1.24.2026 - This House Will Feed

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this historical fiction book by Maria Tureaud.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

County Clare, 1848: In the scant few years since the potato blight first cast its foul shadow over Ireland, Maggie O’Shaughnessy has lost everything—her entire family and the man she trusted with her heart.  She's slaving in a workhouse when the mysterious Lady Catherine arrives to whisk her away to an old mansion in the stark limestone landscape of the Burren.  Lady Catherine wants Maggie to impersonate her late daughter, Wilhelmina, so that solicitors will release her widow pension which will allow Lady Catherine to continue to provide for the villagers in her care.  Maggie will receive freedom from the workhouse, and land of her own, as well as living to spite them all.  But the house is awakening terrible memories in Maggie.

This was historical fiction at its finest - you will learn the real-life horrors of The Great Potato Famine in Ireland as well as be entertained with a spooky ghost story and revenge plot as well.  I never realized the extent of the fact that the famine was a genocide by the British people, covered up as just a crop blight.  Each chapter starts with a quote showing the sentiment and despicable events of the time.  Be sure the read the author's note to learn more about the real horrors that ensued.  I loved the supernatural element here as well, and the story plays out in dual timelines.  The characters are realistically imperfect, and your heart will break over and over.  But there's hope and resilience on every page as well.  This is a must read!

1.22.2026 - Her Cold Justice

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Thomas and Mercer, Brilliance Audio, and Megan Beatie Communications for gifting me a physical, digital and audio ARC of the latest book in the wonderful Keera Duggan series by Robert Dugoni, with the brilliant Saskia Maarleveld narrating the audiobook.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

 

In a quiet Seattle neighborhood, a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home.  A young man, Michael Westbrook, is accused of the brutal attacks.  His uncle, JP Harrison, is an investigator for Keera Duggan, and asks her to help save his nephew.  But getting justice for Michael may have far-reaching consequences.

 

I’m such a huge Robert Dugoni fan and this third book in the Keera Duggan series is why.  It’s such a sharp, legal thriller, police procedural and family drama.  This would work as a stand-alone, but please read the first two books because they are so good, and they really delve into the family aspect of these books.  This one explores a lot of relevant topics as well, most importantly, the high rate of black young men convicted of crimes they didn’t do.  Be sure to read the Author’s Note for more insight into the thoughts that became this novel.  I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook, and Saskia Maarleveld nailed it as always.  

 

1.21.2026 - Such a Clever Girl

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Darby Kane.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In Sleepy Hollow, NY, the Tanner family disappeared 15 years ago without a trace.  The mystery seems to be unsolvable, until Aubrey Tanner returns during the reading of her grandfather's will.  Does she know what happened or is she the killer?  Three women in town share secrets that have never come to light and a piece of the puzzle - a teacher, a cafe owner and a psychologist.  Will they confront the truth or become the next victims?

I love a book set in a creepy locale, with a haunted house, and mysteries galore - this book checks all those boxes!  Plus, add in a huge inheritance and a reading of the will bound to please no one.  Told from multiple POV with mostly unlikeable characters, this one kept me guessing as to exactly what happened on that day 15 years ago.  It was perfectly plotted, with short chapters leaving me wanting more, until the very end.  I did somehow find it a bit confusing at times to keep everything and everyone straight, but it didn't lessen the enjoyment.  Another winner by this author.

1.20.2026 - Anatomy of an Alibi

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Viking/Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Ashley Elston, author of the wonderful smash debut First Lie Wins.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Camille Bayliss and Aubrey Price couldn't be more different.  Camille is married to hotshot lawyer, Ben, and daughter of a wealthy and influential Louisiana family.  Aubrey is a bartender, living in a house with criminals, and trying to come to terms with losing her parents in a terrible crash years ago.  But the two women work together to switch places for a night so that Camille can spy on her husband.  Hopefully they'll both get the answers they need.  Except the next morning, Ben is found dead and both women need an alibi.

Wow - I loved how this book was written, from different POVs and timelines, broken down by before and after the alibi.  The author skillfully takes us back in time to learn how these women really are connected.  The story is full of secrets, power, greed, corruption, family loyalty, and you will be in for such a ride following along.  There are plenty of suspects for a multitude of crimes, people in jail that maybe shouldn't be, and twists and turns galore.  The last sentence completely blew my mind!  Ashley Elston can apparently do no wrong, so get this book in your hands as soon as possible!

1.19.2026 - The Fair Weather Friend

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Jessie Garcia, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Gail Shalan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4 stars!

 

Faith Richards is a popular Detroit TV meteorologist, known by her fans as The Fair Weather Friend.  But one night, she leaves for a dinner break and never returns.  Her body is found the next day.  The town is reeling and secrets are uncovered.

 

On the heels of The Business Trip which I also enjoyed, Garcia’s sophomore book definitely shows no slump!  I liked both the look behind what we see on the evening news as well as the commentary on celebrity obsession, which is becoming more of an issue now that we get peeks into their personal lives and feel that they are “friends.”  Told from multiple POV, this was a twisty thriller that kept me guessing.  The audiobook production was great, and Gail Shalan once again was pitch perfect as the narrator.

1.18.2026 - The Future Saints

  

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Ashley Winstead.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Record executive Theo is brought in to "fix" the Future Saints.  Since the tragic death of their manager and sister to lead singer and songwriter, Hannah, the band has been in a downward spiral.  Deep in her grief, Hannah writes songs with a whole new sound and the new music goes viral.  Theo puts his career on the line to give them one last shot at success.  But Hannah's grief is all encompassing, and her destructive actions become a deterrent.  

If you loved Daisy Jones & The Six, The Future Saints is the book for you.  A departure from Winstead's normal thrillers, this shows that she can write any genre, and do it exceptionally well.  This book about grief, friendship, and sisterhood set in the music industry will pull you in from the beginning.  With alternating POV between Hannah and Theo, it tackles tough subjects and messy characters, highlighting all of our messiness, especially when dealing with grief.  It's very character driven, and all (well, most!) of the characters will steal a piece of your heart.  I also liked the mixed media interjections to increase the tension and give an outside look into the group.  It's raw, real, and I couldn't put it down.  Bravo!

1.17.2026 - All the Little Houses

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by May Cobb.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Nellie Anderson is desperate to be the Queen Bee of her high school crowd, but there is a darkness in her that keeps people away.  Her mother, Charleigh, does everything she can to smooth the waters for Nellie, after a tough childhood.  But a new family moves into town, trad wife, woodworker dad, and three kids, including Jane, who Nellie hates on sight.  Who will be left when all the dust settles?

May Cobb has done it again – this was so much juicy fun!  Set in Texas in the 1980s, it reminded me of sitting at home, glued to the tv, watching Dallas in all its rich, over the top, conniving, fun.  Plus, there’s some Little House on the Prairie vibes too – how’s that for a fun combination?  I loved the short, addicting chapters, from all different POVs, with hints that someone is going to end up dead in between.  And just like in Dallas where we had to wait to see who shot JR, Cobb has left us with a cliffhanger awaiting a sequel.  Hurry please – I must know what happens next!