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

Feed Your TBR - These Twisted Hearts

 

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.

February 2, 2027

FROM GOODREADS: A romantic YA Midwestern gothic thriller, from the New York Times bestselling author of Dark and Shallow Lies, featuring a storm-chasing teen girl in a town cursed with violent weather.

One year ago, Ezra Winslow vanished from storm-plagued Promise, Oklahoma, and seventeen-year-old Jubilee Callahan is still searching for her first love and tornado-chasing partner. Then a monster twister touches down, and the strange and beautiful Star Holloway walks out of the wreckage claiming that he’s there to stop the deadly storms, and that Jubilee is destined to help him.

When the search for Ezra leads Jubilee to blood-soaked secrets buried just below the prairie dirt, the land itself turns against the people of Promise. Tall grass grows wild, animals flee, and red rain falls across dying farms.

Now, to make things right, Jubilee and Star will have to unleash a storm powerful enough to wipe Promise clean, right down to the bones.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I was hesitant to feature this one as I don't read a lot of YA anymore, but I do love the sounds of this one and think the storm aspect sounds pretty unique.

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

What in the Cluck Norris is Going On???

TITLE: Worry Box

AUTHOR: Chris Panatier

PUBLISHER: Angry Robot

PUBLISHING DATE: September 22, 2026

PAGES: 352   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: The Martins need a new home for their growing family. For Alison, Nathan, daughter Dru, and foster child Lailah, it’s love at first sight when they see the house in Tumbling Hills. It even has a cozy attic, which is great for Lailah: she needs a quiet place to be alone when her intrusive thoughts creep in. 

(crack an egg into the coffee machine) 

The family gets settled. The house is perfect, and so is the timing – Lailah’s adoption will soon be finalized. But as the date approaches, her intrusive thoughts become worse, and bad things start to happen. Lailah fears she’s losing control.

(push your sister down the stairs) 

The family is on edge, pointing fingers and taking sides. And even though they love each other very much, the cracks begin to show. Something has got to give. 

(burn them alive in their beds)

MY THOUGHTS: Although I planned on picking this book up at some point this month, I sort of grabbed it over the weekend on the spur of the moment. I am really glad I did because although I wasn't in a reading slump, I felt my reading had slowed down, and this book did a wonderful job of picking it right back up!

The Martin's are looking for a new residence to accommodate their growing family.  They are on the cusp of adopting their teenage foster child, Lailah who has been with them for several months.  Adopting is a passion of both Alison and Nathan as Nathan himself grew up in the foster care system.  Lailah is adored but all of the Martin's, especially their younger daughter Dru, but like many foster children, she carries some baggage, so everyone works especially hard to make sure all of Lailah's needs are being met

Lailah suffers from intrusive thoughts, and she works hard to not give in to them.  With the help of her therapist, the family creates a "worry box" where Lailah can write down her thoughts and keep them in a box to help her cope and put them to rest.  When Nathan and Alison have a third, rather unplanned child, Lailah's thoughts continue to spiral.  Eventually strange things start to happen around the home, Alison and Nathan, running high on emotions and a lack of sleep because to question everything and everyone around them, and the family bonds begin to break.  Are the unexplained incidents Lailah's intrusive thoughts finally springing to life, or is there something more sinister going on in the home?

I really did love this book.  For the most part, it was pretty flawless.  The suspense was present, the plot kept getting darker and darker, and the chapters, from Andy, who just happened to be probably the most interesting character and who you will just have to meet for yourself, my favorites.  Working in a foster care adjacent field, I loved the foster care representation and found it pretty realistic as well.  I was sucked in by watching the family spiral and spiral and couldn't get to the ending fast enough.  

However, I did have one major issue - and no, the dog didn't die. There was quite a bit if animal abuse alluded to, especially when discussing the history of the house. The abuse does seem to go into extreme detail, and it was almost too much for me in a few places, so it did bring my rating down a notch.  Although, I feel I must add the author did seem to use it to further the story and plot line and not just for some dramatic, bloody and shock-filled effect. 

If you are looking for a different kind of horror read, then check this one out.  And by the way, when the family settles into the new home, they build a chicken coop for the girls and one of the chickens is named Cluck Norris.  

