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.

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

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 Zoë 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.

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.

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. 

The Battle of the Bookshops - Poppy Alexander

If the word 'bookshops' is in the title - then I want to read it! I worked many years as a bookseller.

Poppy Alexander bring us a wonderful tale in her latest book, The Battle of the Bookshops.

Jules is back home as her Aunt Flo can't manage the one hundred year family store. Jules has to make it work! She is doing okay until someone else opens a new modern book store....

Karen Cass was the narrator. She a great job in presenting Alexander's work. I find sometimes that I become more enamored of the story when listening. That was the case in The Battle of the Bookshops. Cass created believable voices that easily let the listener know who's talking. Cass uses her voice to easily depict the emotion, anxiety and ..... I'll let you find out wins the Battle!

The Art of a Lie - Laura Shepherd-Robinson

I found author Laura Shepherd-Robinson a couple of years ago with her previous novel, The Square of Sevens. I was thrilled to see that she had a brand new book called The Art of a Lie.

The author takes us back England 1749. This isn't a time frame I usually read -  but there's not a Royal to be found. Instead, our lead character is Hannah who runs a confectionary shop with her husband. They're not making much, but a new recipe for something called Iced Cream could help. (YUM!) 

But her husband I missing. And those who say that they can help her? They are referring to themselves.

Everyone has their own agenda. And given the year this is set in, Hanna has to 'behave'. She is dismissed 'as only the wife'. Literally every last character is a liar. Can you find the truth?

I loved the deep look at the setting, the society, a woman's place, the  skullduggery and more. 

Shepherd-Robinson kept my attention from first to last. I encourage you to read the author's notes at the  end of the books. They're fascinating. Read an excerpt as well. 

The Devil's Advocate - Steve Cavanagh

Have you read Steve Cavanagh already? I've read three of his books so far and will absolutely be reading the others.

Why do I like his books so much? I'm a fan of suspense fiction, legal battles, and twists and turns. Cavanagh bring those three things together again in The Devil's Advocate. 

That cover catches your eye - with the font and the colors used. But it is the one sentence that seals the deal. 

"He's won every trial...because he's planned every murder." Creepy eh?

There's a group that work for and with lawyer Eddie Flynn. It's easy to 'meet' the supporting cast. You can easily jump in without having read any of the previous books.

I hope you enjoy them as well! 

Lime Juice Money - Jo Morey

I loved the cover of Jo Morey's first novel - Lime Juice Money.

You'll find out what that phrase means - and travel to Morey's setting in Belize. She has done a fabulous job of building her "world" in the jungle. The plants, orchids, predators - both animal and human, the indigenous people, those who are hiding and those who come for holidays. And more....

The book is told from two time lines and two characters. Laelia and Ellis - father and daughter. Laelia's sister plays her part well. There are many other characters - many are toxic. I was surprised at the direction Laelia's life went. I tried to be not judgmental. Another factor is her tinnitus - she cannot hear well. And some persons might take advantage of that...

The plotting, the setting, the characters - kept me engrossed from first page to last. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Lime Juice Money.

The Homemade God - Rachel Joyce

Rachel Joyce is an author who has had me in tears with her writing - some happy - some sad, but always engaging and thoughtful.

The title, The Homemade God, was a bit of an enigma. I have my own thoughts on the who and why but I'm going to let you discover your own ideas. I do like the cover image and it houses much of the book.

Four adult siblings have wonderful rapports with each other. But an

episode changes everything in their world. Nothing will ever be as it was again.

Joyce has created wonderful, detailed characters. You'll have your favorites and those you detest. You'll question their options, intents,  goals, actions, and thoughts and more.

The Homemade God is another fantastic read from Rachel Joyce. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Homemade God. 

The Peculiar Gift of July - Ashley Ream

I've taken to looking, really looking at book covers before turning the first page. My latest is the Peculiar Gift of July by Ashley Ream. 

The figure could be a woman, but I thought it was a teenage girl. She's holding a small building gently in her hands. And I think the lights are fireflies.

The book is set in a small island where you know everyone and they know your business as well. I love quirky characters - and there are many in this tale. I think Malcom was one of my fave characters - and July as well.

July's interventions are very subtle the first time. Common things and actions that nobody really notices. Until others do. And the tone changes. The past needs to leave and let the now in. I think Ream really caught the emotions of the players. I enjoyed her writing very much. See for yourself - read an excerpt of  The Peculiar Gift of July.

She Didn't See It Coming - Shari Lapena

I adore Shari Lapena's books! I've read than all and with new entry I've declared it my favourite. But this latest? She Didn't See It Coming is crazy good!! And yes, it's my new fave.

Why, you ask? Everything starts with one event. Bryden fails to pick up her child from daycare. The daycare calls her husband Sam to come and get the child. He’s rather put out about it but jumps in the car to go get Clara. The thing is…Bryden hasn't come home or the next day either.

The police are called in and the tale takes off from there. Bryden is a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, friend, an employee and more. And as readers we have access to everybody’s thoughts and actions. But can we believe what each character is saying?

