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Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: September 1, 2026
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-1250350022

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Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: December 1, 2026
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-1668010266

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Publisher: Bantam
Publication date: August 4, 2026
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 979-8217092536

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Publisher: Grafted Page Press
Publication date: April 17, 2026
Number of Pages: 358
ISBN: 978-1969773006

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Publisher: Amnos Media Group
Publication date: April 30, 2026
Number of Pages: 262
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1967589289

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Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication date: May 14, 2026
Number of Pages: 271
ISBN: 978-1685137496

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Publisher: Shel DeLisle
Publication date: October 15, 2025
Number of Pages: 218
ISBN: 979-8232604875

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Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: April 21, 2026
Number of Pages: 224
ISBN: 978-1538780947

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Publisher: Historium Press
Publication date: July 30, 2024
Number of Pages: 274
ISBN: 978-1962465540

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Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Publication date: June 1, 2026
Number of Pages: 256
ISBN: 979-8891513518

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Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: May 19, 2026
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-0593954539

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Publisher: Indie Pen Press
Publication date: August 2, 2025
Number of Pages: 54
ISBN: 979-8999184696

An interesting small town story as dark and brooding as a mid-winter January day in remote Minnesota.

Police Chief Gordon Trent works hard at maintaining the peaceful status quo of Montevideo, Minnesota. That is until ex-con Byron Lugo returns home after serving nearly four years of a manslaughter charge for a crime he continues to claim he never committed. Byron wants his previous life back in the worst way. Yet, so many obstacles stand in his way. After several chats, Byron inspires the Chief to start questioning the evidence from five years back. Can justice truly be served? Or is it a dream wafting up the chimney with winter's woodsmoke? Step in to the story to find out.

This is a most impressive first novel. The prose, although gloomy at times, is rich and exquisitely delivered. The characters seem very real and the scene settings are evocative of the extreme winters up north. If a thoughtful, deep, police procedural appeals, then this could well be the book for you.

I am grateful to publisher Ecco for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Ecco
Publication date: December 1, 2026
Number of Pages: 256
ISBN: 978-0063464032

This was yet another fine and delightful Regency era mystery from author Celeste Connally. With its chaste touch of romance and a troubling murder investigation thrown in for good measure, this was a spectacular and fun romp through a Regency era ballroom.

Regardless of being of upper British society, Lady Petra has been dealt a tough hand or not, depending on one's perspective. Her mother passed away a number of years back and her fiancé had suddenly perished. Yet thanks to her mother, she received an inheritance which permits her to remain an independent woman.

London, December 1815
The Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms are ardently raising funds in support of the city's poor. They're sponsoring four balls where the Ton have bid privately in order to win sponsorship of each of the balls. This, in turn, allows them to designate their marriageable daughter as "Rose of the Ball". The enticement is for the "Rose" to have exclusive rights to dance with the "Four Merry Gentlemen," (also of marriageable age). All is well until a body is discovered faced down on the ballroom's parquet floor. Lady Petra is soon called upon to quietly investigate and bring about justice without drawing it to the constabulary's attention.

Author Celeste Connally has crafted a wonderful mystery full of wit, charm and warmth. The book starts rather slowly as the reader is introduced to a myriad of players. It builds gradually and accelerates as the climax nears, adding tension and drama to show more the mix. The writing is lovely and highly descriptive. The mise en scène is exquisite and sets a beautiful stage. The theme of the story focuses on the many secrets one may hold about others and how deadly such knowledge can be. All in all, this was a rewarding and enjoyable diversion.

I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided an uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: November 10, 2026
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1250387424 show less

3.5 / 5.0 Stars

This is a tender tale providing background material leading into the Emma Harte Saga series. It focuses on Emma's dear friend, "Blackie" O'Neill. The story is a most enjoyable wander through Ireland, the Yorkshire moors, and the city of Leeds of the early 1900s.

Blackie was orphaned by the age of thirteen. His mother's brother Patrick promised to look after him in the event of her demise. So off to Leeds Blackie goes to apprentice in his uncle's building company. Blackie has a strong vision for his own future and is willing to work hard to achieve it. We eventually discover how Blackie and Emma Harte's lives intersect and a deep friendship is born.

