Devi Nair

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by Melissa Moran ⏱ Duration: 9 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Tantor Media 📅 Published: December 16, 2025 🗂️ Genre: Cozy Mystery

Fourteen books in, and somehow this series still feels fresh. Death by Java is the kind of cozy mystery that reminds you why long-running series are comfort reads for a reason. Alex Erickson knows Krissy Hancock inside and out, and it shows. The moment Krissy steps into her hometown and clocks the copycat café, the tone snaps into place: funny, petty in the best way, and just a little bit personal.

The old-nemesis angle with Valerie gives the story emotional teeth without dragging it into angst, and Krissy trying to help someone she absolutely does not have to help is peak Krissy. The fact that you finished and immediately wanted the next book says a lot about how satisfying that ending is without feeling like a cheap cliffhanger.

And yes, I’m now a convert to chocolate chip cookies in coffee. Thank you, Krissy & Alex, for the life-changing tip. Melissa Moran’s narration brings the cozy vibes perfectly; her pacing makes every sip of drama feel like a warm latte.

Would I recommend it? If you love cozy mysteries, bookstore café sleuthing, or long-running series that still feel fresh, this is a must-listen. Alex Erickson just keeps getting better. Krissy’s world feels like home, even on the other coast. Pure comfort with a killer twist.

Spill the Coffee Have you ever tried a food combo because of a book and immediately questioned why you hadn’t done it sooner? Or are you Team Classic Cozy over Team Experimental Mystery? Let’s chat in the comments.

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by: Amanda Ranconi ⏱ Duration: 7 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Roots & Wings Press 🗓️ Published: October 26, 2023 🧙‍♀️ Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Blair just wants to sleep. Truly, deeply, desperately sleep. For anyone who’s battled insomnia, that alone feels like a quest worthy of a fantasy novel. Unfortunately for Blair, there’s a ghost wailing in the garden, and rest is officially off the table. Enter Ghosts in the Garden, a paranormal cozy mystery that balances emotional depth with comfort-read vibes like it’s second nature.

If you’ve been following the Magic Inn Paranormal Mysteries series, you already know what you’re in for: a blend of charm, humor, heart, and the kind of spectral sleuthing that somehow makes you want to move into a haunted bed-and-breakfast. Ghosts in the Garden hits that sweet spot again.

This time, Blair and the Magic Inn crew are pulled into a 30-year-old cold case, and not in a gimmicky, spooky-for-spooky’s-sake way. This mystery is rooted in grief, memory, and the ache of unanswered questions. Watching Blair unravel Rachel Palmer’s story is quietly devastating and deeply satisfying, especially as the investigation brings long-overdue closure to both the living and the dead.The mystery itself feels effortlessly woven, like Garrett just lets the clues bloom naturally (fitting for a story set around a ghostly garden). The emotional arc lands too. There’s real ache in the 30-year-old case, and by the time closure comes, so does a tear or two. The dialogue sparkles, the pacing hums, and the worldbuilding continues to feel as comforting as your favorite enchanted quilt.

And yes, the writing is beautiful, but it’s Danielle Garrett, so that’s a given. The real magic happens in the layers: the tenderness with which grief is handled, the found-family warmth of the inn, and the way even the ghosts feel human. Add Amanda Ranconi’s narration with every emotion perfectly pitched, every Flapjack appearance a delight, and this audiobook becomes an experience. Some author-narrator pairings just work. Danielle Garrett and Amanda Ranconi? Absolute paranormal cozy royalty.

Would I recommend it? Ghosts in the Garden is everything I want from a paranormal cozy mystery in a comforting, emotionally resonant, gently spooky, and full of heart manner. If you love ghost stories that focus less on fear and more on healing, this one will stay with you. I finished it feeling soothed, a little misty-eyed, and already eager for the next visit to the Magic Inn. Honestly, I never want this series to end.

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by Jim Butcher ⏱ Duration: 3 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Podium Audio & Imaginary Empire LLC 📅 Published: July 5, 2022 📚 Series: The Dresden Files #17.2 🧙 Genre: Urban Fantasy

The last time I read a Harry Dresden book was back in 2022, during a full-on binge era where James Marsters absolutely ruined my ability to listen to audiobooks normally ever again. When Twelve Months was announced for this year, I panic-booked it on NetGalley and pre-ordered it from my library (because... contingency) but realized something alarming: I couldn’t quite remember why I loved this series so much. I remembered the obsession, not the feeling.

Enter The Law. A short novella, perfectly timed, and somehow exactly what my reading soul needed. Also, So hearing Jim Butcher himself narrate this short novella was … different. But in the best possible way. You can literally hear the affection in his voice, like a creator reviving his favorite dragon. By the time Harry stepped fully into the story, it was over for me. The emotional muscle memory kicked in hard. The snark. The moral grey zones. The weight Harry carries like a badge and a burden. I fell all over again.

