Murder Runs in the Family by Tamara Berry - Book Review

Publication Date: 29th April 2025

Genre: Cozy Humor Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Funny and entertaining 

Amber Winslow leaves her former life in Seattle and goes to a retirement center in Arizona to meet her grandma, a woman she has never met! While she is still coming to terms with the easy entry into Seven Ponds (the luxury retirement community center) and meeting her eccentric and modern grandmother, Amber is shocked to hear about the death of a resident, George Vincent, a.k.a. the Admiral. 

With the Admiral’s missing pet tortoise and the sudden disappearance of his family heirloom, the fingers point at Amber’s grandma, Jude. Amber may not know this woman, but she is determined to prove that her grandmother is innocent. Seems like it is time she used her sleuthing skills for her family. 

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

My Thoughts: 

I’ve seen good reviews for the author’s cozy mystery series and decided to try her latest book. 

The book starts with Amber down on her luck and trying to meet her estranged grandmother, someone her mother doesn’t approve of. Not having anywhere else to go, Amber decides she would try a chance with her grandma. 

The death occurs fairly soon (less than 10%), so the book pretty much puts us in the mystery immediately. That said, we also get a glimpse into the backstory, the strained family relationships, the FMC’s career, and the eccentricities at the retirement center. 

While this feels like a lot, it is not. Sure, there are some laugh-out-loud moments, and Grandma Jude is a sparkling and OTT personality. However, we don’t feel overwhelmed with the information we get right at the beginning. There’s more than what we see at first, obviously! 

The mystery is really cozy. It’s a blend of drama and mystery, so think of something like Vera Wong (though grandma here isn’t gonna waste her time cooking). 

The themes of found family, friendship, living in a community center, sense of belongingness, etc., are also explored, but without making the book heavy or overwhelming. 

Humor is the highlight. Since it is subjective, if you don’t enjoy the lighthearted scenes, you may not like the book as much. 

We have a pet tortoise which plays a prominent role in the plot and is carried around by quite a few. Moreover, this ninety-plus tortoise inspires protective feelings in many people! 

I also like that the ex is not totally a bad guy. He has some good traits. In fact, most characters are the same. They feel realistic enough to be flawed and good. 

The ending very much makes it sound like this book will be a series. I hope it is! I’d be delighted to read more books with the FMC and her grandmother. 

To summarize, Murder Runs in the Family is a lighthearted and cozy read with a mystery (or two), a pet tortoise, and characters trying to make the best of their situation and be happy. 

A part of it reminded me of the reports we get from Kerala Airport (IYKYK). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #murderrunsinthefamily

Jacob by V.H. Nicolson - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: The Boys of Castleview Cove #2 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 23rd April 2025 (first published in 2022)

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/jacobbook

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228710278-jacob

Genre: Contemporary Romance

3.5 Stars

One Liner: A fast and steamy read

Book Blurb:

Resisting temptation will test me to my limits

I've been in love with Skye since we were kids. But she's off-limits, not just because I’m her boss, but she's my best friend's ex. And, together, we made a pact as teenagers. And unbreakable bro code. Never touch each other’s ex. Ever.

But I’m forced to spend hour after hour, day after day, with her beauty. In meetings, conference calls, emails, and business trips. Every. Single. Week. It’s hideously torturous, and I shouldn’t want her the way I do. But then I think she might feel the same way…

Jacob is my boss. He’s broad, toned, dripping in ink, and it turns out the man I’m falling for has been under my nose this entire time, and yet I can’t have him. It’s too complicated, and he won’t betray his best friend and my ex.

So we resist. Although it’s amazing how much naughtiness you can get up to without touching. But then it becomes clear this is more than just lust. This might be real. How can we ever make this work? I wanted a fairy tale, but right now I'd settle for a chance to at least kiss my prince.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Skye and Jacob’s first-person POVs.

Though this is the second in the series, it works as a standalone. Lincoln from book one has a side role here, and so does Owen from book three. I haven’t read the first and haven’t decided about the third. Still, I had no issues following this book.

This is a rerelease by a publisher (I think the first edition was self-published) with a brand-new cover, which I really like. I prefer covers where the guy has some clothes on and exudes confidence. No idea if the contents inside have been updated or changed.