Ms. Bradford has written a sweet and endearing story emphasizing the plight of the working poor at the turn of the last century. The writing is simple yet solid and easily accessible. The main characters are well developed. Yet there are a few loose threads regarding the lesser characters - perhaps intentionally so. It would appear to be aimed at a young adult audience. There are threads of romance among the various vignettes. Yet the scenes are relatively chaste and certainly not tawdry. All in all, this prequel was a lovely introduction to the series.

I am grateful to St. Martin's Press for having provided a complimentary copy of this book. Their generosity, however has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: : ‎ St. Martin's Press
Publication date: December 28, 2021
Number of show more Pages: 464
ISBN: 978-1250187451 show less

Rys Bowen, you've done it again - superlatively. Such a well spun mystery sent in 1965 England and 1932 Isle of Skye, Scotland. I absolutely loved the ending!

As dementia creeps into her life, aging author, Iris Blackburn, is attempting to write a prequel as her final book for the Inspector Melrose series. Not confident that she can complete the book, she calls upon the talents of a young up-and-coming Australian author to ghostwrite the book's ending. Emma Callander has recently published her freshman novel to some success. It is she upon whom is called to aid Iris. Emma has doubts that she is up to the task for such an auspicious author, but is willing to try. She reads the manuscript written thus far and is soon dispatched to Glasgow and the Isle of Skye for further research. It is while on the Isle of Skye where everything falls frighteningly into place. Can any good come of all of it? Only time will tell.

The writing of Rhys Bowen (pen name of Janet Quin-Harkin) was excellent and flowed well. There were a number of suspects, each with their own motivations for killing. The mise en scène was absolute perfection and exquisitely described such that one could smell the lovely scent of evergreens and hear the roar of ocean waves in the forceful autumn gale winds. The character development was rich and the architecture well-described. The foreshadowing was prominent and one might guess the outcome. Yet, the journey was worth it all in the end.

I am grateful to Lake Union show more Publishing for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Publication date: August 4, 2026
Number of Pages: 429
ISBN: 978-1662527210 show less

What would you do if a geriatric distant relative showed up at your doorstep late at night and informed you that he murdered his own parents in your front parlor? Well, you might just invite him in for the night. What?!! NO! Why would you even consider such a thing? Perhaps bookshop owner, Madeline Brimley, is a bit too naïve for her own good as she soon has another body on the premises and has a lot of explaining to do. So many questions and such a short period in which to track their answers. The inspector is looking to close this case as quickly and easily as possible and Madeline may be the perfect patsy...over her dead body, she mutters!

P. J. Nelson has done a superb job of engaging readers in this small town bookshop mystery. The writing is solid and charming. The scenes are well described and, of no surprise given the author's background, are cinematic in scope. The red herrings are plentiful and relationships among characters - endearing. I eagerly await the next installment in this charming mystery series.

I am grateful to author P. J. Nelson and his publisher, Minotaur Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: December 1, 2026
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-1250421135

This was the perfect cozy mystery with fall and taunting winter vibes.

The story is set in the quaint tourist town of Ashland, Oregon, at the foot of Mount A - a favored skiing destination, where the locals all seem to gather at "Torte", a much beloved bakeshop. Torte's been in the family for at least two generations and owner, Juliet Montague Capshaw, now in her third trimester, is struggling to pass off to her staff the running of the bakery while she handles the arrival of twins. Lance, her dear friend (and co-amateur sleuth) is thrilled to be planning his upcoming nuptials. He is set to meet Tippy Bartlet, a high-end wedding planner after Maci, the first planner, appeared to have flaked out on him. Tippy seems to know her client's wishes to a T. A contract was soon signed and all planning seemed to be a "go". That is until Juliet eyes a body face down in the town park's creek. That individual had been affiliated with all the parties connected to the wedding planning. Now what is Lance to do? Of course, he's going to coerce Juliet into helping him sort out the details. Was it an accident or was it murder? It seems as though quite a few folks had it in for the deceased, but was it enough to do them in?