This novella is peak Dresden comfort chaos. Of course Harry takes Maya’s case. Of course Mab looms large like an icy corporate nightmare. Of course John Marcone delivers immaculate power-struggle dialogue. Bob’s creepy-funny skull commentary is intact, the Harry–Marcone verbal fencing is chef’s kiss, and the way Harry carefully dances around Mab while still getting what he wants is classic Dresden Files brilliance. The banter is sharp, the stakes personal, and the moral tension delicious. My one quibble? The ending felt a little too quick, like someone hit “speed up” just before the last spell was cast. Still, three hours with Harry is better than none, and now I cannot wait for Twelve Months.

Bonus points for the Harry Potter jokes. Fully unhinged. Fully delightful. Also, was it just me, or did Jim Butcher’s voice for Trip sound a bit like Tony Soprano?

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you’re gearing up for Twelve Months or feeling a little disconnected from the series after a break. The Law is the perfect reminder of why Harry Dresden works so well as a character: flawed, stubborn, compassionate, and perpetually in over his head. While the novella format trims some breathing room at the end, the emotional punch and character beats land exactly where they should. This re-ignited my Dresden Files obsession, no question.

Ready for more magic? Are you rereading any Dresden books before Twelve Months lands? Or are you diving in fresh? Let’s talk favorite Harry moments or theories

Review pending confirmation on if this is a non-AI generated book

📱📖 Read on Kindle 📃 301 pages ⏱ 4 hours 🏷️ ARC provided by BookSiren

A disgraced chef, a dead pop star, and a bunch of gossip-hungry townsfolk!!! Selina Hill knows exactly how to blend humor, heart, and homicide. Jammed with Secrets checks every box I crave in a cozy mystery: it’s full of flavor (literally), features a stubborn but lovable sleuth, and wraps the tension in just enough warmth to keep the comfort high. The food descriptions had me craving bao buns and kimchi fries, and the set piece at the music festival food trucks? Perfect atmosphere.

Sadie Cruz is a classic cozy protagonist with a twist. She’s disgraced, defensive, and determined not to let one bad chapter define her entire life. I loved how her past as an Iron Chef added stakes beyond the murder itself. This isn’t just about solving a crime, it’s about reclaiming her identity. The romance angle with the sheriff ex adds just the right amount of tension. Stoic, clenched-jaw energy? Yes, please.

The mystery itself kept me hooked with solid suspects, clever red herrings, and that satisfying "aha" moment when pieces clicked. It's not groundbreakingly twisty, but it doesn't need to be. The real draw is the culinary cozy heart, the second-chance romance, and Sadie's determination to reclaim her life. The pacing zipped along nicely for a quick 4-hour read, with just enough humor and heart to balance the stakes. Fans of food truck mysteries or Carmela Dutra-style cozies will totally get why this one hits the spot.

Would I recommend it? If you're hunting for a fresh culinary cozy mystery with food truck flair, small-town drama, ex-romance tension, and a sassy sleuth who cooks up trouble, this culinary cozy delivers. It's satisfying, fun, and leaves you hungry for more. Fingers crossed Selina Hill turns this into a series.

Spill the Sauce: What's Your Favorite Foodie Cozy Mystery?

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by Amanda Ranconi ⏱ Duration: Approx. 6 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Roots & Wings Press 📅 Published: June 18, 2025 🧙‍♀️ Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery 📚 Series: Magic Inn Paranormal Mysteries #4

Blair just wants clean laundry. That’s it. That’s the dream. Instead, she finds a banshee squatting in the basement, and honestly, if that doesn’t perfectly sum up life at the Magic Inn, I don’t know what does. Danielle Garrett once again proves she has an endless well of creativity. Every book in this series manages to raise the paranormal bar while still feeling grounded, warm, and deeply comforting. From the opening scene in the inn’s haunted basement to the last click of Amanda Ranconi’s narration, the story brims with charm and chaos in equal measure.

There are no shortages of magical beings here, but what really keeps me hooked is the emotional core. These books are packed with love, found family, and a sense of belonging that makes Beechwood Harbour feel like a place you want to live, even with the occasional murder and shrieking spirit. It’s the kind of story where you speed through because you can’t get enough, then immediately regret finishing because now you have to wait for the next one.

And then there’s Amanda Ranconi. Honestly? This narration is the reason I fell hard for audiobooks. Danielle Garrett writes magic, but Amanda Ranconi speaks it. Her range, timing, and emotional nuance bring every character to life so vividly that when the book ends, real life feels a little dull by comparison. I genuinely looked around my house like, “Why am I not in Beechwood Harbour right now?” Found family audiobooks don’t get better than this.

