The Killer Question - Janice Hallett

The Killer Question is Janice Hallett's latest novel.

I always look at the covers and see what I might find out about the story waiting for me.

Have you ever gone to pub night and/or played quiz with your team? I have once or twice. It was actually great fun. But there are those who take things a little bit closer to their hearts - literally ....

Janice Hallett gives the reader an absolutely wonderful plot. There is no way a reader will before come up with the answer to whodunit !

Now's what I love - the book is written in clever epistolary! Through quiz categories, phone messages, email correspondence and more.

Janice Hallett is such a talented writer. I will eagerly await her next book!

The Sister's Curse - Nicola Solvinic - Blog Tour!

 

The cover of Nicola Salvinia's new novel, The Sister's Curse caught my eye. What is swirling in the water? And what about the curse? On sale today!!

The story: There’s something in the water in Bayern County…

Lieutenant Anna Koray thought she’d finally found solid ground and escaped her past as the daughter of a notorious serial killer. But when she rescues a boy from drowning—his body marked by strange symbols—she's pulled into an investigation unlike any she's ever seen. More bodies soon surface, all linked to the Kings of Warsaw Creek, the town’s wealthiest and most powerful men—and all bearing the same eerie signs.

As a string of ritualistic drownings rocks her small town, Lieutenant Anna Koray must unravel a case tangled in myth, murder, and long-buried vengeance—all while haunted by her own legacy as the daughter of a convicted serial killer.  Dark forces may be at work in Bayern County, and Anna must separate legend from truth before she becomes the next to vanish.

From the author of The Hunter’s Daughter—an acclaimed debut named “the best thriller” on the TODAY show and a Best of the Year pick by Amazon—comes a chilling supernatural mystery steeped in Slavic folklore. THE SISTER’S CURSE is an atmospheric blend of psychological suspense and slow-burn horror, perfect for fans of The Marsh King’s Daughter, Simone St. James, and A Flicker in the Dark.

Nicola Solvinic holds a master’s degree in criminology and has worked in and around the criminal justice system for over a decade. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and cats, surrounded by a secret garden full of beehives."

On my teetering list to read... 

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective - Jo Nichols

I started The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective after dinner one night. And stayed up way too late - I just couldn't put it down!

We meet the folks who live in the six cottages, including Mrs. B. She owns the cottages and has a relationship with each person.  Except for the dead body found on the grounds of the cottage. And what about that latest resident....

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective has the feel of a cozy mystery. And it is. We (the reader) are aware of their personalities, lives, thoughts, hopes, fears and more. Can you solve the case?

I love the epistolary bits used by Nichols. The group meets online. And the comments are quite funny. Quirky is the word for this book and characters. I quite enjoyed it all! Thanks so much Jo Nichols.

 

The Armchair Detectives - Matt Dunn

I find I am reading more and more 'cozies.' They are relaxing despite the bodies and baddies! How to pick one? For me it is usual the cover. I liked the bright red and the image had a cane and slippers of this one.

This is the first in a series - The Armchair Detectives by Matt Dunn. Where do you think the tale might be set? Retirement and care home? You're right!

Martin is our lead character and his sidekick is Albie. Martin is sure that there is crime afoot..... 

I liked Martin but as the book progressed, I grew tired of listening to him repeating for Albie. Martin's daughter was a bit wooden to me. I would like to have seen a woman in a larger role that Barbara was.

The crime was clever. It will be interesting to see where and what happens in the next entry.

This may be a trigger for some and a learning opportunity for others ... a medical condition is described. 

  

The Armchair Detectives - Matt Dunn ---- Blog Tour

New from Matt Dunn - The Armchair Detectives 

What's it about...?

"They might be over the hill but they’re far from six feet under and now there’s a murder to solve!

Meet Martin Maxwell. As a former government operative, at eighty-four-years young he always pictured a retirement sipping shaken-not-stirred martinis on a far-flung island. But in need of some care after a new hip, he finds himself at Twilight Lodge on the decidedly cloudy English coast.

From the outside, it’s a picture-perfect place to recuperate. But when popular resident Elsie dies unexpectedly, Martin suspects foul play. She’s the third death in less than two weeks and always had a clean bill of health. Armed with a walking stick and his trusty notebook and pen, Martin decides to investigate.

While nobody believes him – death is an inevitable part of care home life after all – Martin is convinced something sinister is afoot. With his wheelchair-bound sidekick and former nemesis Albie in tow, they begin questioning the residents. Soon they learn that there are several suspects in the frame.

When they discover Albie’s love interest Barbara is in the killer’s sights, Martin knows time is running out. Will Albie’s heart be broken forever, or can they battle the effects of old age and each other, outwitting a murderer before it’s too late?"

"An absolutely hilarious and heartwarming cozy mystery perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood, Jesse Q. Sutanto and Only Murders in the Building."

"Matt Dunn is the author of numerous novels, including the bestselling The Ex-Boyfriend’s Handbook (which was shortlisted for both the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award and the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance), A Day at the Office, 13 Dates (shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Comedy of the Year), and At The Wedding (an Amazon Kindle #1 bestseller). He’s also written for various publications including The Times, Guardian, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, and The Sun. Previously, he’s worked as a professional lifeguard, fitness-equipment salesman, and most recently, an I.T. head-hunter (where his success in re-writing other people’s CVs made him think he might have a talent for fiction), but he prefers writing novels for a living."

 

                                                   See what other book lovers thought!

 

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.