Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/books/agatha-christie-mystery-books.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

Mystery & Thriller

Pub date: 16 February 2026

Five stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts:

I very much enjoyed Susie Dent’s first Oxford set story and was beyond thrilled to be approved for this title by NetGalley and Sourcebooks. Thank you!! I could not wait to sit down with it.

When I read first in the series, Guilty by Definition, I found the mystery to be fascinating. This was a novel where I just kept on turning the pages. Some of the reasons for this were that I loved the Oxford setting, the inside look at the fictional Clarendon Dictionary where the main characters worked (based on the OED), and the characters themselves. I was delighted to catch up with Martha, Safi, Alex and Oliver, among others in death writ large. Their interrelationships add interest to the story.

This book offers a well constructed story. A group of Oxford’s highflying graduates are in someone’s sights. There will be planned destruction for some of them. Why? What does this have to do with a young man who has contributed definition work to the Clarendon and his past history?

To find out what is going on, the dictionary crew will have to contend with the runic alphabet created by someone named Naylor (two of his descendants figure in the story). Cryptic messages using this alphabet are being left around the city. The dictionary team has input into deciphering them, but will they be able to find the killer? Pages will turn as readers wait to find out.

I figured out the “whodunnit” before the end of the novel but that, in no way, diminished by enjoyment. I highly recommend this title. It was everything that I look for in a British, Oxford set story.

Description:

from the publisher

From bestselling author and etymologist Susie Dent comes a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Guilty by Definition. Famed lexicographer Martha Thornhill is back, and when mysterious symbols start to appear near the dead bodies of university lecturers, her linguistic expertise could be the key to unraveling the mystery.

“If ever a book appeared to be designed specifically for me and my colleagues at the [New York Times] Book Review, it would be Dent’s Guilty By Definition, set among the logophiles and pedants of the Clarendon English Dictionary….delightful.” — The New York Times Book Review

“Will enthrall crime aficionados, puzzle solvers, Anglophiles and logophiles…fiendishly clever and marvelously entertaining debut?the perfect tonic for any philobiblist’s mubble-fubbles.” — The Washington Post

A dead writer’s alphabet. A living killer’s cryptic messages.

When mysterious symbols begin cropping up around Oxford, most dismiss them as bizarre graffiti. But lexicographer Martha Thornhill knows better. She recognizes the symbols from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer whose papers she once worked on. When the graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer, Martha knows this is no publicity stunt.

And when the suspicious death is assumed by police to be a suicide, she’s not the only one to have doubts. Called upon to lend their linguistic expertise to the case, Martha and her colleagues begin to unearth a tragedy that extends beyond the ancient walls of the university. As new messages portend more death, it’s clear that a spirit of vengeance is stalking the city’s streets. Together, they must find who is behind the cryptic messages, before they become the next victims.

Comments:

‘A MUST-READ’ Woman’s Own

‘A CLEVER, TWISTY MYSTERY’ Good Housekeeping

From espresso to matcha, discover a coffee (or tea) and book pairing for National Coffee Day.
— Read on www.libbylife.com/blog/quiz-national-coffee-day-pairing

A Novel

by Fiona Davis

City residents and/or tourists have surely passed the Frick museum on Fifth Avenue many times. The art that Frick collected is magnificent and includes works by Rembrandt and many others. Seeing them is well worth a trip.

But, how much do you know about Frick himself? He was one of those Americans who, like Morgan, Carnegie and others, made huge fortunes and lived luxurious lives. This historical novel by Fiona Davis imagines aspects of his life primarily through the stories of the very real Helen Frick, his daughter, and another character Miss Lillian who is based on a real person.

Mill Lillian, also known as Angelique, was an artist’s model and the one whose sittings were most desired. The real Angelique adorns many New York City landmarks. The book will provide a good sense of where to look for them. Like the true personage, Lillian faces some difficulties. In the novel, these lead her to a fortuitous opportunity as Miss Helen’s private secretary.

