Broken Country
by Clare Leslie Hall
Simply beautiful (2/3/2026)
My daughter recommended this book and what an excellent recommendation. I was hooked almost immediately by the deeply and intensely emotional story of loss - of love, of people, in relationships - and redemption. Beth Kennedy Johnson loves being a wife to farmer, Frank Johnson, and loves the farming life. However, when her childhood sweetheart returns to the area, a lost love is rekindled destroying the equilibrium in Beth’s life and spilling over into the small farming community and leading to a murder.
The book has a tension that is developed by the alternating timeframes as we go back and forth in time to the experience the coming of age of the two young lovers and them grown up. When a murder occurs, the author weaves in a trial and at that point the plot twists and turns leaving you stunned! But what a magnificent ending. Bring tissues to the read.
Heartwood: A Novel
by Amity Gaige
Gritty and well written (2/3/2026)
In the heart of the Appalachian Trail, a hiker goes missing and a frantic search is on to find her. Heartwood explores the minds, hearts and souls of those searching for Valerie, the missing hiker, as well as Valerie herself. Told from different perspectives, the book delves into examining how we get lost and are found. However, three women form the crux of the story with a theme of mother-daughter relationships. Valerie's story is told through a series of love letters to her mother, Janet, who is almost a mythic person in her mind. “Sometimes, in your lap, I would press my hand against your chest so that I could feel the center of you — your heartwood, your innermost substance, like the core of a tree that keeps it standing." "Lt Bev" Miller is searching for Valerie but silences the calls from her "ma." Bev's relationship with her mother is complete as she strives to win her approval.
Bev's mother doesn't understand her ambition to achieve in a man's world (she's in the forestry service). Bev is folksy and a dedicated person who care deeply about others. But it is Lena Kucharski, a 76-year old retired scientist who becomes integral to the novel as an arm-chair quarterback (quite literally as she's in a motorize wheelchair) in the search. Lena is estranged from her daughter, Christine, whom she's treated rather poorly being more scientist than mother. As the story unfolds and these three lives intertwine, we see the no life is unattached whether to others or to nature. This was a gritty and well written novel. I listened to it but I think this is one I should have read.
First Sign of Danger: Haven's Rock #4
by Kelley Armstrong
Exciting mystery (2/3/2026)
I’ve read a couple of this author’s others book so was really happy to be offered an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s (thank you). This is the 4th in the Rock Haven mystery series but I found I didn’t need to have read the prior ones. The author gives a nice introduction to the series at the start of the book.
Rock Haven is an off-the-grid town in the Yukon. It’s a place where people can seek shelter from threats. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Eric Dalton are the law for small but thriving community. On a hike with daughter, Rory, Casey and Eric stumble upon a woman asking for help for her injured husband. Being wary of strangers, they help but aren’t so sure these two aren’t spies. This becomes the starting point for a systematically suspenseful investigation after the man is later found dead. Plenty of red herrings and lots of great sleuthing abound in this book.
I liked the way the author handled the investigation- Casey and others offer theories as they rule out means, motive and opportunity. This keeps the suspense high. Casey is a really fine character - she’s strong, determined and kind (and a good mom). The premise too is unique - hidden town off in the wilderness, what could ever happen there. Plenty it would seem.
I enjoyed the read and would recommend.
The House of Hidden Letters
by Izzy Broom
Enjoyable historical fiction and romance (2/1/2026)
A poignant historical fiction/romance read brimming with warmth, love and the bonds community can only bring. I so enjoyed reading this book. Skye MacKinnon has just won a house on a Greek Island for! It's one of six houses they were abandoned and have been a bit restored in anticipation of the winners. She meets Andreas, the local contractor (and very handsome one too), who helps her integrate as the others arrive. And what a great crew of newbies - they happily become Skye's friends. But we soon learn Skye has a secret that could affect her residency but more importantly a bundle of hidden letters are found in the old fireplace which could give some insight into lived in the house. The book moves between past (1940-1942) and present. The letters reveal valor, tragedy but deep love. I enjoyed the dual story line. What would seem to be a perfect beach read (and it probably is) is also a thought provoking one as well - the WWII story is grim but inspiring.
