Murder in Venice by T.A. Williams - Book Review

Series: Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery #13 

Publication Date: 03rd Nov 2025 

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Fun! 

Retired cop and current PI, Dan Armstrong, is delighted to be invited to the luxury villa of Alice Graceland, a movie legend. However, when Dan and his trusted black Lab, Oscar, reach the place, he finds out that Alice wants him to host a murder mystery weekend for the Hollywood royalty. But when the event takes a turn for the worse, Dan has to figure out who flipped the script and committed a murder. 

The story comes in Dan’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I’ve read the series from the first book and enjoyed the mysteries, the characters’ growth, and the virtual tours across Italy. This time, we go to Venice and do a bit of sightseeing, though I admit my heart was set on that island fortress where the central plot takes place. 

However, a surprising aspect was the occurrence of the murder. It doesn’t happen in the first half! Gasp! I think it was an attempt to try something different. While I wasn’t bored at any point, I couldn’t help but wonder when the crime would actually happen. After all, a mystery book needs a mystery!  

Given the premise, we do meet some celebrities and see their antics off-screen. Yeah, not a pretty sight! The story touches upon various ills in the industry, but without going into details. This helps retain the cozy element and keeps things lighthearted. 

Oscar is a darling as he always is. He is a hero in almost every book, and this one is no exception. Three cheers for Oscar! 

Dan’s personal life is progressing well, much to his delight. His interactions with his parents show that one never grows too old not to be a son (or a daughter). His professional life has been interesting as always, so he is ready for more adventures. 

Coming to the mystery, it still manages to be intriguing, despite the limited space. With a long suspect list and potential motives, finding the killer takes time and effort… and maybe an action scene. ;) 

To summarize, Murder in Venice is a short and fun read with a lovely setting, water transport, great food, and a murder mystery game that turns too real!  

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MurderInVenice 

Yours for the Season by Emily Stone - Book Review

Publication Date: 07th Oct 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Christmas Romance 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Hopeful, though it has a couple of heavy themes 

Melanie (Mel) is not having a great year. Her best friend moved across the world, the love of her life dumped her six months ago, and her business, though going well, was draining her energy. 

However, Finn (the love) shows up at her doorstep asking for help. She would have to act as if they had gotten back together to please his mother, who planned an entire week of Christmas events with Mel included. Mel agrees reluctantly, on the condition that she would get to dump him in public, for him to realize how she felt. 

As they spend more time together, they have to figure out what happened and what they want. 

The story comes in Mel’s third-person POV in the current timeline (present tense) and Finn’s third-person POV in the past timeline. 

My Thoughts: 

This is my first book by the author who is famous for stories set in and around Christmas. I like that the writing is easy to read. The pace is neither slow nor fast. It is steady. 

I won’t talk about the premise since I requested the book knowing what it is. I was curious to see how it would be executed. Been reading second-chance romance more lately (professional research purposes). 

The chapters dealing with the past come from the MMC’s POV, which is a good idea. The timeline is very clear, so we can see the progress in their relationships and know the undercurrents as well. 

The side characters are interesting and add quite a bit to the plot. After all, it is a story about spending a week with the family. 

The book deals with themes like parental decisions, pressure, and how their actions/ words have a long-lasting impact on the kids. Even when things are done with good intentions, they can have negative repercussions. In fact, this is worse since we can’t blame anyone either. 

I wasn’t expecting a health issue as well, but okay. It’s there, so I can’t do anything. At least, the book ends on a positive note, so all is good. 

Miscommunication or lack of proper communication is the conflict, but I think it was handled decently. It felt realistic enough for the characters to think and do what they did. 

My main reason for a relatively low rating is my expectations. I wanted more from the main couple. They did have the required conversations (eventually and in instalments), but I hoped for a bit more banter and tension rather than monologues. 

A little something was missing, which made me reluctant to give it a higher rating (though I am rounding it up since I enjoyed the book). 

To summarize, Yours for the Season is a cozy romance with strong family vibes. It’s a nice read that can leave you with some thoughts and a smile on your face. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang by Stan Yan - Book Review

Publication Date: 30th Sep 2025

Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Fun! 

Twelve-year-old Eugenia Wang never celebrated her birthday on the actual day, 4th April, since 4 is an unlucky number according to Chinese. Her mother is clear about it. She is also very clear about art being a waste of time. 

This year, Eugenia is determined to do things her way. She applies for the art camp and plans to have a party on her actual birthday (and invite her crush to it). However, when Eugenia is hit on the head with a sneaker during PE, she starts to see visions of impending doom. Is it her anxiety or the universe sending her messages about something? What if her mother is actually right? 

