Devi Nair

Vicki Delaney always—always—ALWAYS manages to surprise and delight me! Gemma Doyle is, as ever, brilliant. In this installment, Jayne is looking forward to her upcoming wedding to Andy. The setting this time feels extra intimate — a close circle of wedding guests, all corralled together for Jayne’s birthday dinner in what should have been a picture-perfect week. And for Holmes aficionados, here’s an irresistible bit: Jayne’s birthday falls on January 6th, the very same day celebrated as Sherlock Holmes’s own birthday. It’s these sorts of playful details that make this series such a treat for mystery lovers.

But the evening takes a shocking turn when Gemma discovers a body. Even worse, Andy becomes the prime suspect—giving Gemma an urgent and deeply personal reason to investigate. Saving Jayne’s wedding might just depend on solving this murder in time.

The friendship between Jayne and Gemma is the soul of this book: those quiet, heartfelt moments had me misty-eyed. I adore Gemma, her sharp curiosity, her quick-thinking mind, and the way she channels Sherlock Holmes himself. Delany’s nod to Sherlock, especially with the birthday tie-in, is pure genius, making Gemma a sleuth Holmes fans will cherish. The pacing sings, and the cozy chaos is irresistible.

I had the privilege of reading an ARC, and I can confidently say this is one to add to your TBR right now. The Devil in the Details releases January 6, 2026—don’t forget to place a pre-order. It’s so worth it.

Dorothy L. Sayers’ debut novel, Whose Body?, introduces the world to the legendary detective Lord Peter Wimsey. Published in 1923, this classic Golden Age mystery is a fascinating blend of cerebral investigation, dry wit, and early 20th-century English society.

The story kicks off with a bizarre discovery: a naked body found in a bathtub, with no identification and no clear cause of death. Sayers immediately sets up a puzzle that is equal parts gruesome curiosity and intellectual challenge. As Lord Peter Wimsey investigates, the novel showcases Sayers’ talent for meticulous plotting and clever twists.

Wimsey himself is a delightful protagonist—an aristocrat with a keen mind, a playful sense of humor, and a flair for unconventional detective work. The supporting characters are well-drawn, and the dialogue often sparkles with the witty repartee characteristic of Sayers’ work.

That said, modern readers might find the pacing a bit slow in places, and some of the period details feel dated. But these elements are part of the charm for fans of classic detective fiction. The plot’s cleverness, combined with the introduction of a detective who is both erudite and approachable, makes Whose Body? a must-read for mystery enthusiasts.

Verdict: Whose Body? is a smart, engaging, and foundational mystery that marks the beginning of an iconic detective series. If you enjoy classic whodunits with clever deductions and a touch of British humor, this book is for you.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the copy.

Dive into the charming world of A Skeleton in the Closet, a middle-grade mystery that blends cozy vibes with a heartfelt punch. Mizzy, our unforgettable heroine, is a firecracker—smart, stubborn, and brimming with determination to be taken seriously. Claire Hatcher-Smith, a speech-language pathologist, crafts Mizzy with authenticity, drawing from her 35 years working with neurodivergent kids. The result? A protagonist who’s relatable, inspiring, and never defined by her Down syndrome.

The story’s pacing keeps readers hooked with clues, red herrings, and plot twists that rival popular kid detectives like those in Robin Stevens’ or Sharna Jackson’s series. What makes this book not just another mystery is its heart—the emotional weight behind Mizzy's determination to be seen and heard stealthily drives the suspense and the personal stakes. The diary discovery adds a cool, eerie vibe that escalates the tension and keeps young readers guessing.

The writing style is accessible yet richly detailed, appealing to kids aged 8 to 12 looking for a page-turner that is more than just a whodunit. This book is ideal for book clubs, classrooms, and young readers craving a mystery filled with heart, diversity, and clever detective work.

