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!

9.22.2026 - A Thousand Monstrous Forms

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest horror novel by Saratoga Schaefer.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Artist Poppy Reed married Celia Marie Fox, after just a short period, and even though Celia has a track record of broken relationships.  Poppy was excited to move across the country to Celia's isolated manor, called Busirane.  But Busirane doesn't seem very welcoming to Poppe, with strange noises and happenings.  Plus, Celia seems oddly controlling, insisting that Poppy avoid the basement and not allowing her access to a car or keys to the locked rooms.  Then Celia leaves for a work trip, a storm hits, and Poppy is scared.  Even so, she ventures into the basement and is shocked at what she finds.

This is a retelling of Bluebeard, but since I know nothing about that, I can say that I wasn't influenced in the least!  I got to enjoy this one all on its own merit - and enjoy it I did.  This is such a creepy book and I never knew what was really happening and if Poppy was a reliable narrator.  The gothic feel, the isolated mansion, the storm, the gaslighting, the controlling - and that ending!  Read this one with the lights on!  Saratoga Schaefer is always a must read for me.

9.21.2026 - Love You More

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest romance by Emily Giffin.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Billy and Mick were high school sweethearts in Wisconsin until their paths took them different places after graduation.  Ten years later, Billy is a doctor in NYC, engaged to another doctor, when a call from Billy changes everything.  Billy heads back to Wisconsin and is faced with all she left behind, and a decision about where she wants to go in the future.

I always enjoy Emily Giffin's books and this was an easy read.  Without giving away any spoilers, some of the characters' emotions did seem a bit flat and unrealistic in their reactions.  But I still happily sat with this story until I was finished, anxious to know just what Billy would do.  I liked how the story went back in time to learn of Billy and Mack's relationship story.  Plus, Giffin incorporated characters with Down Syndrome and dementia very compassionately and realistically.  Always looking forward to her next book!

9.21.2026 - Call Off the Dark

Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow and HarperAudio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the debut novel by Hallie Shepherd, with the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Brittany Pressley.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Helen marries Wade just months after meeting him, when she was still in the throes of grief for her husband, Tyler, who was killed in a home invasion.  Wade takes her to his farmhouse in rural Washington where he lives off-grid.  She tries to do the trad-wife life that Wade expects, but she can't sleep and is obsessed with poems about death.  Then a stranger shows up at their door, Isaac, who claims to be Wade's brother.  But Wade insists that Isaac is dead.  Helen isn't sure who or what to believe.

This was a slow-burn psychological thriller, with the tension ramping up throughout.  From the creepy setting, to Wade's controlling nature, to the strange animal behavior, just like Helen, I wasn't sure what was real.  I liked the way the story spooled out, going back in time to learn about Helen's past with Tyler.  A story centered on grief and longing, all wrapped up in a horror-like thriller, this was such a strong debut that left me thinking after I finished.  I listened to the audiobook and would highly recommend that format because of the fabulous narration work by Pressley.  Looking forward to more from this author!

9.20.2026 - It's Not What You Think

 

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

Nadeeka is certain Jamie is having an affair. She knows the tell-tale signs. She's been here before.  When Jamie claims to be at work late, she knows he's lying. He's with another woman, and she's determined to catch him in the act.  But when Nadeeka arrives home to confront him, Jamie can't explain himself. The house has become a crime scene…Jamie is dead.

This book just happens to be dedicated to me...For everyone who tells me that I Let You Go is your favorite book.  Mackintosh's debut book is always the book I recommend for a jaw-dropping twist.  Now I have this one to recommend as well!  Go into this one as blind as possible, knowing that nothing will be what you think.  What you will find is a timely, twisty crime/police procedural  with two strong women characters, told from different POV.  I sailed through this one, with my mouth gaping half the time.  Mackintosh always delivers but this one could be my new favorite!  Highly recommended - don't miss it!

9.19.2026 - The Little Monk and the Significance of Silence

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Morehouse Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this quiet, meditative book by Zacharias Heyes.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

I have sat with this book for a long time, reading it slowly, trying to absorb and integrate some of these thoughts into my life.  It's a beautifully illustrated story of a curious monk who sets out on a journey to understand the silence within the Benedictine tradition.  Along the way, there is much for all of us to learn and think about.  There are quotes, questions, and exercises for us to begin to value silence in a world that is anything but.  I'll be continuing to learn from this.

9.19.2026 - Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of this dark comedy book by Jennifer Holdich.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Daisy spends her days trying to figure out how to escape her abusive marriage to her controlling husband, James.  On the night before she plans to leave, they attend a local fundraiser and on the way home, Daisy accidentally strikes a pedestrian.  James insists they take the man home and hide the body.  Things get even worse from there.

I love a good dark comedy book, and this one had that in spades.  Daisy is such a fun character, even when she makes crazy decisions.  I love how she fights back with James in small but powerful ways.  Their housekeeper, Mrs. Billings, is a hoot too.  She's a kleptomaniac and Daisy leaves things out for her to steal.  This is very much a cat-and-mouse game as both Daisy and James grapple with the police and press.  A very entertaining read!