Devi Nair

I picked up All Spooked Up hoping for a zany cozy mystery with a ghostly twist, but it felt more like slogging through a corporate memo. A policeman named Hannibal Watson should’ve been a playful nod, but instead it pulled me out every time I read it. That moment set the tone for much of my reading experience: clever ideas that never really found their footing. The murder body drops fairly early—about 10% in—but instead of diving into the mystery, the story stalls.

The bulk of the narrative is spent on the main character’s disbelief about her father’s ghost. She knows she’s seeing him… but also insists she can’t be seeing him… and then a therapist even advises her to “just accept it.” Meanwhile, she frequently comments on how wonderful her husband is, especially how supportive he was in quitting his job so they could run her late father’s struggling paint shop. Logically, I couldn’t help but wonder why both of them would abandon steady jobs to take on a barely-thriving business.

What surprised me was just how little sleuthing actually went on. Her father, once a sharp police detective, doesn’t contribute much beyond shrugs and cheap shots at his son-in-law. Laura, meanwhile, spends her energy sparring sarcastically with Hannibal Watson, flattening him into the butt of jokes rather than a functioning detective. Honestly, I didn’t understand what Watson had done to deserve being the butt of so many remarks, other than stand around looking frustrated.

The mystery’s resolution comes out of nowhere, with clues and connections conjured like a bad magic trick. It’s a slow crawl to a rushed, nonsensical end. The premise has undeniable charm: a haunted paint store, family legacy, and paranormal cozy energy. But the execution felt scattered, weighed down by skepticism circles and side-commentary rather than a satisfying mystery core. I finished this ARC out of obligation, but I’m not itching for the sequel.

DallerGut Dream Department Store is a delightful, imaginative novel offering a fresh take on dreams. It’s a quirky, playful concept with surprisingly thoughtful depth to the story.

What hooked me most was how the story treats dreams as a meaningful part of our emotional lives. Nightmares aren’t just scary, they become tools to face fears and process emotions. The idea of having a glimpse into your future via a dream, as a solution to a creative block, or pre-booking a dream for a loved one to be shared after you pass on, are just so beautifully written and emotionally captivating.

Translator Sandy Joosun Lee said it right when she said you would become a fan of the story the moment you start reading. Of course, the way Shannon Tyo brought Penny and the other characters to life by her narration deserves just as much credit as the translator and the author. These three wonderful women have brought a masterpiece alive for us to cherish.

The next book in the series is out now and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

What caught me off-guard with this book wasn’t just the sheer volume of puzzles (though A+ for the brain teasers), but how the library itself becomes a character: quirky, mysterious, always one clue ahead. Imagine stumbling into a place where Dewey decimals and game rules intertwine, and suddenly you’re on the clock, racing before the library turns the page on you.

The kids each bring their own brand of chaos. Kyle’s scrappy, the rivals are snippy, and sometimes alliances shift faster than you can say “dictionary”. But the real fun is in how Grabenstein weaves little bookish nods and gleeful librarian energy into every corner. I kept grinning each time a new gag or literary Easter egg popped up. It’s less about who’s going to “win” and more about ow the team navigates twists, temptations, and the pure joy of geeking out over a space where imagination runs wild.

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.

Some books gently nudge you along; others grab you and refuse to let go. Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz firmly belongs to the latter. It demanded my full attention, and every time I had to put it down, it took real willpower. I even stayed up late just to finish it, completely caught in the clever mystery.

The story flows effortlessly, with Horowitz striking a perfect balance. His descriptions of places and characters are vivid but never overwhelming. You get just enough detail to picture the scene without feeling bogged down, and the pacing keeps you hooked throughout.

However, the ending felt a bit off. Not disappointing, but it suddenly shifted onto a different track. A couple of late plot twists, while entertaining, seemed unnecessary. The story might have been just as strong without them, though I appreciated the realism they added. Life’s stories don’t always end neatly, and sometimes wrapping up a mystery on your own can be oddly satisfying.

What stood out most was how completely immersed I became in this world. It was genuinely difficult to stop reading. Despite the ending not being the book’s strongest point, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment. That slightly “incomplete” feeling reminded me that real life doesn’t always resolve perfectly either, and there’s a kind of beauty in that.

You know that feeling you get when you open a book and instantly get swept up into a sugary rush of quirky adventure? That’s the vibe here from page one. Chris Grabenstein doesn’t ease you in. He launches you straight into Luigi’s world, where curiosity is contagious, and trouble is just a side effect of dreaming big. Each chapter delivers a combo of wild antics and genuine heart. Even when I was chuckling at the wild mishaps, I found myself pausing at the quieter moments, the ones packed with hope and stubborn optimism.

But what really got me was watching Luigi double down on everything that made him different, despite the world’s steady (and sometimes not-so-subtle) nudge towards the “normal” path. There’s something so relatable about rooting for the kid who won’t color inside the lines (literally!). Grabenstein reminds us that real creativity means keeping your inner child alive and taking risks; even if your neighbors, teachers, or parents think you’ve missed the plot entirely.

This is a vintage mystery powered by friendship-first stakes and a protagonist who isn’t content to just sit pretty while her world unravels. Piper Sail is all sharp edges and stubborn hope. Her loyalty to Lydia is the true compass guiding the story. Watching her charge through mob territory and navigating social expectations showcases the book at its best. Mariano Cassano is another highlight mixing forward-thinking charm with perfect 1920s grit. His approach makes those investigative moments fizz, even when Piper’s stubbornness threatens to slow him down.

