierarchy, and as her new friend, Minerva, becomes a target of whispers and speculation, Daphne can’t resist getting involved. Fighting for the underdog comes as naturally as sourcing the perfect vintage piece. But there is more at stake here than Daphne could have guessed, and a killer who has succeeded once is all too willing to try again …


THE POTTING SHED MURDER 

Author Paula Sutton
Series:   Hill House Vintage Murder Mysteries Book 1
Publisher:  Kensington/RB Media 
Genre:   Cozy 
Format:  Audiobook
Narrator:  Jane Ajia
Length:   9 hrs 19 mins
No. of Pages:   240
Date of Publication:   May 26, 2026
Rating:  4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Welcome to the sleepy village of Pudding Corner, a quintessentially English haven of golden cornfields, winding cobbled lanes … and murder.

Daphne Brewster has left London behind and is settling into her family’s new life in rural Norfolk, planting broad beans in raised beds and vintage hunting for their farmhouse.

But when the local headmaster is found dead in his potting shed, amongst his allotment cabbages, the village is ablaze: Who would kill beloved Mr Papplewick, pillar of the community? Daphne soon comes to realise perhaps the countryside isn’t so idyllic after all…

When the headmaster’s widow points her finger at Minnerva, Daphne’s new friend, Daphne vows to clear her name. Sneaking into the crime scene and chasing down rumours gets her into hot water with the local inspector – until she comes across a faded photograph that unearths a secret buried for forty years…

They say nothing bad ever happens in close-knit Pudding Corner, but Daphne is close to the truth – dangerously close…

There’s death amongst the dahlias… A truly unputdownable whodunnit by Paula Sutton – otherwise known as Instagram’s happiest influencer: Hill House Vintage, the queen of cottagecore – an unforgettable new voice in cosy crime. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Janice Hallett and Richard Coles.

MY THOUGHTS:

Daphne Brewster is convinced that moving her family to the sleepy village of Pudding Corner will be a wonderful fresh start. But village life quickly proves to be more complicated than she expected when the local headmaster is found dead in his potting shed. By all accounts, he was a well-liked and respected member of the community—yet someone clearly had a reason to want him dead.

When suspicion falls on Daphne’s friend Minerva, she refuses to stand by and watch her be wrongly accused. Determined to uncover the truth, Daphne begins asking questions of her own, only to discover that beneath the village’s charming exterior lie plenty of secrets.

What a delightful beginning to a new cozy mystery series! I instantly connected with Daphne and thoroughly enjoyed following her as she skillfully navigated the intricacies of village life while simultaneously unraveling a murder investigation. I particularly appreciated Daphne’s representation as a woman of color, a refreshing change from the predominantly white casts I often encounter in cozy mystery series. The captivating setting, engaging characters, and intriguing mystery all came together to create an enjoyable and promising series debut. I couldn’t wait to dive into her next book, The Body in the Kitchen Garden.


THE BODY IN THE KITCHEN GARDEN

Author Paula Sutton
Series:   Hill House Vintage Murder Mysteries Book 2
Publisher:  Kensington/RB Media 
Genre:   Cozy 
Format:  ALC
Narrator:  Jane Ajia
Length:  7 hrs 3 mins
No. of Pages:   240
Date of Publication:   May 26, 2026
My Rating:  4 Stars
  
DESCRIPTION:

Welcome to the idyllic village of Pudding Corner. Tea is poured, secrets simmer, gardens hide more than just weeds - and murder is blooming once again...

Pudding Corner is the enigmatic Lord Hugh Darlington has returned to his crumbling ancestral home after years away. With his fiancée, he plans to revive the grand Darlington Hall - and who better to help than vintage aficionado Daphne Brewster?

Daphne is enchanted by the estate's stained-glass windows, regal turrets, and sprawling kitchen garden. But amidst the overgrown greenery, she stumbles upon something far less a body. A body that nobody can identify.

