COVER REVEAL - While They Sleep

While They Sleep

by Carla Kovach

Book 20 in the compelling Gina Harte series!

Coming December 17, 2026!

DESCRIPTION

Call the Magic Man and he appears. Tell anyone about him and he disappears.

It started as a whisper, a story bored kids in this small town told on the playground to spook each other. Then they began drawing pictures of the Magic Man on their walls at night – each one of them startlingly similar. It was all a harmless myth until the first body was found…

Trudie knows she and her little boy, Dexter, are safe here, away from her ex and far from her troubles with a colleague at the hospital where she works. But it doesn’t stop her double-locking her doors at night. You can never be too careful.

Then Dexter starts playing up – stealing food, getting into trouble at school and drawing on the freshly painted walls of his bedroom. His explanation shakes Trudie to her core: the Magic Man told me to.

Tucking him into bed at night, Trudie prays that it’s just a phase, that he’s acting out to make friends. But just days later, her worst nightmare comes true – Dexter is missing…

Fans of Rachel Abbott, Angela Marsons and Karin Slaughter will be totally gripped by this jaw-dropping and completely spine-tingling crime thriller from bestselling author Carla Kovach.

PREORDER LINK

https://ow.ly/4lvB50ZZfC8

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carla has been writing seriously since her mid-thirties. She started by writing stage plays which led to her producing and directing her own full length piece of theatre. After that, she decided to write films and books where she began by self-publishing. In the past, she has acted in a few indie films and has also co-owned a photography and video production company. 

Right now, she is a full time crime and thriller author living in Worcester with her husband, Nigel and Poppy the cat.

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlaKovachAuthor/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ckovachauthor?lang=en
Website:  https://griffbuck.wordpress.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/carla_kovach/
Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/carla-kovach

Robin Loves Reading

BLOG TOUR - Her Last Kiss

Her Last Kiss

by Lisa Regan

SeriesDetective Josie Quinn #25

PublisherBookouture

GenreMystery & Thrillers

FormatKindle ARC

Pages374

Pub. DateOctober 20, 2026

Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

DESCRIPTION

She lies on the bed, staring sightlessly at the ceiling. The gold cross necklace ripped from her neck and tossed onto the comforter. Around her throat is a deep red welt. But that isn’t what chills Josie’s skin. It’s the bright red lipstick smeared across the woman’s pale cheek. The mark of the Last Kiss Killer.

Racing into a burning house, Detective Josie Quinn is the only witness to Sylvia West’s body—strangled and arranged neatly on the bed—before the fire destroys the crime scene. After years in hiding, Sylvia had finally agreed to speak publicly about escaping an infamous serial killer. But catching a glimpse of a crimson kiss on Sylvia’s mouth before the flames engulf her makes Josie’s heart scream in pain: the killer has returned to seal Sylvia’s cold lips forever.

The reappearance of the Last Kiss Killer after thirteen years has the people of Denton trembling behind locked doors. How did he know Sylvia was ready to speak out? How did he find her? Josie’s only hope is trawling the victims’ case files for the missing link that eluded the very best detectives across the state for over a decade. And tracking the origins of the lipstick means she’s close…

Days later, a second new victim with the killer’s calling card surfaces, and her broken and bruised body tells Josie he’s spiraling. Forced to go deeper into the mind of a murderer than ever before, it will take everything in Josie’s power to get ahead of his next goodnight kiss. It might even cost her own life… 

A totally jaw-dropping and addictive crime thriller from an Amazon, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. You will be flipping pages long into the night and sleeping with the light on! Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Melinda Leigh.

BUY LINKS

• Amazon: https://geni.us/B0HCVK556Bsocial
• Apple Books :http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781807223229?itsct=books_toolbox&itscg=30200&at=1010lnPy&ct=B0HCVK556B-social&ls=1
• Kobo: https://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=9781807223229
• Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Lisa_Regan_Her_Last_Kiss?id=1s39EQAAQBAJ

MY THOUGHTS

It’s not just a house fire - as devastating as that is - but there’s a woman who’s been murdered. The killer has left behind a signature that Detective Josie Quinn and her team can clearly identify. The victim is someone Josie knows, because she almost lost her life to a serial killer years ago. When the victim agrees to come forward and provide any information that might help the police, she’s strangled and her house set ablaze. This is shocking to Josie. The killer has been dormant for years, and now Josie must gather as many clues as possible to find and stop the killer before another woman loses her life. 