The POVs switched are clearly marked, which is useful since both are in the first person. The voices were distinct enough, so it was easy to follow. Moreover, the POV switch is not for alternative chapters, but changes based on the plot development and setting. That’s a good way to go.

The narration is pretty fast. TBH, the plot is rather thin, so it’s nice that the story moves along without stretching beyond its limit. Since bro code from childhood sounds a bit silly, the author addressed it by making the characters say the same. It has been used for character development as well.

However, there’s a subplot that didn’t exactly sit with the rest. I can see how it became a trigger for a vital development. There’s some talk of trauma and stuff. However, it pays on the safer side despite the fear, so the whole thing ends up more as a plot device.

There is a lot of steam, like from the second page (be warned that this scene can be uncomfortable given the relationship dynamics, though I think it was handled as well as it could have been). The short author’s note at the beginning makes this clear. I’d say it goes 4.5 (on the scale of 5, so yeah, steamy hot). Some dirty talk, too.

A bit of drama and a happy-ever-after followed by an epilogue or two. I like extended epilogues, so I enjoyed them.

The book's sustenance is the MMC’s love for the FMC. It’s so intense, deep, and overwhelming that it manages to strengthen the weak areas to some extent and makes the book a worthy read. There’s a thin line between love and obsession, but the author writes it well.

To summarize, Jacob is a quick read with some drama and loads of spice if you want brain candy. Don’t think too much about it. Enjoy it for what it is.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – V. H. Nicolson

VH Nicolson is an author of contemporary romance. Since writing her first novel over lockdown, she is now completely smitten with writing love stories with happily ever afters. VH Nicolson was born and raised along the breathtaking coastline of North East Fife, Scotland. For more than two decades, she’s worked throughout the UK and abroad within the creative marketing and design industry, as a branding strategist and stylist, editor of a magazine, and sub-editor of a newspaper. Married to her soul mate, they have one son. She has a weakness for buying too many quirky sparkly jumpers, eating Belgium buns, and walking the endless beaches that surround her beautiful Scottish hometown, where she’s now moved back to.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @authorvhnicolson

Instagram: @vhnicolsonauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/VHNicolsonNews

Bookbub Profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vh-nicolson

***

This has been a stop on the #Jacob blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!

The Forgotten Book Club by Kate Storey - Book Review

Publication Date: 10th April 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming but a bit too strong on the message 

Grace hasn’t been a reader but supported her husband, Frank’s passion for books. However, his death left her in deep grief and with no idea about what to do with his books. Her grandson suggested she join Frank’s book club. 

However, the book club is not how she imagined it to be! Uncertain and stressed, Grace flees the place only to be stopped by Anne, who wants her to give them a second chance. As Grace brings new life into the book club, she makes new friends and a lot more! 

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

My Thoughts: 

I’ve quite enjoyed the author’s previous book, so when I was provided access to this one, I was hopeful of grabbing it (after checking a few initial reviews). 

The book deals with grief (loss of a loving partner), but the central focus is on community, found family via the book club, reading, and ADHD. 

ADHD is the core theme of the book, though the book club is supposed to be the one based on the title and premise. While I totally appreciate the intent and the details provided, the execution seemed too in the face at times. Yes, it is necessary to create awareness, but it shouldn’t affect other parts of the story. Yes, neurodivergent people need a space like this book club, but an iron hammer isn’t an effective tool to spread the message. 

Apart from that, I quite liked the range of side characters we met. Everyone stands out and has something to offer. They are not just stereotypes but people with backstories, which we learn as the story progresses. This makes it easy to root for them.

The relationship between Grace and Rosie and Rosie and Jude is heartwarming. Yay for showing positive parent-child relationships and dynamics. Of course, it doesn’t feel unrealistic or perfect. It is just happy (which is what we want). 

There are many references and book recommendations, which makes sense since this is about a book club. I’m not sure about the spoilers, though. Can’t say! 

I would like to remind people that the world is not the white man’s burden. I mean, a character has lost their job and can’t find another, is depressed about many things in their life, has financial problems… but takes time to worry about the events in the Middle East? Are you kidding me? Sort your front and backyard first if you can. Don’t we know where the UK is spiraling into? Ridiculous! 

That said, the ending was sweet and hopeful. All developments are positive (and easy). I don’t mind that in fiction, so that’s cool. 

And oh, we have an adorable cat, Earnest. He is such a smart fella, I tell you! I love how the cat is integral to the book club, though it belongs to only one member. 