The Haunted Haven series continues its cozy charm in Haunting License. With its small-town setting, quirky characters, and a dash of the supernatural, it delivers exactly what cozy mystery fans expect: light suspense balanced with a fun, breezy tone. The light tone and playful ghostly antics balance the whodunit, making it easy to settle in with a mug of tea and escape to Haven, Florida. It’s the sort of read where you know what you’re getting: a small town with big personality, gentle humor, and a cast that feels like old friends. C.S.E. Cooney’s narration adds a breezy charm, her voice perfectly matching the story’s easygoing pace.

That said, one element didn’t quite work for me: the relationship between Maureen and Ted. While I appreciate that this series leans on mystery rather than romance, the dynamic between them feels a bit flat. It’s like they’re reading from a script labeled “couple,” with zero chemistry to sell it. Their forced dynamic feels like an afterthought, pulling me out of the story’s spell. It’s a reminder that while cozies do their best work with charming communities, a dash of realistic romance can help anchor the heart of the story.

Still, the ghostly antics and cozy setting were enough to keep me hooked, happily flipping pages to the end

Jonathan Whitelaw returns with another clever and witty cozy mystery in The Concert Hall Killer, part of his popular Amita and Jason cozy crime series. Set against the glamorous yet cutthroat world of classical music, this installment blends humor, sharp dialogue, and a puzzling whodunit that will keep readers guessing until the very last page.

Jason and Amita, the son-in-law and mother-in-law duo, are a riot, bickering like, well a mother-in-law and a son-in-law, while chasing clues. Their dynamic is the pulse of this book, blending humor with a knack for sniffing out trouble. The setting, a TV drama shoot gone wrong, adds a fresh spin, with Penrith’s starry-eyed locals stealing the show as social media sleuths. I really enjoyed how Whitelaw brings Amita and Jason’s dynamic to life once again. Their banter, though occasionally veering into filler, adds a unique rhythm to the story. The murder mystery itself is strong, packed with twists, red herrings, and a backstage look into rivalries that feel both theatrical and sinister. However, at over 350 pages, the narrative could have been a little tighter for an even punchier read.

Fans of British cozy mysteries, amateur sleuth tales, and series like Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club will find plenty to love here. Whitelaw’s writing has a distinctly modern and entertaining flair, making The Concert Hall Killer a great pick for anyone who enjoys light-hearted but cleverly plotted crime fiction.

After discovering Ngaio Marsh with A Man Lay Dead, I couldn’t wait to dive into her next work—and A Surfeit of Lampreys did not disappoint! From the very first page, I was swept into a world that is both delightfully sinister and darkly humorous. The Lamprey family is eccentric, cunning, and delightfully wicked, making the story as much about character as it is about mystery.

Inspector Roderick Alleyn returns with his usual intelligence and charm, skillfully navigating a web of secrets and schemes that kept me guessing at every turn. Marsh’s prose is sharp, witty, and wonderfully descriptive, bringing the setting and characters to life in a way that feels immersive and timeless.

As someone who adores mysteries from the Agatha Christie era, reading this felt like finding a hidden literary treasure I never knew existed. Cleverly plotted, endlessly entertaining, and full of the intrigue I live for, A Surfeit of Lampreys has only deepened my fascination with Marsh’s work. I can’t wait to explore more of her brilliant mysteries!

I stumbled upon Ngaio Marsh completely by accident, and I honestly feel like I’ve been missing out on a whole world of brilliant literature until now! A Man Lay Dead pulled me in from the very first page. The setting—a country house weekend—feels both cozy and suspenseful, like stepping into a perfectly crafted puzzle where every character could be hiding secrets.

Inspector Roderick Alleyn’s introduction is nothing short of brilliant. He’s intelligent, perceptive, and has a subtle charm that makes following his investigation utterly enjoyable. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and yet everything felt meticulously planned, as if Marsh had orchestrated the story with a masterful hand. What really struck me was Marsh’s wit and the way she breathes life into her characters. Every personality is distinct, every motive feels plausible, and the tension builds steadily, making the reveal both satisfying and surprising. I found myself completely absorbed, forgetting the world outside the pages.