The killer is being called the Last Kiss Killer, and Josie is working alongside partner Detective Kyle Turner, who joined the team in the nineteenth book in this series, Face Her Fear, Josie often finds herself annoyed with him. So much so that Josie finds herself wanting to throat-punch him on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, Josie’s lieutenant and husband, Noah Fraley are facing some changes to their home life. Always sharp as a tack when it comes to their caseload, Josie and Noah work together to navigate what’s happening both at home and on the job. This is when this twenty-fifth installment in the series takes on an emotional edge adding another layer to this well-written and compelling story.

As another victim falls prey to the killer, Josie finds herself dangerously close to danger making it imperative that the case finally come to a close. Having been a longtime and devoted fan of this series, this book is another reminder of just how wonderful Lisa Regan is at drawing readers into Josie’s world. Suspense, emotional depth and well-developed characters that shine throughout the series continue to captivate me. Her Last Kiss is a compelling addition to an exceptional series. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Regan is an Amazon bestselling crime novelist. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University. She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and daughter.

• Mailing List: https://bookouture.com/subscribe/lisa-regan
• Website: http://www.lisaregan.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaReganCrimeAuthor
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisareganauthor/
• Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6443334.Lisa_Regan
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Robin Loves Reading

Review - The Midnight Guests

The Midnight Guests

by Alex Hay

PublisherHanover Square Press

GenreMystery & Thrillers

FormatKindle ARC

Pages352

Pub. DateSeptember 29, 2026

Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐½

DESCRIPTION

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER

“Hay’s tightly woven plot unfolds at an addictive pace, and the twists come in all the right places." —Publishers Weekly

From the bestselling author of The Housekeepers comes a glossy, dark, page-turning mystery to rival The White Lotus–unfolding over twenty-four fateful hours in London's most lavish hotel.

1926. Diana Gold, owner and impresario, throws open the doors to the most opulent new hotel in London. As the champagne flows and the chandeliers shimmer, millionaires and gamblers rub shoulders with film stars and royalty.

 

Though, things at the Hotel Artemis aren’t quite what they seem—including the two guests Diana expects at midnight. Powerful and dangerous, they’ve dragged her from the gutter and taught her all she knows. Now Diana must take perfect care of them—unless they take care of her first.

 

But when a body is found in the hotel’s finest suite, the lavish opening night begins to spiral out of control. And over twenty-four fateful hours, the staff and guests of the Artemis will find out why they are really there.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS

The Midnight Guests, a captivating historical mystery, seamlessly transitions between 1926 London and the present day. The narrative revolves around Hotel Artemis, an exclusive establishment that becomes the center of sinister activities. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the hotel is shrouded in an aura of mystery and intrigue, drawing readers into a world of suspense and danger.  

Diana Gold has big dreams for her exclusive hotel, a high-class establishment, with the highest echelon of guests expected. The fact that it is also a place of gambling, the best of the best will have opportunity to rub shoulders with one another. There is just one suite to host the finest, but when that guest is found dead, all Diana’s hopes for her new hotel come crashing down. 

With a diverse cast of captivating characters, a rich historical backdrop, and an opulent ambiance, all seamlessly woven together by a skillfully crafted plot, make The Midnight Guests an exceptional and unforgettable read.

Many thanks to Hanover Square Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ALEX HAY grew up in the United Kingdom in Cambridge and Cardiff, and has been writing as long as he can remember. He studied history at the University of York, and wrote his dissertation on female power at royal courts, combing the archives for every scrap of drama and skulduggery he could find. He has worked in magazine publishing and the charity sector and lives with his husband in London. His debut, The Housekeepers won the Caledonia Novel Award, and was named a Best Book of the Summer by Reader’s Digest, The Washington Post, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar, and others. His second novel, The Queen of Fives, publishes in January 2025. Alex lives with his husband in South East London.

Social Links:

Author Website: https://alexhaybooks.com/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/alexhaybooks?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexhaybooks/?hl=en

Robin Loves Reading

Review - How Could You Let This Happen?