To summarize, The Forgotten Book Club has a heartwarming premise, nice characters, and a worthy message. While it does get heavy-handed, it is still a good read that’ll leave you warm and hopeful. 

Thank you, Jessie Whitehead, NetGalley, and Avon Books UK, for eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheForgottenBookClub

PS: Which cover do you like? 

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy - Book Review

Publication Date: 08th April 2025 

Genre: General Fiction 

4 Stars 

One Liner: This was good! 

Denny Voss lives in rural Minnesota with his mother, Nana-Jo, and his blind and deaf Saint Bernard, George. As someone with developmental issues, he makes a living clearing roadkill with his cousin, Agnes. 

However, Denny is arrested on the charge of murdering the local mayoral candidate. As he awaits his trial, Dr. Herald, the therapist, tries to find out more about Denny’s life. Talking about his past brings out many secrets. Denny seems to have some tough decisions to make for his future! 

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

My Thoughts: 

I was debating on this one when I saw Shelley’s review and decided to grab a copy. Thanks for that! Note that the writing style may not be for everyone. 

This is a heavier read, though it has many lovely moments and random things that’ll make you smile or chuckle. Still, the themes are pretty intense. 

The chapter heads act as little pointers about what’s to come. I wouldn’t call them spoilers as such but you can avoid them if you are too particular about things. 

Though the book is from Denny’s POV, we can see how stressful it can be for his mother and cousin to deal with him at times. His mother, especially deserves a lot of appreciation for trying to balance protecting him and making him self-reliant as much as possible. 

While I could empathize with Denny’s situation each time he got arrested, I could also see it from the other side. When you deal with criminals and twisted minds, it becomes hard to differentiate, that too without knowing any background information. It’s a catch-22 situation. Damned if they do, damned if they don’t! That said, a few of them could learn to be more sensible. 

The side characters are interesting. They are mixed – some good, some not-so-good, and some bad. Not everyone understands or likes Denny and not everyone dislikes him. So, we get a pretty realistic picture of his life in the village. 

I don’t want to say much but two events in the last quarter didn’t appeal to me. Even though one of them happened in real life, it didn’t have to be the same in fiction. After all, fiction is a way to change reality, albeit fictionally (check TW for more)! I don’t believe in ‘family is family’, so the other one didn’t work either. 

There’s repetition and things can go around in circles since Denny likes to take time but you’ll get used to it after the initial 20% or so. However, if you don’t, the book may not appeal to you as much. Quite a bit hinges on the writing style even though the characters are well-crafted. 

Lastly, don’t skip the author’s note. It is very detailed (just how I like them) and the author talks about various elements she used in the book. 

To summarize, The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is a poignant novel about what it means to be a person with developmental issues and how one’s community plays a role in making or breaking things. 

Thank you, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheSidewaysLifeOfDennyVoss

***

TW: Prejudice, a bit of violence, death of a dog (which wasn’t necessary), grooming, mentions of infidelity, mentions of alcoholism 

The Midnight Bakery by Emma Davies - Book Review

Publication Date: 15th April 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction  

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming and hopeful 

Frankie Nightingale prefers nighttime when she finds peace in silence. She works for a tiny bakery and spends her nights kneading loaves and making buns, croissants, etc. After escaping her previous life and marriage filled with restrictions, she finds freedom in simple things and alone time. 

Frankie soon meets Beth, an overworked nurse, William, a shy and handsome man, and Tam, a caregiver with no home. As the four strangers become friends, Frankie finds her life flourishing with new relationships and hope. However, Frankie’s ex-husband arrives at the place, bringing turmoil into her new life. Can Frankie, with help from her friends, choose herself over the rest? 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Frankie, Beth, William, and Tam. 

My Thoughts: 

No idea why I initially thought this was historical fiction. It’s very much contemporary, though the setting has a timeless quality (despite the use of mobile phones and computers). It has the 1990s or early 2000s vibes. 

The main characters are in their late 40s or early 50s and act their age. This is a dignified book (for the lack of a better word) with a slow-moving narration. Despite the gravity of the themes, the book feels mellow and cozy. 

Every character is facing an issue, be it something from their past or present. Yet, they are kind, sympathetic, and helpful. I liked all of them equally, which shows the care the author took in developing their arcs and presenting their stories. 

