Monday, September 22, 2025

A Very Bookish Murder -- Dee MacDonald Tour!

A Very Bookish Murder is the third entry in Dee MacDonald's series

I like to have a cozy book when I've had a long day and just want to 'escape' with some amateur sleuths. Maybe I can solve the whodunit before the last page is turned? (I didn't!)

MacDonald has a lead character in Ally McKinley that is clever, curious and likeable. There are a number of supporting folks from the village. Queenie from the village makes me laugh. And Ross is lovely. I feel like I am catching up with old friends. Ally is offering her B&B group of writers attending a retreat. (I also want to own Ally's historical building.) All is good until.....I'm sure you know what happens next.....make a cuppa and enjoy.

Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of BOAC) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years. She has worked at the BOAC when they had the franchise.

Dee has since relocated to BOAC, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70! Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Brand-new from New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews!

Brand-new from New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews! The Queen of the Summer Read is back with her first novel in two years!
 
Maeve and Therese Dunigan are sisters—but the two have been estranged for years. They could not be more opposite: Maeve, a rule-follower and Therese, a rebel. But when their mother’s death brings the family back together, the two find that they have inherited a painting—one that could be worth millions and could save each of them from their respective wolves at the door. The only issue is the painting might be a fake and the only way they can solve the problem is to find the original. This means a road trip—to Ireland, to their family roots, and to a mysterious crime that occurred years ago. 

With tensions simmering, the two hit the road and find themselves on twisty lanes, in colorful villages, at local pubs, and with handsome men whose gift of the gab is surpassed only by their charm. Can Maeve and Therese find the real painting, remove a family curse, solve a cold case, and actually survive without killing each other? Join Mary Kay Andrews on a road trip that will entertain you for miles.

#CoverReveal! Behold ROAD TRIP by NYT-bestselling author @marykayandrewsauthor. The mega-bestselling queen of the beach reads is back and she’s crossing the pond next summer with rolling hills, hot men with accents, and a trip to Ireland two sisters might not survive.

 Mark your calendars and start planning your Summer 2026 reading early. ROAD TRIP will be in stores everywhere on June 2, 2026 from @stmartinspress. Pre-order NOW!

https://bit.ly/SMPRoadTrip
#summerneverendswithmka

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Down Cemetery Road - Mick Herron

Oh wow! I had seen the NetGalley mention of the CWA Gold Dagger winner Mick Herron's debut novel. 

I looked at the premise of Down Cemetery Road and thought yes - I like what I see. Two women fill the leaders role. Each has their own set of skills. I think I'm a bit more Zoƫ Boehm than Sarah Tucker.

The plot takes some inspiration from current events and government actives. 

Often I find that some books would be excellent as an audio books. That's the case with Down Cemetery Road. The narrator was narrated by Alix Dunmore. She has a clear speaking voice. She's created voices that are recognizable for the listener. She captures the dangerous, emotion and more of Herron plotting. A great tale and a great presentation.

Thursday, September 4, 2025

The Wrong Sister - Claire Douglas

Woohoo! A new book from Claire Douglas - The Wrong Sister.
 
I adore domestic suspense novels. There are so many ways that a story can unfurl. A stranger trying to get into a family, or someone try to get out. Or both?...

Another must 'haves' are twists and turns! I really enjoy being surprised! Is it a clue, truth or lies?

There's one of every kind of personality populating the pages of The Wrong Sister.  Tasha is the one I was drawn to. Douglas does a great job with creating other players. And a hard to crack whodunnit!

Another great read from Claire Douglas! I'm looking for her next book.

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

A Baby for the Home Front Girls - Susanna Bavin


A Baby for the Home Front Girls is the fifth and final book in Susanna Bavin's wonderful series. You could read this as a stand alone as well.

Manchester. 1942.

Sitting down with one of Bavis’s books feels like getting caught up with your friends. A core group have been in every book and some come and some go. But each one has their own story to tell. In this book, a blanket is found on the steps of a building. With a small infant inside….

The war is still raging and again Bavis details the bombings the crashes and so much more. The war is a character on its own.

I’m fascinated by how women made something last a little longer, come up with recipes to fit what they do have to eat and amongst all this, they have fun. Keep Calm and Carry On.

I’m sad that the series is ending, but I’m looking forward to Bavis’s next series. A Bookworm's World was one of today's tour stops. See below for what other bloggers thought.