10.1.2026 - A Field Guide to Death and Deceit

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Michelle L. Cullen, the second in the Harry & Emma series.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Harry's long-ago girlfriend gets in touch after 50 years, begging him for his help, asking him to meet her at a farm on the outskirts of their town.  Emma, Harry's one-time caretaker and now partner, is suspicious and insists on joining him.  When they show up, Willow is nowhere to be found, but they discover the farm owner is dead.  When they return to Harry's home after being interviewed by the police, Willow is there with a story of a real estate scam involving the farm.  Harry decides to help her, even recruiting his brother and a neighbor in the investigation.  

I had to first go and read A Field Guide to Murder, and I recommend that one before this book so that you fully understand these two main characters.  I love books with smart, older characters who won't let a little physical ailment stop them from living their best life.  Harry and Emma such a good team and the investigation is taut and will leave you guessing.  Plus, there's a bit of humor and romance to keep things interesting.  I'm here anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!

10.1.2026 - The French Illusion

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a long-time favorite, John Grisham.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Paul and Chelsea have the perfect fairytale wedding, and then head to Paris for a dream honeymoon.  But the dream turns to a nightmare when they are kidnapped while on a day trip.  Who would kidnap them and why?  It turns out they aren't the first couple this has happened to.  The search for clues stretches across borders, with the FBI, CIA and French Intelligence trying to work out what's happening.

A departure from his normal legal thrillers, this book lends more to a spy/espionage thriller, with cat-and-mouse covert operations, and Grisham nails this genre as well.  Still here is the tense, gripping plot line leaving you glued to the pages, with characters you will relate to and feel for.   I especially liked both Stuart Nash, an attorney, and Rae Claire, a CIA officer, who get pulled in for a rescue effort.   I also felt for the parents in this book, giving up everything for their children.  A great new read from a wonderful author!

10.1.2026 - Unreliable Narrator

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Araminta Hall.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Hope arrives at the isolated Shadowlands estate, excited to spend her summer assisting the writer Ambrose "Rosie" Glencourt.  Hope is swept up into an unfamiliar world, captivated by their brilliance, especially Tom, who resides on the property.  Ten years later, she is living in self-imposed exile when she opens Rosie's new bestseller and discovers it's a retelling of her time at Shadowlands and all she swore to keep hidden.  

This was an intriguing story and was true to its title - you didn't know who or what to believe.  It's a story of obsession, revenge, and people who take advantage of others for their own gain.  I was kept interested throughout, feeling for Hope, and enjoyed the twisting plot.