I love twists and turns in a tale, and my goodness there’s some of the best ones I’ve ever read this book. I couldn’t predict at all how things were going to go.

What a great summer read! Well, actually it’s a great read anywhere and any place! See for yourself - read an excerpt of She Didn’t See It Coming.

Tiny Vices - Linda Dahl Spotlight!

A Bookworm's World is happy to welcome author Linda Dahl with news of her latest book - Tiny Vices.

What is about?

DESCRIPTION

For fans of Anne Tyler and Jojo Moyes, this is a tartly compassionate and contemporary tale of sibling love and conflict, marital challenges, and what personal fulfillment looks like—or doesn’t—in middle age.

Mid-life: Its obligations and demands, its petty foibles and evasions. And sometimes, its crises. Dreams are deferred, shortcomings rationalized. Like favorite old clothes, petty misdemeanors may feel comfortable, but they’re not a good look.

The Talley siblings are planning a family beach vacation—all four of them together for the first time in years. They suspect it will be their last. And God knows they all need a vacation. But wait, is it really such a good idea? Corina, with her recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s, can hardly manage to get through a day without a debacle. Pete is a just-barely-walking catalog of medical calamities stemming from his longtime addictions. Becca is reeling from her teenage son’s latest misadventure. And then there is Kathy, the eldest. After firmly avoiding going back to Rincón Bay, the beach town just a few hours south of the Arizona–Mexico border that has haunted her since a college spring break trip three decades ago, she’s determined to go back and face her ghosts—though she might be better off facing the fact that her marriage is in serious trouble.

When the Talley siblings and their entourage (two spouses, added on at the last minute, and Corina’s Mexican housekeeper/caregiver) finally land in Rincón Bay, they all encounter unexpected consequences from the wounds inflicted by careless loving—but maybe, too, the seeds of healing and hope.

For fans of Anne Tyler and Jojo Moyes, this is a tartly compassionate and contemporary tale of sibling love and conflict, marital challenges, and what personal fulfillment looks like—or doesn’t—in middle age.

Mid-life: Its obligations and demands, its petty foibles and evasions. And sometimes, its crises. Dreams are deferred, shortcomings rationalized. Like favorite old clothes, petty misdemeanors may feel comfortable, but they’re not a good look.

The Talley siblings are planning a family beach vacation—all four of them together for the first time in years. They suspect it will be their last. And God knows they all need a vacation. But wait, is it really such a good idea? Corina, with her recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s, can hardly manage to get through a day without a debacle. Pete is a just-barely-walking catalog of medical calamities stemming from his longtime addictions. Becca is reeling from her teenage son’s latest misadventure. And then there is Kathy, the eldest. After firmly avoiding going back to Rincón Bay, the beach town just a few hours south of the Arizona–Mexico border that has haunted her since a college spring break trip three decades ago, she’s determined to go back and face her ghosts—though she might be better off facing the fact that her marriage is in serious trouble.

When the Talley siblings and their entourage (two spouses, added on at the last minute, and Corina’s Mexican housekeeper/caregiver) finally land in Rincón Bay, they all encounter unexpected consequences from the wounds inflicted by careless loving—but maybe, too, the seeds of healing and hope."

"Siblings take a last-gasp vacation to Mexico in Dahl’s novel....There’s a lot of complexity crammed into this fairly brief story, and the realism is impressive...." —KIRKUS REVIEWS

Linda Dahl began writing as a freelancer about two passions, jazz and Latin America, before turning to fiction. She has written ten published books, including the novels Tiny Vices, An Upside-Down Sky, Gringa in a Strange Land, and The Bad Dream Notebook, and the nonfiction works Stormy Weather and Morning Glory. Her books have consistently garnered awards and praise, including a Notable Book of the Year nod from The New York Times Book Review for Morning Glory in 2000. Linda loves reading, swimming, music, and doing volunteer work in her community. She lives in Riverdale, New York.

Photo credit to Geoffrey Doughlin.

A Case of Mice and Murder - (The Trials of Gabriel Ward) by Sally Smith

The cover to Sally Smith's book - A Case of Mice and Murder - called to me. The font used, the colors and images and the subtitle.

The setting is in 1901 Britain. Most of the book takes place in the Inner Temple Archives and Library. This is an actual place and it was fascinating to learn about it. The police can only enter by consent. And that is how we meet unwilling sleuth Sir Gabriel Ward KC. He can't say no. And he would be much happier if he could work on his latest case - the disputed authorship of bestselling children's book Millie the Temple Church Mouse.

I admit I felt overwhelmed with so many supporting players in the beginning. Names and titles abound! But with this being the first book I believe Smith is building the setting and atmosphere.

I came to really, really enjoy Sir Gabriel. I liked being privy to his inner dialogue along side with the outer. The verbal jousting is so very clever.

The plot? I knew I wouldn't guess the answer to the question of whodunit. Smith's plotting is wonderful. It benefits from her own knowledge as a Barrister and King's Counsel. 

A Case of Mine and Murder is so clever! Watch for the second book - A Case of Life and Limb.

The Unraveling of Julia - Lisa Scottoline

It's been quite a long time since I have read one of  Lisa Scottoline's books. I always enjoyed her legal suspense books.