I liked Skye. I enjoyed seeing her come into her own. The band of newcomers added a warmth and charm to the story revealing that community is so important in one's life. I also enjoyed the writing and story itself. The story is well paced and the characters are a delight. Highly recommend!
I'd like to thank BookBrowse and Berkeley Publishing Group for allowing me to read this fine ARC.
#thehouseofhiddebletters
#izzybroom
#berkeleypublishinggroup
The Girl and the Gravedigger: A Leopold von Herzfeldt Case #2
by Oliver Pötzsch
Historical thriller delivers (1/30/2026)
This is the second book in the historical thriller Inspector Leopold von Herzfeld's series set in 1894 Vienna. Herzfeld and gravedigger, Augustin Rothmayer, investigate a murder of an Egyptologist found mummified in a museum - and also with the help of Julie Wolf, crime photographer. While I didn't read the first book in the series, I didn't feel as I read that I would have needed to (though I liked the Leo and Augustin and wanted to know more and Book 1 could have revealed this.
Professor Alfons Strössner had been on a dig in Egypt two years prior and came upon a tomb of an Egyptian priest of Thoth - there was apparently a curse maybe attached to it. Returned to Vienna, his death seems to bode a mysterious aura. Rothmayer is an expert on ancient burial rites (chapters start with these - they are very interesting too) which helps in focusing on what happened. You kind of know or think others on Strössner's expedition are targeted.
The plot may move a bit slowly but is supported by fascinating descriptions of fin-de-siécle Vienna (I've watched the PBS series Vienna Blood which I love so l could see this setting). But the three brilliant characters the author has created are the hidden gems of this book. Leo is a bit inept interpersonally but brilliant as an investigator- loved the quirkiness. He and Rothmayer somehow become the quintessential detective duo in the story. Julie is an early feminist and I liked that. She's also a love interest for Leo.
I enjoy books set in historical periods and this is one of the more enjovable ones l've read. I also loved the three principle characters.
How to Get Away with Murder: A Novel
by Rebecca Philipson
Great thriller (1/30/2026)
From the very beginning I was hooked. A book within a book, this cleverly plotted novel with a compelling lead character delivers to the end. I loved it! Alternating between Denver Brady, the author (and serial killer) of the best selling How to Get Away with Murder, and excerpts from his book, and DSI Samantha "Sam" Hansen, this book packs dark humor and clever plot twists.
Sam has been on leave from the police force suffering from PTSD when 14 year old Charlotte Marsden is found murdered. Sam who's been putting off a return to her job is instantly acquisitive and returns to find Charlotte's murderer. However everybody is focused on finding Denver Brady whose book was found on the dead girl's body (and everybody is now required to read). What follows then are the police searching among clues in the book for Denver. The search brings out Brady's narcissism. But Sam keeps her focus on Charlotte's murderer - who may or may not be Denver. And then as the denouement unfolds you get a wonderful conclusion- you might figure it out, but even if you do it is so snarky you can't help but love it.
I liked Sam. She's a bit quirky and sometimes irritating but I liked her tenacious focus on finding Charlotte's murderer. I also liked that the author tackled Sam's mental health struggles - her godfather Harry represents those who feel these kinds of struggles don't exist "just get on with it (he would say). Denver Brady is dislikable not just because he seems to think he's the "best serial killer ever," but because he thinks he's smarter than everyone.
This is superior thriller.
Antihero: Orphan X #11
by Gregg Hurwitz
Excellent thriller (1/29/2026)
I had read the first book in the Orphan X series and had been impressed but never kept up with the series until now, listening to the well-narrated eleventh book I was approved to read by NetGalley and the publisher, McMillan Audio (my sincere thanks).
