BLOG TOUR - Murder in a Cornish Teashop

DESCRIPTION:

A Cornish clifftop, a sunny afternoon, a quaint little teashop… but wait a minute. Is that jam, or blood? Maddie Penrose is determined to find out!

Maddie Penrose is staying with her beloved grandmother, Nor, at her gorgeously idyllic Cornish farm. She’s looking forward to days helping out in Nor’s little teashop and evenings wandering down the cliff path to watch the sunset. But before Maddie has even finished serving up scones on her first morning, a man bursts through the door: Nor’s neighbour Clive has found a body in the field behind the teashop…

Maddie is straight to the scene, fancying herself as a bit of an Agatha Christie. But solving this mystery is far from a piece of cake. Her list of suspects is jam-packed with locals, with some a little too close to home: the newcomer renting out one of Nor’s barns is acting suspiciously, the victim’s boyfriend has disappeared without trace, and Clive isn’t really Maddie’s cup of tea either…

But the proof is in the pudding when there’s another murder – her prime suspect is dead. And when Maddie finds a backpack belonging to the first murder victim, her diligent notetaking and quick thinking leads her to discover that the killer will act again, and soon. Maddie is horrified to discover that it looks like she is their next target…

Can Maddie and Nor work as a team to piece together the puzzle? Or will murdering Maddie be the icing on the cake for the killer?

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Title:   Murder in a Cornish Teashop

Author:  Fliss Chester

Series:  Maddie Penrose Book 1
Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Cozy Mystery

Format:  Audio ALC

Narrator:  Harrie Dobby

Length:  8 hrs 20 mins

No. of Pages:  310

Date of Publication:  March 11, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars  

MY THOUGHTS:

What a delightful start to a new series from Fliss Chester! Murder in a Cornish Teashop introduces readers to the Maddie Penrose series and its charming heroine, Maddie, who lives with her lively grandmother, Nor. The two share a wonderful relationship, and Nor’s teashop is the heart of their little world. Maddie is thrilled to be working alongside her grandmother. However, she makes a shocking discovery, one that disrupts their peaceful routine. When Nor’s neighbor finds a body, Maddie’s curiosity gets the better of her.

A lifelong fan of mysteries, thanks to Agatha Christie, Maddie quickly believes she’s the ideal person to solve the crime. She meticulously examines potential suspects and skillfully initiates conversations that could yield valuable clues. However, as Maddie delves deeper into the investigation, she becomes increasingly unsettled. Her search begins to feel more personal than she anticipated. Shockingly, another murder occurs, and Maddie’s curiosity transforms into grave concern.

Cozy mysteries may just be my favorite genre, and this book ranks near the top for me. I’m already looking forward to Maddie’s future adventures. I should also mention that I experienced this story as an audiobook, and Harrie Dobby did a wonderful job with the narration. She brings Maddie to life in a way that makes her sound like exactly the kind of person I’d love to meet.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.

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BLOG TOUR - Family Ties for the Village Midwife

DESCRIPTION:

As the clouds chase the sun across the Lake District hills, and the warm breeze hints at spring on the way, midwife Zoe Padbury is counting her blessings. Until a surprise arrival changes everything…

Zoe Padbury is a big believer in second chances. She’s been so happy since she started over in the village of Thimblebury. Especially now she’s moved into Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex and can be on hand to help his daughter when her baby arrives.

All that changes when Zoe’s father arrives, arm in arm with his newly pregnant fiancée Chantal. Chantal is bowled over by Thimblebury’s picture-perfect charm, and before Zoe’s had a chance to draw breath, they’ve made plans to get married in the old stone church, make Zoe their future baby’s midwife and move into the cottage next door.

Worried about her mum’s broken heart and how Alex feels about having her family so close by, at first Zoe doesn’t notice that Chantal’s brother has also moved in and is determined to make trouble, ruining the lives of the people who have made her feel so welcome. With the villagers up in arms about his behaviour Zoe is torn in two. Can she protect her new life and love without losing her family?

Fans of Jessica Redland and Shari Low will adore this funny and romantic page-turning read about family, trusting your heart and seizing that second chance.

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Amazon: https://geni.us/B0FDFNTPR1social

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Title:  Family Ties for the Village Midwife

Author:  Tilly Tennant

Publisher:  Bookouture 

Series:  The Village Midwife #3

Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance 

Format:  Kindle ARC 

No. of Pages:  334

Date of Publication:  March 9, 2026

My Rating:  5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Family Ties for the Village Midwife, another delightful addition to Tilly Tennant’s Village Midwife series, follows the life of Zoe Padbury, a midwife who has found solace in the charming village of Thimblebury. 