Her latest book is The Unraveling of Julia.

Julia's husband has been killed and her life will never be the same. So when a lawyer lets her know that she has inherited a large home and financials she is stunned. But she doesn't know who has given this all to her. She packs for Tuscany to find who it might be...

Now, I can see how this might play out and I went with it. And again. Add some supernational elements and a quick new beau. I feel like everything that could happen, will. The the rest of the characters are all here for a specific reason. I had trouble liking Julia. But it's just too much happening. There were some points when I thought that this would a good time and place to wind things down. Instead, every action or event is rehashed. 

The narrator was Maria Marquis. Her Spanish is excellent and she gave an excellent performance. She provided recognizable voices for the players.  

Night Watcher - Daphne Woolsoncroft

Oh, that's a great cover on Daphne Woolsoncroft's new book - Night Watcher. The rain, the empty park and the lone figure. Are they waiting for someone? Or something else....

When Nola was a child, she escaped a serial killer  called The Hiding Man. She's back in her home town and she still feels that crawling up her back...

Nola runs a late night call-in radio and ask her listeners to help.

(And I have to insert this here. Daphne Woolsoncroft, a Los Angeles native, is the host and producer of the hit true crime podcast Going West, with a 150K-200K listeners per episode and over two million monthly downloads. Well, of course I had to have a listen and loved it.) That experience really makes Night Watcher even better. 

I chose to listen to the Night Watcher. I often find that I am more immersed in a tale when I listen. That was certainly the case with Night Watcher. The two narrators were  Helen Laser and Will Collyer. They did a great job of present Woolsoncroft's work. Both spoke clearly and were easy to understand. Their voices suited what was happening in the book. I appreciate having two narrators - it makes things seem believable.

I liked this first book and will be watching for a second - THE SEASON OF SINKING Summer 2026.

The Felons' Ball - Polly Stewart

I always have a good look at the cover of my next read. What clues can you glean from the cover of The Felons' Ball - the new novel from Polly Stewart. The play on the family's name and the cuffs...?

The book opens with the annual birthday party for Trey, head of the family. Tonight‘s party is a catalyst, bringing up secrets that were not meant to ever be uncovered again. Some characters want that, but others don’t.

And at the center of all, it is the Macready family. Dad, Mom and their three adult daughters. Each daughter has a voice in the narrative and as a reader we are privy to their, thoughts and actions.

The supporting characters are many and all of them are also keeping secrets. Slowly, but surely, answers start to come in. But what is that going to cost everyone?

Stewart does a fabulous job of melding the crimes and the family. I didn’t manage to find the right person in the who dunnit. (which I always appreciate!)

The Felons' Ball was the first book I've read of Stewart.  I would happily read her next book. See for yourself - read an excerpt of the Felons' Ball.

The Woman in Suite 11 - Ruth Ware

 I’ve read and enjoyed all of Ruth Ware’s books. Her latest is The Woman in Suite 11. This book is a follow up to The Woman in Cabin 10 with character Lo Blacklock. If you have read Cabin, you’re all set. If you’ve not read Cabin, you’ll have to make a choice as you would find out all the answers from 10 in this book. Sorry, I hope that makes sense!

Lo has all of the of the things she wanted - husband, kids, and home.  It’s time to go back to work. When she receives an invitation to cover the opening of a new hotel, she jumps at the opportunity. And is shocked when her past catches up to her present…

There’s a lot going on in the suspense filled plot and a mystery to be solved. There are a lot of twists and turns and I had to be on my toes. The direction of who, when and where changes quite often. There were a few things that I just thought were awkward. Not sure why Mom and her ankle were even in the book. Nobody goes to see her.

This one is not one of my favourite Ware books, but I do like the author's work so I will happily pick up her next book.

Writing Mr. Wrong - Kelley Armstrong

If Kelley Armstrong's name is on the cover - then I'm reading it! I enjoyed last summer's rom-com - Finding Mr. Write. I knew I would enjoy Writing Mr. Wrong this summer.

Debut author Gemma runs into her past when she agrees to be interviewed on a local talk show. The host (and others) have read her book and....well, Gemma might have based her male character on Mason Moretti. Mason was Gemma's crush in high school and .....

I loved the characters, the premise, the truths and the writing. It's cute and funny as well. Building a relationship is hard work and I think Armstrong did a great job in truly depicting the goals and the path to get get it right. Take note that there steamy scenes.

 Writing Mr. Wrong is perfect for hot summer reading!

Don't Let Him In - Lisa Jewell

I always like to stop and take a good look at a cover before turning the first pages. Lisa Jewell's new novel - Don't Let Him In - had me curious. About halfway it struck me! Very clever!

And it's not just the cover that is clever. The plot is wonderfully byzantine. I am going to be purposefully obtuse and hope that I don't give anything away! There are three players who have who have something in common...

The narratives change rapidly. The reader has all of that information but the characters are limited in what they know. I had more than a few words for one of the players.

Jewell kept me up turning pages. I just had to know what happens. 

You must add Don't Let Him In to your beach bag! See for yourself - read an excerpt.