Would I recommend it? Banshees in the Basement is cozy perfection with equal parts mystery, laughter, and heart. The paranormal elements blend so smoothly with the small-town charm that you’ll want to move in. Fans of lighthearted supernatural mysteries and strong, quirky heroines should mark their calendars.

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by Carlotta Brentan ⏱ Duration: 9 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio | Gallery / Scout Press 📅 Published: June 10, 2025 📚 Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Technically, it’s tagged as a cozy mystery, but let’s be honest. There’s no actual body here, just a delightfully convincing fake one. That’s why I shelve this under Contemporary Fiction with mystery elements. Welcome to the Murder Week isn’t about solving a murder. It’s about solving a life. This is contemporary fiction wrapped in a clever mystery-shaped bow, and once I let it be that, the book completely had my heart. What Karen Dukess pulls off, though, is the spirit of a cozy without the corpse: a story about belonging, grief, and human connection wrapped in the charm of a pretend whodunit.

Karen Dukess balances warmth and ache beautifully. Cath’s grief isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s quiet, unresolved, and shaped by a lifetime of emotional abandonment. The story isn’t just about losing her mother, but about losing the possibility of ever truly being chosen by her. Carlotta Brentan’s narration brings warmth and gentle humor to Cath’s journey, perfect for a book that moves between heartbreak and hilarity.

The fake murder week becomes the perfect backdrop: absurd, charming, and gently chaotic. The “corpse” offering sales advice mid-death was delightful, and the villagers fumbling through clue-giving like kids in a school play was genuinely adorable. It’s cozy-adjacent comfort without ever pretending the emotions are small.

And then there are the relationships. Wyatt Green and Amity Clark were an unexpected gift. Their protectiveness, both emotional and physical, felt instinctive and pure, especially given how newly formed their bond was. The romance with Dev Sharma adds another layer, not just of attraction, but of possibility. With Dev, Cath isn’t just flirting, she’s confronting whether she deserves to stay, to belong, to choose something instead of running from it. Finding her mother’s origins wasn’t just closure, it was permission. Permission to want more.

What really got me was the emotional undercurrent. Cath’s need to understand her mother, to finally feel rooted somewhere. Her relationship with Dev felt genuine, the kind of romance that steadies rather than distracts. And the friendship between Cath, Wyatt, and Amity? Absolute gold. Protective, messy, real, and lasting even in the epilogue of the book. It’s that found-family tenderness that lingers long after the fake murder is solved.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. This book may not have a real corpse, but it’s full of life, heart, humor, and healing. It’s about chosen family, the wounds parents leave behind, and the quiet bravery it takes to let yourself be loved.

Genre: Culinary Cozy Mystery 🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by: Erin Moon ⏱ Duration: 9 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Blackstone Publishing & St. Martin’s Publishing 📅 Published: March 28, 2023

Jumping into the third book of a cozy mystery series without reading the first two can feel like crashing a dinner party late. But Korina Moss makes sure you’re handed a plate and a glass of wine immediately. Not once did I feel lost or confused about the characters or relationships. If anything, the writing made me nostalgic for books I hadn’t even read yet, which is honestly impressive. Consider this a masterclass in welcoming new readers mid-series.

Willa Bauer is an instant favorite. She’s earnest, funny, and armed with an appreciation for cheese that borders on poetic. Moss’s writing is crisp and inviting, deliciously descriptive without overdoing the cozy fluff. And the mystery was pitched just right. I appreciated that I didn’t guess the killer early, which is a genuine surprise at the end, with threads tied neatly and a teasing setup for the next installment.

Erin Moon’s narration elevates everything. Her tone shifts effortlessly from small-town warmth to high-society snoot, and that “princess” accent for one of the characters? Absolute perfection. I honestly can’t find a single reason not to give this one five stars. It’s witty, satisfying, and left me both full and hungry (for more Willa… and for cheese).

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. This is cozy mystery gold—funny, flavorful, and perfectly narrated. Don’t read (or listen) on an empty stomach; you’ll crave Gouda within minutes, or inspire you to build a charcuterie board mid-chapter. Add this to your TBR if you love culinary cozies with heart, humor, and a clever twist you won’t see coming.

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by: Steven Rowley ⏱ Duration: 10 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Books on Tape | G.P. Putnam’s Sons 📅 Published: May 21, 2024 📚 Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Patrick O’Hara is still funny, still dramatic, still deeply lovable. But this time, he’s also scared. Scared of aging, scared of being replaced, and scared that the two kids who once needed him with their whole hearts might not need him in the same way anymore. As an aunt myself, this hit harder than I expected. Every quip about grown-up kids and fading “coolness” landed like a little nostalgic jab to the heart. Rowley captures that universal ache of watching the kids you love become people with their own opinions, and wow, does he make you feel it.