As the shocking murder rocks the village, Daphne dusts off her sleuthing skills - despite the local PC's warnings to stay out of trouble. When Lord Darlington is attacked and a string of burglaries shakes Pudding Corner, it's clear that no one is safe.

With secrets buried deep and loyalties more tangled than ivy, Daphne must unearth the truth... before the killer strikes again.

Wickedly witty and brimming with twists as sharp as a pair of antique shears, The Body in the Kitchen Garden is a cosy crime story that will keep you guessing until the very last clue is uncovered. Perfect for fans of Richard Coles, C.L Miller and Ian Moore.


MY THOUGHTS:

Daphne Brewster has settled comfortably into her new home in Pudding Corner, a picturesque village that should be the very definition of peace and tranquility. A year earlier, Daphne found herself investigating a murder, and before long she will have another mystery on her hands. When she’s not tending her garden, Daphne enjoys hunting for antiques, making her a perfect fit for village life.

In this second installment of the series, Lord Hugh Darlington returns to Pudding Corner with his fiancée, determined to restore his family’s long-neglected ancestral home. Having been away for many years, Hugh discovers that the once-grand estate has fallen into significant disrepair. When Daphne learns of the restoration project, she eagerly offers her help. However, her enthusiasm quickly gives way to concern when she discovers a dead body on the property. Once again, Daphne must put on her amateur sleuth hat and uncover the truth behind a shocking murder.

Paula Sutton delivers another charming cozy mystery filled with village intrigue, colorful characters, and plenty of secrets lurking beneath the surface. Daphne continues to be a delightful protagonist—intelligent, resourceful, and impossible not to root for. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with enough twists and suspects to keep readers guessing until the end. Fans of traditional British cozy mysteries will find much to enjoy in this delightful return to Pudding Corner.

Many thanks to Kensington/RB Media and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - The Anniversary

 Title:  The Anniversary 
Author Alex Finlay
Publisher:  Minotaur Books
Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers
Format:   Kindle ARC
Narrators:  Ari Flakos; Brittany Pressley 
Length:  7 hrs 38 mins
No. of Pages:   336
Date of Publication:   May 12, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars
DESCRIPTION:

Every Year He Comes For Them.

On one fateful night in 1992, the lives of two seventeen-year-olds are changed and intertwined forever. Quinn Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, is arrested after he innocently tries to break up a fight but ends up nearly killing someone. Jules Delaney, high school royalty, survives an attack by the elusive and terrifying May Day Killer—a serial predator who strikes every May 1st in midwestern small towns.

A year later, Jules is struggling with trauma and guilt, tormented by one question: Why was I spared? Quinn is newly released from juvenile detention and returns home to fresh the unsolved murder of his mother.

Over the next decade, their lives are revisited on a single day each year—May 1st. As secrets unravel and the paths of Quinn and Jules collide, two mysteries edge closer to the truth. All the while, the May Day Killer is still out there—and the clock is racing toward another May 1st.

The Anniversary is an utterly compelling story of the hunt for a serial killer. But it’s also a heartfelt—and heartrending—novel about fate, innocence lost, and two souls who find that sometimes being broken is the only way for the light to get in.


MY THOUGHTS:

Once a year, on May 1, a brutal attack occurs. For ten consecutive years, fear grips a small town as a serial predator strikes again and again. It all begins in 1992, when the man who becomes known as the May Day Killer changes two lives forever.

For Quinn Riley, a teenager who tries to break up a fight, one terrible decision leads to an arrest and consequences that will follow him for years. For Jules Delaney, survival comes at a steep price after she becomes one of the killer’s victims. Though their experiences are very different, both are forever marked by the events of that fateful day.

As the years pass, Quinn’s and Jules’s lives continue to intersect, particularly as each May 1 anniversary approaches. Along the way, long-buried secrets begin to surface, and new mysteries emerge. With another anniversary drawing near, tensions rise and the stakes grow higher.