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

I'll Take Not Enough Therapy in the World for $500 Alex

TITLE: Not a Word

AUTHOR: Linwood Barclay

PUBLISHER: William Morrow

PUBLISHING DATE: August 25, 2026

PAGES: 314   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Every family has secrets, but when Reece visits his parents’ home he’s shocked to find his father and a woman he assumes is his mother in bed. Dead. At first glance it looks like a murder-suicide perpetrated by his father, but on closer inspection there’s clearly more to the story. For starters, inconsistencies in the crime scene suggest his dad may not have shot himself. 

As Reece, shaken by his horrifying discovery, awaits questioning from the police, his phone lights up. It’s a call from his mom—his real mom. The dead woman in that bed is clearly not the person Reece believed her to be. 

His mom is at a lunch date with friends, she says, and can’t raise her husband on the phone. Could Reece drop by and see if everything’s okay? At a loss for how to tell his mother her husband is dead in bed with another woman, Reece simply tells “Come home now.” 

But instead of rushing home, she disappears. Could she have been involved? Was she seeking revenge on her husband and a mistress? Or, just as frightening, did someone kill Reece’s father and that woman, thinking wrongly that Reece’s mother had been dispatched? 

And what might this grisly scene have to do with the unscrupulous pharma company Reece’s father worked for years ago? 

Soon Reece finds himself questioning how well he really knew his parents—who they were, what they did, and who they hurt. Most importantly, he needs to figure out who might want to hurt him and his own family now.

MY THOUGHTS: I read Whistle last year by this author and really loved it.  Considering it was my first of his, and a 5-star read to boot, when I saw this at my local library, I quickly snatched it up.  I am really glad I did and I am definitely planning to read more from him in the future. 

One afternoon, Reece stops by his parents' home to return some books he borrowed.  He was also hoping to get his dad's advice having recently been a victim of downsizing at work. The door was unlocked but no one answers so he goes inside and ends up finding his mother and dad in bed, the victims of an apparent murder-suicide.  Reece starts reeling and the police start swarming, but nothing can prepare Reece for what happens next - a call from his mother asking her to check on his dad because he isn't answering his phone.  

The book continues on as we learn more about Reece and older brother, who has a history of bad behavior and addiction.  We also get a glimpse into the family's past through flashbacks and recollections.  Reece's teenage son also finds himself smack in the middle of the mess, much to his parents' dislike.

I loved everything about his book.  It was thrilling and quick paced and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I could say I wasn't a fan of Reece's mother, but his father turned out to be my favorite character which is a feat considering he died in the first chapter. The ending was satisfying and had more twists and turns that a racetrack.  

If you love thrillers and messy family drama, this is definitely a book you want to pick up.  Now off to see what I can read from this author next!

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

Of Course They Live in Labrador Falls

TITLE: The Dog Park Murders

AUTHOR: Angela Barker

PUBLISHER: Harlequin

PUBLISHING DATE: August 26, 2026

PAGES: 304   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: Juliette Macintyre has never met a dog she didn’t love. For one thing, dogs don’t judge, unlike the human residents of Labrador Falls. Most locals look at her with suspicion because her father was once a dirty cop, even though Juliette is upbeat, helpful, and the best pet groomer around. She just needs to prove it…starting with new resident Joel Cunningham, an enigma wrapped in a checked shirt and a scowl. 

Joel runs the Brewed Awakening café, where the coffee is as smooth as Joel is surly. He doesn’t serve pumpkin spice, he doesn’t chitchat, and he claims he doesn’t like dogs. Yet when Juliette stumbles upon a dead body in the dog park, strangled with one of her custom leashes, Joel becomes an unexpected ally. 

He has no intention of opening up, to either his cute neighbor or the foster pup she foists on him. But he can’t let a biased detective frame Juliette for murder. Whoever killed the widely loathed Maurice Allsop may be desperate enough to strike again. If they can just ignore their chemistry and focus on the clues, Juliette and Joel might be able to solve the case—before somebody else bites the dust… 

MY THOUGHTS: I don't recall Harlequin dabbling much into the cozy mystery genre.  In fact, this book is a first for me from the publisher.  However, they really know how to hook me with a series called The Dog Park Murders set in a quaint cozy town of Labrador Falls.