Though the FMC is the center of the plot, not everything happens because of her. This retains the balance in the narratives and gives each one their space to grow and build new friendships. 

Everyone has flaws, but is doing their best to become better. That’s where others come into the picture. This is a proper found family without OTT drama or excitement. 

I love the scenes in the bakery and the ones around food. Yeah, it’s all baked goodies (yum!) like croissants, brownies, cupcakes, crumble cakes, etc. A couple of recipes at the end would have been even better. 

Though the ending had a convenient solution to their problems, I was ready for it. Also, it doesn’t feel too easy since there’s enough foreshadowing to make it feel realistic and genuine. 

While there’s a tiny romance track, it develops very slowly (as it should) and doesn’t overpower the plot. The focus remains on the respective priorities of each character. The epilogue also does the same. 

To summarize, The Midnight Bakery is a heartwarming and hopeful story about how friendship, kindness, and second chances can make our lives better. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #FrankieNightingaleBeginsAgain

Enchantra by Kaylie Smith - Book Review

Series: Wicked Games #2

Publication Date: 08th April 2025

Genre: Dark Romantasy 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Dark and entertaining 

Genevieve Grimm has been adrift since her sister became the head of her family after their mother’s death. So, when she got an invitation to attend an event in a grand palace in Italy, she jumped at the chance.

Rowin Silver doesn’t want complications or outsiders in his home. No point in risking more lives in a game where none can win. He shuts the door on Genevieve’s face only to realize she snuck in without his notice. 

Now, the two form an alliance to compete as lovers, hoping to increase their chances of survival. But with Rowin keeping many secrets, Genevieve wonders about her chances. 

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

My Thoughts: 

The book works as a standalone, but there are references to the previous one and a spoiler. This cannot be helped. If you are particular about spoilers, you may want to read that first. 

While Phantasma was no masterpiece, it was a fluffy read with a good dose of spice; something to grab when you want to stay entertained (and not use your brain cells). This is pretty much the same. Both books are huge (464 pages) and paced on the slower side, so pick them up accordingly. 

Genevieve is Ophelia’s (heroine of Phantasma) young sister, someone who spends her time fluttering around like a butterfly to avoid her feelings of abandonment. In this, she thinks an entry into Enchantra would help her find others like her, but little did she know she’d be fighting for her life. She is quirky, curious (worse than a cat), mouthy, and messy. She is entertaining too, what with her penchant for getting into trouble often. 

Rowin is your dark, grumpy, brooding, alpha guy with a soft heart, which is revealed over time. He has tattoos and piercings (some of those must have really, really hurt), which add to the vibe. Also, those shadows he controls! 

Given the genre, we have to accept that things will get gruesome and bloody in The Hunt, as well as result in some spicy scenes. I felt this was a bit less extensive in spice than the previous one, which is a good thing. Not that there isn’t attraction or the other stuff, but on a slightly smaller scale, say 3.5 to 4. 

The setting is great, of course. It’s creepy, atmospheric, and suffocating. What with the devil and other dangers, this is not a house you’d want to visit. Oh, those mirrors! Be warned if you have eisoptrophobia or spectrophobia. 

The side characters are the siblings (and fellow participants) in the Hunt. I felt they were done well. Each of them has a definite personality and is easy to track. Though we don’t get a lot of detail about everyone, we know enough to form a picture. 

The climax felt relatively bland (compared to book one). It seemed a bit too easy. Still, after reading 400+ pages by then, I was ready for the ending. 

There’s quite a bit of gore, but it’s written in a matter-of-fact manner. I didn’t feel put off by it (nor did it frighten me in the least). However, this may vary based on your reading preferences. Maybe gore level 3.5 on the scale of 5? 

The ending is HFN and partly open, providing a lead to the next book. Though we don’t have the details yet, there has to be book three. Someone needs to answer the remaining questions! 

To summarize, Enchantra is a dark horror romance with devils, immortals, hunting games, and a dose of spice. The best way to enjoy the book is to not think much. Forget logic and go where it takes you! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Second Sky/ Forever, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #Enchantra

The Seven O'Clock Club by Amelia Ireland - Book Review

Publication Date: 15th Apr 2025

Genre: General Fiction, Contemporary 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: A good debut! Introspective 

Genevieve is a psychologist who wants to try a new kind of group therapy for grief. She picks four candidates – Victoria (52), Freya (31), Callum (29), and Mischa (20), people dealing with different types of grief and personal battles. 