How Could You Let This Happen?

by Jen Craven

PublisherBookouture

GenrePsychological Thriller

FormatKindle ARC

Pages360

Pub. DateMarch 12, 2026

Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐

DESCRIPTION

I fight back tears as my best friend clutches her son’s hand, the room silent except for the low beep of his life support machine. I couldn’t bear it if this was my own son. My pulse races as she slowly turns to me. “How could you let this happen?”

When my teenage son Miles and his best friend Isaac ask to have a party at our house, I immediately agree—as a single mom, I’m used to making the decisions and they need to let off steam. But later that night when I’m woken by the blare of sirens and see blue lights streaking across the sky, I realize I am living every parent’s worst nightmare.

They said they would stay in the garage. So why aren’t they there? Sprinting over to the lake at the bottom of the garden, my heart pounding all I can think is, where is my son? Is he hurt? Then in horror, I watch as Isaac is pulled onto a stretcher.

Guilt crashes over me in waves as I struggle to breathe. I never meant for any of this to happen, but I know this is all my fault. I should never have left them. Beth trusted me to look after her son and I already know that she’ll never forgive me.

As Isaac’s life hangs in the balance, I feel a rising sense of panic. What if he never wakes up? And if he does, will he tell everyone what really happened that night and tear our families apart forever? 

An unforgettable and emotional story about how one moment can change our lives forever, and how far we will go to protect the ones we love. Perfect for fans of Diane Chamberlain, Jodi Picoult and Melissa Wiesner.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS

CiCi and Beth have never doubted that they were good parents. Their sons are now both teenagers and when they ask to have a party, both CiCi And Beth agreed. Haven fallen asleep, CiCi has no worries. However, blaring sirens and blue lights pull her straight from sleep  quite naturally, she is worried about her son Miles, but she also thinks of Beth’s son, Isaac, and their friends. When she spots miles standing near a stretcher, her heart is full with relief. This is not the case for Beth. No, her son Isaac is now in a coma.

This book has a profound emotional impact on any parent, grandparent, older sibling, or brother, aunt, or uncle. While we always want our loved ones to be safe, we often hesitate to admit their guilt. Clearly, Beth blames Mike and his mother, CiCi, for Ben’s current condition. Their friendship is shattered. Naturally, something terrible, or even a series of events, occurred at that party, resulting in Mike’s coma. This is a situation that would understandably cause concern for any adult regarding their teenage child. This is a book that clearly demonstrates how one decision could impact multiple lives.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jen Craven is the author of emotional and suspenseful women's fiction, stories where one decision changes everything. A former college instructor, she loves dark campus novels, which led to her contemporary debut, Best Years of Your Life, published in August 2022. Her writing style blends poignancy with drama to create what-would-you-do narratives of the human experience.
Aside from fiction, Jen has personal essay bylines in national outlets, including The Washington Post, Huffington Post, Today’s Parent, Scary Mommy and many more.

She writes from northwestern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband and three children. When not working on her books, she can be found thrift shopping, taking long walks, and beating her kids in backgammon.

https://www.jencraven.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jencravenauthor/

https://twitter.com/jencravenauthor

https://www.tiktok.com/@jencraven

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Jen Craven here: https://bookouture.com/subscribe/jen-craven

Robin Loves Reading

Review - Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block

Ms. Mebel Goes Back 

to the Chopping Block

by Jesse Q. Sutanto

PublisherBerkley

GenreCozy Mystery

FormatKindle ARC

Pages290

Pub. DateApril 29, 2026

Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐

DESCRIPTION

A nearly divorced housewife enrolls in culinary school to win back her husband, only to start questioning the strange antics of her classmates in this new novel from the USA Todaybestselling author of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.

Retirement should mean long-awaited trips to the sapphire waters of Santorini or careening down a sand dune in Dubai. For sixty-three-year-old Mebel, retirement means her husband of more than forty years announcing that he's leaving her for their private chef. Mebel isn’t sure who's the bigger loss.

Not to worry, Mebel has the perfect plan: she’s going to win back her husband. No one knows what he needs better than her—after all, she's been anticipating his needs their whole marriage. And if he wants a wife who can cook (why else would he leave her for a chef?), she will simply go to cooking school. Luckily, class at the renowned Saint Honoré School of Culinary Arts in France starts in just four days!