Author Ellie Alexander has brought another delightful edition to this much beloved cozy mystery series. Her writing is solid. The character development is excellent and the scene settings are cinematic in scope. There are a number of potential perpetrators and red show more herrings. Admittedly, it seemed obvious who had done the deed. Yet, that did not detract from the charm of the story. All in all this was a sweet story (pardon the pun) with scrumptious recipes and Shakespearean quotes peppered throughout.

I am grateful to author Ellie Alexander and her publisher, Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: September 29, 2026
Number of Pages: 304
ISBN: 978-1250461896 show less

All the fun and hijinks continue onward for Ruby and Cordelia in this third mystery in series.

There's a crisis in Ruby's bathroom and she screams for help. Cordelia hesitates, not surprisingly as that is where her own body was found. Yet, Cordelia would do anything for Ruby and protect her as any she-bear would protect their own cub. Through the Kerfuffle, Cordelia has finally come to terms with being among the dearly departed. Six months in the making, she is ready to find out what happened that evening which lead to her demise. Ruby is ready to help Cordelia sort out the clues and help her friend gain some true closure.

Olivia Blacke has delivered yet another solid cozy mystery. The writing is good. The characters are well developed and certainly fun. Ruby is a sweet kid, recently out on her own. Cordelia is looking out for her; making certain that Ruby doesn't make the same mistakes she did. The action and banter is often amusing. Personally, being from Boston, I wish the mise en scène was fleshed out more descriptively. Yet fortunately, this story has all the red herrings one would hope for, and a most satisfying conclusion.

I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: October 20, 2026
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 978-1250336736

They say, "Where there's a will, there's a way," while quietly thinking, "Where there's a will, there's relatives." What if there's no will and the surviving progeny cannot agree on asset distribution?

Someone's been harassing the rescued horse's at the Abernathy Farm, part of the estate in question. Abel Abernathy feels certain that the harassment is of his brother George's making and that the horses need to be relocated until the estate is settled. All hands are on deck as horses descend upon Ragnarshjem, the gothic Virginia spread of Ragnar Ragnersen. Our plucky blacksmith Meg Langslow is on site to help and soon other family members report for duty. Storms rolled over the land that evening unsettling the horses and awakening Meg. Leave it to her to be first on scene of yet another puzzling death. Was it accidental or pure murder?

Ms. Andrews is brilliant in her character creation: featuring a strong yet compassionate female lead with a highly eccentric family and great secondary characters makes for amusing reading. Her world building of Ragnarshjem is wonder-filled with its gothic theme and limited color palette. The writing is solid and quite amusing at times. There's a lot of interesting information regarding equine care and of other fauna throughout the story. When readers ask me for recommendations for a cozy mystery series, hands-down, it is this one. If you enjoy cozies, then this book could well be one for you.

I am grateful to Ms. Andrews and her publisher, show more Minotaur Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: August 4, 2026
Number of Pages: 304
ISBN: 978-1250407320w. show less

This is a richly told tender and evocative story of broken dreams and broken lives. Yet through it all, there remains a glimmer of hope and the goodness of amazing women who care.

Told in a dual timeline, we meet soon to be wed Riley Carmichael in New Jersey, 2023. Orphaned some time ago, she has only her grandmother left, who is quickly slipping away. In a rare lucid moment, grandmother hands Riley a tattered birth certificate from Tipperary, Ireland. Riley is urged to uncover the whereabout of this person and who they may be to her. Looking back to the mid 1950s, we observe the life of Margaret Lannigan, a young woman of a small Irish village, soon to move forward with her life and beau. Her faithful Catholic father is pressured into delivering other plans for Margaret and he promises her to the church. She is eventually assigned to the Home for Fallen Girls where she quickly learns the art of midwifery. Told separately, the lives of Riley and Margaret will eventually entwine. Yet getting there is quite the journey which the reader gets to share.

Author Laura Anthony has woven these two lives into an exquisite and tender story across several decades. It reminds us that it wasn't so long ago that the Catholic church bore a tremendous reach into the private lives of its congregants. The reader is left with so much food for thought.