Juliette Macintyre and her twin Norah have lived in Labrador Falls their entire lives.  Juliette works for a local dog groomer and is working up to buy her way into the business.  Norah works as a cleaner and is the Goth Emo to Juliette's sorta sunshine personality.  See, when they were in high school, their father, who was Chief of Police back then, did something which cost him his job and unfortunately, had a negative impact on his daughters.  Juliette feels like the whole town continues to Judge her and it's the constant cloud over her head.

One evening, Juliette has a disagreement with Maurice Allsop at the local dog park, a rich individual who is going through his third divorce and who is disliked by most of the town. The next morning, while walking her foster dog, she just happens to find Maurice in the same park, face down and dead.  The local police would love nothing more than to pin the murder on Juliette.  Feeling like she will be considered guilty no matter what due to her father's past deeds, she ends up talking the neighborhood coffee shop owner, Joel, into helping her.  Joel hasn't lived in Labrador Falls long and he moved there to escape a past of his own.  He really wants to be left alone, but he is somewhat drawn to Juliette and really doesn't want her to out herself in danger.  Together, along with Juliette's foster dog, one of the cutest dogs ever, the two work to find out what really happened to Maurice and why.

Joes and Juliette have some great moments together and I loved some of their banter.  I also enjoyed learning more about both of their pasts.  I think this book would be great for readers who want a tad bit of romance to their cozy reads or what more mystery in their romance.  The dogs were super cute too.  I loved Juliette's foster dog and of course, his ending was perfect.

This appears to be the first in a series and I'm really looking forward to the next installment.  I suspect it will involve Norah, but I could be wrong. Not a perfect read but definitely a good one!

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

2 Bloggers 1 Series - Track of the Cat

 

When I saw USA Network was making a series based on the Anna Pigeon mysteries by Nevada Barr, I know I at least wanted to read a book or two before watching.  So, I convinced Stormi to pick up a new series read and give this one a try.  Not sure either of us got what we expected, and it might be a while before we pick up the next one, but I do think we will continue eventually.  

TITLE: Track of the Cat (Anna Pigeon #1)

AUTHOR: Nevada Barr

PUBLISHER: Avon

PUBLISHING DATE: January 1, 1993

PAGES: 218   

SOURCE: Own

FROM GOODREADS:

Anna Pigeon has fled New York and her memories to find work as a ranger in the country’s national parks. In the remote backcountry of West Texas, however, she discovers murder and violence. Fellow park ranger Sheila Drury is mysteriously killed, presumably by a mountain lion. But the deep claw marks Anna finds across Drury’s throat and the paw prints surrounding the body are too perfect to be real.

MY THOUGHTS: This book, which I understand is the first in a very long series, is basically a mystery which in my opinion is used to basically introduce us to a wide cast of characters, especially Anna.  

One the park rangers has been found by Anna while she is out in the backcountry of Texas tracking mountain lions.  Everyone believes Sheila was killed by one of the lions, but things don't add up for Anna.  Also, this gives the county an excuse to track down the mountain lion and kill it which angers Anna more than anything.  Anna starts investigating, more people start dying, and in the end, the reader learns what has been going on and who is responsible. 

This book features a lot of wildlife mentions and references which I assume is a reoccurring theme in upcoming books because Anna is a park ranger. I could have done without the snake chapter but that's just me and I have to admit, it added a lot to the plot.  I'm not sure I am extremely fond of Anna as I believe she is a bit odd, which might be a factor as I continue the series, but we will see. I thought the mystery was solid and really enjoyed the setting so I will at least try book two at some point.

While the first part of the book was a tad slow, the second half really ramped up and saved the overall rating.  I'm curious if anyone has read any of this series and if you have, should I make continuing it a priority? 

MY RATING: 3 PAWS

 

Darn It Elias, Won't You Stay Dead?

TITLE: Reliquary

AUTHOR: Hannah Whitten

PUBLISHER: Orbit Books

PUBLISHING DATE: August 11, 2026

PAGES: 300   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Sometimes, you just want to belong. 

When Claire’s fiancé mysteriously dies of an unknown neurological illness, seemingly destroying her chances at the belonging she’s sought, she’s prepared to sink back into the lonely life she lived before. Orphaned by a freak boating accident in her childhood, she never expected to find connection like she did with Elias, anyway. Even if sometimes, that connection seemed more like something he felt obligated to than something he wanted. 