This round, Patrick’s surrounded by Italian sunshine, complicated family dynamics, and just enough chaos to keep the story spinning. Maisie and Grant are no longer the wide-eyed kids from the first book. They’re sharper, moodier, and forming identities of their own. Patrick, meanwhile, is clinging desperately to his role as the “cool guncle,” even as the kids gravitate toward new influences. That includes the scene-stealing Launt (lesbian aunt), whose growing bond with them sparks Patrick’s jealousy in ways that are both hilarious and heartbreaking. Watching him navigate that emotional shift is the quiet core of this novel. Patrick’s attempts to stay relevant in their eyes are equal parts awkward and tender. The humor is sharper, the emotional beats deeper, and Rowley’s narration adds layers only the author could deliver. Every sigh, every dramatic pause feels perfectly placed.

Yes, there's Italy. Yes, there's romance. (GUSTAVO!!!! LOL) Yes, there’s a wedding teetering on the edge of disaster. But all of that lives in the background. what anchored me was Patrick’s unwavering love for Maisie and Grant. That bond is the heartbeat of this book. This story belongs to Patrick, Maisie, and Grant. It’s about loving kids enough to let them grow, even when it hurts. I laughed, I cried, I sobbed, and I briefly considered freezing time so my niece never grows up and decides I’m uncool.

Steven Rowley didn’t just write a sequel. He wrote a love letter to chosen family, aging, and unconditional devotion.

Would I recommend it? This book wrecked me in the gentlest way. If you loved The Guncle, this sequel deepens everything that mattered. The humor, the heart, and the emotional honesty. It’s tender without being saccharine, funny without undercutting the feelings, and painfully relatable if you’ve ever loved a child who’s growing up too fast. I finished it full-hearted, emotionally bruised, and incredibly grateful this story exists. Add this to your TBR immediately.

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by Amanda Ranconi ⏱ Duration: 2 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Roots & Wings Press 📅 Published: June 7, 2024 🧿 Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Ah, Beechwood Harbour! Where even the air feels enchanted. What a Ghost Wants is bite-sized but brimming with charm, the kind of story that slides right into your weekend like a cozy cup of tea shared with a ghostly roommate. Scarlet’s first steps into this magical town are full of humor and heart, particularly when Flapjack (the feline menace with more attitude than fur) starts stealing scenes left and right.

Amanda Ranconi absolutely elevates this audiobook. I’m a longtime fan, and once again, she delivers. Her voice acting gives each character their own personality, but Flapjack deserves a special mention. That nasal, irritating tone? Perfection. He’s obnoxious in the best way, and I could practically hear him threatening me for mentioning him here. This narration alone makes the audiobook worth it.

Danielle Garrett has built a universe so vivid it feels less like urban fantasy and more like a spot you could plug into your GPS. Beechwood Harbour pulses with personality. The perfect blend of whimsy, mystery, and supernatural mischief. While it’s a novella and over far too soon, it does its job: I’m already itching to dive into the full series. This intro gave me the perfect hit of magic and mischief to brighten a gray Toronto day.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely yes. This is the definition of a cozy paranormal comfort read in a short, charming, and packed way with personality. Whether you’re new to Danielle Garrett’s work or already love Beechwood Harbor, this novella is a perfect starting point. It sets the tone beautifully and makes it impossible not to continue the series.

📱📖 Read on Kobo ⏱ Duration: 4 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Kensington Publishing 📅 ARC courtesy of NetGalley | To be published: March 31, 2026

It took me until the acknowledgments to realize The Most Mysterious Bookshop in Paris continues a long-running series. That revelation explained so much of my confusion. As a newcomer, I spent most of the book wondering how our freshly minted bookseller, Hugo, seemed to have endless high-level contacts across law enforcement and politics. The mystery of that, it turns out, was purely meta: I had started mid-series without knowing.

For a bookshop mystery, there’s surprisingly little time spent in the actual shop. Hugo hires an assistant and immediately hands him the keys before darting off into Parisian intrigue. That said, the mystery itself? Genuinely engaging. The blackmail angle, the chocolate factory with a layered historical past, and the eventual whodunit all worked for me. Once the investigation was in full swing,

What didn’t quite land for me were the emotional beats on either end of the story. Without the series’ backstory, I felt detached from the relationships and callbacks that longtime readers will likely savor. I can see how fans of Hugo’s previous outings would find this a smooth continuation. But as a standalone, it wobbles just a bit out of context. Unfortunately, both the prelude and the ending leaned heavily on series context, making them feel emotionally flat if you haven’t followed Hugo’s journey from the beginning. I closed the book satisfied with the mystery, but not particularly compelled to go backward or forward in the series.