They are to meet once a week in Genevieve’s home. Of course, all of them are skeptical about this, but give it a try (some more grudgingly than others). However, as they start to speak and get to one another, things change. Maybe, they might have a chance to finally move on from whatever is crushing their souls. 

One day, they find out the reason they were chosen for this therapy, and it tests their newly formed friendships like no other. What happens next? 

The story comes in the first-person POVs of Genevieve, Freya, Victoria, Mischa, and Callum. 

My Thoughts: 

The book is divided into multiple parts, like denial, anger, bargaining, depression, etc. 

After a short intro via Genevieve’s report written after the therapy ended, we go back to how it began. The four main characters get a chapter each as introductions. 

Luckily, the character POVs are distinct and have specific narrative styles. Callum’s are filled with F-bombs. Victoria is snarky and snobbish. Freya is detached. Mischa is lost and overwhelmed. This makes it easy to track whose POV we are reading. 

The initial setup takes time, so the first 30% is slow. We get sneak peeks into their lives, keeping the interest levels high. Emotions also run high, so it is not really a light-hearted book. Since the therapy is for grief, there are quite a few triggers as well. One of the characters is into substance abuse. 

As each character reveals their past and the key incident, we can see their pain and anguish. They also start to bond with each other, which makes things easy and complicated. 

There are a few hints about the twist that would come. I did guess some of it and wondered if that’s what it would be. It was but with something extra. However, this is a deal breaker. You’ll either like it or hate it. If you like it, you’ll enjoy the book more. 

I did like how things proceeded despite the repetition of actions and dialogues where they go back and forth about a few things.  

One thing that didn’t really work for me was the romance part. It’s not organic, and the explanation didn’t help. A toned-down version wouldn’t suit the plot, but the way it is doesn’t work either. Maybe a combined backstory might have helped. I’m not sure! 

The ending is quite good too. It ties up the loose ends without moving away from the main plot. This does result in an open-ish end, which is just right here. 

To summarize, The Seven O'Clock Club is a good debut read dealing with different types of grief, found family, and learning to move on. I will be interested in reading the author’s future books. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Black & White Publishing (Bonnier Books UK), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheSevenOClockClub

A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice by Manda Collins - Book Review

Series: A Wallflower’s Guide #1

Publication Date: 22nd April 2025 

Genre: Victorian Romantic Mystery 

3.2 Stars 

One Liner: Fast-paced and light 

1876

Wealthy Lucy Penhollow is a wallflower by choice. She would rather spend time with her friends and read about grisly murders than make small talk with the gentlemen. However, when Lucy and her best friend’s brother witness a criminal act, she is determined to use her amateur sleuthing skills. After all, the kidnapped woman is also a friend!

Viscount William Gilford finally realizes that his decision to escape the grief of his father’s murder left his family estate in losses. He has to rectify the issue fast. Marrying an heiress sounds like a good plan. However, his sister’s friend is strictly off-limits, no matter how quickly he seems to fall for her. 

With a killer on the hunt, the couple has to fight for their lives before they can fight for their love! 

The story comes in Lucy and William’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

While this is the first book in a new series, it has characters from the previous series, Ladies Most Scandalous. I haven’t read those books, but something about the way the characters were introduced hints at their prior existence in the fictional world. A quick search confirmed the same. Though this is a standalone, I wondered if I missed any details. 

The book tries to balance romance and mystery. It’s predominantly a light-hearted book (you can guess from the cover), so everything is pretty surface-level. Not a bad thing, IMO, since it works as a great palate cleanser or a breather between heavy reads. 

For a 320-page book, it has a terrific page. The narration just keeps going. While I saved a day thanks to this, I also couldn’t linger on any cute moments. The connection between the main characters or their chemistry, the new developments in the case, and the drama; everything happens quickly, maybe too quickly. 

There’s some spice and an open-door scene, but like the rest, this, too, has a fast pace. In a way, it works since lingering on details here would have been odd. But this is also a lost opportunity to deepen the connection between the leads. 

The mystery is decent and has a few twists and red herrings. I could guess what it possibly could be and was right to an extent. There’s some death and danger, but nothing too bad. 

There’s a short epilogue as well. We have a couple of potential couples, so likely that the next book will have one of them as the lead pair. 