Will the May Day Killer finally be identified and brought to justice, or will he continue to terrorize the communities that have lived in fear for a decade?

Alex Finlay delivers a suspenseful thriller filled with twists, secrets, and mounting tension. The annual countdown to May 1 creates a sense of dread that keeps the pages turning, while the intertwined stories of Quinn and Jules add emotional depth to the mystery. The Anniversary is an engaging, fast-paced read that will keep thriller fans guessing until the very end.

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alex Finlay is the author of the 2021 breakout novel, Every Last Fear, the 2022 Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Mystery & Thriller, The Night Shift, and the 2023 LibraryReads Hall of Fame recipient, What Have We Done.  His work has been an Indie Next pick, a LibraryReads selection, an Amazon Editor’s Best Thriller, as well as a Cosmopolitan, CNN, Newsweek, E!, BuzzFeed, Business Week, Goodreads, Parade, PopSugar, Scribd, and Reader’s Digest best or most anticipated thrillers of the year. Alex’s novels have been translated into twenty-one languages and are sold around the world.  All of his novels have been optioned for film and television, and Every Last Fear is in development for a major limited series.  

Alex writes under a pen name and is a prominent Washington, D.C. lawyer who has represented clients in more than 40 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

His next novel If Something Happens to Me releases in May 2024.


Review - Murder by Design

Title:  Murder by Design
Author Lee Goldberg
Series:   Edison Bixby #1
Publisher:   Thomas & Mercer
Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   236
Date of Publication:   June 1, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

In a world carefully constructed for murder, solving crimes takes a keen mind and eye in a witty, clever, and fresh reinvention of the whodunit.

Edison Bixby is wealthy, handsome, and, due to a traumatic brain injury, impulsively rude. He’s also a brilliant insurance investigator who solves baffling crimes by figuring out how the design of the man-made world around us makes them possible. Enter Wally a struggling actor hired to keep Bixby from offending everyone he meets.

Their first case together looks like a simple accident. Caroline Crowley took a nasty fall down a staircase at a shopping mall in front of dozens of witnesses. Video clearly shows the deadly misstep. But Bixby is certain she was murdered by design, subtly manipulated into causing her own demise. The mall itself made the crime intentional, if not inevitable.

Now Bixby must prove his outrageous theory before a very cunning killer gets others on his hit list to murder themselves, too.


MY THOUGHTS:

Lee Goldberg has introduced another fascinating character in his newest series: Edison Bixby. Edison is anything but ordinary. A wealthy former homicide detective, he now works as an insurance investigator and a consultant to the police department. What makes him truly unique is the traumatic brain injury he suffered after a bullet lodged in his brain. The injury eliminated his social filter, causing him to blurt out exactly what he is thinking. As a result, his comments are often rude, blunt, and sometimes downright crude. To help manage the fallout, he is paired with an unofficial handler, Wally Nash.

Despite his lack of tact, Edison is exceptionally brilliant, and with Wally by his side, his investigative talents have the potential to shine. Right from the start it is easy to see a blend of Sherlock Holmes and Monk. That becomes evident in his first case. Caroline Crawley is believed to have died after falling down a flight of stairs in a shopping mall. The incident was captured on numerous security cameras and witnessed by several bystanders. Yet questions remain, and her death is soon deemed suspicious. That’s when Edison is brought in to investigate.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is the mall itself. Thanks to its cutting-edge architectural design and advanced technology, the mall almost feels like a living, breathing entity. It interacts with shoppers in remarkable ways, raising an unsettling question: could the mall itself have somehow caused Caroline’s fatal fall?