Would I recommend it? If you’re already familiar with Hugo Marston’s previous adventures, this one is a worthy addition, mysterious, atmospheric, and laced with chocolate and Parisian charm. But if you’re new like me, you might want to start earlier in the series to fully understand its cast of characters and connections.

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by Barton Welch ⏱ Duration: 10 hours 🏷️ Publishers: Harper Audio & Mariner Books 📅 Release Date: March 17, 2026 🎁 ARC provided by NetGalley

Ernest Cunningham is back, and somehow Benjamin Stevenson keeps finding fresh ways to drop him into delightfully stressful situations. This time, a locked-down bank full of suspects who all feel just unhinged enough to be guilty. The series continues to live in that sweet spot between cozy mystery and something sharper: not quite hardboiled, not fully comfort-read, but leaning cozy thanks to the humor, wit, and Ernest’s deeply self-aware narration.

What really makes this series shine (and this book in particular) is the narrative structure. We open with Ernest in danger (classic Cunningham!!!) then rewind, skipping back and forth in time as the puzzle pieces slide into place. It’s playful, smart, and completely aware of the genre it’s inhabiting. The suspects are suspicious in the best way, each one entertaining enough that you want them to have secrets. And yes, this is a proper whodunit: I didn’t crack it early, and the reveal genuinely landed.

Barton Welch deserves special applause here. His narration brings Ernest’s self-deprecating humor, panic, and observational chaos vividly to life. Every character feels distinct, and the pacing never drags, which is an impressive feat in a single-location mystery. This book reinforces why the Ernest Cunningham series works so well: it’s clever without being smug, silly without being shallow, and consistently entertaining.

Would I Recommend It? Absolutely—and with enthusiasm. If you enjoy clever mysteries with humor, unreliable narration, and genre-savvy storytelling, this series is a must. That said, do yourself a favor and start with book one. The payoff is richer when you’ve grown alongside Ernest. This ARC only solidified my love for the series. Add this to your TBR and mark your calendar for release day.

Edition: 📚 Read as a book 📃 No. of pages: 320 (approx.) 🏷️ Publisher: Harper Collins UK / One More Chapter ARC provided by NetGalley 📅 Published: January 23, 2026 Genre: Cozy Mystery

Murder by the Book is an intriguing concept: four amateur sleuths, one bookshop murder, and a puzzle laid out for them by the deceased manager. In theory, it’s a perfect setup for a cozy, page-turning mystery. And the actual unraveling of the murder? Solid. The clues are clever, and the resolution itself is satisfying.

Where the book falters for me is in the execution. Told from four different perspectives, each member narrating their side of the investigation, the story loses some of the intimacy and suspense that comes from following a single sleuth. Instead of building a connection with one character, I was bouncing between four different viewpoints, and it got confusing. By the end, I also struggled with the motive behind the murder; it didn’t resonate, and left me feeling slightly disconnected from the emotional stakes.

Overall, it was a decent read. If you love puzzles and classic cozy tropes, you might enjoy the ride. For me, though, it wasn’t compelling enough to return for the rest of the series.

Would I recommend it? The mystery itself is fun and clever, but the multiple perspectives diluted the connection I crave in cozy mysteries. A good one-off read, but I won’t be following this series.

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by: Cris Dukehart ⏱ Duration: 9 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Kensington Cozies / Tantor Audio 🗓 Published: October 28, 2025 🧩 Genre: Cozy Mystery

Cozy mystery fans might walk into The Tattered Cover expecting pumpkin spice and porch lights—but Ellery Adams always serves her cozies with a shot of real emotion and a sprinkle of darkness. This isn’t your “cupcake shop and cat sleuth” type of cozy. It’s more grounded, more introspective comfort reading for grown-ups who’ve seen some of life’s sharper edges.

This eighth installment continues the series’ tradition of weaving heart and humanity into its mysteries. The murder of Lara Luz, a medium with a tangled past, sets off a chain of revelations that feel less like plot twists and more like emotional reckonings. Adams layers grief, forgiveness, and the stubborn hope of community into every chapter. The realism gives this book weight; even as the autumn leaves swirl, the themes dig deep into what it means to keep rebuilding yourself after loss.

And the audiobook? Absolute perfection. Cris Dukehart once again delivers a nuanced, emotionally grounded performance that elevates the entire story. I honestly can’t imagine experiencing this series any other way. Her narration captures both the warmth of the friendships and the darker undercurrents beneath the surface.

Would I recommend it? Yes over and over again, especially if you like your cozies with a bit of bite. This isn’t a comfort-only read, but it’s thoughtful, layered, and refreshingly honest about human behavior. If you’ve followed the series this far, this installment reinforces why it remains so compelling. And if you’re new? Just know this series plays by its own rules, and that’s exactly why it works.