However, Mebel quickly realizes that her culinary school is not in illustrious Paris but rather in England—and some small village outside of Oxford no less. Despite the less-than-warm welcome from her much younger classmates, Mebel manages to befriend Gemma, the breakout star of the program, who offers to help Mebel on their first day. When Gemma stops showing up to class, Mebel knows she must figure out what—or who—caused her friend’s sudden disappearance. After all, Mebel may not know the first thing about how to cut a potato, but she certainly knows how to identify a fraud, and there’s definitely something fishy going on.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS

Ms. Mebel is forced to start her life over again. At sixty-three years old, she must now navigate a single woman after the end of her forty-year marriage. Her husband, Henk, has left her, so starting over in culinary school might be her way back to his heart. After all, he left her for his much-younger personal chef, so Mebel is certain she has found exactly what will win Henk back.

Continental travel does not lead Mebel to the glamorous Paris she expected. In fact, she finds herself in a small, obscure English town near Oxford. Her classmates are decades younger. Fortunately, she strikes a friendship with the talented Gemma, another student in her class. Mebel may have thought that it is cooking that becoming a professional chef would bring her what she needs in life, but who would’ve known that a friendship with a much younger woman would change her entire outlook.

Mebel’s life has truly been transformed. New friends and new talents really build her confidence, but will they also help her discover her own self-worth? While Mebel’s intent was to win back her husband, she lands on something far more. Sometimes, the life we are forced to begin is the one we never knew we needed.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jesse Q. Sutanto grew up shuttling back and forth between Jakarta and Singapore and sees both cities as her homes. She has a Masters degree from Oxford University, though she has yet to figure out a way of saying that without sounding obnoxious. She is currently living back in Jakarta on the same street as her parents and about seven hundred meddlesome aunties. When she's not tearing out her hair over her latest WIP, she spends her time baking and playing FPS games. Oh, and also being a mom to her two kids.

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Robin Loves Reading

COVER REVEAL - Grave Secrets

Grave Secrets

by Helen Phifer

Book 20 in the amazing Morgan Brookes series!

Coming January 28, 2027!

DESCRIPTION

Ivy snaked over the remains of the ancient building; growing up everything it could possibly cling to. Everything except the freshly dug grave and the woman’s partially covered face, her gold locket glinting in the sun…

When hikers discover the remains of a young woman at an abandoned asylum in the heart of the Lake District, Detective Morgan Brookes is first to the scene. Hidden from view, amongst moss and dark green ivy, a woman has been partially buried. But it’s not the knife in her chest that shocks Morgan to her core; the girl’s tied legs bring back memories of someone from her own gruesome past – her brother Dan.

Dan is in prison for murder, and Morgan is quick to convince herself that the rope that reminds her of him is just a coincidence. And when her boss identifies the body of the victim as seventeen-year-old Samira Silva, Morgan throws everything at the case, desperate to find justice for a fellow foster child. With the team hunting through Samira’s old case files, and the kidnap of another girl causing chaos at the station, she has no time to spare.

Until she unearths a chilling connection between Dan and Samira. And she’s forced to face him, stepping foot through the doors of his prison for the first time in her life.

Morgan thought she put her own dark past behind her years ago, but has she instead put the lives of others in danger? And is it already too late to face Dan, and stop him for good?

A gripping crime thriller from million-copy bestseller Helen Phifer. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Val McDermid and Robert Dugoni will devour the non-stop twists.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen Phifer is the bestselling writer of the hugely popular Detective Morgan Brookes series. 

Her debut novel The Ghost House featuring Annie Graham went on to be a global bestseller.

Her first fantasy novel The Vanishing Bookstore set in Salem is out now.

She lives in the busy town of Barrow-in-Furness surrounded by miles of coastline and a short drive from the glorious English Lake District. Her favourite hobbies include reading, chasing the Aurora Borealis when it puts in an appearance, visiting Salem, watching the sunset, the moon rise and drinking coffee.

Helen loves reading books that scare the heck out of her and is eternally grateful to Stephen King, Dean Koontz, James Herbert and Graham Masterton for scaring her senseless in her teenage years, and to Alice Hoffman’s beautiful stories for inspiring her love of all things witchy and to write fantasy novels alongside her crime thrillers.

Robin Loves Reading