Although this book is fiction, it is actually based on historical fact regarding the Irish workhouses and homes for unwed mothers. As for the show more writing, it is good and solid. The scene settings are cinematic in scope and the characters are all well developed. Ms. Anthony's taking of two separate stories and gradually folding them in together is deftly done and beautifully rendered - certainly not an easy feat. All in all, this was a most interesting and informative read.

I am grateful to author Laura Anthony and her publisher Gallery Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication date: May 12, 2026
Number of Pages: 368 pages
ISBN: 978-1668047415 show less

What an engrossing and informative read regarding the magnificent Hope Diamond! Surrounded in mystery and dark legend, it marked the lives of all who possessed it and even those who merely looked at it...or so they say. Step into the story and become your own arbiter of the tale.

Elisabeth Beaumont, administratively, has quietly supported the family jewelry business. Dad was the creative genius and her brother Julien - the gregarious and much adored salesman. That is, until he was killed by a hit and run driver. Father and daughter are reeling with grief. Yet, the bills are mounting and the banker wolves are slathering at the door. Elisabeth sees herself as their only hope while her father convalesces. She insinuates herself into the life of socialite Evelyn McLean (owner of the Hope Diamond), hoping to get Evie's business and perhaps meet other similar-minded jewelry buyers through association. It isn't long before Elisabeth is brought into the inner circle, but at what cost?

Author Heather Webb delivers an engaging and exquisite story set in Washington, D.C. of the early twentieth century. The low waisted dresses are so ever "au courant" and in high society, the
Perrier Jouet Champagne and single malts are flowing. The writing is rich and solid. The characters are well developed and in some cases, as snarky as they come. The mise-en-scène is well delivered and creates a perfect and richly portrayed backdrop regarding the top 1% of our capitol's society. There are tinges show more of mystical realism sprinkled throughout the story which deftly deliver the historic details of the diamond. Having visited the Hope Diamond as a young child, I've been waiting my whole life for this book to arrive. Thank you, Miss Webb, for delivering this gem to your readers.

I am grateful to author Heather Webb and her publisher Sourcebooks Landmark for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication date: May 19, 2026
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 978-1464221545 show less

This is such a beautifully rendered story dealing with a rather difficult subject. It is set in current day Germany and Poland. Word to the wise...keep the tissue box handy.

Irène is a dedicated member of the International Tracing Service whereby she works diligently to reunite surviving family members with the personal effects of people interred in the Third Reich concentration camps during World War II. The items are mostly of little value yet can often bring comfort and sometimes closure to the surviving family members. We observe Irène's intensive dedication to her work, often at the expense of personal relationships. She is truly wedded to her job and considers it an honorable profession. Through her research we are introduced to a number of surviving descendants of camp prisoners and observe Irène's delicate interactions with each of them.

This story's writing is painterly and the vocabulary rich. The scenes are exquisite and horrendous in equal measure. I was moved to tears as I read of the underlying stories of each object. The amount of research which went into this book is herculean. The story, although fictitious, utilizes historical fact for its framework and the story is woven in and through it. Yes, the Arolsen Archives in Bad Arolsen, Germany are very real as is the International Tracing Service. Theirs is a story worth knowing and is emotionally, quite moving.

I am grateful to St. Martin's Press for having provided an uncorrected digital galley of this show more book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication date: December 8, 2026
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-1250458292 show less

This is yet another wonderful tale in the Lady Emily mystery series. It's 1908. Our plucky Lady Emily and her husband Colin have sailed to subcontinent India and are enjoying a bit of vacation among a few other British tourists while staying in an historic Indian fortress. Colin is soon called upon to sort out the murder of a British tourist who just happens to be an acquaintance of someone in their party. There are many twists and turns, red herrings, and misdirection throughout the story making it a most engaging read.

Author Tasha Alexander writes an exquisite narrative capturing two stories set centuries apart, with a narrow thread connecting them. Both are set in India - one in the late 18th century touching upon that of the much revered Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar and the main story is set in 1908. The author has captured well the feminine strength of both stories. Eventually, the two stories are connected across the eons and the stories draw to a delightful unified conclusion.

As for the writing, it is solid, evocative, and well delivered. The scene settings are rich and the descriptions of Indian dress - exquisite. One is easily transported to the times of the story as the tales are beautifully spun. If historical fiction with a mystery woven in for good measure suits you, then I commend this book to you.