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by Caroline Lennon ⏱ Duration: 10 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Kensington 📅 Published: February 28, 2017 🧩 Genre: Cozy Mystery

I usually fall headfirst into Irish cozy mysteries. The accents, the local color, the warmth of small-town gossip are usually go much engaging to me. Caroline Lennon’s narration certainly nails the atmosphere; her voice carries that lovely lilt that makes Irish cozies a joy to listen to. On paper, Murder at an Irish Wedding had all the right ingredients. In execution? Not so much.

Siobhán, the protagonist, should’ve been my kind of character. She is smart, loyal, and emotionally grounded, but she never clicked. It felt like the characters were moving through motions without real spark or wit. By the 30% mark, the story still hadn’t found its rhythm, and I realized I just wasn’t invested enough to see it through.

There’s no doubt the setting and concept have potential. A lavish wedding turned murder scene is usually my jam, but the pacing dragged, and the emotional stakes felt flat. Irish charm can usually carry a story a long way, but here, it couldn’t carry me to the finish line.

Would I recommend it? Not for me, sadly. I wanted to love this series more than I did, but sometimes the chemistry just isn’t there. Maybe it’s one of those “wrong mood, wrong time” reads. But for now, it’s a quiet DNF at 30%.

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by Mia Hutchinson Shaw ⏱ Duration: 10 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Hachette Audio & Forever 📅 Release Date: January 20, 2026 🎁 Audio ARC provided by NetGalley

Immediately after finishing book one, I jumped straight into the ARC for Gabby Green Knows Whodunit, and honestly? Zero regrets. Gabby is now almost trained (which mostly means she can complete a mission without accidentally harming her coworkers) and she and Markus are sent undercover to investigate a cult. A cult. On a beach. With unlimited mocktails, perfect weather, a luxury suite, and a fake engagement. I mean… what more could a woman ask for? (Aside from the whole dangerous undercover operation part.)

This sequel is just as hilarious, fast-paced, and ridiculously entertaining as the first book. I couldn’t put it down and finished the entire audiobook in one day, which is both a compliment and a complaint, because when it ended, I was genuinely upset. What am I supposed to do without Gabby Greene in my life now?

Sam Tschida has this rare knack for balancing humor and heart without tipping too far in either direction. Gabby’s voice feels so real with equal parts frazzled mom, reluctant spy, and woman who secretly deserves a vacation. The flirtation with Markus is swoon-worthy (the slow burn is real), but the family threads make the story glow: her kids growing more suspicious by the day, and her grandmother... oh my, can we all aspire to be that woman someday? She’s wise, fearless, and the chaos anchor Gabby desperately needs. Sure, there are a few family members I could happily never encounter again—but alas, we don’t get to choose our relatives, and Gabby’s chaos wouldn’t be half as entertaining without them.

Mia Hutchinson Shaw’s narration brings every hilarious inner monologue and awkward romantic moment to life. If you liked the first book, you’ll fall head over heels for this one. And Sam Tschida, please, I beg you, don’t make us wait too long for book three. Gabby Greene missions should be an annual event.

Would I Recommend It? Absolutely. If you loved Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, enjoy cozy mysteries with romantic tension, or want a fast, funny audiobook that delivers both laughs and heart, this needs to be on your TBR. This one’s the perfect blend of cozy mystery, romantic comedy, and spy shenanigans. It’s warm, witty, and as binge-worthy as your favorite TV romcom. Sam Tschida has created something genuinely special with Gabby Greene, and this sequel proves it’s not a one-book wonder. Add this to your TBR, mark your calendar, and please, someone gently remind Sam Tschida that we need book three soon.

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by: Mia Hutchinson Shaw ⏱ Duration: 10 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Forever 🗓️ Published: August 6, 2024 🎧 Genre: Cozy Mystery / Spy Comedy

Here’s the thing: I accidentally started this series with Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit before realizing it was book two. I was already hooked, but something told me this series deserved to be done right. So I hit pause, went back to Errands and Espionage, and honestly? Best reading decision I’ve made in a while.

Going in, I expected this to feel similar to the Finlay Donovan series—and that made me skeptical. Those books and I… didn’t vibe. But Sam Tschida does humor better. Sharper. Warmer. Less try-hard, more laugh-out-loud because it’s painfully relatable. Gabby Greene is gloriously chaotic: a mom stretched too thin, underestimated by everyone (including herself), suddenly being asked to save the world between school drop-offs and extracurricular schedules. She is a hot mess in the most endearing way, trying to keep her life together while simultaneously learning to tail suspects and dodge bullets. The espionage bits are campy in the best possible sense, and the domestic details keep it all refreshingly real.