Discovering A Man Lay Dead has been like opening a door to a literary world I didn’t even know I was missing. I can’t wait to explore more of Marsh’s work—I already know this is just the beginning of a wonderful journey into classic mystery. This book is a delight for anyone who loves clever plotting, richly drawn characters, and a story that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Listening to the BBC production of Ngaio Marsh’s Opening Night has been an absolute delight. Marsh already knows how to set a stage—literally, in this case—and hearing her words brought to life through performance only amplifies the magic. The theatre world she paints is full of atmosphere: the tension backstage, the egos, the rivalries, all culminating in a mystery that is as clever as it is entertaining.

Inspector Roderick Alleyn once again commands the story with intelligence and quiet authority, but what really shines in this adaptation is the ensemble of voices. Each character feels distinct and vivid, and the performances capture Marsh’s wit and sharp dialogue beautifully.

As someone who adores Golden Age mysteries in the spirit of Agatha Christie, experiencing Opening Night through the BBC production felt like stepping straight into Marsh’s world. It’s theatrical, suspenseful, and immersive—proof that her mysteries are as timeless in sound as they are on the page

Listening to the BBC production of Ngaio Marsh’s When in Rome was like being transported straight into the heart of the Eternal City—with murder lurking just beneath the ancient stones. Marsh’s ability to weave the rich atmosphere of Rome into a tightly plotted mystery is masterful, and the BBC voices bring it all to life with such energy and nuance.

Inspector Roderick Alleyn feels as sharp and commanding as ever, but what I loved most here was how the setting became almost another character in the story. The clash of culture, history, and intrigue made the mystery feel layered and utterly captivating.

As someone who treasures Golden Age mysteries in the spirit of Agatha Christie, this production reminded me why Marsh is such a gem. Hearing her story performed gave it an immediacy and vibrancy that pulled me in completely. When in Rome is atmospheric, clever, and timeless—a true treat for any mystery lover.

Let’s get it out there: the mystery sparkles in this installment. Maureen finding herself wrapped up in yet another local murder feels right at home, especially with the town’s ghosts popping up at just the right (or wrong) times. The dog Finn steals plenty of scenes, especially with his hilarious misunderstandings—“vet” as “validate”? A+ canine comic relief. The ghosts and the inn’s lively elderly residents, their quirks and advice bring heart and laughter to every chapter, making it feel like settling into your favorite recliner with friends who just happen to be dead (and very opinionated).

But let’s talk about that central romance. Maureen and Ted are engaged but generate the chemistry of two polite coworkers at an awkward holiday party. For all the emotional depth layered into the Haven House mysteries, the romance consistently falls flat, never really convincing as a swoony or even comfortably warm pairing. Still, the supporting cast more than picks up the slack: detective Frank, with his bulldog (sometimes literally) approach, cracks me up, and the sleuthing ghosts never let the plot slow down for long. The setting—half sunny Florida, half haunted getaway—remains its own kind of magic, and the parade of eccentric seniors makes every scene shine.

Going in, I expected The Queens of Crime to feel a bit like Roseanne Limoncelli’s Four Queens of Crime, a story where each legendary writer would carry equal weight. Instead, what we get is very much told through the eyes of Dorothy L. Sayers. On the plus side, she’s such a fascinating woman, whip-smart and commanding on the page. But the trade-off was seeing Agatha, Margery, and Ngaio more as supporting characters than true equals, which undercut the “four queens” promise for me. The concept, four legendary crime writers solving a real mystery, is electric, and I loved stepping into their 1930s world. Bessie Carter’s narration is a standout, especially her spot-on New Zealand accent for Ngaio Marsh, breathing life into each character.

The pacing stumbled in the middle stretches, with sections that could easily have been trimmed without losing the story’s heart. I also couldn’t help but notice the repeated use of “frozen” during tension-filled moments—it felt overdone and made the climactic sequences less sharp than they could have been. On top of that, the choice to use a first-person narrative for a story spanning decades rang a little inauthentic, especially when trying to capture long-past events.

Overall, while not perfect, The Queens of Crime is an enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction, literary biographies, and crime writing enthusiasts.

Jonathan Whitelaw returns with another clever and witty cozy mystery in The Concert Hall Killer, part of his popular Amita and Jason cozy crime series. Set against the glamorous yet cutthroat world of classical music, this installment blends humor, sharp dialogue, and a puzzling whodunit that will keep readers guessing until the very last page.