What an inventive and entertaining story. A brilliant investigator with a traumatic brain injury pitted against a “smart mall” makes for a compelling premise. Edison may be rude and socially abrasive, but he quickly grows on the reader. Murder by Design is a strong series debut filled with humor, mystery, and originality, and it leaves me eager to see where Goldberg takes Edison Bixby next.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lee Goldberg is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including Malibu Burning, Calico, Lost Hills (the first novel in his acclaimed "Eve Ronin" series), 15 "Monk" mysteries, five "Fox & O'Hare" adventures (co-written with Janet Evanovich), and the new thriller Ashes Never Lie, the second in his "Sharpe & Walker" series.. He's written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk and he co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101.
 

Friday, June 12, 2026

BLOG TOUR - Midnight Ridge



DESCRIPTION:

She dug the heels of her shoes into the soil as he dragged her toward the ledge. Rocks skittered down the embankment. Leaves covered the ground, crunching as she fought. “Please don’t kill me,” she pleaded. “I can’t leave my daughter…”

When the call comes in that sixteen-year-old Minnie Benton’s body has been found at the bottom of Midnight Ridge, Detective Ellie Reeves is first on the scene. The local sheriff insists that Minnie’s death is a suicide… but Ellie can’t believe this beautiful young girl would kill herself in such a brutal way. When a witness confirms there were two people up on the ridge, and Ellie finds strands of Minnie’s dark hair in the thorny bushes, the thought of Minnie’s terrified final moments sends a shiver down her spine.

Minnie’s suicide note should provide answers but instead brings a shocking new twist to the case. The note is addressed to her baby daughter Iris, and as Ellie dispatches her team to hunt for the little girl, she can’t forget the shaky handwriting, as if Minnie was forced to write it. And Minnie’s love for Iris shines through. Why would she leave her daughter all alone in the world?

Desperate for answers and to find Iris, Ellie discovers that in the past year two other teenage girls plummeted to their deaths from Midnight Ridge, written off as suicides. But when Ellie realizes that they both left much-loved babies behind, she knows she is dealing with a serial predator.

With no sign of Iris anywhere, a call about a young mother and her baby missing from a nearby town fills Ellie with dread. Her mind races as she tries to get inside the head of this depraved killer. Can she stop their deadly mission before they claim another victim?

BUY LINK:


Title:   Midnight Ridge
Author Rita Herron
Series:   Detective Ellie Reeves #12
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Genre:   Mystery & Thrillees
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   402
Date of Publication:   June 12, 2026
My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

No matter how many crime scenes Detective Ellie Reeves attends, facing death up close is never easy. Each victim leaves a mark, reinforcing her determination to find justice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. Park Ranger Cord McClain shares that same unwavering commitment, making them a formidable team when tragedy strikes.

At first glance, the latest death appears to be another suicide connected to the dark legend of Midnight Ridge, a place that has drawn troubled souls for years. But as Ellie begins to investigate, she quickly realizes that something far more sinister is at work. What seems like a suicide is actually murder, and when another victim is found, a chilling pattern begins to emerge.

The investigation becomes even more urgent when a suicide note left behind by the first victim is addressed to a young daughter. Convinced that a toddler may be in danger, Ellie launches a desperate search to find the missing child before it is too late.

Adding another layer of tension are the chapters told from the killer’s perspective. Watching him grow increasingly confident with each murder is both fascinating and disturbing. He relishes the media attention surrounding his crimes and takes pride in leaving behind few clues, believing himself untouchable. These glimpses into his mindset create an atmosphere of dread that builds steadily throughout the novel.

Running alongside the murder investigation is an ongoing thread that has stretched through several books in the series is a secret that Cord is hiding. The longer he keeps it hidden, the more concerned he is about his relationship with Ellie. Their romance has weathered plenty of ups and downs, and this unresolved issue adds an emotional undercurrent that keeps readers invested in their future as much as in the case itself.

Rita Herron once again delivers a gripping blend of suspense, heartbreak, and emotional complexity. With a relentless investigation, a chilling villain, and the continuing evolution of Ellie and Cord’s relationship, Midnight Ridge is a tense, fast-paced thriller that keeps the pages turning. Fans of the series will find plenty to love, while the shocking twists and high-stakes search for justice make this one of the most compelling installments yet.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.