That said, I have to admit three-quarters in, the pacing lost its snap. The search for Lydia started to circle the same set of unlikely suspects and hidden doors. Somewhere around 65%, I found myself wishing the narrative had tightened up instead of making Piper (and me) retrace so many suspects and situations. There’s so much promise in the heart of the story, but it could have reached its conclusion with a little less meandering.

I dove into Tea with Jam and Dread craving Vicki Delaney’s signature cozy vibes, and oh, did it deliver! Lily, Bernie, and Rose trading their Cape Cod tearoom for a London estate felt like stepping into the heart of their England-inspired dreams. The setting sparkled, think grand manors and proper tea times, making every page feel like a warm hug from a British granny. The mystery was engaging, with a satisfying conclusion that tied up the chaos neatly, leaving me smiling.

Delany’s knack for quirky characters shone, but oof, the Frockmorton family tree was a tangle! Even with a character list, I struggled to keep everyone straight and eventually just rode the story’s flow. The pacing was steady, though the crowded cast slowed me down a bit. Still, the transatlantic charm and Lily’s sleuthing kept me hooked.

One of the best books I’ve read. Ever!

Jo Nichols has taken a familiar setup (a tight-knit group of neighbors, a cozy coastal setting, and a sudden murder) and turned it into something truly special and unique. This isn’t just a quirky mystery; it’s heartfelt, emotionally rich, and beautifully layered.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked. I told myself I’d listen to just a little before getting back to work, but hours later, I was still going. Not once did I feel the urge to skip ahead or take a break. Every moment in this story had weight, charm, or purpose (sometimes all three).

The characters are messy, complicated, and real, and the way their lives intersected made my heart ache in the best possible way. There’s humor, grief, love, chaos, and, above all, a sense of found family that stayed with me long after I finished.

And can we talk about the narration? Megan Price absolutely nailed it. Her performance gave every character depth and personality, making the audiobook a completely immersive experience.

I still can’t believe this is Jo Nichols’ debut. The writing is sharp, tender, and confident. I didn’t want the story to end. I kept hoping for one more chapter, one more conversation, one more moment with these characters.

The ARC was an absolute gift. Thank you, NetGalley. I can’t wait for everyone to meet the residents of Marigold Cottages when this gem comes out in August.

I’m a huge fan of Vicki Delaney’s A Year-Round Christmas Mystery series and love spending time with the Wilkinson family: Merry, Matterhorn (or Mattie, the dog), Noel, Vicky, Alan, Dt. Diane Simmonds, and Mrs. Mabel D’Angelo.

One of my favorite moments in this book, and in all of the other books in the series, was seeing how Detective. Diane Simmonds treats Matterhorn, and how Mattie absolutely melts under her attention. The affection between them in every book makes this series so warm and real. Also, the line (or similar in other books) “I know my dad isn’t Santa Claus. But sometimes, I wonder,” really gives me goosebumps. It makes me believe in Christmas all over again, even at almost 40!

That said, O Deadly Night felt a bit underwhelming. The mystery mostly happens to Mrs. D’Angelo rather than through Merry’s sleuthing, with Merry having very little detective work except a few moments. The investigation really picks up whenever Mrs. D’Angelo is on the scene. While this fits the story’s focus, it felt like it would have worked better if the story were told from her point of view.

Still, I enjoyed the relaxed, feel-good vibe of hanging out with Merry’s family without the usual danger or tension . Overall, this story could have been a novella from Mrs. D’Angelo’s POV, but as a novel, it still offers a cozy atmosphere I love in this series.

This might be the first love story I've ever read where nothing sad happens between the couple. And honestly? It was refreshing.

Abby Jimenez delivers a romance that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket and sinking into something safe, kind, and quietly beautiful. From the moment Samantha and Xavier meet (at a vet's office, with a tiny kitten in the mix — I mean, come on), their chemistry is instant. There's banter, attraction, and genuine emotional connection from the start.

And then... nothing bad happens.

Yes, there's the issue of long distance. But no dramatic misunderstanding. No delayed confessions that spiral into arguments. The transparency both of them share, the real-life conversations they have, the safe space they hold for each other — maybe a bit too perfect — but honestly, so good to listen to. The emotional maturity between these two makes this book feel like a breath of fresh air.

And can we talk about the narration? Christine Lakin and Matt Lanter brought the characters to life so naturally. Their voices held every quiet feeling, every vulnerable moment, and every playful spark just right.

This next line will probably give it away — I am not a regular romance reader. One thing I really appreciated in this book was the very limited sex scenes, which I could fly over. The rest was just chemistry, connection, and care. (More of this, please!!)

I picked this up as part of the Goodreads Summer Chart-toppers Challenge, and I'm so glad I did. It might be a little idealistic, but sometimes, that's exactly what we need.

DNF at 11%

The narrator is so bland, I could have used autoread and could have felt more engaged.

With this book, I didn't even follow the rule of at least 20% before calling it quits. Couldn't bear to hear her voice any more.

DNF

Why did I read this book? It's so random with the MC going through random rules in life that he's just aceepting... just because..

nothing made sense. After 18% (2 hours and 15 mins) into the audiobook of 10 hours, I had no clue what was happening in the story.

DNF

10% in and I couldnt relate to the book at all. I know it's satire but something has to be engaging. Enabling is not a trait I am fond of reading/listening to.

I'm not giving a star rating as I might not be the right audience for the book, and hence couldn't relate to it.

Read as a part of July Goodreads Challenge - Acclaimed Titles