About the book:

From the publisher

The new cozy crime novel from the bestselling author of The Marlow Murder Club, soon to be a major TV series on PBS Masterpiece

Verity Beresford is worried about her husband. Oliver didn’t come home last night, so of course Verity goes straight to Judith Potts, Marlow’s resident amateur sleuth, for help. Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had rented The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, to host an exclusive party for the society, but no one remembers seeing him disembark. And when Oliver’s body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in him, it’s time for the Marlow Murder Club to leap into action.

Oliver was, by all accounts, a rather complicated fellow, with a reputation for bullying children during nativity play rehearsals, and he wasn’t short of enemies. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are convinced they’ll find his killer in no time. But things are not as they seem in the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and this case is not so clear-cut after all. The gang will need to keep their wits about them to solve this case… otherwise a killer will walk free.

My thoughts:

I was absolutely delighted to spend time with the gang in this newest entry in the Marlow series. This, like the others, is a traditional mystery with good characters and an interesting plot. Readers will want to see if they can solve the case before the three amateurs and the police.

Anyone who has read others in the series, or who has seen the television adaptations, will I think be happy to pick this one up. It was enjoyable.

Those who are new to the residents of Marlow may want to read this too. They will then pick up all of the others, I think.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 16 September 2025

Others in the series:

He wrote them:

Robert Thorogood

About the author

I’m the author of THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB books, set in my hometown of Marlow in Buckinghamshire.

The first book in the series has been made into a TV show and can be watched in the UK on the Freeview channel U&Drama and in the USA on PBS/Masterpiece. A second TV series is coming out in 2025 and is based on Death Comes to Marlow, but also includes some brand new murders as well.

Before all of this, I created DEATH IN PARADISE for the BBC and have also written four standalone Richard Poole murder mystery novels. I’m really proud of them, and if you like Death in Paradise, I hope you’ll love the books as well.

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/01/26/books/review/oscar-winning-books.html

www.nytimes.com/2026/01/28/books/review/new-mystery-novels.html

#ANovelMurder #NetGalley

I enjoyed the title of this book as it could have more than one meaning. Other things that I liked about A Novel Murder included protagonist Jane, and the ways in which the author (who knows the publishing world) looked at the ins and outs of the industry. Nevin’s portrayal of the book festival also was quite entertaining with many players represented as for example, authors, reviewers, publicists and editors. Note again, the cleverness of naming the festival Killer Lines.

The story is told in a somewhat tongue in cheek manner. Around this there are many suspects and a case to be solved. Readers will root for Jane as this mystery writer solves a real crime.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 17 June 2025

Description:

from the publisher

Welcome to the Killer Lines Crime Fiction Festival, the place for star writers of the genre to meet their adoring fans. But be careful—this year the murders aren’t just on the page.

“Funny, sharply observed and fiendishly clever” —Jennie Godfrey, author of The List of Suspicious Things

In the quaint English town of Hoslewit, the biggest names in crime writing have congregated to celebrate all things bookish and murderous. Author Jane Hepburn is determined to make her time at the Killer Lines festival worthwhile. This is her chance to change her fortunes and make her fictional Private Detective Baker a household name. And if she has to resort to sneaking into the book tent after hours to rearrange some books so hers are front and center, so be it. 

But when Jane encounters the dead body of renowned (and reviled) literary agent Carrie Marks, the festival takes on a decidedly different tone. Joined by Carrie’s newest client, debut novelist Natasha Martez, and the agency’s hapless intern, Daniel Thurston, Jane decides to put her fictional sleuthing skills to use in the real world—she’s going to solve the murder. But the list of suspects is long: seemingly everyone at the festival has a motive to kill Carrie, and the more Jane and her new friends investigate, the closer they come to a dangerous truth—one that’s stranger than fiction.