Zoe’s life is harmonious, with a loving relationship with Alex and his pregnant daughter. However, her tranquility is disrupted by her father’s sudden engagement to the much younger Chantal and their unexpected child. What’s more, having Chantal and her father as neighbors is a bit concerting. As Zoe grapples with these changes, Chantal’s brother arrives in Thimblebury, setting off a chain of events that further complicate matters. Despite these challenges, Zoe remains dedicated to her role as a midwife, providing support and guidance to expectant mothers.

This installment of the Village Midwife series stands out for its depth and emotional resonance. Unlike typical, predictable narratives, Zoe’s journey is filled with a range of emotions, making her a relatable and engaging character. The warm and inviting atmosphere of the village, coupled with the heartwarming moments shared between the characters, creates a truly enjoyable reading experience. I eagerly anticipate the next book in the series, eager to see how Zoe’s story co continues to unfold. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From a young age, Tilly Tennant was convinced that she was destined for the stage.  Once she realised she wasn’t actually very good at anything that would put her on the stage, she started to write stories instead. There were lots of terrible ones, like The Pet Rescue Gang (aged eight), which definitely should not see the light of day ever again. Thankfully, her debut novel, Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was not one of those, and since it hit the Amazon best seller lists she hasn’t looked back. Born in Dorset, she currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two daughters, three guitars, four ukuleles, two violins and a kazoo.

Author Social Media Links
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TillyTennant/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/TillyTenWriter
WEBSITE: www.tillytennant.com

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Review - Served Him Right

Title:  Served Him Right

Author:  Lisa Unger

Publisher:   Park Row

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   384

Date of Publication:   March 10, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A woman’s brunch with friends quickly turns dark in this wickedly clever and deliciously twisty tale of revenge from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger. 

Ana Blacksmith has gathered her closest friends and sister Vera together for a girls’ brunch to celebrate her recent breakup from her boyfriend Paul. But when shocking news about Paul and his newgirlfriend arrives, all eyes are on Ana, the angry ex with a bad reputation. Suspicions only intensify when Ana’s best friend falls deathly ill after the brunch.

But Ana is not the only one who had a score to settle with Paul, a business mogul with a whispered history. And the list of people who will not shed a tear over his fate is long. As the investigation unfolds, rumours of a secret network that uses ancient methods to obtain justice begin to emerge. Vengeance is sweet, but it can also be deadly.

Ana and Vera are determined to find the truth before Ana takes the fall and their own long-buried history comes to light. Served Him Right is a riveting thriller that shows you can never underestimate the power of a woman looking for justice.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Lisa Unger’s latest book, unfortunately, didn’t quite resonate with me. While I was initially captivated by the concept of celebrating a breakup through “ex-ocism,” the story’s development and the introduction of various twists gradually lost my interest.

Undoubtedly, Unger crafted an intriguing mystery involving two sisters, Ana and Vera. As a fan of dual timeline stories, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot’s development. However, I found the transition into the paranormal element to be a bit jarring. Moreover, neither Vera nor Ana were particularly appealing characters to me.

Despite these shortcomings, I must acknowledge my admiration for Unger’s writing skills. Her ability to build tension in her stories is undeniable, and I’ll definitely keep her on my auto-read list. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of seventeen novels, including THE STRANGER INSIDE. With millions of readers worldwide and books published in twenty-six languages, Lisa Unger is widely regarded as a master of suspense. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations, an honor held by only a few writers including Ruth Rendell and Agatha Christie. The Edgar-nominated UNDER MY SKIN is also a finalist for the prestigious Hammett Prize, and the Macavity Award for Best Novel. And the original short story THE SLEEP TIGHT MOTEL is a #1 bestselling single.

Unger's critically acclaimed books have been voted "Best of the Year" or top picks by the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, Amazon, IndieBound and many others. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.

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Review - The Pie & Mash Detective Agency

Title:  The Pie & Mash Detective Agency

Author:  J. D. Brinkworth

Publisher:  Berkley

Genre:   Cozy Mystery

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   368

Date of Publication:   March 10, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Who is Nellie Thorne and why does she keep disappearing? Jane Pye and Simon Mash are on the case in this cosy crime mystery novel.