Evan Smoak, Orphan X, is different man in this book.
He's more tempered and restrained (as best as he can ever be). While this book can be read alone, based on my research, it may be helpful to read Nemesis, the preceding book to understand that Evan is facing the ramifications of vulnerability. But that to the contrary, the premise of this book is to smash a video entire that feeds on producing videos that show women being harmed. When X rescues one such women, she challenges him to seek revenge but not killing. Evan's moral compass is challenged and he must search deep within himself to uncover his deepest fears and desires.
This book is filled with action but also great character development- not always easy to do. So while you enjoy X outsmarting the villains, you also can enjoy him growing in understanding of who he is. As the book reveals, mercy and justice are not always especially if you are the hero.
Finally it's amazing how well written this book is - this is no simple thriller where plot is enough. It's alone narrative and subtly of the story so deftly written that makes it a stunning read. I must now find time to read books 2-10.
Kin: A Novel
by Tayari Jones
Binding sisterhood (1/29/2026)
Heart-wrenching, intense and a powerful story of coming-of-age, sisterhood and friendship. This author has a way of writing that is pure joy in reading.
Two friends, Vernice (Niecy) and Annie, grow up in Honeysuckle, Louisiana in the 1950-1960s. It’s a time of intense racism, “classism” and discord. Both girls have experienced traumatic family events which bind them. Life changes enter when Vernice goes off to college and Annie leaves to find her mother. The two strive to remain connected over the years. But both are deeply affected by not being raised by mothers impacting major decisions in their lives.
The book also explores the historical events of the period in which these women live especially the impact of segregation. Also they must struggle with the vagaries of city life versus small town life. My only criticism of the book is its abrupt ending but thus doesn’t mean it’s not a worthwhile read.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for allowing me to read this excellent ARC.
The Astral Library: A Novel
by Kate Quinn
Staying alive in a book (1/25/2026)
3.5 stars. I'm not a great fan of fantasy but I do like clever and well written books which category I put this book in. I easily got invested in Alexandria "Alix" Watson who's basically broke and homeless when she finds a magic porthole to another library, where one can lose themselves in any book in the public domain. It's a refuge too, giving Alix space from her real world dilemma. The "astral" library is filled with all sorts of books published before 1929 - it's a feast for any lover of books (which I enjoyed mightily). However, a dark force is overtaking the library and Alix, who is anything if not tenacious, vows to save it.
I loved the character of Beau and his costumes (the description were lovingly sumptuous. Alix is a strong character too. Journeying through all those books is pure escapism at its best. However, I was a bit disappointed at the ending. I really thought Alix needed to get back to the real world.
I want to thank NetGalley and Morrow Books for allowing me to read this ARC
The Jills: A Novel
by Karen Parkman
A disappointing look at NFL cheerleaders (1/25/2026)
I'm a bit disappointed in this book. I'm not sure what I anticipated but it wasn't a mystery; I was thinking maybe it would be more a story about how the whole NFL cheerleader world worked - there's some of that. The author's note gives the history of the Jills and based on what I read there, it seemed to me there was a better story there than one about crime and corruption that emerged.
Virginia is a fitness instructor by day and a Buffalo Bills cheerleader by weekend. She doesn't get paid for the later, hence why the former is important - so far so good! When her friend, Jeanine, is MIA for a Sunday game and beyond, Virginia investigates and uncovers secrets that take her back in time to helping her sister, Laura, struggle with drug addiction. She also uncovers things better left alone. It's a sinister world - I was hoping for something lighter.
Overall the whole cheerleader thing comes off as negative. In this book it seems to be part of a criminal enterprise - even I wouldn't wish that on these women who are there to lure the male viewers in every Sunday of the season! While the friendship element is strong in the book, it doesn't overtake the negativity I think this book gives to NFL cheerleaders.