The relationship between Helen and Lillian forms the basis for one story line in the book. Through this narrative, readers get a bird’s eye view of what life in the Frick household was like for both the upstairs and downstairs residents. Readers learn about a tragedy in the family and its on-going repercussions. They also learn why the novel is called The Magnolia Palace.

In a more modern timeline, set in the sixties, readers spend time with a young model who becomes snowbound in the mansion following a photo shoot. She spends time with a young intern. Together they make some surprising discoveries. Will the two narratives come together? Pick up the book to find out.

Lovers of historical fiction and those who have enjoyed other titles by Ms. Davis will want to take a look at The Magnolia Palace. The author’s notes indicate what was true and where literary license occurred.

While not my favorite Fiona Davis book, I did enjoy this one. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

#Licorice #NetGalley

Middle grade fiction

213 pages

Pub date: 20 October 2026

Four stars ****

My thoughts:

This is a chapter book that has illustrations; I think that kids will enjoy them. These pen and ink drawings tie in nicely with the text. Middle schoolers will also enjoy the story, as narrated by a cat, if they are comfortable with the spookiness level.

As an adult, I love how clever this book is. Of course, kids may not realize this, but Licorice is a retelling of Rebecca. Adults will notice the references, as for example, an address of Manderley Road and the story’s opening lines. There are also familiar names like Max. This made it a fun title for me as I have read and re-read Rebecca.

This new take on a well-known title could be enjoyed by both adults and kids.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Description:

from the publisher

A feral tabby cat is finally adopted by a loving family at 5 Manderley Road, only to realize that her new home might be haunted by the cat who lived in the house before her. Spine-chilling and heartwarming, funny and charming, Licorice is a purrfect retelling of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca for young readers, by award winning author Kara LaReau.

A young and frightened kitten is brought into a new household.

A boy named Max is trying desperately to get over the loss of his former beloved pet.

But ghosts don’t always enjoy being forgotten.

Sometimes they have to make their presence known.

In her cage at the Mount Charles Animal Shelter, Kitty has no other choice but to be the captive audience of the opinionated Bunny Van Hopper. But it’s better than the woods. Kitty can still remember the rain that came and swept everything… everyone… away. Here, at least she has food and company, even if Bunny’s words scare her.

And then Max appears at the shelter. Max has adopted all sorts of pets over the years. Rumor has it that he treats all of his pets with care and kindness. And of all the animals at the shelter, he actually chooses her—a scrawny and scared kitten. Kitty is going to be home at last. But she can’t seem to get Bunny’s words out of her head as Max takes her away in her carrier…

“You’re going to regret this! I just know it!” Bunny Van Hopper cries. And perhaps Bunny is right…

There is a scent lingering in the house on 5 Manderley Road. The scent rises from every chair leg, every carpet fiber, every throw pillow, even inside the bathtub. Everything smells like Licorice. It is the strongest upstairs in Max’s room, almost overpowering. If the smell isn’t enough, Duchess, the family’s old parrot, won’t let Kitty forget that she is a replacement. And soon, Kitty finds herself trapped in the long shadow of the cat that came before her. But is it just a shadow? Or is there something really there on the other side of it…haunting her…

Licorice is a fantastically kid-friendly book full of mystery and suspense, for fans of Kate DiCamillo, Katherine Applegate, and Aaron Reynolds.

From the Publisher:

Editorial Reviews:

*”LaReau retells Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca for young audiences with a feline protagonist… A purrfectly fresh and fun take on a beloved classic: bewitching, mysterious, and thoroughly engrossing.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*”Moments of genuine creepiness alternate with cozy instances of domestic life across Kitty’s wistful narration which perceptively considers the dichotomy between the freedom of the outdoors and the safety of a kept life….A satisfying emotional arc and hopeful resolution make this an appealing tale for animal lovers and mystery readers alike.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A twistingly haunted story about the power of finding your own place; an excellent addition to middle grade collections” — School Library Journal

#ShrinkSolvesMurder #NetGalley

330 pages

Mystery & Thriller

Four stars ****

My thoughts:

I wanted to read this book from the moment that I learned about it so, thank you NetGalley for this enjoyable read (all thoughts are my own).

