9.25.2026 - Zenith Man

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Citadel for gifting me a digital ARC of this fascinating true crime story by McCracken Poston, Jr.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Alvin Ridley had been considered “different” his entire life in Ringgold, Georgia. One day in October 1997, Alvin called 911 to report the death of his wife. No one knew he was married or that anyone was even living with him. Alvin tried to tell the authorities he found his wife dead in her bed with her face in her pillow after an epileptic seizure, but the coroner believes it is a murder, and he is arrested.  McCracken Poston, Jr. was returning to his law career after losing a Congressional election and getting divorced.  He just can't believe Alvin is capable of murder, so agrees to represent him.

This is one of those stories that's almost hard to believe, and if it was anyone other than Poston representing him, Alvin would most probably have been found guilty.  Alvin is a difficult client, found later to be on the autism spectrum.  Mr. Poston was so incredibly compassionate to his client as well as skilled in the courtroom, and this is a fascinating read.  It's also a cautionary tale - it's easy to point the finger at those who are different than what society believes to be normal.  This story shows the other side of Alvin that people didn't see.  Very well written - like a John Grisham novel brought to real life.

9.24.2026 - The Vanishing Family

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for gifting me a physical and digital ARC of the new book by Robert Kolker, author of Hidden Valley Road.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

In the town of Pleasant Hills, PA, Ollie and Jean have 9 children.  As the youngest, Barb was home to witness their bright and beautiful mother change into a neglectful, uncaring person.  Many years later, the family will learn they have a gene mutation for dementia.  This mutation hits people as young as in their 40s and changes them into people that their families barely recognize.  If they are positive, there is also a 50/50 chance that their children will inherit the gene as well.

What an incredibly heartbreaking story, told in such an amazing fashion that makes it impossible to look away.  Kolker follows this family over years, as they understand what is happening with their family.  Readers become witnesses as siblings and their offspring make the unimaginable decision on whether or not to get tested or have children.  This family is amazing as they take care of each other and fight for the possibility of a cure.  The author explains the scientific history of dementia in its varying forms, and even those tales are riveting.  It's so moving and beautiful and a testimony to the human spirit.  A must read.

9.24.2026 - A Double Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest true crime story by Mikita Brottman, narrated by Evan Sibley.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Teresa and Mark Sievers seemingly led a perfect life in Bonita Springs, Florida. Teresa ran a thriving medical practice specializing in anti-aging and holistic care. Mark, a former nurse, managed the business while home-schooling their two daughters. Then, in June 2015, the unimaginable Teresa was found bludgeoned to death in their kitchen.  

This is my third true crime tale by Mikita Brottman and all of them have been so well done.  I had not heard of this sad story before listening to this book.  The author writes a gripping story of a complex crime, where the evidence and facts are laid out succinctly.  The audio narration just added to the reporting, and kept me engaged from the very beginning.  Very well done.

9.24.2026 - Ahead of All Parting

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Spiegel & Grau for gifting me a digital ARC of this memoir by Barry Michels.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars!

Barry Michels was a psychotherapist who treated Hollywood’s creative and power elite. Along with his colleague Phil Stutz, he went on to write The Tools, a NYT bestseller.  Then he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a degenerative disease that also took his father's life.  This is the story of how Michels used the tools he helped create to find ways to continue living his life with joy.

I appreciated the author sharing his journey of finding meaning in his suffering.  It was interesting to see how a former self-described atheist turned to the comfort of God.  It's a good reminder to all of us that we aren't guaranteed an easy or long life, and we need to appreciate every day for the gift that it is.  

9.24.2026 - Cross My Heart, I Hope You Die

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful novel by Mallory Arnold.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Ruby, Nora, and Cham are strangers, until they realize that they are all dating the same man, Jason, and each have been swindled out of money.  They decide to teach him a lesson he'll never forget.  They decide to lure him to a secluded cabin in the mountains, but when he's found dead, things take a very wrong turn.  They have no idea who to trust now.

What dark fun this was!  If you like slasher movies, you're going to love this.  It's full of dark humor, a creepy atmosphere, even a cult!  And sure, it may be a bit over the top, but aren't all the best slasher movies?  I liked each of the strong female characters, each with their own secrets.  Told from multiple POV, with short chapters, I kept flipping the pages to see how it all turned out.  I had a lot of fun with this one - read this one during spooky season for sure!

9.23.2026 - Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful mystery by Lucy Foley, with characters by Agatha Christie.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Alpine Hotel is situated high in the Swiss Alps, accessible only by railway.  Meet our characters, not all of whom are here for a winter holiday - the notorious actress, the high-flying politician and his wife, the reckless friend, and the doctor.  And Miss Marple.  When a body is found and a blizzard traps them inside the hotel, only Miss Marple can figure out just what happened.

I'm a big fan of Agatha Christie's locked-room mysteries, and in Lucy Foley's capable hands, this is another winner.  The atmosphere is appropriately winter, with an interesting cast of characters, each with their own secrets.  With the list of suspects large, only Miss Marple could figure it all out.  Bravo to Foley for this wonderful story.  Agatha Christie would be proud.  Dare we hope for more?  Meanwhile, I'll be watching more of Miss Marple on tv.  

9.22.2026 - A Neighbor's Guide to Murder

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Louise Candlish.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars!

London's storied Columbia Mansions doesn't see much new life, so Gwen is thrilled when a new submitter, Pixie, moves in.  She brings a bright spot to Gwen's lonely existence, but as they relate more, she begins wondering about the relationship Pixie has with her live-in landlord, Alex.  She decides to investigate, opening up a big can of worms.

Don't let the cover fool you, this isn't quite a cozy mystery.  It's more of a slow-burn thriller with some darker themes.  I typically love books with older characters, but I never quite connected to Gwen because she kept making such bad decisions.  I did feel sad for her though, because she was treated badly by her children.  I typically love Candlish's books, so I'll be happily reading whatever she writes next!