In the moments when Virginia tells of the dancing and camaraderie, the book is fine but I think the author lost her way from the stated intention in her note at the end of exposing the complexities of the job of an NFL cheerleading.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read this ARC.
Where the False Gods Dwell
by Denny S. Bryce
Disappointing (1/24/2026)
3.5 stars. I admit I was a bit disappointed in this book. I was expecting more about Katherine Durham and her experience in her exploration of dance in Jamaica and less about three women with secrets and desires to find their destinies with her.
The book is well written and the characters of Vivian Jean, Othella and Zinzi are well drawn. Each has a story that drives them to accompany Dunham (though in real life she went alone) to Maroon country. Vivian Jean helps Dunham make discoveries for her dances and Zinzi is driven by a passion to help her people. Othella becomes valued with the troop - perhaps the only one to really achieve her dream.
Then Hurricane Jérémie arrives. I think the concept of the story had promise but I really didn't like any of the three women. I wanted to know more about Dunham.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
The Girls Before: A Novel
by Kate Alice Marshall
Riveting thriller (1/23/2026)
Satisfying thriller that is riveting from start to finish. This is my first read (actually | listened to it - thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio) by this author and it certainly will not be my last. Set in the Pacific Northwest town of Franklin, Audrey Dixon, a school counselor, is also a dedicated search & rescue volunteer. Over the years girls have gone missing attributed to an "urban legend of the forest Jenny RedHand." Audrey's best friend, Janie Martin, is one of the missing and recently another girl, Meghan Vale, a girl from Audrey's school, has gone missing as well. Audrey is determined to find Meghan.
An alternating POV In the story is that of "stranger" one of the missing girls; her chilling story in captivity makes the book that more haunting. As Audrey investigates and gets closer to the truth and it appears maybe the stranger will escape but then the twists start coming - hold onto your seats! You just have to read or listen to the book to find out more.
I liked Audrey. She's tenacious, focused and determined - which is sometimes annoying to those around her. Her "sixth" sense keeps telling her something isn't right. You have to admire that. If you like a strong female character, this book is definitely for you.
The red herrings and plot twists are creative. I liked too how the authors explored all the characters and dug deeper into motivation and the urban legend. My only criticism is the slow start, but once things start speeding up some of that makes sense.
A Crown of Stars
by Shana Abe
Poignant and captivating (1/23/2026)
Captivating historical fiction based on a real person, Marguerite "Rita" Jolivet who survived the sinking of the Lusitania. That sinking is often lost to history because of the Titanic's similar fate which occurred three years earlier. In the case of the Lusitania, no berg sealed its fate but rather the cruelty of war did.
The book focuses on the Jolivet sisters, Marguerite and Inez, both brilliant in her own way. "Rita" found her star in acting and Inez in music. Inez fell in love with George Vernon and actor, and their love was of sweetness. The fatal voyage was a last minute decision on Marguerite's part because her brother had enlisted to fight - it's 1915 and WWI is in full swing. The description of what happens when and after a U-Boat sinks her is spot on historically.
This novel is well written, bringing alive the splendor and excess of the waning days of the monarchy, peerage and the Edwardian Era. It starts out slow focusing on the Jolivet sisters but they have such a magical quality and bond between that is lovingly portrayed. But once the trip on the Lusitania begins, the pace picks up dramatically. But I felt in reading that this book had such a sweet poignancy - perfect for those moments when you want to be swept away - even though there is a tragedy to the story - as incomprehensible as that may seem - because beneath the events is a story of enduring love.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this charming ARC.
#acrownofstars
#shanaabe
by
A thriller at its best (1/21/2026)
I listened to this exciting, excellently narrated, political thriller that takes place in one day. Chicky Diaz is the favorite doorman at the Bohemia, a famous apartment house in New York City, home to the wealthy, snobbiest and racist citizens of this country. The city is preparing for protests over the death of a black man. The majority of the Bohemia’s staff are black and Hispanic so Chicky is concerned how well staff the place will be. As we meet Chicky we also meet the residents of the Bohemia- a very despicable lot in general. To build up to the tension, Pavone creates a political tension as well. I really enjoyed this book and the ending had such a great twist.