I am grateful to author Tasha Alexander and her publisher Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, show more however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: September 22, 2026
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-1250375018 show less

This is the second book in this feel-good cozy mystery filled with a wonderful cast of quirky characters.

Widowed Mrs. B. owns the Marigold Cottages which lie just minutes from the Pacific coastline. She has a tendency to lease a few of her units at below market rates as she is more concerned that her tenants are sympatico than she is about raking in the profits. One of her YMCA regulars is suddenly out of a job and in need of housing. Dare we mention that she's also just been accused of murdering her boss? Mrs. B. believes it to pure hogwash. Regardless, there's nothing like a fresh murder to gather the amateur sleuths of Marigold Cottages to exonerate sweet CJ.

Ms. Nichols has crafted a sweet and endearing mystery. The writing is solid. The scene settings are well described. Each character is unique, quirky, and well developed. The idiosyncrasies of each character are rather amusing and warm one's heart. The mystery is richly layered with a number of red herrings. This was definitely a delightful diversion.

I am grateful to the Jo Nichols author duo and their publisher, Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: August 18, 2026
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-1250356574

Love is love in the City of Light. Who better than author Kristin Harmel to deliver a tender and engrossing story of those drawn to Paris and who might just find love?

Aging rocker Jackson Quick is testing the "comeback" waters in an arena performance. If it goes well, then a grand tour may be in the officing. Julia Glover and twenty-three year old daughter Piper are taking a cherished and final trip together where Julia can impart locations of all her favorite haunts from her college days. WWII veteran and songwriter, Henry McGee has discovered that the long lost love of his life is alive and living in Paris. He stays with his granddaughter Melanie Chaulet while reconnecting with Celeste Didier. Through their stories and of several others, love in all its guises is beautifully delivered and intertwined in this engrossing tale.

Ms. Harmel's prose sings to the heart as it spins the stories of these Americans in Paris. The characters are well developed and the mise en scène exquisitely delivered. One smells the fleurs of the flower market and the aromas of freshly baked baguettes. One notices the twinkling of light which plays on the ripples of the Seine. Imagine dining by La Tour Eiffel or in a quaint Parisian bistro. Known for her historical fiction, Ms. Harmel is able to draw on tidbits of the city's history to add richness to the tale's telling. Overall, this book touches the heart and feeds one's yearning to visit the City of Light and give in to its charm.

I am grateful show more to author Kristin Harmel and her publisher, Gallery Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication date: July 28, 2026
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 978-1668092538 show less

It's a very good thing that coronations are not an everyday occurrence. They're grand productions which would make Nelson deMille proud. So many details and traditions relative to each moving part and a vast array of staff to effectuate the resplendent affair. This is a warm and endearing story of three women caught up in the preparations, balancing workplace professionalism with their own hidden secrets.

London, England, 1952.

Miranda, a young widowed American journalist, is working undercover at the palace coordinating viewing stand protocols and placements while covertly sending coronation prep details back to a newspaper in the States. Caroline, assistant dresser to the queen, has a thirteen year old daughter and is married to an emotionally abusive husband who is not the child's father, yet who provided his name to the child for propriety's sake. Lucy is an aspiring ingenue working as a maid at the palace, whose ambitions yearn for the footlights of a grand London stage. All three women bear hidden scars and secrets. This is their story as the world greets Great Britain's radiant queen.

Author Jennifer Ryan has deftly written a beautiful and engrossing story. She has done her research which is no less than herculean. Using actual events for the framework, she weaves the stories of these three women in and around it. The reader gains glimpses into the challenges women faced in post-war Britain. They who were diligently manning the industrial complex as their men marched show more off to battle in WWII are now relegated back to their more feminine roles. Unlike Ms. Ryan's earlier works, this story bears a certain gravitas. The earlier books' touches of humor lightened the war years' heavy subject matter. We are made painfully aware how difficult it was for working women of the 1950s. Yet, all in all, this was an interesting, informative and enjoyable read.

I am grateful to author Jennifer Ryan and her publisher Ballantine Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication date: June 2, 2026
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-0593872277 show less

The grand adventure continues as American detective Mallory Atkinson teeters across a tear in time.