Dev Hooper arrives home from work to find his girlfriend, Nellie Thorne, has vanished. 

But she's not the first Nellie Thorne to disappear. In fact, she's the fifth in fifty years.

Enter Jane Pye and Simon - a millennial couple who signed up for a private detective night class on a whim. When they're assigned Dev's case for their coursework, they quickly realise they've bitten off more than they can chew.

Armed with just six weeks of notes, matching trench coats, and a lot of enthusiasm, they set out to solve a case that has baffled Kent’s police for decades.

What connects the missing Nellies? Why do locals whisper about a ghostly presence? Only the Pie & Mash Detective Agency can uncover the truth behind this eerie urban legend.

Link to purchase the book:

MY THOUGHTS:

Jane Pye and Simon Mash, newly minted private detectives, have attended a private detective class and are assigned their very first case. Their first task is to choose a name for their partnership, which they settle on the catchy name, “The Pie & Mash Detective Agency.” With their assignment of finding a missing woman, Jane and Simon dive into their investigation.

Dev Hooper is devastated to discover that his girlfriend, Nellie Thorne, has disappeared. Jane and Simon quickly realize that this is far more than a missing persons case. They uncover a disturbing history: five women with the exact same name have vanished in as many decades.

If the police haven’t been able to solve these mysterious disappearances, Jane and Simon might not be equipped to do so either. However, one thing is certain: this is not a mere coincidence. A sixth woman with the exact same name as Nellie Thorne must be connected to the previous disappearances.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. In fact, this debut story establishes the foundation for what could be an incredibly captivating series. I eagerly anticipate reading more from the talented duo behind the author J. D. Brinkworth. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

J. D. Brinkworth is the pseudonym of London-based writing duo Jo Dinkin and Catherine Brinkworth. Catherine is a comedy writer and winner of the BBC Comedy Writing Bursary. She has written on flagship BBC shows like the News Quiz and Have I Got News For You. Jo won the 2020 Green Stories writing prize and was nominated for Best Screenplay at the British Horror Film Festival. They both recently graduated as private detectives from a suspiciously cheap online detecting course.

AUDIOBOOK - Judge Stone

Title:   Judge Stone

Author:  James Patterson; Viola Davis

Publisher:  Hachette Audio

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Audio ALC

Narrator:  Viola Davis

No. of Pages:   432

Date of Publication:   March 9, 2026

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Viola Davis and James Patterson have written an incredible courtroom drama and created the most unforgettable character in years. 

All rise…for Judge Stone.

The most respected citizen in Union Springs, Alabama (population 3,314), is Judge Mary Stone. She holds two responsibilities running her family farm and presiding over her courtroom. It's there she draws the most controversial case in the history of the South. 
 
Criminally, it’s open-and-shut. 
Ethically, there is no middle ground.
Essentially, it’s a choice between life and death.

No judge can satisfy everyone. It would be dangerous to try. But Judge Stone is willing to fight to bring justice to the people and place she loves.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Judge Mary Stone’s ascent to the bench was not without its challenges, including emotional turmoil. Her latest case involves an ethical dilemma involving a teenager named Nova in Alabama, a state with a strict abortion ban. Consequently, the doctor who assisted the teen is now on trial. Despite repeated pressure from higher authorities to recuse herself from this sensitive case, Judge Stone remains steadfast in her decision to continue.

As a Black judge in the Deep South, Judge Stone faced significant challenges from an early age. The pressure she encounters now extends beyond the courtroom. Her home and farm are also at risk. Stone grapples with her past and its impact on her present. However, her strong moral compass compels her to uphold her principles and rule fairly in the case against the doctor.

Judge Stone goes beyond the letter of the law when it comes to Nova. She considers the circumstances surrounding Nova’s pregnancy, her age, and her home life. This courtroom drama features compelling characters and explores serious themes. For Judge Stone, it is not a popularity contest but a matter of moral, ethical, and social responsibility.

As a long-time James Patterson fan, this book was an auto-read. The fact that Viola Davis co-authored it only sweetened the pot. Her narration of the story was so captivating that I had to pause to check if she had written anything else. Her memoir, Finding Me, was the answer, and I listened to it as an audiobook. Both of these books were brilliantly narrated by Ms. Davis. 

What an incredibly profound and sensitive story! Despite Alabama being one of the states that is considered part of the ‘Bible Belt’, Christian values were disregarded in this case. It’s worth noting that my strong faith kept me mindful of my conscience, but as this captivating narrative unfolded, I found myself fully engrossed in the delicate case involving Nova and her doctor, as well as the intricate dynamics at play.

