I have been wanting to read a book by Tara Moss for quite a while and am very glad that I finally now have. I will be working my way through her backlist, I am sure.
This story has a lot going for it. I loved the main characters (Billie and those around her) and their interrelationships. The plot was involving and I kept wanting to carve out a bit more time to read.
It was fascinating to see how Moss spread this story over three distinct time lines. Time on the cruise ship was also intriguing as was delving into the history of Billie’s father.
When I got to the end, I found myself knowing that I would read whatever this author writes next. She has a terrific series here.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 02 December 2025
Post first published on 27 December 2025
Description:
An old family secret leads from the streets of Sydney to Italy’s sun-drenched Neapolitan coast, in this immersive historical mystery from #1 international bestselling author Tara Moss
Pacific Ocean, 1907. A girl embarks on a journey to begin a new life far from home.
Naples, 1943. A woman shelters underground from a wartime air raid, praying her husband will return home.
Sydney, 1948. Billie Walker, returned from a stint as a wartime investigative journalist, uncovers a dusty box in her father’s old office whose contents—correspondence with a woman on the other side of the world—just might explain how they all are connected.
Plunged into a perilous search that will take her onto the first postwar luxury passenger ship to sail across the ocean to Italy, Billie finds herself up against a dangerous adversary—someone with a mysterious grudge against her family—as she races to uncover the secrets her father left behind. And as the trail leads her towards two women whose histories may be entwined with her own, she realizes that her father’s Italian secret just might upend everything she thought she knew.
Just as a narrowboat must travel at its own, somewhat measured pace, the timing of this novel is deliberate and thoughtful (in a good way). This is clearly a book to savor, not one to rush through. Readers will commit to the experience of enjoying some literary travel in an unhurried way.
The Narrowboat Summer tells the story of three women and those around them. The owner of the boat is Anastasia, an older woman who has lived on the canals. She needs a place to stay off of the water while she receives medical treatment. She comes to stay at Eve’s home.
Two women, previously unknown to one another, take on the task of ferrying Anastasia’s boat to its’ destination. One is Eve and the other is Sally, both of whom are seeking change and meaning in their lives.
As the two navigate and travel, they become closer to one another. They also meet a series of people on their literal journey and their voyages of self-discovery. These include an elderly man, a storyteller and others, all of whom have something to say and teach about life.
The stories of the characters are engaging and readers root for all of them as they seek the lives that they want (and deserve). Take the time to travel with them. You will enjoy the journey.
As a side note, I have always thought that it would be marvelous to travel along the British canal system. I still have not done that but this book did nothing to lessen my wish to do so.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Did you know that somewhere in London there is a teeny tiny square? Well, author Nicola Whtye discovered it, leading to her creating a similar spot for the setting of this very good, debut mystery.
Celeste, in her 80s, is the inquisitive doyenne of the square. She knows all of the residents who live in these close quarters. Sadly, it is known that one resident, Linda, has a husband who harms her physically. When he is murdered, events are off and running. Will his murder be the only one? No spoilers so read the novel to find out.
The characters in the square all come across as individuals. There is everyone from Dixon who functions as Celeste’s butler and more, to struggling mystery writer Lewis, young cleaner Audrey, lawyer Mia, and a number of others.
Looking for an enjoyable traditional mystery that runs to 400 pages ? Look no further. This is a delightful one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for this title. All opinions are my own.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Whyte gets everything just right, constructing memorable characters and landing several shocking plot twists. Readers will be just as hard-pressed to identify the culprit as Lewis and Audrey–and they’ll have a marvelous time trying.” –Publishers Weekly
“The multiple points of view… a beautifully rendered setting, and plot twists galore add up to a satisfying cozy debut.” –Booklist
About the Author (courtesy of Amazon)
Nicola Whyte studied Drama at Aberystwyth University and spent many happy years as a bookseller before becoming a web developer. She now co-owns a digital agency in the southwest of England. Her work has been listed for the Comedy Women in Print Prize, the BPA First Novel Award, and the Cheshire Novel Prize. 10 Marchfield Square was named as runner-up in the 2023 Daily Mail First Novel Award. She lives near Stonehenge in Wiltshire with her family.
What a treat it is to have a new Cathy Kelly book to read. This Irish author has brought me much pleasure over the years with her stories about realistic characters and the challenges that they face, as is the case here.
Rose was a well-known therapist who made a name for herself on TV-until she disappeared from viewers’ screens. She has been living on a Greek island where, with the help of two of her closest people (her sister and brother-in-law), she hopes to run successful week long therapy retreats.