Jason and Amita, the son-in-law and mother-in-law duo, are a riot, bickering like, well a mother-in-law and a son-in-law, while chasing clues. Their dynamic is the pulse of this book, blending humor with a knack for sniffing out trouble. The setting, a TV drama shoot gone wrong, adds a fresh spin, with Penrith’s starry-eyed locals stealing the show as social media sleuths. I really enjoyed how Whitelaw brings Amita and Jason’s dynamic to life once again. Their banter, though occasionally veering into filler, adds a unique rhythm to the story. The murder mystery itself is strong, packed with twists, red herrings, and a backstage look into rivalries that feel both theatrical and sinister. However, at over 350 pages, the narrative could have been a little tighter for an even punchier read.

Fans of British cozy mysteries, amateur sleuth tales, and series like Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club will find plenty to love here. Whitelaw’s writing has a distinctly modern and entertaining flair, making The Concert Hall Killer a great pick for anyone who enjoys light-hearted but cleverly plotted crime fiction.

The Haunted Haven series continues its cozy charm in Haunting License. With its small-town setting, quirky characters, and a dash of the supernatural, it delivers exactly what cozy mystery fans expect: light suspense balanced with a fun, breezy tone. The light tone and playful ghostly antics balance the whodunit, making it easy to settle in with a mug of tea and escape to Haven, Florida. It’s the sort of read where you know what you’re getting: a small town with big personality, gentle humor, and a cast that feels like old friends. C.S.E. Cooney’s narration adds a breezy charm, her voice perfectly matching the story’s easygoing pace.

That said, one element didn’t quite work for me: the relationship between Maureen and Ted. While I appreciate that this series leans on mystery rather than romance, the dynamic between them feels a bit flat. It’s like they’re reading from a script labeled “couple,” with zero chemistry to sell it. Their forced dynamic feels like an afterthought, pulling me out of the story’s spell. It’s a reminder that while cozies do their best work with charming communities, a dash of realistic romance can help anchor the heart of the story.

Still, the ghostly antics and cozy setting were enough to keep me hooked, happily flipping pages to the end

If you love cozy mysteries set in charming villages with a dash of humor, The Village Hall Vendetta by Jonathan Whitelaw is worth picking up. This is the second installment in the Amita and Jason Mysteries, and it delivers plenty of small-town intrigue, secrets, and witty banter. The setup is pure gold for those who crave small-town intrigue: a cursed artwork, a murder at the center of a village event, and the blend of quirky locals and red herrings.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is the dynamic duo at its heart—Amita and Jason. Their partnership is equal parts entertaining and exasperating. I really enjoy their chemistry and contrasting personalities, which bring both warmth and energy to the story. The plot itself is satisfyingly twisty, perfectly capturing the “cosy crime” feel with just enough edge to keep those pages turning.

But let’s get into the nitty-gritty. While Amita and Jason are the stars (and honestly, I would read a grocery list if they were bantering over it), there are moments where their constant bickering feels like it’s stretching the page count more than the tension. At over 350 pages, the story meanders in places, sometimes letting those snappy dialogues wander off into the weeds. Still, Whitelaw’s vivid descriptions of the Lake District and Visual Imagery and his knack for light-hearted dialogue make this a cozy escape worth savoring. The emotional depth sneaks up on you, too, with moments that tug at the heartstrings.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the copy.

Dive into the charming world of A Skeleton in the Closet, a middle-grade mystery that blends cozy vibes with a heartfelt punch. Mizzy, our unforgettable heroine, is a firecracker—smart, stubborn, and brimming with determination to be taken seriously. Claire Hatcher-Smith, a speech-language pathologist, crafts Mizzy with authenticity, drawing from her 35 years working with neurodivergent kids. The result? A protagonist who’s relatable, inspiring, and never defined by her Down syndrome.