To summarize, A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice is a lighthearted and quick read with some dangers and romance. Though nothing stands out, it does entertain to an extent. 

Thank you, NetGalley, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #AWallflowersGuideToViscountsAndVice

Our Dear Miss H. Is on the Case by Violet Marsh - Book Review

Series: (untitled) #2 

Publication Date: 25th March 2025

Genre: Historical Romance

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining with some important themes

1750s 

Georgina Harrington loves archeology and history but her gender prevents her talents from being acknowledged. She uses her Cousin Percy’s name to submit her works and sell the antiques. Percy is happy with the deal. However, he disappears with her latest find, a possibly high-valued helmet. Georgina realizes he might have been kidnapped or is in danger. 

Alexander Lovett is always ready for an adventure and prefers to live a happy life due to his traumatic childhood. His father’s desire to fix his clubfoot and the bullies of the ton made him determined to live his life the way he wanted. Alexander is more than ready to help Georgina find Percy (who happens to be his best friend). However, he has to keep his distance from her as she is on his father’s list of chosen brides for him, and the last thing Alexander wants is to do what his father wants. 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Georgina and Alexander. 

My Thoughts: 

While the book works as a standalone, it would be more enjoyable if you read the previous one (Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man) since the characters from that one appear quite a bit here. Also, we meet the MMC in the first book and can understand him better. 

The story starts a few hours before the previous book ends but comes from the MMC’s perspective. While I forget most details, I remember Pan the parrot and Banshee the monkey. Here, we have two more additions – a dog and a chicken. It’s a riot with the animals taking over and well doing what they like! 

The MMC has a clubfoot (that has been further damaged in ‘repair attempts’). The book presents how physical disability was viewed with disdain and repulsion, especially in the ton where one is supposed to be perfect (only the mask, of course). His childhood trauma, the toxic relationship with his parents, and the coping mechanisms are handled well but without overwhelming.

The FMC is an archeologist and a historian trying hard to retain control over her life and finances. We get to see the patriarchy, gender bias, and other issues associated with the theme. She is a bit gruff and quick to judge at times but it can be forgiven. It fits with her backstory. 

Despite the heavy themes, the book is a romance, so there are quite a few scenes for it. Though, I was surprised that the steam is less than 2. It’s not as steamy as I thought it would be. Not complaining! 

There’s a mystery element too which does get decent focus. However, the subplot doesn’t as such take itself seriously, so readers shouldn’t either. It expands into something a bit dangerous but farcical as well. 

The book ends with a happy epilogue and a lead for the next one. I’ll be sure to grab that too! 

To summarize, Our Dear Miss H. Is on the Case is a lighthearted romance with a touch of mystery but deals with heavy topics like disability and gender discrimination. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #OurDearMissHIsOnTheCase

Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall by Sharon Booth - Book Review

Series: Ghosts of Rowan Vale #1 

Publication Date: 28th March 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Paranormal 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Liked the ghosts more!

When single mother Callie Chase visits Rowan Vale on a school trip, the last thing she expects is to see ghosts. Turns out, the elderly Sir Lawrence Davenport, the village head can also see them and has been their keeper for years. He even offers to sell the place to Callie for a teeny sum so that she could be his successor. 

After much hesitation, Callie agrees. However, becoming the new owner of a village filled with humans and ghosts is easier said than done! Can she handle the responsibilities? Will the ghosts accept her? 

The story comes in (mostly) Callie’s first-person POV and the third-person POV of another character. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the first book in the series, so it takes some time to set the stage and introduce us to various characters, living and dead. The cast is pretty large, so you may want to make notes. 

The ghosts are pretty quirky and have distinct personalities. In fact, I liked them more than some of our living folk! Florrie is a little monkey, though you can’t help but fall in love with her. 

While it took me a lot of time to warm up to Callie, I loved Immi pretty soon (not at the beginning but when she gets a dialogue). I tried my best to empathize with the FMC but it wasn’t easy. Though she has good intentions, her approach is a bit all over the place. 

Immi, on the other hand, is a delight to read. I so wished she would have more space in the book. She sometimes acts like a tween but is a really lovely girl. Mia is another character I like a lot. 

Bordie is the male main lead though I didn’t see him as anything other than a trope – the handsome brooding guy with a soft heart. Good that romance isn’t central to the plot and I read this for the ghosts. Otherwise, the rating would have tanked. 