I knew that the author was a therapist so was interested in how her day job connected with this new writing experience. Indeed, Perry offers some psychological insights to the reader. For instance, she gives a pretty clear differential diagnosis for suicide. Yes, there is a question of suicide for the victim but I would describe this as a cozy mystery.

Here are eccentric characters, a fairly grumpy protagonist, a depiction of life in a village and some crime solving. Anyone who likes their mysteries on the light side will, I think, want to give this one a look.

Many thanks to Crown Publishing and (again) NetGalley for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Post first published on 08 August 2026

Description:

from the publisher

A small-town psychotherapist draws on all her knowledge of the human psyche to solve the murder of a patient in this warm and witty mystery novel—by a real psychotherapist turned #1 internationally bestselling author.

“Bears all the hallmarks of a Richard Osman-style cozy: a small community with a picturesque setting; prickly-but-lovable middle-class types who turn to crime-solving in later life. An enjoyable blend of mystery and gentle satire.”—The Guardian

Living in idyllic coastal Sussex, Patricia Philipps enjoys her quiet life—walking the cliffs, shouting at poorly disciplined dog owners, telling tourists to keep their distance from the crumbling cliff edges, and cold-water swimming.

Then a body washes up near Beachy Head, upending her carefully curated life as she discovers the deceased is one of her clients—her “Three O’Clock,” in fact.

The police chalk it up to suicide, but Pat sees things differently. She reads people. She understands them—their lusts, their loves, their quirks, their ticks, their tells, their deepest desires. She looks, she listens, she watches. And she never jumps to conclusions. After all, she spends her days listening to secrets, resentments, fantasies, and motives. She’s certain someone wanted Henry Clayton dead.

With her chaotic best friend Pritchard (part-time poet, full-time meddler) in tow, Pat swaps the therapist’s couch for the crime scene. It’s time to unpick the lies, untangle the egos, and catch a killer hiding in plain sight.

From the Publisher:

Excerpts from the author’s interview with the BBC

Of her new release, she said: “It’s a cosy crime novel for people who like to lose themselves in a book and for people who like a good page turner.”

Shrink Solves Murder is for everyone, she said, but particularly those who enjoy Agatha Christie and Richard Coles novels.

“There are some similarities between me and my main character but she’s much grumpier than me. I’d make a useless sleuth,” said Perry.

From Penguin Books Australia

The warm, witty and wise crime caper by the nation’s favourite therapist

***THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR***

**OVER THREE MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE**

‘Fantastic book: wickedly witty, with delightful, quirky characters and a cracking plot’ JACQUELINE WILSON
‘An assured and hugely enjoyable murder mystery debut. It’s brilliant!’ RICHARD COLES

What Waterstones says:

The bestselling author of The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read delivers a deliciously witty and warm crime caper, as psychotherapist Patricia Philipps swaps the therapy room for sleuthing after one of her patients whose secrets she is extremely familiar with ends up dead.

Her 3 o’clock just became a murder case…

When a body washes up near Beachy Head, the Police chalk it up to suicide — a tragic but not uncommon end in these parts.

But local psychotherapist Patricia Philipps isn’t convinced.

The victim? Her three o’clock patient, Henry Clayton.
The cause? Supposedly self-inflicted.
The truth? Pat suspects murder and she’s trained to spot what others miss.

After all, she spends her days listening to secrets, resentments, fantasies and motives. And she’s certain someone wanted Henry Clayton dead.

With her chaotic best friend Pritchard in tow (part-time poet, full-time meddler), Pat swaps the therapy room for the crime scene. It’s time to unpick the lies, untangle the egos and catch a killer hiding in plain sight.

Shrink Solves Murder is a warm, witty and wise crime caper from the nation’s favourite therapist.

#TheTroublewithSisterFrancis #NetGalley

Fiction

448 pages

Four stars ****

Pub date: 27 August 2026

My thoughts:

Anyone who enjoyed Coyne’s novel Frank and Red will be jumping for joy when they come across his newest book. I think that he will easily bring new readers aboard as well.

Coyne brings a group of young boys and a most unusual nun together in a story that taps into nostalgia, friendship, adventures and relationships (both among friends and the older generation) with a mix of laughter and emotion. This is all very well done.

It is very easy to recommend this novel. It will appeal to many.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Description:

from the publisher

Sister Francis is an unlikely nun.

She’s sixty, sweary, drives like a lunatic and smokes like a stacked chimney . . . and she runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club.

Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from the Whittle council estate with little to do but get up to no good. After a run-in with local bullies, they discover the crumbling, forgotten club and find themselves in the company of the most remarkable person they will ever meet.

Set against early 1980s Britain, THE TROUBLE WITH SISTER FRANCIS is a funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story of unlikely heroes, quiet rebellions, fierce loyalty and unexpected hope.

And at the centre of it all lies a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything.

A heartwarming and hilarious new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of FRANK AND RED

‘This might just be my feel-good read of the year . . . prepare to be transported back to the early 1980s and to lose your heart several times on the way back ‘
JANICE HALLETT

‘Matt Coyne is a genius. I defy you to read this book without smiling, laughing and weeping’
CLARE POOLEY

‘A nostalgic masterpiece . . . A funny, heart-warming and heartbreaking story of ordinary heroes, quiet rebellions and unexpected hope’
WOMAN & HOME

‘I cannot express how much I enjoyed this gorgeous story . . . I also snort-laughed on more than one occasion.’
JENNIE GODFREY

‘We promise this nostalgic book will reduce you to tears – of heartache and laughter . . . it’s a masterpiece’
SUNDAY POST

‘Matt Coyne is an extraordinary storyteller . . . everyone needs this heartwarming novel in their lives’
SARAH TURNER

#TheDentist #NetGalley.

The Dentist is the first book in Sullivan’s series featuring Detective George Cross. He is an interesting character who sees the world through the prism of his autism. Sullivan does an excellent job of bringing the reader into George’s perspective and way of working. Readers also get a sense of how challenging autism can be.

In addition to George, I enjoyed spending time with the other members of the squad. They give the book that police procedural quality.

In these pages are murder, suspects and a possible link to an old crime. Will George’s methodical persistence help him to solve the case? (Yes, as this is the first in a series and I think readers will want to pick up some of the others after finishing this one). The fun is in watching what unfurls.

I very much enjoyed this title. Each of the following books also has a profession in the title. Watch out for who the dentist is here and who the others are in the rest of the series. For example, there are the teacher, the politician and the tailor to name a few.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Atlantic Crime for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 21 October 2025

Post first published on 22 April 2026

About the book:

from the publisher

The first book in Tim Sullivan’s bestselling series starring the brilliant Detective Sergeant George Cross, with over 1,000,000 copies sold, now published for the first time in the US

George Cross is on the autism spectrum. He struggles with simple daily interactions but his single-mindedness, attention to detail and fierce persistence make him the most successful detective in the Bristol station with a 97% conviction rate.

When the body of an elderly homeless man is discovered on the edge of Clifton Downs, George insists on scrutinizing the smallest details, even after his fellow officers dismiss the murder as an act of random violence. As he delves into the dead man’s past, he discovers a connection to a case that has been cold for fifteen years. The same tragedy that led to the victim’s homelessness may have also led to his death. Despite skepticism from his colleagues, including his partner Josie who as usual is both exasperated by and protective of George, he is determined to solve both cases – and finally arrest the murderer who has roamed free.

A “perfect detective for our time and for all time” (Stephen Fry), George Cross has been embraced by authors, booksellers, reviewers, and readers across the UK. The Dentist marks the launch of Tim Sullivan’s brilliant series in the US, where it is certain to find a wide audience.

About the Author:

Tim Sullivan is an acclaimed screenwriter, whose credits include A Handful of Dust, starring Kristen Scott Thomas, Where Angels Fear to Tread, starring Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham Carter, Jack and Sarah (which he also directed) starring Richard E Grant, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen and Letters to Juliet, with Amanda Seyfried. He is also a Television director whose credits include Sherlock Holmes and Cold Feet. He has written extensively in Hollywood in both live action and animation, working with Ron Howard, Scott Rudin and with Jeffrey Katzenberg on the fourth Shrek movie. He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the autistic, and brilliantly persistent DS George Cross. The Dentist is the first in the series. Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of The Barefoot Contessa and Pioneer Woman.