To this beautiful villa come six people who either want a new start or who feel that one is being imposed upon them. These guests include a woman with serious anger issues, another who has been dealing with addiction, a woman adrift, a husband and wife, and a scientist who may be an enabler.
What will happen as these people become known to themselves and to each other? Will Rose be able to help them? Will she, herself, in return be helped in the process? Readers will want to know.
Kelly excels at creating her characters. I feel like I knew each one.
In addition, the setting is beautifully described. If it were possible to visit the location of this book, I would! Corfu seems idyllic.
Fans of Kelly will certainly want to read this. Some new fans for the author will also be found, I think.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 26 February 2026
Description:
from the publisher
Six people gather on a fabulous Greek island, each one hoping that ten days in the sun, writing their life stories, will magically fix their lives.
Rose Talisman is pinning it all on a fresh start.
Five years after her career as a tv therapist ended in one catastrophic instant, she is opening a retreat in Corfu. The understated, luxurious Villa Artemis is surrounded by wild pines and sea views.
Just six guests. One week. Time for Rose to help them face their secrets – and move forwards.
But Rose has staked everything on the retreat. It has to work – or she loses it all. And people’s secrets have a way of revealing themselves in ways no one expected.
Nobody’s past is staying hidden for long…
Will that include Rose’s, too?
‘A triumph […] vivid and wise and uplifting’ Marian Keyes
I was initially drawn to this one by the book’s title and the cover which I found very appealing. Happily, the story inside these pages also offered an enjoyable read with gorgeous locations, some good characters and an interesting plot.
Sadie was the kind of person who lived a predictable life as exemplified by her position as an actuary. Her life changes following the unexpected death of her best friend, Gemma (not too much of a spoiler as this happens very early in the book).
Sadie needs a change and purchases a bike tour company in France (now that sound pretty nice). However, of course, there are problems. These include vandalism and murder. No spoilers so hard to say much more except that this was a fun, cozy read. I hope that it is the start of a series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Emylia Hall has become one of my favorite authors of traditional mysteries. Each of her titles is now a must read for me with my always looking forward to the next in the series.
This time, as the story opens, Jayden and Cat are celebrating with some time alone at an ultra luxury hotel in Cornwall. (If it weren’t for the nefarious events, I would certainly stay there!) The two run into someone with whom Cat went to school. Summer is now a travel blogger on a paid junket that she hopes to enjoy with her boyfriend, Blake.
However, soon so many things go wrong. An ex (abusive) policeman is murdered leaving behind a number of suspects but not many mourners. Summer’s boyfriend and others are arrested.
Are the crimes related to abusive police tactics? Broken promises? A 40 year old “accident?” The pages will turn as readers watch for the resolution.
Ally and Jayden have been hired to look into the case. Readers can trust that they will solve it as Hall tells an involving story.
I love the settings of the Shell House series. The light, the water and the atmosphere of Cornwall are so vivid in these stories. I also very much like spending time with the many recurring characters and watching their relationships evolve and grow.
I highly recommend this book and series. I feel that it is most deserving of more attention and readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK-Thomas Mercer for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 04 November 2025
Post first published on 25 December 2025
Description:
from the publisher
“Atmospheric, propulsive, and menacing . . . the perfect mystery to curl up with this autumn.”—Lucy Clarke
“Few writers can pull off a devilishly twisting mystery while infusing the story with such soul” —Emma Stonex
A violent storm. An isolated hotel. A brutal murder. The Shell House Detectives are on the case—and everyone here is a suspect.
The High Tide Hotel, overlooking stunning Trebaron Cove, is a dream destination for an autumnal getaway. But the serene atmosphere of this luxury enclave is shattered when the body of a guest is discovered on the terrace, directly below their balcony.
The victim’s friend is adamant that this was no accident, and when it emerges that the dead man was a detective with a chequered past, the police enquiry intensifies. Meanwhile fellow guest Jayden, one half of the Shell House Detectives, wastes no time in bringing Ally on board to help find the killer.
With the hotel cut off by a storm on the night of the murder, everyone at the High Tide is a suspect. As Ally and Jayden delve deeper into the pasts of both guests and staff, they uncover a mass of secrets and complex connections. Who wanted this man dead—or rather, who wanted him dead most? As the tide turns, the investigation leads them into a life-or-death situation. Who will pay the final price for discovering the truth?