Their relationship wasn’t perfect—his coldness, his secrets, his strange aversion to the ocean—but what relationship is? 

When Elias’s family reaches out—his incredibly wealthy family, from whom he was estranged—and invites Claire to a wake at their family home on a private island, Claire is given the chance to have connection again. To belong to something, just like she’s always wanted. Just like Elias knew she was desperate to have. 

Even if that family is a little strange. Even if their home built partially into the sea stirs up memories of the accident that killed her parents and sister. Even if Ash, Elias’s older brother, seems insistent on Claire leaving as soon as possible. 

Claire can’t bring herself to be lonely again. And as the strange circumstances of Elias’s familial connection with the sea becomes more and more apparent, her window for escape is rapidly closing. 

Does she even want to?

MY THOUGHTS: I don't know what I expected when I picked this one up and I'm glad I didn't.  What I found was a Gothic cosmic horror tale which is likely to end up on my top ten reads of the year list.

When the book opens, Claire has just learned that her fiancé Elias has died from a sudden aneurysm and she has been called to the hospital because the doctors have found something odd. It just so happens they have never seen the pattern they found in Elias' brain and even more, don't know how he managed to live as long as he did. Claire begins to grieve and as she does, the reader is given a glimpse into the two's relationship and both of their familial issues.  Claire's family was killed in a boating accident when she was young, and Elias' family owns a marinography company specializing in sea research and submarine building and for the past few years, he has had nothing to do with them.

Even though they have never met, Elias' family invites them to their coastal estate to bury Elias and celebrate his life.  Feeling more alone than ever, Claire decides to go.  However, before long, she grows suspect of the mansion, built into a rock formation and primarily under water, the submarine prototype where all family members spend their wedding night (did I mention it was clear), and the staff, who all seem to be suffering from some kind of deformity.  Add in the weird family members and their odd spouses, and things start adding up for Claire.  What is going on with Elias family and just how far is Claire expected to go to belong?  And why do visions of Elias, in various states of decay and dripping salt water and seaweed, keep appearing to her and apologizing for things she has no knowledge of?

I can't gush enough about this book.  The plot was very creative and unlike any I recall ever reading.  Whitten does a fantastic job of creating a sense of dread from the first chapter which only intensifies as the story progresses. Thinking back, I'm not sure I ever really liked Claire, but I was completely invested in her life and what she was experiencing. I also loved the description of the creepy manor and its inhabitants and honestly, this book could have been even longer, and I think I would have only loved it even more.

If you love Gothic tales, cosmic horror and feeling like the ocean is crushing in on you, then you should definitely pick up this book.  I believe this is the author's first adult horror book and I'm really hoping she has many more up her sleeve.  

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

 

Feed Your TBR (Summer of Horror 2026 Edition)

 

an'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.

This is the last Summer of Horror 2026 Edition so I will leave you with two upcoming horror titles I need to get my hands on!

September 29, 2026

FROM GOODREADS: Cole and Lorraine playtest board games for some extra cash as they save up to buy a home. But after a series of bizarre coincidences, and signing a strange NDA, the couple finds on their porch a mysterious indie developer’s tabletop role-playing game called The Ship of Death. The game relies heavily on the players’ imaginations, and takes up an ever-growing amount of space: in their kitchen, and in their minds. As its true sinister nature becomes clearer, and its forces capture more in its web, the boundary between the game and reality begins to dissolve. . . and the pair are instructed to possess a stranger’s soul.

Told entirely through game reports, emails, game forum posts, personal journals, and police reports, reading The Ship of Death feels like a dangerous dice roll. It’s a sleep-stealing, possession-inducing work of intense, intelligent found cosmic horror that announces Kyle Winkler as a spectacular voice in the genre.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: I love the idea of a mysterious board game with a sinister nature. I need to know more!

 

August 24, 2027     

FROM GOODREADS: From The New York Times bestselling author Christopher Golden comes an atmospheric, speculative horror novel about an annual Halloween party where the lines between reality and myth are dangerously blurred.

The party takes place at Monaghan Castle on Cumha Island off coast of Ireland—it’s believed to be cursed! Ghosts, rituals, old gods, and the perfect storm for a killer Halloween party.

 WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I'll admit that it's a long wait for this one but I just saw the cover this week and feel in love.  I also loved my most recent read from this author and am excited to read what he comes out with next!

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