This Is Not About Us: Fiction
by Allegra Goodman
Family time (1/21/2026)
I love the Allegra Goodman books I’ve read. She has a mastery over telling family stories as in The Cookbook Collector – and even Isola which is based on family story. So I was so glad to get approval from NetGalley and Random House to read it – thank you!
There’s a feud in the Rubenstein family between sisters Sylvia and Helen over a recipe for an apple cake. Each chapter in the book explores this except through a different member of the family. This creates a “kaleidoscope” of a multigenerational family and how they experience each other – family drama is so angsty. Having these varying perspectives brings a richness to the story – sometimes the people we least think about or think more about have such a different perspective on you than you realize. I think this is the beauty of the book.
But remarkably in spite of everything, the Rubensteins care about each other.
I liked the food references in the book – kumquat is such a cool word! I think cooking and food in other books I’ve read reflect family so well – let’s face it we all have to eat. Gathering to share a meal is the consummate metaphor for love in my opinion.
While the book is not a linear story but short stories around the topic of family, I think it worked in the telling. A fine read!
One & Only
by Maurene Goo
Corny but sweet romance (1/18/2026)
Cute romance with a touch of magical realism. Perfect for a cozy snowy day or beach read. And, this is the author’s debut adult novel. Well done!
One & Only bills itself as being able to match you to your own one true love, the one you are fated to be with. This is done by a unique process of face reading (explained in the book) which the Parks women have been able to do for hundreds of years from their roots in Korea to Los Angeles today. This where we meet Cassia Park who herself has been fated and for the last ten years has been looking for Daniel Nam. Instead she meets Ellis Yang-Cohen but lo! and behold! his boss is Daniel Nam. What follows is a love rivalry - very cleverly done! You have to read the book to find out who wins.
What I love about Asian romances are the families. They are so filled with gossips, interferers, zany humor and family love. This book has a bunch of elderly relatives and friends who fill the pages with their laughter and a tinge of bittersweet sadness. I gave a similar book a few years back to my Vietnamese hair stylist. She remarked after reading the book (the characters were Vietnamese) how true the characters were to her culture. I think that’s important for authenticity of characters if you are writing a book in this milieu. The author has done this well.
I enjoyed reading this book. It has heart and angst and the pages are filled with genuine warmth. The romance isn’t too steamy because the book is less about that snd more about finding out what true love is.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and G.P. Putnam and Sons for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
#One&Only
#MaureneGoo
#GPPutnamandSons
Fireflies in Winter
by Eleanor Shearer
Finding freedom and love (1/18/2026)
A very sweet, tender queer love story set in a little known period of Black history - when the British government forcibly relocated Maroons from Jamaica in the late 18th C to Nova Scotia. It’s a very subtle story on what freedom means - very prescient for our times.
Cora, a Maroon, a free black Jamaican community that escaped slavery and integrated with the indigenous Taino, is part of the forced exodus. Her foster family wants her to marry but Cora wants her freedom. She escapes from time to time to the woods, where she meets Agnes, formerly enslaved but taught by the Mi’Kamq how to survive in the forest. With Agnes, Cora feels free - not only in the joys of learning about nature, but discovering love and its joys. The story is told in alternating POVs and an added mystery at the end rounds out the story that highlights the high price of freedom.
As I wrote above, this is a sweet story - Cora and Agnes are such innocents. I think this sweetness and innocence which bumps up against crassness and greed flows beautifully from the author’s pen. Their need for connection is both poignant and sad - that is, how society decides who can be free or who is acceptable as a human being is do wrong but isn’t something new. This has been going on for centuries and given our current state of affairs, acceptance is still so conditional. This is why books that tell these kinds of stories are important.