What really worked for me was Gabby herself. She’s not magically competent overnight. Her courage feels earned. Her training is messy. Her reactions are realistic. And yet, she steps up. Watching her juggle espionage with motherhood while slowly reclaiming her sense of self was wildly engaging. By the time the audiobook ended, I was genuinely devastated… for about sixty seconds. Because yes, book two was already queued up and waiting.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Errands and Espionage is funny, empowering, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt. It’s the kind of cozy mystery that sneaks in emotional depth while you’re busy laughing at the chaos. If you love competent-but-overwhelmed heroines, spy hijinks with a domestic twist, and stories about rediscovering your worth mid-life, this one’s for you.

Operation: Your Turn Would you join a top-secret mission if it meant a week away from laundry duty? Or would you let the pros handle the espionage while you bake the brownies?

📘 Edition 🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by: Carley Fortune, AJ Bridel ⏱ Duration: 12 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Berkley 📅 Published: May 6, 2025 💬 How I found it: Friend recommendation

Here’s the thing: I don’t like romance. And yet, somehow, it keeps following me like a golden retriever with excellent emotional instincts. One Golden Summer is exactly that kind of book: soft, reflective, quietly swoony, and far more thoughtful than it initially lets on.

Carley Fortune might just own the cottagecore romance space at this point. There’s something about her storytelling, about the way sun, still water, and nostalgia weave together, that makes you want to quit your life and find a dock somewhere. One Golden Summer takes that signature Fortune formula and adds a reflective layer through Alice, a photographer caught between clarity and blur in her own life.

The dual narration by Fortune herself and AJ Bridel gives the story extra warmth. It feels intimate, like Alice and Charlie are whispering memories directly into your ear. The pacing is slow in that languid, lakeside way, never rushed, always humming with tension beneath the calm. Is it a familiar love story? Yes. But it’s a well-written, emotionally resonant one that knows exactly what it wants to be.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially for summer readers craving more than just a love story. It’s part nostalgia, part healing, part romance and 100% Carley Fortune charm. Add this to your TBR when you want a story that feels like sunlight on skin long after it’s gone.

What Happens When Summer Sees You Back? Are you a sucker for lake romances, or do they sneak up on you the way they do on me? Tell me, does summer reading mean emotional introspection, escapist romance, or both?

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by Steven Rowley ⏱ Duration: 11 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Penguin Audio / G.P. Putnam’s Sons (Recommended by my book club!)

I laughed, I cried, and I paused the audiobook just to sit in my feelings more times than I can count. The Guncle is that rare novel that sneaks up on you. It’s outrageously funny, soaked in heartache, and ultimately healing in all the best ways. Steven Rowley writes Patrick with such sharp wit and palpable vulnerability that you can’t help wanting to be his friend.

Patrick is an absolute triumph of a character. He is the quintessential gay uncle (sharp-tongued, theatrical, and deeply loving) but he’s also painfully human. His relationship with Maisie and Grant’s mother is the emotional backbone of this story, a bond that feels more sibling than in-law, more soulmate than friend. When she dies after a long illness, Patrick’s grief doesn’t explode. It settles, heavy and unresolved. Caring for her children becomes both an act of love and a new way to grieve, and watching Patrick fumble, fail, and grow is profoundly moving.

Listening to this on audio, narrated by Steven Rowley himself, adds an entirely new layer of intimacy. He knows Patrick. Every pause, every joke, every crack in the voice feels intentional and earned. The story never becomes saccharine or manipulative. It allows space for sorrow, laughter, and healing to coexist. This is a book about redefining family, about choosing to show up even when you feel wildly unqualified, and about how love often finds us when we least expect it.]

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. This is one of the best books I’ve read (or rather, listened to) this year. The Guncle is heartfelt, hilarious, and packed with emotional truth. Add it to your TBR if you love character-driven stories that leave you feeling both cracked open and comforted.

Let’s talk GUPs! Have you ever had a “Guncle” or “fun aunt” in your life who changed how you saw family? Drop your stories and favorite found-family reads in the comments

🎧 Listened in audio 📢 Narrated by Ellen Quay ⏱ Duration: 9 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Storm Publishing 📅 Published: 20 January 2026 📢 ARC provided by NetGalley

So, I did something this time that I rarely do usually! I ended up reading A Very Novel Murder twice, in a time span of a few weeks, and that second read made all the difference.

The first time around, this book felt like a slightly awkward series opener. While it’s marketed as the start of the Novel Detectives Mystery series, it clearly builds on characters, relationships, and history from The Secret Bookcase Mysteries. Reading it without that context left me feeling like I’d missed a few important emotional beats, especially when it came to Annie, Fletcher, and their established dynamics.