While courtroom drama isn’t typically my preferred genre, this exceptionally powerful story captivated me from the very beginning. I was held in its grip until the final resounding sound of the gavel.

 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

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Viola Davis is an internationally acclaimed actress and producer, known for her exceptional performances in television shows like 'How to Get Away with Murder' and movies like 'Fences' and 'The Help.' She is the winner of an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards, and in 2021 she won a Screen Actors Guild award for her role in 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'. In both 2012 and 2017, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Davis is also the founder and CEO of JuVee Productions, an artist driven production company that develops and produces independent film, theater, television, and digital content.

BLOG TOUR - Not My Sister

 

DESCRIPTION:

A girl stands on the doorstep, her hands tremble and her eyes glisten with tears. My sister has finally come home after six long years.

I gasp in disbelief when I meet my younger sister’s gaze. I can’t believe I’m looking at Lydia’s sweet face again. We’d been so close as children. Then one day she didn’t come home from school, and she disappeared without a trace.

Having Lydia back at home is the best thing that’s happened in years. Only I can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. She doesn’t remember any of the stories I tell about our childhood, she’s even forgotten her long bouts of illness. When I ask about the day she vanished, she says she doesn’t recall what happened.

I want to be close to my sister again more than anything. But when I find a strange message hidden in her room, I begin to suspect the girl who came home isn’t my sister at all. Who is she? And what really happened to Lydia?

I’m convinced I’m living with an impostor. And I will stop at nothing to expose the truth…

An absolutely gripping and addictive psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages until late into the night. If you love The Housemaid, Gone Girl or The Other Daughter, you’ll adore Not My Sister.

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Title:    Not My Sister

Author:  Rosie Walker

Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Psychological Thriller

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   367

Date of Publication:   March 4, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Rosie Walker weaves a compelling and cleverly layered tale in Not My Sister. At the heart of the novel is Annabel’s unwavering belief that the woman claiming to be her sister Lydia - who suddenly reappears after six years - is not who she says she is.

Annabel and Lydia shared a deeply complicated childhood. Lydia was often sick, which meant she received the majority of their mother’s attention. Annabel, meanwhile, was frequently treated as an afterthought, largely because of her own struggles with mental illness and often erratic behavior. These dynamics shaped their relationship in profound ways, making Lydia’s return far from the joyful reunion their mother hopes for.

Six years have passed since Annabel last saw Lydia, and while their mother, Wendy, welcomes her daughter home with open arms, Annabel remains unconvinced. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, revealing what feels like three distinct narratives. Annabel’s voice carries an air of unreliability that threads through the novel, while Wendy’s perspective reflects the relief and hope of a mother who believes her missing daughter has finally come home. Lydia’s version of events is mostly untold, but still rather intriguing. Clearly there are noticeable holes in her story from the very beginning (and yes, there’s Mac). Walker crafts Lydia’s narrative carefully, maintaining a steady tension as Annabel refuses to believe that this woman is truly her sister.

As much as I enjoyed the story, there were aspects of Wendy’s behavior that didn’t quite ring true for me. For instance, it seemed odd that she wouldn’t notify the police as soon as Lydia appeared on her doorstep, especially considering how involved they had been during the original disappearance. Annabel’s reluctance to involve the authorities also raised some questions. Still, given that this is a psychological thriller, that delay does help sustain the tension and allows Annabel’s growing doubt and unease to drive the drama.

Naturally, the central question looms large: Is this really Lydia? And if not, what could possibly be the motive behind such a deception? As the story unfolds, the twists and turns continue to build. While many of them genuinely shocking. I’ll admit that a few pieces fell into place for me fairly early on. Walker does an excellent job of continually planting seeds of doubt, keeping the suspense alive while the reader waits for the inevitable final reveal.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rosie Walker writes psychological thrillers about mysteries, secrets, lies, and strange people. Rosie was born in North Yorkshire and has lived in Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Birmingham, Ohio and Texas, and has yet to live in a house with a secret passageway, hidden basement or a long-forgotten sealed-up room, but still holds out hope. She now lives in Edinburgh with her husband Kevin, their daughter Elsie and their Cypriot rescue dog, Bella. She has a Masters in Creative Writing and a degree in Psychology.

https://www.rosiejanewalker.com/

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