A Note From the Publisher
Emylia Hall lives in Bristol with her husband and son, where she writes from a hut in the garden and dreams of the sea. She is the author of the Shell House Detective Mysteries, a series inspired by her love of Cornwall’s wild landscape. The first, The Shell House Detectives, was a Kindle Top 10 Bestseller, with the rights being optioned for TV. The High Tide Murder is her sixth crime novel. Emylia has published four previous novels, including Richard and Judy Book Club pick The Book of Summers and The Thousand Lights Hotel. Her work has been translated into ten languages, and broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music. She is the founder of Mothership Writers and is a writing coach at The Novelry.
Instagram: @emyliahall_author
X: @emyliahall
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘Atmospheric, propulsive, and menacing—plus all the deliciously cosy Shell House vibes—The High Tide Murder is the perfect mystery to curl up with this autumn.’ —Lucy Clarke
‘A new Emylia Hall novel is always such a treat and The High Tide Murder did not disappoint. I was gripped from the very first page, unable to put the book down until the end. A brilliant cast of characters, brimming with emotion and intrigue, all set against an escapist Cornish backdrop. What more could you want?’ —Libby Page
‘I loved this book for its intelligent plotting, its bursting heart, its clever surprises, and its company of characters who have fast come to feel like family. Few writers can pull off a devilishly twisting mystery while infusing the story with such soul; I savoured every page of this wonderful, life-affirming read and cannot wait for the next one.’ —Emma Stonex
‘Windswept and utterly unputdownable, this is the perfect winter read. The Shell House detectives are fast becoming my favourite literary duo and Emylia Hall is a genius. Brilliant!’ —Veronica Henry
Welcome back Phryne and Dot! A new novel with these beloved characters is always cause for rejoicing. This time, Phryne and Dot make their way to a spa for recovering WWI soldiers. It may sound like a peaceful retreat but series regulars know that mayhem is sure to follow, along with a resolution by the end of the novel.
Readers who enjoy fashion, wit and spas are sure to love this latest entry in the series. After reading this, many will look for other titles by Ms. Greenwood or they may want to watch the Miss Fisher mysteries on Acorn TV. Whichever way readers choose to encounter Phryne, they can’t go wrong.
Also note the gorgeous cover of this novel. The artwork is magnificent and Miss Fisher shines.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
I am a great fan of books about books. A favorite of mine is The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George, and I recently read Days at the Morisaki Bookshop. Aoyama’s lovely title shares with the others a love of books and reading, an acknowledgment of how books open worlds to readers, and an understanding of how self-knowledge and growth are fostered through reading. A bit like, Wait Until the Coffee Gets Cold, What You are Looking for consists of a series of vignettes about people who are at a crossroads. When they meet a very particular librarian, they may not understand why she gives them certain recommendations (a small felted frying pan, the suggestion of a children’s book when the reader was asking for books on Excel) but readers can trust that all will become clear and that the books’ borrowers will benefit. This book is one that reads in a deceptively simple manner. There is much to think about as well in these pages, however, especially about the meaning of work. This book would make a delightful gift for a book lover. It looks very nice in its hardcover version. Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Anyone who has stepped into Narnia, or traveled with a Hobbit, or read stories by the wonderful Agatha Christie and/or Dorothy Sayers, will, I think, be intrigued by this book’s cast of characters. They are most impressive.
The locations and settings in this historical mystery were also well done. I enjoyed being in the clubs, the pubs, Lewis’s home and more. It was easy to imagine each of these places.
The mystery itself is fine. It is just not what most made me want to read this one. That said, I have hopes that this will be the start of a series.
Also, the cover is gorgeous. I wanted to read this one as soon as I saw it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 05 May 2026
Post first published on 24 December 2025
Description:
from the publisher
J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Agatha Christie, and other literary legends join forces to unravel a deadly conspiracy in this gripping mystery that sweeps from the halls of Oxford to the streets of London and the shores of Loch Ness.
In the streets of 1936 Oxford, dark forces are at play and members of a secret society keep turning up dead. After being called upon to help solve these murders, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and their fellow literary enthusiasts known around town as the Inklings trade their pens for magnifying glasses to catch this evasive killer. With time running out, they get a helping hand from mystery writers Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers to help unravel a sinister web of secrets. Can they crack the case before the murderer strikes again?
Packed with historical intrigue, mystery, and a cast of literary giants, this novel is a masterful blend of high-stakes drama. Dive into a world where the creators of fantasy and mystery confront a real-life menace in a race against time.
Many thanks to everyone who has spent time enjoying books with me this year. It is wonderful to be part of a community of ardent book lovers. Here’s to more reading adventures in 2026!
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 