So I went back and read the entire previous series first, and on the second read, this book clicked into place beautifully. The relationships made sense, the character growth felt earned, and the decision to open a detective agency felt like a natural evolution rather than a sudden leap. Annie stepping fully into the role of “official sleuth” is far more satisfying when you’ve seen how much amateur investigating led her here. Listening to this one in audio format brought out a new warmth, too. Ellen Quay’s narration gives the characters texture and tone that adds to the Redwood Grove charm.

The mystery itself remains a steady, engaging cozy with good pacing and a solid unraveling of clues. It didn’t suddenly become edge-of-your-seat suspense, but it did become more emotionally rewarding. This time, instead of feeling neutral about where the series was heading, I found myself genuinely curious to see how the characters, and the agency, continue to grow.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but only after reading the earlier series. Without that background, you might miss some of the emotional layering that gives this one its heart. If you’ve followed Annie’s journey from the beginning, this is a charming continuation you’ll appreciate even more.

First impressions vs. re-reads: do they change your rating? Sometimes a second look flips the whole narrative. Have you ever revisited a book that clicked better after reading its earlier stories?

🎧 Listened in Audio 📢 Narrated by Erin Bennett ⏱ Duration: 9 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Tantor Media

Thirteen books in, and somehow Laurie Cass still hasn’t missed. Not once. Book ’em Eddie is everything I’ve come to love about the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series: gentle humor, solid sleuthing, and a cast of characters that feels like coming home. Minnie and her ever-curious cat Eddie remain the heartbeat of Chilson as a team that balances genuine sleuthing with perfectly timed wit. And really, who can resist a smart feline detective who always seems ten steps ahead of the humans? And Eddie? Honestly, at this point, he’s doing most of the heavy investigative lifting, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The mystery itself hits that perfect cozy balance. Eddie discovers the body (iconic behavior), the police lean toward “tragic accident,” and Minnie’s instincts immediately start screaming murder. What follows is a satisfyingly layered whodunit filled with small-town dynamics, believable suspects, and just enough emotional weight to keep things grounded without ever losing the comfort-read vibe. The supporting cast of Ash, Kristen, Rafe, Julia, Aunt Frances, and the library crew, feel like old friends stopping by for coffee and gossip.

And then there’s the audio experience! Erin Bennett, absolute legend. She is Minnie’s inner voice, and Eddie’s little “murrp” is pure serotonin. Her narration doesn’t just tell the story; it brings emotional texture to every scene, making it impossible not to get invested. Laurie Cass may be the reason I keep coming back, but Erin Bennett is the reason I sink fully into this world every single time.

Would I recommend it? Without hesitation. If you love cozy mysteries, cat sleuths, or long-running series that actually stay good, this is a must-read (or must-listen). Thirteen books deep and still delivering laughs, heart, and clever mysteries is no small feat. This series is comfort food in audiobook form. Book ’em Eddie is a standout plate.

Purr-sonal Verdict Cozy Cat Approved 🐾 Are you Team Eddie (obviously), or do you read this series for the found-family vibes as much as the mysteries? Let’s talk favorite moments and beloved side characters in the comments!

📱📖 Read on Kobo 📃 300 pages ⏱ Duration: 4 hours 🏷️ Publisher: Joffe Books 📅 Publishing Date: January 13, 2026 📩 ARC provided by NetGalley

I’ll give it this: the hook had me. Three mystery books showing up uninvited, one predicting a local murder? That’s grade-A thriller bait. The early chapters promised a binge read; I was all in for a one-sitting kind of night. But somewhere around the halfway point, the pace decelerated. What began as taut and urgent morphed into a slow crawl through neighbors’ secrets and marital distrust.

The constant guesswork kept me on edge; every chapter flipped my suspect list. One minute it's the grieving husband, next the possibly cheating spouse, then whispers of affairs rippling through this tight-knit, almost gated community. The red herrings? Chef's kiss. The author nails that drip-feed doubt, layering paranoia like a pro. For a genre that thrives on pulse-pounding momentum, the pacing dragged hard after the strong start.

I kept waiting for the speed to pick up, for the tension to snap tighter, yet it lingered in low gear. But by the time I reached the final reveal, my interest had dulled enough that I just wanted resolution. It’s not a bad book, it’s competently written and atmospheric, but the pacing smothered its potential thrills. With a snappier tempo, this could’ve been a sharp, satisfying ride.

Would I recommend it? This one’s tricky. The Killer on My Doorstep is for readers who don’t mind a slow simmer where the unease outweighs the action. If you crave twisty suburban suspense with rich character politics, it might work for you. But if you like your thrillers fast and breathless, this may not scratch the itch.

Neighborly secrets or too slow a burn? Would you still stick with a thriller if the tension stretched thin midway, or would you DNF and move on to the next pulse-pounder? Let’s talk below. 3 likes