Editorial Reviews:

Praise for The Dentist:

One of Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2025

One of Kirkus Reviews Best Mysteries and Thrillers of 2025

“Sullivan has created a wholly three-dimensional protagonist, equal parts charming and maddening”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Excellent… Sullivan strikes gold his first time out, injecting investigative scenes with a cinematic flair and firmly establishing Cross as a quirky, lovable lead.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Crime-fiction fans will keep guessing until the very end and thoroughly enjoy Sullivan’s complex plotline and mosaic of characters that propel the story to its thrilling conclusion”— Booklist (starred review)

“A satisfyingly complex police procedural”—Washington Post

“You’ll crave more George Cross once you’ve finished this meticulously wrought police procedural”—Air Mail

“A multifaceted murder puzzle anchored by a compelling pair of sleuths”—Kirkus Reviews

#WeChaseShadows #NetGalley

345 pages

Mystery and Thrillers

Pub date: 15 September 2026

Four stars

My thoughts:

For many, just seeing the name Richard Osman on a novel makes it an automatic buy. After all, he combines good plotting, interesting recurring characters, and humor, all in one neat package. While I honestly prefer The Thursday Murder Club series, I would never pass up the joy of reading one of Osman’s books. The We Solve Murders titles seem a bit more like capers than the Thursday Murder Club. They also offer a good amount of armchair travel.

Here is the second in the series. The familiar trio is back, each with their skill set, and they are soon off to meet with a dodgy character in Italy. He will start our three off on adventures across a differing geographic locale in each of the book’s five sections. Readers should simply go along for the ride and watch what unfolds. Fans will then be eager for whatever Osman title comes next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for this title. I was thrilled to receive it and all opinions are my own.

Description:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Osman’s globe-trotting series “We Solve Murders” returns with the thrilling new mystery, We Chase Shadows.

Back together.
Back on the case.
And back to solving murders . . .

At sunrise, high in the Italian hills, a body is found on the steps of a beautiful private villa. On the body is a threatening note, signed by a mystery man.

Back at We Solve Murders HQ, Amy, Rosie, and Steve leap at the chance to take on their first proper case. So what if their new client seems to have his own reasons for avoiding the police? All they need to do is uncover who left the note, and then find them. Simple.

But once they start digging, the suspects keep piling up: there’s Sweden’s most-wanted criminal, a canny ex-wife and a fierce business rival – yet the murderer keeps evading them. And as the trio chase a villain through the shadows, danger travels closer to home . . . 

Between Italy and Palm Springs, via Barcelona and Steve’s village pub, can the team catch an elusive killer who knows EXACTLY where to hide?

---

From the Publisher:

Editorial Reviews:

Praise for We Chase Shadows:

“The crew of We Solve Murders returns for another murder mystery in this sequel that is arguably better than the first. When a body is found outside a private Italian villa, an investigation takes Amy, Rosie, and Steve across the world as they try to catch an elusive murderer. Extremely fun, and as always, Richard Osman will leave you guessing until the very end.”
—Town & Country

“Gather ‘round, amateur sleuths — Richard Osman has a new book.”
—People

“Osman is in fine form with this spry sequel to We Solve Murders. . . The adventure that ensues is brimming with Osman’s trademark wit and brio, and his characters delight. . . Keep Amy, Steve, and Rosie’s adventures coming.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Osman sets the pieces in motion with his usual charm and deadpan humor… As the friends zip around the world, the case becomes pleasantly complicated, and Osman wraps things up with a bang. It’s a pleasure spending time with Osman’s quirky detectives, who are much more capable than they seem.”
—Kirkus

“A romp across continents. . . Osman provides his signature tongue-in-cheek humor, while giving readers more insights into the lives of his characters. Some readers may think they see the big picture and the solution to the mystery, but there are so many turns and so much fun, the whodunit is the least of the book’s charms.”
—Booklist