The pacing is uneven. The first half is spent on the setting but quite a few things happen in the second half. This doesn’t leave space for the romance to develop organically. Since this is any way to be a series, maybe we could have limited this one to attraction and ended it in a slightly different manner. 

To summarize, Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall has an interesting premise and even more interesting ghosts in a beautiful village. It deals with important themes like self-esteem, found family, friendships, etc. I’m curious to see what the next book will deal with! 

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

#NetGalley #KindredSpiritsatHarlingHall

Method of Revenge by Cara Devlin - Book Review

Series: Spencer & Reid Mysteries #2

Publication Date: 29th March 2025

Genre: Historical Mystery 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Fast-paced and gripping 

Leo (Leonara) is used to dead bodies and sees them in her uncle’s morgue. However, she ends up as a witness when a woman dies at a popular nightclub and follows a suspicious hooded figure around the corner. 

After the previous case, Detective Inspector Jasper kept his distance from Leo. He could do without the mixed emotions she inspired in him. However, the current case and Leo’s involvement make it hard. 

As they try to find more clues, Leo and Jasper should be careful about not walking into a trap. But can they see it before it’s too late? 

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

My Thoughts: 

While the book works as a standalone, I recommend reading the previous one for the overarching plot. There is enough background information if you haven’t read the first book.

It has been a few weeks since the previous case, and the main characters are living their lives (with teeny new developments). The book starts with the murder, so we are plunged into the plot right away. 

The narration deftly balances pace, intrigue, and emotion. The push-pull attraction between the two is stronger, though they are focused on the case and the dead bodies that have to be examined. 

The mystery is interesting. I like how it tackles the problem of using harmful chemicals like arsenic in making wallpapers and their deadly side effects. There have been a few books on this. Here, it is used for the mystery track, so we don’t get a lot of detail but can understand the extent of damage it caused and how the reason was suppressed. 

We also get some details about their pasts. I kinda guessed the big reveal in book one, but oh boy, it still didn’t prepare me for the cliffhanger. Argh… I hate waiting. At least, it’ll be only 2-3 months since the next book is scheduled for June. I can distract myself with other books. 

The dark and bleak setting of Victorian London is tangible without slowing down the pace or distracting us from the central plot. I’ve read a few books with this setting and found that I enjoy them a lot. It’s gritty and ruthless, but with touches of compassion and love. 

NGL, I’m invested in the slow-burn love track and can’t wait for the next book. The conflict is real, so it’s a huge hurdle to cross. Can they do it? They have to! 

To summarize, Method of Revenge is a solid second book in the series with intrigue, danger, and a cliffhanger (can’t get over this, lol). 

Thank you, author and Book Sirens, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone - Book Review

Publication Date: 04th March 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming (trigger for grief) 

Lenny’s life has been a mess since she lost her bestie, Lou, to cancer. Unable to do anything much, she accepts temporary babysitting jobs to make a living. Her latest is for an exhausted single mom, Resse, to babysit her daughter, Ainsley. Lenny likes it enough even if she finds Resse’s brother, Miles, a kind of jerk. 

Miles sees Lenny’s grief for what it is and offers her a deal. He will help her check off the 'live again' list if she helps him connect with his sister and her daughter. Lenny is not sure anything can help her fill the gap left by Lou but she is willing to try. Who knows, this could teach her something important! 

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

My Thoughts: 

I debated for a long time on this one. While I liked the author’s previous book, I still wasn’t sure until I read the later reviews. 

While I haven’t experienced grief like the FMC’s (#touchwood), I did lose someone very special and their memories still make me teary-eyed. My life didn’t stop but there’s this sense of emptiness in one part. Yeah, you learn to live with it. 

Despite the heaviness of the theme, the book has many lighthearted moments. The voice is quite quirky (maybe a bit too many similes but most of them are funny, so no complaints) and entertaining. 

Though Lenny is the narrator, the book does belong to the MMC. I love the dedication too! He is the central force holding the plot together. I love his characterization. Also, I noticed that like in the previous book, Miles is also a tall and well-built guy who is not fully comfortable or confident of his ‘appeal’. I like this. 

Another important aspect is the kind of relationship the MMC wants to have with the FMC. He encourages her to make friends with others and build a circle. It is quite refreshing to see friends as friends without complicating it with unwanted attractions or triangles. The focus remains steadily on the core theme. 