Reviews:

“The pseudonymous Nevin, a former publishing professional, has written a fun, tongue-in-cheek debut that spoofs the publishing industry and social media’s impact (BookTok, anyone?). . . . Jane is a delight. Readers will root for the lonely sleuth as she makes new friends and develops joyful self-confidence. . . . An appealing cozy star is born.” —Kirkus Review

“With its cozy bookish setting and mystery-writer protagonist, this will be a hit with fans of Janice Hallett and Robert Thorogood.” —Library Journal

“E.C. Nevin transports readers to a lethal literary festival in, A Novel Murder. . . . E.C. Nevin is a pseudonym for a former publishing professional who worked with crime novels and thrillers. That knowledge shapes A Novel Murder, where every character is connected to the literary industry in some way. Nevin threads humor throughout the novel, too, creating a winning combination in this debut cozy mystery.” —BookPage

“An entertaining whodunit centered on 40- something mystery author Jane Hepburn. . . . With a well-rounded list of suspects and [a] lovably awed heroine. Cozy fans will hope this is the start of a new series.” —Publishers Weekly

“Terrific fun, a tongue-in-cheek look at the world of writing and book festivals with a delightful mystery.” —The Sun

I have become a fan of Sarah Morgan and am always delighted to have a new novel of hers to read. This time, it is a holiday set story thather readers will enjoy.

Watch how the relationships develop. What will happen to the main characters over this Christmas? Will happiness be found? Relax, enjoy and find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 07 October 2025

Post first published on 27 January 2026

Description:

from the publisher

This Christmas, the Balfour family will have more secrets to unwrap than presents…

Becky is stranded at the airport, so when she bumps into her brother’s best friend, Will, and he suggests they drive home together, Becky reluctantly agrees. For the first time, Becky is dreading Christmas, and only Will knows why. Can she trust him to keep her secret?

Her twin sister, Rosie, married Declan after a whirlwind romance, and now the cracks are starting to appear. Rosie and Declan have agreed to hide their problems from her family, but Rosie’s insecurities are growing. Will this Christmas bring them closer or drive them apart?

Hayley can’t wait for her first Balfour family Christmas with Jamie. The Balfour Christmas traditions sound wonderful, but she’s worried about her place in this close-knit family. Will there be room for her too? And how will they react to the secret she and Jamie have been keeping?

Despite everyone’s best intentions, all the chaos and confusion could derail their normally happy holidays. Can they tell each other the truth in time to enjoy a perfect family Christmas?

Perfect for fans of:

• The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan
• Strong, hardworking women
• Complex family relationships
• Christmas Hallmark movies
• Rebecca Serle and Meghan Quinn
• 
  
  
  
  

ALSO BY THIS AUTHOR:

The inviting cover of this book made me want to read it and I am glad that I did. Note that the main characters are all here as are books. What more could a reader hope for?

Most Ardently Yours is a novel that asks for substantial suspension of disbelief. However, readers who are willing to do just that will find much to enjoy in Sampson’s newest novel.

Protagonist Zoe believes very strongly in what romances offer to their readers. Early in the book, she reels off the names of many in this field, some of whom I did not know. (I need to look).

Zoe gets into an argument with bookshop owner Nick whom she faults for not stocking romances but rather what Zoe calls “dick lit.” (Readers will learn more about this) So, while in the store Zoe runs out with a copy of Pride and Prejudice (that she did not pay for) and sets the amazing events in motion.

Imagine, Zoe’s surprise when Fitzwilliam Darcy appears in front of her. How could he possibly have come to life? It will take a bit until Zoe fully understands what happened and the implications.

Sampson has fun with Will’s adjustment to modern life. Readers will watch as he and Zoe get to know one another. What will happen to them? Can a fictional character even have a long term relationship? And, what about grumpy Nick?

Find out as readers get to know Zoe and those around her. Enjoy the time lines.

Think about what it might be like to have a bookshop like Nick’s. Marvel about what books can do for people.

This was a delightful read. Those who enjoy women’s fiction, romance, this author and escapist reads will want to take a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks-Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 July 2026

Post first published on 26 January 2026

Description:

from the publisher

From USA Today Bestselling author Freya Sampson comes a swoon-worthy, laugh-out-loud romance inspired by Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice that begs the question: what if your book boyfriend jumped from the pages of their story and into your life?

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single woman in possession of many romance novels, must be in want of a book boyfriend.” 

Zoe Knight, a struggling romance writer, has sworn off men for good. At least…the ones in real life. Once a believer in a happily ever after, she now curbs her loneliness with the help of the best book boyfriends in literature – and there is no better man than Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy. So when she stumbles into a classic London bookshop and argues with the annoyingly attractive store owner, Nick, who refuses to sell romance novels, she decides to liberate him of a dusty copy of Pride & Prejudice abandoned on a top shelf.