The story’s pacing keeps readers hooked with clues, red herrings, and plot twists that rival popular kid detectives like those in Robin Stevens’ or Sharna Jackson’s series. What makes this book not just another mystery is its heart—the emotional weight behind Mizzy's determination to be seen and heard stealthily drives the suspense and the personal stakes. The diary discovery adds a cool, eerie vibe that escalates the tension and keeps young readers guessing.

The writing style is accessible yet richly detailed, appealing to kids aged 8 to 12 looking for a page-turner that is more than just a whodunit. This book is ideal for book clubs, classrooms, and young readers craving a mystery filled with heart, diversity, and clever detective work.

I started reading And Now She's Gone as a part of my book club's Book of the Month. This suspense thriller is not for the faint of heart. The story dives deep into the painful realities of domestic abuse, and the intensity of the abuse depicted was simply too much for me to handle. While the writing is compelling and Hall skillfully builds suspense in this gripping domestic thriller, the heavy subject matter makes this a challenging read for anyone sensitive to trauma or abuse.

The novel's pacing and atmospheric writing deliver a tense, noir feel, enhanced by strong character development and vivid prose. A thrilling mystery with a fresh spin, a Black woman PI shaking up the noir genre. The setup hooked me fast: Grayson Sykes, a rookie investigator, chasing a missing woman, Isabel Lincoln, in the buzzing streets of Los Angeles. Hall’s writing is sharp, vivid, and packed with sensory details that paint the city like a character itself. The prose pops with witty dialogue and offbeat metaphors, making every page feel alive. For fans of crime fiction, this domestic suspense novel promises a rollercoaster of secrets and lies, with Grayson’s inexperience adding a relatable edge to her sleuthing.

I’ll be honest: the story starts slowly. Had I been reading the physical book, I might have given up in the first 40% of the pages. But thanks to the phenomenal narration by Amy Landon, I stayed hooked, and boy, am I glad I did. Landon absolutely breathed life into the story, her voice adding charm and rhythm where, on the page, I might have struggled. But somewhere around the 40–45% mark, something clicked. From there, it transformed into a dazzling, high-stakes ride that had me hooked straight through to the final, heartwarming ending.

From that midpoint, it’s a gripping, all-in ride filled with secrets, betrayals, and magical mayhem that had me glued to my earbuds until the stunning, heartwarming end. Bianca Marais crafts a sisterhood that’s messy, bold, and fiercely lovable. It delivered a magical mix of charm, feminist defiance, and emotional punches that surprised me in the best way. The relationships between the witches were the heartbeat of the book. Their camaraderie, arguments, and absolute loyalty to one another gave the narrative depth beyond potions and spells. I especially appreciated Rose’s gender fluidity arc—a thoughtful, affirming thread that added so much texture to the story. Seeing her accepted without hesitation by the coven was a powerful, beautiful reminder of what unconditional sisterhood and inclusivity should look like.

That said, a few things grated. The word “mule-like” for stubbornness was everywhere—every witch got the label, and it felt repetitive. Also, the sexual innuendos were a bit much; boldness in these older witches didn’t need to lean so hard into risqué vibes, making it a no-go for younger readers. Add this to your TBR for a slow-burn start that delivers a powerful, enchanting finish.

Dorothy L. Sayers’ debut novel, Whose Body?, introduces the world to the legendary detective Lord Peter Wimsey. Published in 1923, this classic Golden Age mystery is a fascinating blend of cerebral investigation, dry wit, and early 20th-century English society.

The story kicks off with a bizarre discovery: a naked body found in a bathtub, with no identification and no clear cause of death. Sayers immediately sets up a puzzle that is equal parts gruesome curiosity and intellectual challenge. As Lord Peter Wimsey investigates, the novel showcases Sayers’ talent for meticulous plotting and clever twists.

Wimsey himself is a delightful protagonist—an aristocrat with a keen mind, a playful sense of humor, and a flair for unconventional detective work. The supporting characters are well-drawn, and the dialogue often sparkles with the witty repartee characteristic of Sayers’ work.

That said, modern readers might find the pacing a bit slow in places, and some of the period details feel dated. But these elements are part of the charm for fans of classic detective fiction. The plot’s cleverness, combined with the introduction of a detective who is both erudite and approachable, makes Whose Body? a must-read for mystery enthusiasts.