Can Eugenia figure things out before it’s too late? 

My Thoughts: 

This is a tween book suitable for young YA readers (11-15+). Some of the content can be a wee bit scary for young readers who are not yet used to dark stuff like fire and mentions of death. 

The blurb pretty much sets the stage for the book. A stereotyped Asian mom who is almost always frowning and overbearing, an annoying little brother, a cheerful bestie, a good-looking love interest, and a cutesy pug (my favorite part of the book). And of course, our little MC, art-loving, awkward girl who has only one friend at school, is a nerdy girl. 

There’s a bit of diversity and inclusivity with the characters, which I like. It is seamlessly incorporated into the plot rather than being an item on the checklist. 

We could say this has a comic-in-a-comic model since the MC draws comics, and we get to see them (some of which are a result of her recurring nightmares). 

Artwork and presentation are key for a graphic novel, and that’s where this book scores high points. The illustrations are not ‘perfect’ with straight lines and sharp angles. They are softer and rounder with a bit of smudginess that works wonderfully. 

I also like how the nightmares appear in orangey-red, making it easy for kids to separate them from the main plot. Moreover, the text comes in two colors – black for dialogues and red for Eugenia’s thoughts. 

I read the ARC on my computer. It worked well in the default setting. I didn’t have to zoom in and out constantly, so the whole reading experience was enjoyable. 

There’s some crushing and a kissy kissy frame (PG-13). I’m not a fan of crushes and tingling for kids, so I won’t say anything about this. 

The pacing is pretty decent. It starts a bit slow (understandable), but picks up momentum over time. The changes in the characters’ actions towards the end are a bit abrupt despite the leads and foreshadowing we get. After so much stress and tension for the MC, the change could have been slowed or phased. 

Still, the book ends on a hopeful note. There’s a note and a little glossary for the non-English words. Then, we get a sneak peek into the author’s illustration process. This is again my favorite. I love it when illustrators show us a bit of their creative methods. Young artists might find it very interesting! 

To summarize, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang is an entertaining graphic novel about family, being a tween, parent-child dynamics, and learning to figure things out.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good by Kirsty Applebaum - Book Review

Publication Date: 11th Sep 2025

Genre: Middle-Grade Mystery, Fantasy

4.5 Stars

One Liner: Love it!

Fran doesn’t want to stay with her uncle and aunt or their daughter, her annoying cousin Imogen. Doesn’t matter if it is only for a week. However, even Fran doesn’t expect what she sees. Imogen has disappeared, and no one remembers her, not even her parents or her best friend, Bex!

Fran is not willing to let it go. She will find out where Imogen is. But first, Fran has to determine what the hidden garden on the Stillness Estate has to do with it.

The story comes in the first-person POV of Fran, the third-person POV of Imogen and Bex, and the third-person POV of another character.

My Thoughts:

Nosy Crow is fast becoming a favorite middle-grade publisher. Their books are short, quick, and entertaining! This one is no different.

It has short chapters, 2-3 pages each, and maintains a wonderful tempo. I finished the entire book in a single sitting. Also, the cover is apt for the book.

The storytelling stands out here. We get the story in different POVs and a dual timeline narrative. That ensures that we can know what has happened and see how it affects the present. This also prevents the need for an info dump at a later stage and keeps the reader hooked.  

Though Fran is the protagonist, she is not the only main character. Imogen and Bex also play major roles. I like that Imogen gets a third-person POV while Fran has the first-person (since her narration is a bit more). Kids will not be confused about whose story they are reading.

Moreover, the three girls are distinct from each other. They are layered while still being kids. Neither of them is perfect. They learn, they change, and they grow – all without making the story preachy or boring.

The actual mystery surrounding the disappearance is really intriguing. I wish we had more details about the thing, but kids will enjoy the plot as it is. There’s adventure, suspense, and danger.

The ending feels a bit abrupt, but I can see why it ended that way. It’s perfect for the plot.

After asking for illustrations, I did get one in this book. The first page of each chapter has the illustration of an element from the cover. I won’t mind more, though!

To summarize, The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good is a wonderful blend of fantasy, mystery, a bit of adventure, danger, and kids who learn to look beyond appearances.

Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

Murder in the Winter Woods by Katie Gayle - Book Review - Blog Tour

 Series: Julia Bird Mysteries #8

Publication Date: 25^th Sep 2025

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/B0DZRKHXF6social

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228921537-murder-in-the-winter-woods

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery, Contemporary

4 Stars

One Liner: Early Christmas Mystery

Book Blurb:

Julia Bird adores a walk on a winter’s day. The crunch of fresh show under your feet and the promise of hot cocoa by a roaring fire afterwards… But she’s not expecting to find a body in the woods!