That’s the reason the shift to romance is seamless. No unwanted drama after the initial panic (which makes sense). No angst, miscommunication, or jealousy. No third-act breakup as well (yay!). It just flows and grows organically. 

The book drags in the middle and the pacing goes down. I think it would have helped if the MMC’s grief had been discussed at this point. It might have created a shift in narrative and sustained the interest instead of making it seem like we were going nowhere. 

Though the book is from the FMC’s POV and her grief gets the spotlight, it’s only fair to let the MMC talk about his loved ones. There are a few scenes, but frankly, I’d have liked it better if there were more. At least, we could have had a scene where Miles clears that room with Lenny to support him. 

The side characters are quite interesting. I love that little kid, Ainsley. She’s a rockstar in the making! 

This is not the book to choose if you want dramatic love declarations or intense romance. Since grief is already intense, the author chose a soothing romance. It is not flashy like neon lights. It is soft, gentle, and comforting like your favorite Tee. In fact, we get a clear indication when the MMC talks about what love means to him. I truly appreciate this approach. 

To summarize, Promise Me Sunshine is a slightly lengthy but heartwarming novel about grief, learning to heal, and living again. I wouldn’t have minded an epilogue! 

Thank you, Madison Dettlinger, NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group (Dial Press Trade Paperback), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #PromiseMeSunshine

The Secret Detective Agency by Helena Dixon - Book Review

Series: The Secret Detective Agency #1

Publication Date: 27th March 2025 

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

3 Stars 

One Liner: Decent mystery; the characters need work 

1941

Jane Treen is at work in the war office in London when the news of another missing agent reaches her. Soon, she finds out a dead woman was fished out from a lake in Devon, where she shouldn’t have been. 

Arthur Cilento is the code-breaker working for war offices and is back at his uncle’s house (now his) in Devon. Soon after he discovers a body, Miss Jane arrives in the village with her one-eyed orange cat, Marmaduke. 

Jane and Arthur don’t particularly like each other but they have to work together to find the killer. Agents being killed during war is hardly a small matter! 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Jane and Arthur. 

My Thoughts: 

Can you see that cutie cat on the cover? Yeah, that’s how this book ended up on my list. Of course, I love historical cozy mysteries, so that was another factor. 

This book is set during WWII and uses the backdrop well since both main characters work for the government. However, the mystery is kept at the cozy level with the setting primarily being a village. 

Arthur is the brainy guy who likes patterns and codes (ya, that’s why I like him more). He also has sensitive health, which is different from the usually robust male leads we see. This is a welcome development and was handled well, though I wish he would set better boundaries. 

While I liked Jane’s introduction, it didn’t take long to be irritated by her. The constant smoking was annoying and so was her attitude. I know that the ‘tough feminist woman’ trope is trending but don’t overdo it. Having a possibly tragic backstory doesn’t mean the FMC has to be so callous and self-centered. Initially, I thought she wasn’t aware of the MMC’s health condition. Turns out she knew. She just didn’t care. Since this is the first book, I’m hoping these elements are a character flaw and the FMC will become a bit human. 

While I try to bear with characters who smoke, I cannot help but roll my eyes at the repeated mention of it. This book has ‘cigarette(s) mentioned 73 times. Yes! That’s 50 times more than what I think is enough for the character development. The way Jane smoked, I’m doubtful she’ll live long enough for the series to continue. Naturally, the MMC condition was mentioned as many times. If she smoked less, both of them would breathe easily!   

The pacing is moderate, neither slow nor fast (however, do note the book ends at 88%, at least the ARC does). The setting is well done. We get just enough descriptions to create the atmosphere and give us an idea of the place. This works to keep the mystery at the forefront. 

Marmaduke is a fluffy cat who I thought would have an active role in the book. What use is a cat if all he does is lick his paws? 

Despite my evident dislike for the FMC, I did see her merit. She has a good brain and is dedicated to her job. She has emotions, which means her arc can be adjusted quickly. The mystery is also good and establishes the foundation for the next books. 

To summarize, The Secret Detective Agency is a decent start to a new series, though it would have been even better if there were fewer cigarettes. I have the second book, so let’s see how it goes. Hoping it’ll be better. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheSecretDetectiveAgency