All's Well That Ends Well - Except for the Victims

TITLE: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special

AUTHOR: Patrick Hovarth and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (letterer)

PUBLISHER: IDW Dark

PUBLISHING DATE: October 7, 2026

PAGES: 60   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Years have passed since Samantha Strong left Woodbrook, but her legend has only grown. Now that the cat is out of the bag, more and more horrific murders have been tied back to her. Some are her doing…others mere folklore…but all absolutely gripping stories featuring everyone’s favorite cuddly serial killer. Gather around the campfire on Halloween night with some of the best creators working today and listen as the citizens of Woodbrook spill the beans on Samantha Strong’s most terrifying deeds.

MY THOUGHTS: I guess my October obsession ended up being this graphic novel series.  I managed to get my hands on this last installment this past week and the completist in me is extremely happy.  

This edition is basically some kids partying out in the woods who end up telling urban legend tales about Samantha and her dastardly deeds. I believe there are three small vignettes told from the POV of several animal characters who have either known someone who encountered Samantha in the past, or heard stories passed down through the years.

Again, the artwork is muted, that animal cute (when they are alive) and the story chilling.  I'm so glad I stumbled across this recommendation this spooky season and honestly, I'm sad to see it over.  However, I do believe there is a spin-off slated for next year and of course, I'll definitely be picking it up!

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

2 Bloggers 1 Series - The Dire King (Jackaby #4)

 

Boy has it been a while since Stormi and I last read from this series.  I had to do some searching but I believe it was the end of November 2023.  Wow!  Almost three years.  So, I was actually surprised about how much I remembered once I read a few chapters.  This was a great choice to read for spooky season too.  So read on for my thoughts and then hop over to Stormi's blog to see hers.  

TITLE: The Dire King (Jackaby #4)

AUTHOR: William Ritter

PUBLISHER: Algonquin Young Readers

PUBLISHING DATE: August 22, 2017

PAGES: 352   

SOURCE: KU

FROM GOODREADS: The fate of the world is in the hands of detective of the supernatural R. F. Jackaby and his intrepid assistant, Abigail Rook. An evil king is turning ancient tensions into modern strife, using a blend of magic and technology to push Earth and the Otherworld into a mortal competition. Jackaby and Abigail are caught in the middle as they continue to solve the daily mysteries of New Fiddleham, New England — like who’s created the rend between the worlds, how to close it, and why zombies are appearing around. At the same time, the romance between Abigail and the shape-shifting police detective Charlie Cane deepens, and Jackaby’s resistance to his feelings for 926 Augur Lane’s ghostly lady, Jenny, begins to give way. Before the four can think about their own futures, they will have to defeat an evil that wants to destroy the future altogether.

MY THOUGHTS: This book basically completes the Jackaby arc of this series and is the final conclusion to what has been building in the previous book - the big battle with the Dire King. Thankfully I was able to jump back into this series pretty easily and since the book contained lots of the supernatural entities in Jackaby's world, it was a fun one to read in October.

The Dire King is trying to gain domination of the world again and Jackaby has been asked been tasked with trying to prevent it from happening.  Once again, he is relying heavily on his assistance, Abigail Rook, to assist him, along with Jenny the ghost and Charlie the shifter.  Charlie's extended family also comes into play and adds some extra tension as they want Charlie to return home and assume leadership over their clan.  In addition, they are not pleased Charlie has fallen for Abigail and is planning a life with her.

This series has always been a lot of fun and this one especially such since it brought a lot of the supernatural being, including trolls, fairies, witches and monsters together for the final battle.  I have always enjoyed Jackaby's relationship as a teacher and mentor with Abigail, and added with his dry wit and sense of humor, he is one of my favorite characters.  And of course, I still love Charlie which is to be expected because he shifts into a dog. 

The ending of this book went pretty much as expected and was full of action and peril.  There is a spin-off book which starts the Rook series which I plan to read in January.  However, I don't think anymore were ever written so it might be sad to visit this interesting world one last time.

If you like mysteries, action and urban fantasy, this is a good series to pick up.  I believe it is classified as YA but overall, I would say it leans into the older side of YA more than the younger.  It might have even been classified as new adult if that were a thing when they first were written. So glad Stormi picked this for this month's buddy read and we both vowed not to wait three years before reading the last one.

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

This Book Might be Therapy Inducing!

TITLE: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring

AUTHOR: Patrick Hovarth and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (letterer)

PUBLISHER: IDW Dark

PUBLISHING DATE: July 21, 2026

PAGES: 144   

SOURCE: Amazon Comixology Unlimited

FROM GOODREADS: It’s been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck’s family painstakingly sought justice…but this brown bear was smart…she covered her tracks…and in the ’80s, there simply wasn’t a way for the duck’s family to find answers. 

But it’s not the ’80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era. As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven’t given up the flame of justice.

MY THOUGHTS: So, after some digging, I was finally able to get my hands on this graphic novel sequel by implementing a free 30-day trial of Amazon's Comixology Unlimited.  It translated pretty well on my Kindle Fire tablet and was a perfect way to spend a dark Saturday evening.

The town of Woodbrook has entered the 90s and along with it, are learning how hard it is to hide things as technology expands.  The sister of one of Samantha's victims in book one has spent years trying to find out what happened to her brother.  Someone finally reaches out to her on the internet saying they may have info for her if she travels to Woodbrook.  Meanwhile, Woodbrook is still recovering from what happened years prior.  Will they ever find out what evil lurks beneath their small town?

I liked this installment a lot, but it was much darker than the first one, which is saying a lot. This one shows the reader Samantha's teen years and some of the things back then.  If anything, the author hammered home the fact that Samantha really is a murderous psychopath.  In addition, the town is still reeling from what happened in the past and we get to see elderly animals in nursing homes abandoned and forgotten as well as those who have lost their loved ones at a killer's hand resorting to substance abuse to get through the days.  

I am glad I read this and I did like it overall.  It went way darker than I anticipated but again, kind of perfect for this time of the year.  I also have to note the artwork which manages to portray bloody and gruesome situations using muted colors which lure the reading into a sense of false security. 

If you enjoy graphic novels and dark themes, definitely try to get your hands on this series.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

At Least There Was a Dog - Wait, Was There a Dog?

TITLE: Find Me Where It Ends

AUTHOR: Cassandra Khaw

PUBLISHER: Tor Nightfire

PUBLISHING DATE: October 6, 2026

PAGES: 144   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: Antigone is no stranger to death. 

For the women of her family, death always comes in the form of a black dog. 

When Antigone’s own black dog arrives, she isn’t afraid. She invites it inside, where it soon becomes a daily source of companionship and comfort. It also forces her to reflect on the life she’s led—the parts of herself she’s hollowed out for the sake of others, and the bone-deep exhaustion that’s hounded her every step. 

Her Death’s arrival must be a sign, permission to finally let go. To rest. Because while mortality is inevitable, living is a choice. 

But a good death comes at a price.

MY THOUGHTS: I'm really not sure how to review this one so this might be a short one. The book is a rather short novella anyway and I'm afraid to give away too much to boot.

Antigone comes from a line of women who are always heralded into death by the appearance of a black dog.  Antigone lives alone in the home she inherited when her mother died a few years ago.  She planned to pack it up, but it on the market and leave, but never did.  Her mother had been visited by a black dog right before she passed so when Antigone finds a black dog on her steps one evening, she knows she doesn't have long left.

Antigone starts tying up loose ends.  She has one close friend in town and to be honest, I found their relationship strained at best.  She has a sister who lives state's away who begs Antigone to ignore the dog.  And halfway through the book, a man from Antigone's past - a boyfriend, ex-lover, demon from hell, your guess is as good as mine - shows up.  He is a comfort to Antigone because he isn't pressuring her to do anything but be herself and handle things as she wants.  As the book progresses, Antigone grows closer with her dog and they become friends. But how long with the dog stick around before he expects Antigone to leave with him.

This book was odd, depressing and beautiful.  I really wouldn't call this horror if it wasn't for the man I still don't understand.  I think for the most part, I figured out this book at about the 90–100-page mark, but even then, I'm sure parts of it went over my head.  It would be interesting to reread and see what I pick up on the second time around but reference the depressing mark above.

This is the second book I've read by this author, and this one is sitting about the same as the first one.  I do believe I enjoyed this one a bit more though.  I would recommend this to anyone who likes shorter, unusual reads and beautiful, thought-provoking writing.  

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

What Craziness Did I Just Read?

TITLE: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees

AUTHOR: Patrick Hovarth and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (letterer)

PUBLISHER: IDW Publishing

PUBLISHING DATE: September 17, 2024

PAGES: 152   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Live, laugh, shed blood. Dexter meets Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town in this twisted debut graphic novel. 

Don’t murder the locals—this is small-town serial killer, upstanding citizen, and adorable brown bear Samantha Strong’s cardinal rule. A sea of potential victims is in the city just beyond the forest, but when you’ve worked as hard as Sam to build a cozy life and a thriving business in a community surrounded by friendly fellow animal folk, warm decor, and the aroma of cedar trees and freshly baked apple pie, the last thing you want is to disturb the peace. So, imagine Sam's indignation when one of Woodbrook’s own meets a grisly, mysterious demise. You wouldn’t blame her for doing anything it takes to hunt down her rival before the town self-destructs and Sheriff Patterson starts barking up the wrong tree.

MY THOUGHTS: I ran across this as a recommendation on Hoopla for a read for Spooky Season.  I knew as a graphic novel, it would be something I could read in one sitting, so I grabbed it last night and off to the races I went.  I also have to add that I am always seeing comparisons when books are recommended and this one is pretty spot-on with the "Richard Scarry meets Dexter."

Samantha Strong owns the neighborhood hardware store and seems to be pretty much love by all.  She is familiar with a lot of the town residents and kids seems to flock towards her.  But little does anyone know that every few months, she travels to a neighboring city for supplies, with a side of murder.  Samatha is handling her double-life well until someone brings murder and mayhem to her lovely little town of Woodbrook.  Before Samantha knows, she is being framed for murder - ones she isn't responsible for.  Can Samantha find the real killer before her extra-curricular activities catch up with her?

I won't call this a cute read because honestly, I don't know if it's the juxtaposition of adorable animal characters and blood, murder and mayhem but I found the book rather jarring.  Of course, it was also right up my alley and I loved it. The story was interesting and engaging and the artwork and lettering pleasant.  Overall, it was very muted colors, all except for the red blood that is.

If you like graphic novels and are looking for good spooky read, then definitely consider this one.  Just be warned, it does contain cute cartoon animal deaths.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Feed Your TBR - Wolf Season

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

October 20, 2026

FROM GOODREADS: It’s been seven long years since Everett Johnson set foot in the wilds of Killdeer, Montana. But his father, the sheriff, is missing, and Everett is determined to find him…or bury him.

In the weeks before he vanished, Sheriff Dale Johnson was investigating the murder of Orsie Armel, a beautiful young girl found naked in the woods, shot with her own gun. Orsie came from a family of reclusive, powerful women whose prime acreage has long been the target of many people’s speculation – and ire. She also happened to be the cousin of Bernadine Armel, the only woman Everett ever loved. His return thrusts him headfirst into the minefields of estranged family and neglected friendships, and back into the arms of Bernadine, who is still as beautiful and mysterious as ever.

But as he delves deeper in the family’s past, he uncovers a sinister pattern of murders and hints of supernatural phenomena he can’t explain. In the end, Everett’s search for truth forces him to confront the past that has haunted him all these years—and the impossible secret beneath it all.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  Technically I'm just now noticing this came out yesterday, but I still want to share it.  I'm saving this from the winter season and am interested in the supernatural element, whatever that might be.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

Feed Your TBR - The Off Season: A Novel

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

April 20, 2027

FROM GOODREADS: Ben Getty is an LA cop banished to rural Maine, and now finds himself patrolling the streets and forest roads of Little Enoch. It’s an unremarkable town with a small summer tourist trade and a camp across the lake. For Ben, it’s his last chance.

However, there’s something that Ben’s new employers didn’t mention. The summer camp and its surrounding forest are the hunting grounds of a serial killer that has stalked the woods for decades, leaving a trail of bodies that stretches back to the first camp massacre fifty years ago. Only by following an ironclad list of rules that everyone in town already seems to know are the townsfolk kept safe… mostly.

But as the killings increase, Ben must choose between keeping the job he loves and discovering what really happened that night half a century ago. Between obeying orders and learning the dark secret behind the masked killer. Between protecting unsuspecting visitors from an inhuman monster and maybe becoming the latest victim himself. And perhaps most importantly...learning why everybody in town seems okay with it.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: I won't lie, the cover initially caught my attention.  But when I read the blurb, I realized I really needed to learn more about the masked killer and the woods near the campground.  

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK????

Go Gators! (And I Don't Mean University of Florida's Football Team)

TITLE: The House Built on Alligator Bones

AUTHOR: Sophia Huneycutt

PUBLISHER: Dutton

PUBLISHING DATE: October 6, 2026

PAGES: 384   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: Dartrine Beaumont believes her mother’s sudden death has left her alone in the world—until she learns of long-lost wealthy relatives living in Florida. Confused but delighted by the possibility of extended family, Dart travels to her grandmother’s stately Gilded Age mansion on Amelia Island for answers, just in time to stake a claim on an unusual inheritance: an alligator farming empire. 

Her arrival at Greer House isn’t everything she hoped. Without warning, Dart finds herself in fierce competition with her grandmother’s arrogant heir-apparent, and tensions rise as threatening acts of vandalism escalate on one of the farms. More unsettling is her hostile grandmother’s fanatical belief that the danger stems from a curse; according to legend, a larger-than-life alligator hunted down by a bloodthirsty ancestor still haunts the family. Yet Dart can’t deny that the farm’s placid alligators hiss only at Greers, or that a shadowy figure creeps through the mansion’s halls, plaguing her with suspicions that the mythical alligator and monstrous, long-dead matriarch may have unfinished business. 

As Dart uncovers the truth about her violent birthright, she faces a terrible accept her place in her family’s grim legacy or forge a new path by slaying a different beast entirely.

MY THOUGHTS: Let's just be honest.  I completely requested this book based on the cover.  In fact, it is probably one of my favorite covers of the year so far.  I couldn't wait to dive into its pages and while I found some of the animal abuse, which I will speak more about later, a bit much, it did further develop the story, and I found this a thoroughly enjoyable debut.

Dart's mother has recently died following a surgical complication.  Most of Dart's life, she has been isolated by her mom, and she is somewhat reeling being on her own.  She wants desperately to fit in and is surprised to find out that before her death, Dart's mother was contacted by her mother.  Dart had no idea she has any family anywhere, so she reaches out and soon thereafter, finds an unknown aunt waiting for her on her apartment steps when she arrives home from work. 

Aunt Virgina offers for Dart to come to Amelia Island to visit the family estate for several months, even going as far as saying she will cover the rent for her empty apartment back in Savannah.  Desperate to learn more about a family she did not know existed, Dart agrees.   When she arrives to Greer estate, Dart is met with the fact that her family has owned an alligator farm for generations and the family is well-off.  Dart starts learning more about the business but also learns more about the shady doings of her family.  In addition, her grandmother Gazzie is not extremely welcoming as she is about to name the family heir, and she believes Dart has ulterior motives for her sudden arrival. 

What ensues is a thriller/horror/family drama that kept the pages turning and the atmosphere and suspense amping up the more the story develops.  Dart straddles the line between likeable and unlikeable, but I really was cheering her on at the end.  I will also say that this book is another Gothic thriller with some paranormal aspects rather than a straight-out horror, but there were a few creepy scenes and I loved the swampish Florida setting.

Now for the hard part.  This book is about an alligator farm.  I know that implies some degree of death and dismemberment but added with Gazzie's cruelness, and the descriptions of some of the acts, and I found myself really feeling sorry for the poor gators.  So much so that I had no problem with human causalities.  So, if you do decide to read this book, just be prepared.  Everything really did tie into the story and I didn't get the feeling the author included it just for shock value, but at times, it really was a lot.

All that being said, I found this to be a strong debut novel, and I will definitely read more of this author's work as it releases. 

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Two Bloggers One Series -

 

So, Stormi and I finally got around to reading another book in the Krewe Hunters series by Heather Graham.  The number of books this author has is astounding and while I like her writing, I sometimes don't always find her books to be a complete hit.  So read on for my thoughts on our latest buddy read and then hop over to Stormi's and check out hers.  

TITLE: The Unspoken (Krewe of Hunters #7)

AUTHOR: Heather Graham

PUBLISHER: MIRA

PUBLISHING DATE: July 31, 2012

PAGES: 328   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: 1898: Bound for Chicago, the freighter Jerry McGuen goes down in Lake Michigan, taking with it every man aboard. But what other fate could befall a vessel carrying the ill-gotten sarcophagus of an Egyptian sorcerer? 

Now: A veteran diver and "ghost ship" expert is exploring the legendary wreck for a documentary. He dies inexplicably inside the freighter's main saloon. Then another diver is killed and panicked rumors rise like bubbles from the lake: ancient demons have awakened below! 

The expedition's beleaguered financier calls paranormal investigator Katya Sokolov to Chicago to save the film—and perhaps some innocent lives. Along with media forensics guru Will Chan, Kat plumbs the depths of an evil that may date back to the time of the Pharaohs. But some secrets are best drowned in the seas of the past.…

MY THOUGHTS: As I have mentioned before, these book kind of all follow the same formula.  A new case arises in a new location, members of the team, some old, some new or some from different locations, join together to solve the mystery.  Then someone falls in love and on to the next book.  Because they have a supernatural element, I usually enjoy them for the most part.  However, this was definitely my least favorite of the first seven.

Fresh off of the last books Egyptian mystery, Katya is sent off to Chicago to look into another Egyptian mystery.  A boat carrying Egyptian artifacts, sunk years ago and recently the wreckage has been uncovered. The dive and recovery are to be made into a documentary but when the man who made the discovery turns up dead, everyone wants to blame an ancient Egyptian curse.  However, Katya, and Will Chen, a Krewe Hunter from another branch, start investigating, they learn the death may not have been an accident after all. More people start dying and the mystery starts to unravel, and will Katya and Will fall in love in the process?

I guess overall the mystery element was intriguing, I just didn't need back-to-back Egyptian curses.  The main issue was that I did not like Will at all.  He was introduced as an egotistical pig and when he and Katya started getting closer, I kept asking myself why did her opinion of him change so quickly? He was more tolerable toward the end and the relationship more believable, but they are definitely not my favorite Krewe couple.  I did find myself liking some of the side characters in the book quite a lot, especially some of the elderly men who were in the Egyptian society club that played a role in solving the mystery.

If you've enjoyed previous books in this series, then you will probably find this one enjoyable as well.  I think the mystery was much more solid than the relationship, but because it was another Egyptian related one, my interest was weak right off the bat.

MY RATING: 3 PAWS

I Will Definitely Be Skipping Drinks from this Bartender

TITLE: The Dive Bar at the End of the Road

AUTHOR: Kelley Armstrong

PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Press

PUBLISHING DATE: October 6, 2026

PAGES: 288   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: A forested road at night, slick from the pounding rain and eerily illuminated by flashes of lightning. Just before midnight, a car swerves to avoid something—or someone—mysteriously standing in the road, only to slam into a fallen tree instead. In the pitch black, four more cars follow in a pileup no one can seem avoid. 

Stumbling out of the wreckage, soaked from the rain and nursing various injuries, five strangers find themselves in a backwoods dive bar, waiting for daybreak and hoping for cell service. But as tensions rise and the storm rages on outside, the occupants of the dive bar start to notice that not everything is as it seems. Time is moving differently, and they quickly learn that going outside—whether to assist another accident victim or to hike for help—is a very bad idea. 

There’s something in the woods, something that isn't natural. Could the figure in the road have been a warning? Or something more sinister? None of this is normal, and they'll need to work together to figure out what’s happening if they have any hope of surviving through the night.

MY THOUGHTS: I love Kelley Armstrong.  She is one of my favorite and most-read authors.  She writes a variety of genres, and I've read tons of her urban fantasy, a few mystery/thrillers, a few romances and a few horror.  Of course, when I saw this one was coming out, I immediately requested an arc and I'm so glad I did.  While this didn't end up being al all-time favorite, it was a solid read and one I enjoyed getting lost in for a day or so.

Ellie has recently lost her job and is traveling back home to her parents so she can get back on her feet.  She has always felt she has never reached her full potential and she is struggling to determine what to do next.  She ends up taking a detour through a woodland backroad in a horrible rainstorm and ends up slamming into a tree in order to avoid a mysterious woman standing in the road.  However, once she is able to get her bearings, she cannot locate the woman and is panicking that perhaps she killed her.  While Ellie is trying to figure out what is going on, she ends up getting rear-ended by Henry, an off-the-clock paramedic also traveling to meet up with some fishing buddies.

With no cell phone service, Henry and Ellie decide to walk for help.  Henry is able to patch Ellie up enough for the journey and soon the come across a bar in the middle of nowhere.  Seeking shelter from the storm, the bartender offers them a few drinks and the only other patron is a mysterious woman, who Ellie believes just might be the woman she encountered.  Before the reader knows it, the pileups continue, some people show up, some people get killed by mysterious creatures, and the bartender starts to show his true colors.  

Ellie and the others fight find a way out of this "pocket universe" but everything seems to be a constant struggle and their nightmares seem to be coming alive.  What exactly is happening and why?  Who will be standing at the end?  And who is this mysterious woman?

I've seen this book compared to Final Destination and Cabin at the End of the World. Neither of those comparisons sold the book to me as much as just the author and my love for her writing.  I would say this book definitely gave me vibes of the MGM series, From. Now that is a comparison that would have sealed the deal.  I loved Ellie as a main character and seeing her and Henry bond so quickly to try to figure out what is happening was an added extra (but I'm not talking insta-love because this definitely isn't a romance).

I have yet to read an Armstrong book I didn't enjoy. My only complainant was this one seemed a bit repetitive at time, which I'm sure was needed to expand the plot and further the suspense and action.  However, it did irritate me a bit - but not much! I am sure I have recommended many books by this author over the years, and this one is no different.  This horror is perfect for spooky season and releases tomorrow, just in time to land on everyone's TBR.  I can't wait to see what this author releases next!

MY RATING:  4 STARS

Feed Your TBR - Death at the Dog Hotel

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

November 19, 2026

FROM GOODREADS: Having achieved local fame due to their crime-cracking exploits, Charlie Boardman and his fellow dogwalkers are delighted to receive invitations for a festive stay at a new dog-friendly boutique hotel on the outskirts of seaside town, Framstone.

A chance to enjoy some luxury and pampering, not to mention spending Christmas together, is gratefully accepted. That is, until one of their fellow hotel guests turns up dead in his room.

The dogwalkers soon realise they’ve got their paws on a murder. A rare White Christmas is now stained with red.

But who checked into the Dog Hotel with murder in mind?

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I just reviewed the first book in this series Monday and mentioned I hoped there was a sequel planned.  Well, unbeknownst to me, it was recently announced and it is coming out in less than two months. As this one centers around the Christmas holidays, it will definitely be read sooner rather than later, and I believe I may even have to preorder a copy!

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

Those Dogs Sure Did Walk a Lot

TITLE: The Dogwalkers' Detective Agency

AUTHOR: Michael Hogan

PUBLISHER: Pegasus Crime

PUBLISHING DATE: June 2, 2026

PAGES: 480   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: They've got a lot of leads...but can they collar a killer? 

When Charlie Boardman and his beloved Staffy, Ruby, stumble across a corpse in the woods, the sleepy coastal town of Framstone is rocked by the discovery that the local pub landlord has been murdered. 

Charlie and his fellow dogwalkers take it upon themselves to try and sniff out any clues that might help the local police with their investigation. 

But what begins as idle speculation and gossip quickly becomes something more sinister, when Charlie starts receiving anonymous threats warning him off the case. 

Then, a second body washes up on the beach… 

Can Charlie hunt down a killer, before he becomes the next victim?

MY THOUGHTS: I grabbed this book last month when I was perusing the "New Release" shelf at my local library.  I'm sure it is a shock to no one why I gravitated towards it. I have to admit it wasn't a perfect read but for the author's debut, it definitely was a solid one. 

Charlie has moved back to his hometown of Framstone to take care of his ailing mother.  He is a self-employed graphic designer who spends a lot of time walking his precious Staffy Ruby and hanging out with a group of dogwalkers in town.  One day when walking a favorite path in the woods, Charlie and Ruby stumble across the body of an ex-copper in town.  Although a bit shook up, he and his friends decide to start looking into the death on their own, and their activities only intensify when Charlie discovers another body on the beach.  On top of that, Charlie starts receiving threats against his mother and Ruby. He tries to back off the investigation but finds he misses his cronies too much and he is tired of living in fear. Can Charlie and the gang solve the crime when the police seem to be spinning their wheels?  And more importantly, can Charlie keep his mom and Ruby (let's be honest, that is who I am worried about) safe in the process?

I loved Charlie, his group of colorful friends, and all of their pets.  Charlie also renews a friendship with an old high school crush, who happens to be a very married Detective now, which aids in the sharing of information as the plot thickens.  This book also has a lot of twists and turns, including the one at the very end I really didn't see coming.

My only real complaint is the length of the book.  Just shy of 500 pages, it seems a bit lengthy for a mystery.  However, the chapters are extremely short, and the author somehow manages to come up with a title for each one.  This kept me interested and helped the pages turn quite quickly. I also was a bit worried about Ruby about 45% into the book.  Let's say she managed to come away unharmed, and she and the other dogs ended up helping take down the culprit, but it was a bit dicey for a while. 

I'm not sure if this is the beginning of a series or if it's a standalone.  I would definitely pick up another book in this world and would love visiting with the old gang and their lovable pooches again.  If you like small-town vibe mysteries, and don't mind a lengthy read, this one might be for you.  Oh, and don't forget dogs!

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Feed Your TBR - Messy as Hell

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

January 12, 2027

FROM GOODREADS: CAUTION! All employees must correctly dispose of otherworldly biohazards found on Dark Enterprises property. Failure to comply may result in one hell of a mess...

"If a door is closed, you leave it alone."

That's the one rule janitor, Sam, is given when he starts cleaning the infamous thirteenth floor of the Denver branch of Hell-like multinational corporation Dark Enterprises.

Sam is thrilled to be that much closer to his idol, Constantine Galanos, Denver’s ruthless and charming CEO, but he's even more excited to uncover the tantalizing secrets lurking up on the executive level. Maybe he’ll find something juicier than tawdry workplace affairs and petty office gossip, something he can share with his closest friends, daredevil Mia and secret crush Calvin.

When Sam comes across a closed door his first day on the job, he thinks one little peek can't hurt. But he’s dead wrong. Behind that door is a Type A biohazard—infernal materials from Hell on company property—and a deal that could spell doom for Dark Enterprises and Earth...signed by the CEO himself.

Sam is in deep trouble now, and the problems keep piling up. The CEO's homicidal assistant wants him fired (read: killed), Calvin is literally losing his mind over a secret project, and there’s something very unusual about Mia’s emotional-support rabbit, Mr. Bun-Bun…

It’s a mess like no other, but Sam is a janitor at Dark Enterprises. If he can’t save humanity and the man of his dreams, no one can.

 WHY I CAN'T WAIT: My job is driving me crazy right now, mainly because we have been down 2 workers most of the summer, so I think this one sounds like a fun read to escape with.  Also, I really need to know more about Bun-Bun!

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK????

And I Thought Conner Was My Favorite Sister

TITLE: Free Falling (Sweetwater Peak #2)

AUTHOR: Lyla Sage

PUBLISHER: Dial Press

PUBLISHING DATE: September 22, 2026

PAGES: 336   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: Old haunts, new feelings. 

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Rebel Blue Ranch series returns to the haunted town of Sweetwater Peak for another love story, this one featuring an antique shop owner and a farmer who fake a relationship to save their legacies…but will they be able to fool the ghosts of their past? 

Clarke Cartwright probably needed to get out more. She just had a lot to do. Running Toade’s Antiques was no small feat, especially considering that the roof was in shambles and half her merchandise was unsellable. But dealing with that felt easier than her other two options: third-wheeling with her best friend…again, or chatting it up with the ghost of her childhood crush’s father, who just can’t seem to leave her alone. 

Leith Wilkes has spent his life preparing to take over his family's farm. Well, he’s actually spent most of his life flirting, but now he’s ready to buckle down, which has nothing to do with an oddly specific clause that his dad left in his inheritance. Leith is pretty sure he’s the only one who knows about it…until Clarke drunkenly spills that she knows, too, along with a bunch of other Wilkes family secrets. 

Leith starts to wonder if there’s more to Clarke than she lets on…and if his dad has something to do with it. And if she is keeping secrets of her own, maybe she won’t mind helping him with his.

MY THOUGHTS: So I read the first book in this duology, which featured Clarke's twin sister, Conner, in January of this year and loved it.  I became a die-hard fan of Lyla Sage after devouring her Rebel Blue Ranch series when my mom was in the hospital in 2025.  This series may not have a ranch and cowboys (although this book did feature a farm) but it does have a small-town vibe with paranormal aspects.  No matter what it has, this one knocked all my expectations out of the ballpark again and even though I was sure I would like an entire book about Clarke after meeting her in the first one, I was completely wrong.

Clarke is still reeling from the storm that caused havoc with the family-owned antique store in Sweetwater Peak.  On top of that, she is getting really tired of avoiding the ghosts that keep trying to reach out to her and which are causing her headaches to worsen by the week.  However, a few weeks back, an old school friend's (kind of more like annoying classmate) contacted her and mentioned his son, Leith, needs to examine the details of the will he left behind. Although she doesn't tell him why, Clarke does encourage Leith to examine things more closely and he finds that if he hasn't married by the time his father has been dead five years, the family farm, which is critical to the economy of Sweetwater Peak, reverts to his uncle, who can't wait to sell it off to the highest developer.  

Clarke and Leith have had secret feelings for each other for years, which have expressed themselves in avoidance and snarky comments, Clarke agrees to help Leith secure the family farm.  This involves a lot of fake dating and lying to those they care most about, but this is a romance book so come on, we know what this really involves right?

Once again, I found myself devouring a Sage book.  I just can't seem to put them down once I start.  I loved Clarke and though romance is hot and heavy at the forefront, this book deals with strained family relationships, small-town economic impacts, and cute dogs (I'm looking at you Pearl and Billy).  Oh, and don't forget the ghosts.  The ending was more than your happily ever after and I am sad to see this duology end. I also want to note that the book deals heavily with the topic and symptoms of depression. The author even shares what she was experiencing around the time of writing it so if you do pick this one up, make sure to read the author's notes!

I can't recommend this duology enough and since the book releases next week, you can pick them up and binge them, unlike me, who had to suffer through months of waiting and pray to the arc God's for and advance copy (BTW, thank you arc Gods).

MY RAING: 5 PAWS