It’s Christmas in Berrywick, the busiest time of year for dashing taxi driver Lewis. But when he’s killed in a road accident, the entire village is shaken. Julia Bird, recently appointed to the Road Safety Committee, visits the site so that no other villager suffers the same fate. But when she spies a pendant left in the bushes, she feels certain Lewis’s death was no accident…

As the festive lights twinkle in the village square, Julia vows to uncover the truth. She soon learns not everyone found Lewis’s charm appealing. Sweetshop owner Dora says he had an eye for the ladies, much to his wife’s frustration. Lewis recently gave his life savings to a mysterious businessman who proves difficult to track down. But could these be reasons enough to want him dead?

Then, local beekeeper Matthew is struck by a car near the Christmas market. Julia believes the two deaths must be linked, but contrary to Lewis, Matthew was as sweet as the honey he sold. Who could possibly want to hurt Berrywick’s kindest man?

With no obvious leads, Julia stumbles upon an old picture that finally links Lewis and Matthew. Many years ago they were in a band poised for stardom, but when the bubble burst, their chance at fame vanished quicker than a glass of festive eggnog. Could someone be targeting the band members one by one? And can Julia track them down before the killer strikes again?

An utterly gripping and totally charming cozy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love the Julia Bird Mysteries!

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Julia’s third-person POV.

This is the eighth book in the series and might work as a standalone since the personal track is steady and the focus is on the mystery. Of course, we still see more developments and happy times with loved ones. These are always welcome.

Jake, our chocolate Lab, makes a slightly late entry since he was left at home, as the humans enjoyed the Winter market. Unfair, right? Poor Jake! He lost the opportunity to run around and whack a few displays with his tail.

Given the festive vibe, the mystery feels a bit mellow. It works since the setting (Nov) has the same languid feel. Still, the book discusses important topics. The focal point is road safety, a very important aspect across the world.

The chickens are healthy, though they’ve slowed down due to the cold. Chaplin the cat is in his element and even occasionally displays his affection by bringing gifts. You can guess what kind!

The mystery starts simply. Then, new layers are added to it. Some are red herrings, but some are solid leads. Can you figure out which ones to follow? I guessed it right, and we actually got the answer at one point. Series readers will know it when they see it. ;)

The pacing felt a bit slower than usual, but no complaints. It suits the mood.

To summarize, Murder in the Winter Woods is a solid continuation of the series and a great read if you want a compact little cozy mystery set in winter.

Thank you, Sarah Hardy, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

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About the Authors – Katie Gayle

Katie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both make their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg with their husbands, children, dogs, and cats. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieGayleWriter

X: https://twitter.com/KatieGayleBooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiegaylebooks

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Katie Gayle here: https://www.bookouture.com/katie-gayle

***

Sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

This has been a pitstop on the blog tour for #MurderInTheWinterWoods by Bookouture (@bookouture). Thank you for stopping by! 

Cloaked in Deception by Cara Devlin - Book Review

Series: Spencer & Reid Mysteries #4

Publication Date: 13^th Sep 2025

Genre: Historical Mystery

4.5 Stars

One Liner: Keep going!

Leonora Spencer and Detective Inspector Jasper Reid are among the guests at the charity dinner for the Metropolitan and City Police Orphanage when a masked gang attacks the event, resulting in a brutal murder.

Leo is determined to help Jasper, and he is determined to keep her safe. When they find a clue that leads them to a past event, Leo and Jasper have to confront the killer before it is too late.

The story comes in Leo and Jasper’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:

We are in the fourth book of the series. While there is enough information to make this a standalone, I recommend starting with the first book. It’s worth the time.

The story starts a month after the previous book ends. There seems to be a faint hope for the FMC (career-wise), though we’ll know for sure in the next book or the last one.

The slow burn is still slow, but the burn has upped the heat a little bit. I like it! Good to see steady progress in the right direction.

The mystery is intriguing and well-executed. It has a few twists and reveals that align with the plotting and fit nicely into each slot. I could guess most of it, though in a different way.

Of course, the FMC has a penchant for getting into danger, and this book is no exception. Thankfully, she also has enough brain to keep herself alive somehow. This helps.

The pacing is moderate, but it sustains the same momentum from start to finish. Even with the internal monologue and thoughts, the intensity doesn’t dip. It doesn’t feel bored or dragging at any point.

The ending has laid the foundation for a showdown, which I think will happen in the last book (6^th). Bring it on!

Book #5 is scheduled for Jan 2026, and I’m counting days already!

To summarize, Cloaked in Deception is a solid mystery and a great continuation to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

My thanks to the author for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.