With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy, and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.

For more on Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter @ritaherron.

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Review - The Young Will Remember

Title:  The Young Will Remember
Author Eve J. Chung
Publisher:   Berkley
Genre:   Historical Fiction 
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   448
Date of Publication:   May 5, 2026
My Rating:   

DESCRIPTION:

A sweeping novel about a correspondent trapped behind enemy lines during the Korean War, and the women who help her find her way home, from the national bestselling author of Daughters of Shandong

“When I found the courage to lift my head, I expected to stare down the barrel of a gun, but instead there was a woman in front of me, the back of her white skirt embroidered with columns of yellow chrysanthemums.”

1950. It’s the coldest winter in decades, and twenty-eight-year-old Chinese American journalist Ellie Chang is on a military flight to cover a battle in the mountains of North Korea when her plane is shot down.

As she emerges from the fallen aircraft onto an icy field surrounded by the enemy, Ellie is sure it’s the end, certain she’ll never make it home to her parents…until a woman pushes her way through the crowd and claims Ellie as the lost daughter that she’s been searching for since the last war ended. Never mind that Ellie doesn’t speak a word of Korean.

Ellie is taken in by her rescuer—a woman who calls herself “Emma”—and the Paks, a pastor’s family. She knows she can’t stay and yet there’s no way she’ll survive on her own.

As the war intensifies, the sky alighting with bombs overhead, Ellie convinces Emma and the Paks to travel south towards an elusive promise of safety, and where Ellie insists they are more likely to find Emma’s real daughter, stuck on the other side of the frontlines.

Emma’s decision to claim Ellie, and Ellie’s choice to take her hand will connect their lives forever.

Moving and triumphant, The Young Will Remember sheds light on a “Forgotten War,” the resilience of love within our darkest histories, and the indefatigable determination of mothers to protect their children.


MY THOUGHTS:

Ellie Chang is a correspondent caught behind enemy lines after an attack. It is 1950 and the Korean War is in full swing and Ellie had boarded a plane to report on the war. However, her plane is shot down and she finds herself stranded. 

Ellie is rescued by a woman named Emma. Emma believes Ellie is her long-lost daughter so she takes her into hiding. Sadly, Emma hasn’t seen her daughters for years, and when she sees Ellie, she is certain that she is her daughter. 

Ellie’s journey to safety and eventual return home is fraught with challenges. Beyond Emma’s assistance, Ellie finds support from the Paks, a pastor and his family. Throughout her journey, Ellie witnesses the devastating impact of war firsthand. However, she also encounters individuals who exhibit remarkable strength and resilience amidst such dire circumstances.

Found family is one of my favorite tropes, and this novel explores it beautifully. Through her relationships with Emma and the Paks, Ellie discovers connections that transcend blood ties. Both Ellie and Emma are remarkable characters. Ellie is intelligent, determined, and compassionate, while Emma embodies the fierce, all-encompassing love of a mother who refuses to give up hope.

The Young Will Remember, a powerful and emotional novel, sheds light on a frequently overlooked chapter of history. Through richly drawn characters and heartfelt storytelling, Eve J. Chung masterfully captures both the horrors of war and the enduring strength of the human spirit. This thought-provoking and deeply moving story lingers long after the final page, reminding readers that even in humanity’s darkest moments, love, sacrifice, and found family can provide a path forward.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Eve J. Chung is the nationally bestselling author of DAUGHTERS OF SHANDONG, which won the American Library Association’s Alex Award, and THE YOUNG WILL REMEMBER. She is also a Taiwanese American lawyer and women's human rights specialist. She has worked on a range of issues, including torture, sexual violence, contemporary forms of slavery, and discriminatory legislation. Her writing is inspired by social justice movements, and the continued struggle for equality and fundamental freedoms worldwide. She currently lives in New York with her husband, two children, and two dogs.