But this is no ordinary book.

After reading from the pages, Zoe finds herself in a remarkable situation: she has accidentally summoned the Mr. Darcy to the real world. Now, she’s face-to-face with the man she’s loved forever, and he’s everything she dreamed he would be. Handsome? Check. Brooding? Check. Talks like he swallowed a thesaurus? Check and check. But even in all his regency perfection, can he ever be as good as in the novel? And if he’s here, in her London apartment trying to figure out how to work a shower , what will happen to the literary world he came from? With Nick—the last man she could ever be prevailed upon to work with—urging her to send the fictional Darcy back to his own story, Zoe will have to decide what she really wants from a happy ending, before it’s too late.

Other books by the author:

by Rhys Bowen-an e book bargain

#WeThreeQueens #NetGalley

We Three Queens is the latest in Bowen’s delightful Royal Spyness series. There is no need to read the books in order but anyone who enjoys one of these will no doubt want to suss out the others.

Lady Georgiana (better known as Georgie) was born to a member of the royal family. As this story begins, she is being asked to open her home to cousin David’s true love, Wallis. A new mom, Georgie is not eager to host a difficult houseguest but acknowledges that she has no choice. Indeed, Wallis is not happy with the accommodations or company.

Wallis’s present is meant to be a secret while David tries to secure their future as royals. However, Wallis may be compromised since Georgie’s godfather has invited a movie crew to the estate. Bit by bit, they encroach on life inside the house, not just the grounds.

There will be much chaos in this traditional mystery story. No spoiler so will be a bit vague. Readers will find some people missing and even a murder. Georgie will have her work cut out for her. Readers will be glad that she does and will enjoy following her investigations.

Here is another solid entry in a good series. I can’t wait to see what Georgie will be up to next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 19 November 2024

A Graphic Novel

by Mariah Marsden, Hanna Luechtefeld

Pub date: June 15, 2021

The Secret Garden is a well-known children’s classic. The story of a young orphan, a mansion on the moors, a crippled young boy and others is a hopeful one. The novel has been presented in different formats including a recent movie with Colin Firth, a cookbook and this graphic novel version.

All of the elements of The Secret Garden are here. The illustrations are evocative and true to the story. The dialogue covers the plot well. All in all, this title is a welcome addition to the classic version of the story. I recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

A Novel

by Susan Mallery

The cover really says it all. Here is a novel that is for a relaxing summer day as can be seen in this woman who is relaxing with a beach read. It is the story of three friends and those around them. Readers follow Bree, Mikki and Ashley in their intersecting lives.

The women come together when they rent a common space for their businesses. Bree has a bookstore, Mikki owns a gift shop, and Ashley bakes splendid sounding goods. Each of these women has relationships both past and present that impact them. Bree’s relationship with the older Lewis was complicated and she now does not seem to want to be close to a man. What will happen when she meets Ashley’s brother? Mikki is getting divorced and starting to date again. Ashley seems to have the perfect relationship but is it as good as it seems?

Those who enjoy classic women’s fiction and/or those who have read other novels by Ms. Mallery will want to give this one a look. For myself, I wanted just a bit more from this novel. I am often drawn to books about books but there was not quite as much about the store as I might have hoped for. Also, while I enjoyed spending time with these characters, I never found it hard to put the book down for a while.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 31 May 2022

A Novel

by Jane Harper

The e book is a bargain, not audio

Narrated by Stephen Shanahan

Australian author Jane Harper burst on the mystery/suspense world with her very first book, The Dry. She has gone from strength to strength since then. That first book and this one both feature Aaron Falk as the protagonist detective. I like spending time with him. I think my enjoyment was enhanced by hearing, rather than reading, this novel. Aaron and the other characters just came to life for me through the narrator’s voice.

A mother reportedly left her newborn baby at a festival just a year ago. Did she leave her child voluntarily… or not? What about all of the people that she, Kim, left behind? They include a teenage daughter with Kim’s first husband Charlie, and her second husband, as well as those around them.

Harper does an excellent job creating a setting and a story. Are the events of the story linked to the past of these family and friends? Readers/listeners will surely want to know.

I highly recommend this title. Harper is in a group with other deep favorites of mine like Louise Penny.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this title. All opinions are mg own.

Pub date: 31January 2023