4.17.2026 - Japanese Gothic

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Kylie Lee Baker.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In October, 2026, Lee Turner doesn't remember how or why he killed his college roommate.  He flees NY to go to his father's new home in Japan.  But something seems wrong with the house - the bedroom window isn't always a window, and a woman with a sword appears in the yard at night.  In October, 1877, Sen is a young samurai, hiding from the imperial soldiers.  She knows the soldiers will soon kill her whole family when she sees a young foreign man outside her window.  One of these people is a ghost, and one of these stories is a lie.  Something is hiding beneath the house of sword ferns, and Lee and Sen will soon wish they never unburied it.

I was a fan of Baker's previous novel, Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng, and this one was just as intriguing and mind bending.  I loved how the house connected the two timelines.  The story was so atmospheric and creepy, and the Japanese folklore told in intermittent chapters just added another layer.  Definitely lots of parent/child themes here of control and gaslighting.  I appreciated the author's note at the end for more background.  

4.16.2026 - Go Gentle

Many thanks to NetGalley and GP Putnam's Sons for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Maria Semple, just picked as Oprah's Book Club latest selection.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Adora Hazzard is a Stoic philosopher and feels like she finally has life figured out.  She lives in an apartment building in NYC in what she calls a "coven" - like-minded women who live on the same floor and help each other through life.  She's also divorced and raising her teenage daughter.  Then she meets a handsome stranger at the ballet and her world is soon turned upside down.

Adora Hazzard (don't you love that name?) is such a great character.  This book has something for everyone - sign me up for a coven for middle-aged women on their own, sharing bread, celery and much more.  You'll learn about Stoicism and I think everyone will take something to ponder away from this book.  We go back in the past with Adora, as she's trying hard to make it as a comedy writer, only to come face-to-face with the #MeToo movement.  There's humor, there's thoughtfulness, there's the reminder that as much as we plan for life, there are always surprises around every corner.  And don't forget love.  

4.16.2026 - Hope Rises

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by David Baldacci, with the audiobook supremely narrated by the cast of MacLeod Andrews, Will Collyer, Shiromi Arserio, Christine Lakin,; Larry Herron, and  Tim Lounibos.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Walter Nash, working under the alias of Dillon Hope, is on the road to revenge after becoming an informant for the FBI against a global criminal operation headed up by Victoria Steers. Steers has ripped everything Nash held dear away from him. He has nothing left to lose and only one goal left in life: taking down Victoria Steers.  In order to succeed, he’s going to need to work the job from the inside. Nash must rely on every ounce of his hard-earned skills in order to prove himself an ally to Steers if he’s ever going to get close enough to decimate her criminal empire.

This is the sequel to Nash Falls, a 5 star read for me, which ended on a huge cliffhanger.  You definitely need to read that one first to understand Walter's journey.  While I still enjoyed this book and was so anxious to see where it would go, it took me a bit longer to get into and I wasn't quite as engrossed as I was with the first book.  I did like that Steers was not a complete victim; we get to learn her backstory. As always, Baldacci is a supreme storyteller and the cast narration brought this book to life. 

4.16.2026 - American Spirits

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Anna Dorn.  I also won a physical copy through a Goodreads Giveaway.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars!

Singer Blue Velour has finally achieved the success she has dreamed of with her latest album release, and she hires Rose Lutz as her assistant.  Unbeknownst to Blue, Rose is the founder of a subreddit dedicated to the suspected relationship between Blue and her producer, Sasha.  When the pandemic shuts down the upcoming tour, the three hole up in a cabin in the woods to make another album.  But things soon spiral into chaos.

I'm justifying my review with the fact that I'm just not the right target audience for this book.  There were parts of it I really liked - the behind scenes look into the music world and the high cost of fame - but much of the rest felt more repetitive and I found myself just wanting to get through it.  The end twist was interesting but I almost think it took away from the rest of the book.  But again - not the best audience for this book so read and judge for yourself!

4.14.2026 - Last One Out

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books | Pine & Cedar, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest book by Jane Harper, narrated by Angeline Armstrong.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

The mining company has bought up most of the houses in Carralon Ridge in rural South Wales, leaving them to rot.  Only a handful of residents remain.  Ro never imagined that she'd still be there, but everything changed when her son, Sam, vanished during a college break.  Sam loved Carralon Ridge and was working on a history of the town to preserve its legacy.  On an anniversary of Sam's disappearance, Ro begins to suspect that something was overlooked in his case.  

I love Jane Harper's books - they are so atmospheric, taking place in the wilds of Australia.  This one was less of a thriller and more of a slow burn look at a dying town and its residents, but still with Harper's trademark wonderful prose.  It's a look at grief, and what it does to those left behind.  The mystery part ramped up towards the surprising ending.  I thought the narrator did a wonderful job with the voices and definitely added to the enjoyment of this audiobook.

4.14.2026 - The Insomniacs

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for gifting me this wonderful novel by Allison Winn Scotch.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In the wee hours of the morning, three people can't sleep and find each other on an online chat group.   Eventually, Zeke, Julian, and Sybil decide to meet in person at a diner in NYC, which is where they meet Betty, the waitress.  These four people become a family, watching out for each other, trying to help.  When one of them goes missing, they work together to find out what happened to her.

I really liked this story, told from multiple POV, progressing as the nights tick by and we begin to learn the characters' back stories and thoughts.  Things move quickly for this found family as they become close, and each character's personality and secret interacts with each other.  The long nights and the lack of sleep feel dark and claustrophobic, adding to the mystery.  There are a lot of subplots themes - childhood trauma, cults, marital and family issues.  I really felt like I got to know each of these characters and was invested in their story.  Great read!

4.13.2026 - Handle With Care

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction & Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Jane Oppenheimer.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

It's just a routine errand - going to the post office - but for the four women inside, things will never be the same.  Each of the women are mailing something that has the potential to change their lives, and each is conflicted about mailing their package.  Then the husband of the postal worker brings in a gun and barricades himself in with the women.  

I loved this story, told using chapters of the classic parts of a letter, which is so appropriate for it taking part in the post office.  The title is perfect as well, as this is how we need to treat each other as we all deal with our own stories.  We see the women gradually open up to each other, while simultaneously trying to do what they can to change their situation.  The negotiator is also a huge part of this story, and she's keeping her own secrets.  The story is tense, but quiet, with the action taking place with words rather than violence.  The narration was wonderful as well, as she gave each character their own voice.  Highly recommended!