Verdict: Whose Body? is a smart, engaging, and foundational mystery that marks the beginning of an iconic detective series. If you enjoy classic whodunits with clever deductions and a touch of British humor, this book is for you.

I came for the promise of holiday coziness: Christmas lights on palm trees, ghostly shenanigans, and Maureen and Finn navigating the holiday rush with a side of supernatural chaos. What surprised me was how seamlessly the murder mystery wove its way through the festivities. Perry’s small-town Haven is endearing—a little sun-drenched, a little spooky, and full of oddball characters (alive and otherwise) who make every page pop. The parade of lovable ghosts feels like a warm hug, even when things get dicey. C.S.E. Cooney adds another layer of magic to the narration by bringing Maureen and the folks to life.

The pacing kept me hooked, moving between Maureen’s attempts to save her inn and the unraveling threads of both a new and an old murder. The setting is dripping with cozy, Gulf Coast charm, and by the end, I wanted to book a holiday at Haven House—even if it is haunted. The rapport between Maureen and her ghostly companions (plus her ever-faithful Finn) brings big heart, and while the whodunit isn’t the trickiest, the journey is the real treat. You’ll laugh at the ghosts sabotaging dinner, cheer for Maureen’s tenacity, and maybe even tear up at moments of unexpected connection.

I went into this one expecting something along the lines of Murder in Tinseltown or A Most Puzzling Murder—a clever, cozy-style puzzle mystery. Instead, I stumbled into a very different beast: meta-detective fiction, a term new to me and clearly not my style.

This book is like a funhouse mirror, reflecting endless layers of “who’s solving what?” The plot zigzagged wildly—new players, shifting motives, rules that seemed to rewrite themselves. I wanted to sink into a juicy whodunit, but I felt like I was chasing my own tail, lost in a narrative that kept outsmarting itself. The story kept twisting and changing directions so many times that I found it difficult to follow or stay engaged. Rather than enjoying the puzzle, I felt increasingly lost and disconnected.

I hung on for a while, hoping for a breadcrumb trail to follow, but the constant curveballs left me exhausted. By the midpoint, I was torn: keep wrestling with a story that felt like a mental obstacle course or jump ship for something that didn’t demand a PhD in detective-ception. I chose to DNF, a rare move for me, but I needed a mystery that didn’t feel like it was gaslighting me. Meta-detective fiction might be a thrill for some, but it’s not my scene.

Another beautiful entry into the mesmerizing realm of dreams, this book expands on the mythology of the store and its quirky departments, while weaving in deeply human themes. With Sandy Joosun Lee’s seamless translation from Korean to English, Lee Mi-Ye crafts a world so vivid you’ll start questioning your own dreams—seriously, are they this organized?

Penny’s journey as a dream designer is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, blending workplace chaos with delicate nods to mental health. What struck me most is how subtly Lee Mi-Ye threads in everyday mental health struggles—loneliness, self-doubt, burnout—and offers moments of quiet resolution. It never feels heavy-handed; just enough to nudge the reader to reflect on their own connections and perhaps notice what their loved ones might be silently carrying. The way the story tiptoes around heavier themes, like anxiety or grief, without preaching, is pure magic. You’re chuckling at the absurdity of a dream order one minute, then quietly reflecting on a poignant line the next.

The imaginative “workplace drama” side of the story also shines—after all, this is a department store, even if it sells dreams. Watching the staff puzzle through unusual orders, inefficiencies, and crises that can only exist in a dream economy was both clever and unexpectedly relatable. Sometimes the whimsical solutions feel like little parables in themselves. Shannon Tyo’s narration is a game-changer for the audiobook. Her voice breathes distinct personalities into each character, making the dream store’s quirky staff feel like old friends. The pacing is dreamy (pun intended), so much so that it feels almost like listening to a cast performance rather than a solo narration. She gives the whimsical and the heartfelt equal weight, which is exactly what this story demands.

That moment when a character’s dream design clicked into place? I was grinning like I’d crafted it myself. This book is a gentle reminder to check in on those we love and think outside the box.