I had just recently finished George O’Malley’s The Escapes of David George. David George, a runaway slave reached the Nova Scotia black community, so this book had double resonance for me. I learned a bit about the Nova Scotia community so this helped me in reading - not that you have to read this book (though it’s very good). I had also read the author’s previous book, River Sing Me Home, which also dealt with her Jamaican roots. I know very little about Jamaican history, so historical fiction which brings to light events of the past is so important. Thank you Ms Shearer! Your current book is well done and a fine read.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for allowing me to read this fine ARC.
#FirefliesInWinter
#EleanorShearer
#BerkeleyPublishingGroup
Inside Man: Head Cases #2
by John McMahon
Another winning police procedural (1/13/2026)
I thought Head Cases was a very good police procedural book/ thriller but I think this one is even better. I listened to this which was phenomenally narrated and was blown away.
Gardner Cameron and is Patterns and Recognitions (PAR) team return to solve two interconnected crimes: gun running and a serial murderer. The connection between the two as in Head Cases is cleverly done and the pace of the book picks up at this point. Since PAR is dedicated to unraveling puzzles created by crimes, it’s the inclusion in the story line adds depth and complexity to this thriller. I am terrible at puzzles, so I’m a geek at watching others do them!
Cameron Gardner is a great character. Neurodivergent, his quirky personality helps him look past the grizzle and horror of the crimes he deals with, acting as a great foil to others on his team - all of whom have unique skill set. He’s also a loving dad and that part of the book helps balance some of the tension in the crime solving.
While a bit slow in the beginning, the pace picks up and then it’s an exciting ride to the end. I love this series and look forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this great and marvelously narrated thriller. Highly recommend.
The Last Extinction: The Real Science Behind the Death of the Dinosaurs
by Gerta Keller
Was it a meteor? (1/13/2026)
I am scientifically challenged but I’ve always loved dinosaur stories and movies (Jurassic Park especially), so when I came across this book, I thought - oh, goody, a dinosaur story! Indeed dinosaurs comprise the “plot line” of this nonfiction book, but only as to what made them extinct. And that’s a doozy of a good story.
Like many people, I bought the meteor theory of dinosaur extinction - wasn’t it scientists who proved this? Well, as the book’s subtitle indicates, “The Real Science behind the Death of the Dinosaurs” - the science that gave us the meteor theory was faulty and flawed. It was perhaps ego or dominance over a woman who dared to question the science of men that created the Dinosaur Wars detailed in this splendid book.
What I liked about this book was that while it’s filled with a lot of scientific detail, it’s written so laypeople like me can understand. It also is written by a fiercely determined woman with principles for truth and accuracy in reporting scientific results - I came to greatly admire Gerta Keller. As often the sole woman, she endured insults and mockery from her peers and never gave up. Besides focusing on the science, the book also includes Gerta’s story which also gives insight to her character and why truth matters. And finally it’s a great mystery story.
Suffice it to say, I know the real reason for the extinction- you must read the book to find out - and it will be worth it. I enjoyed the read. Great book.
The Story Keeper: A Gothic Mystery of Family Secrets Unveiled Across Three Timelines
by Kelly Rimmer
Gothic horror in Australia (1/13/2026)
What a great gothic thriller set in a book within a book! Very clever. It takes a bit to set the story up, but patience leads to dark story with redemptive values. Told from two different voices: Fiona Winslow who has returned to Wirumbirra, the decaying family estate, to take up residence and the author of The Midnight Estate. Wirumbirra comes with ghosts, supposedly, but Fiona sees them as just stories her uncle made up. But as she begins to read the strange book, Fiona begins to believe something is definitely strange both about the house and the story. Once this book captures you it’s difficult to put down. I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers to allowing me to read this well written and cultivating ARC/book.
Power Reviewer