Mallory has moved forward into 1870 Edinburgh, Scotland, still under the protection of Dr. Duncan Gray, the local undertaker and advisor to the local constabulary on matters medical. She continues to function as the doctor's assistant. Their relationship is that of respectful colleagues with a tinge of mutual attraction bubbling under the surface. One late evening, Dr. Gray is called to the home of society matron, Lady Adler. Has there been a death in the family? Why the call? It turns out that a favored maid is missing and per the seance's medium, is feared dead. Ordinarily, this would be a police matter but given the high standing of favored customer, Lady Adler, it is best that Dr. Gray attend to it. Let the sleuthing commence!

What a fun read this was with its amusing dialogue of folks from differing time periods and places. The writing is solid, the mystery well-crafted and the story engaging and entertaining. The historical research is vast and nicely infused throughout the story. Mallory herself truly shines and is coming into her own agency. Although this is the fifth book in series, this story can stand alone. However, you may wish to start with book one as the developing story is delightful and well worth reading from the story's beginning.

I am grateful to author Kelley Armstrong and her publisher Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this show more book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: May 19, 2026
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1250394354 show less

Looking for a highspeed, exquisitely crafted geopolitical thriller? Then I commend this book for your reading pleasure! Conceived and delivered by world renowned mystery writer Louise Penny and esteemed journalist Mellissa Fung, this tale takes you on a fast ride from D.C. to China and Taiwan.

The story opens with everyone's cell alarm going off, all over the globe. No one lays claim to the action but the signal appears to have come out of China. Is this a ploy by the CCP? Or is it by an otherwise unknown nefarious entity? Following the second incident, Chinese dissident Vivien Li is off to Beijing with her daughter Alice in hot pursuit. Is Vivien a player in all of this? Alice is not so certain. Clues and bodies start piling up. Nations are on high alert and the National People's Congress is fast approaching. It's a cat and mouse mission. Relationships and loyalties are all fluid and vague. Who can one trust?

I was totally captivated by this story from the start. There are certainly a fair number of characters with lots of moving parts, all at the speed of sound. This deft author duo crafted a spectacular, albeit over the top, narrative fraught with tension. The characters are fleshed well out over the course of the book. You're never quite sure of a character's aim or its loyalty until the books conclusion. The writing is excellent and the scenes are set richly, thus appealing to all the senses. All in all, this was a most rewarding read.

I am grateful to Louise Penny, show more Mellissa Fung, and Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: May 12, 2026
Number of pages: 400
ISBN: 978-1250412522 show less

This dual timeline (early 20th century/current day) suspenseful mystery transports the reader to the Mohonk Mountain House, situated above the Hudson Valley. This grand retreat, a bit away from the city's bustle, was built in 1869 by Albert Smiley and still welcomes vacationers to this day. What a glorious setting for this fun and adventurous tale.

It is also where our protagonist, political journalist Danika Vaughn, has run off to for a month of rest and rejuvenation. While prepping the house for sale, she discovered a passel of letters in her grandmother's attic, all of which were received from Mohonk Mountain House and curiously addressed to her great-grandmother. Danika settles in at Mohonk and discovers that an international peace conference is about to commence. While there, she encounters a number of interesting characters, including a much beloved movie star from her childhood. But it's Cole McCain, head of security, with whom she soon crosses paths. Initially, neither trusts the other. He's on the hunt for a missing historical document and she has historical letters which may well provide clues in that hunt. Time is of the essence and other bad actors are on scene. Can this unusual duo suss it all out and save the day? Only time will tell.

This was a delightful and engaging read. The prose is lovely and at times poetic. The mise-en-scène is richly imagined and exquisitely delivered, enticing the reader to visit this mountain aerie. The characters are well show more developed and their encounters emotional and intense. The suspense builds steadily through the book and leaves the reader with a hope for a continuing saga of this amazing duo.

I am grateful to Jessica James and Patriot Press for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Patriot Press
Publication date: April 21, 2026
Number or Pages: 423
ASIN: B0GLH26QQS
File size: 4.8 MB show less