Murder by Lamplight (2024) Patrice McDonough (Dr. Julia Lewis #1) Set in London in 1866. Julia Lewis had to travel overseas to manage it, but she is now her grandfather’s partner in his medical practice. Women who had foreign degrees or had commenced their studies by 1858 had to be admitted to the medical roll, […]
Dead in the Shop (2018) Dahlia Donovan (Grasmere Cottage #3) “I’d let it all fade away into history if I had my way.” “Our name? Our legacy?” Her lack of insight blew Valor’s mind. How did she not see their family had offered zero value to the world? Their name meant nothing; they had no […]
Dead in the Pond (2018) Dahlia Donovan (Grasmere Cottage #2) Bishan found it very difficult to force himself to do anything without understanding the reason. “Would you rather stay?” Yes. “Yes, but if I do it’ll make leaving harder the next time.” Bishan enjoyed photography because it put distance between the world and himself. They […]
Dead in the Garden (2018) Dahlia Donovan (Grasmere Cottage #1) (T)hey’d always assumed Bishan’s traditionalist parents would be the disapproving ones. It seemed being gay and dating an Anglo-Indian had been one step too far for the son of an earl. … (H)is father, mother, and elder brother hadn’t spoken to him in over a […]
Murder on the Last Frontier (2015) Cathy Pegau (Charlotte Brody Mystery #1) Set in Cordova, Alaska in 1919 Charlotte Brody wants to escape her past, so she decides to visit her brother where he has settled down in Cordova Alaska as one of the town doctors. Michael had told Charlotte he’d secure her a room […]
The Viscount Says Yes (2025) Sarah Wallace (Meddle & Mend #6) Set in Tutting-on-Cress in 1818? This is the conclusion to Pip’s story. He’s lived with Charles and Gavin long enough to regain his trust in people, and he is slowly, finally, come to trust himself. I’m not going anywhere. There’s no hurry, Pip.” Bertie […]
A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Catching a Killer (2026) F. H. Petford Set in Cornwall, England in 1915 Alma and Alan are excited to plan their wedding, but have things to work out, such as where they will get married (Alan wants a church wedding) and where they will live (Alma wants to live at […]
Destined To Last (2010) Alissa Johnson (The Providence Series #4) Set in England in 1815 He glanced at her. “Is it necessary for you to practice?” “In a general sense you mean?” she guessed, then continued when he nodded. “Of course. How could I improve otherwise?” “I hadn’t thought it possible for you to improve.” […]
A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Solving a Murder (2024) F. H. Petford Set in Cornwall, England in 1915 First, this is not a cozy supernatural mystery. Despite the title and despite the cover. Which is why I started this book and then dropped it for several months, since it wasn’t what I was expecting (or […]
True Dead, Audio Book (2021) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Jane Yellowrock #14) I fell off reading the Jane Yellowrock series after Dark Queen. It was too dark and too full of cliffhangers for my brain at the time. I eventually read Shattered Bonds, but it was also depressing so I didn’t read any […]
Duplicate Death (1951) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hemingway #3) Mrs Lilias Haddington is a domineering woman who is trying to find the “best” marriage for her daughter, which is why she’s managed to work her way into society–even though no one is quite sure how she managed it. (T)he social smile which had become so mechanical […]
Why Shoot a Butler? (1933) Georgette Heyer Set in England in 1933 Mr Amberley left the breakfast table in the middle of Sir Humphrey’s dissertation on hooliganism in These Modern Times. One of the young constables had retired to the ditch. The other stood his ground, but he did not look very happy. The sergeant […]
A Blunt Instrument (1938) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hannasyde #4) Set in London in 1938 A stern glance was directed towards him. ‘Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain,’ said Glass deeply. This admonishment was more comprehensible to Simmons, who was a member of the same sect as PC Glass, […]
Behold, Here’s Poison (1936) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hannasyde #2) Set in England in 1936 Stella, unable to feel that Gregory Matthews’s nature when a little boy could compensate her aunt for all the subsequent years of strife, was impatient of this facile grief. ‘I shall never forgive her, never! I have been ordering meals for […]
Death in the Stocks (1935) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hannasyde #1) Set in London in 1935 ‘Know how the body was sitting when you found it?’ ‘Yes, sir.’ ‘All right. Put it back as near as you can. Ready with that flashlight, Thompson?’ Constable Dickenson did not care much for the task allotted him, but he […]
The Pill Bugs of Time (2015) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes, #2) It was the first time Vikash had experienced Greg’s particular talent being useful. He heard emotions, but only negative ones and only avian ones, and not just any birds, but only waterfowl. It was one of the most absurdly specific paranormal talents Vikash had […]
Only Murders in the Abbey (2025) Beth Cowan-Erskine (Loch Down Abbey #2) Set in Scotland in 1937 War is coming, and unexpected guests from Shanghai have shown up in Loch Down expecting to be put up in the estate turned hotel. ‘You will pay for their stays, Bella.’ ‘That’s hardly fair!’ she retorted. ‘That is […]
Sleepless, Vol. 2 (2019) Sarah Vaughn, Leila del Duca, Alissa M. Sallah It’s been almost a year since Poppy released Sir Cyrenic from her service. A lot has happened in that time, including her betrothal to Lord Helder That goes precisely as well as you would expect. But Cyrenic has finally awakened, changed, but normal. […]
Dark Heir, Audio Book (2015) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Jane Yellowrock #9) “There is job-bound, there is emotion-bound, and there is blood-bound—all kinds of binding. Then there is stupid-bound. In this case, I think you’re stupid-bound.” The vibes the place gave out said it had not been a happy place, while the décor […]
Washington’s Gay General: The Legends and Loves of Baron von Steuben (2023) Josh Trujillo, Levi Hastings This is a graphic novel biography of Baron von Steuben, the Prussian who became Inspector General for the Continental/American Army and wrote the “Blue Book” that changed the army into a force that was able to defeat the British. […]
Sleepless, Vol. 1 (2018) Sarah Vaughn, Leila del Duca, Alissa Sallah Lady “Poppy” Pyppenia’s father, the king has died. Her uncle now rules in his stead, and intrigue swirls around her. But for protection she has her Sleepless guard, Sir Cyrenic. Sir Cyrenic has protected Poppy since she was young, coming to the notice of […]
Broken Soul, Audio Book (2014) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Jane Yellowrock #8) “Other than proper etiquette, there are few rules,” Gee said, his blade slowing. “One may fight with one blade or two, though two is more common. And most formal challenges are to first blood, though some few are to true-death. Deception […]
The Soldier’s Scoundrel (2016) Cat Sebastian (The Turner Series #1) Set in England in ~1815 It was always an unexpected pleasure when the truth aligned with what he wanted to say. This was anarchy. He had witnessed firsthand what happened when people felt entitled to deliver their own justice, and he absolutely wouldn’t stand for […]
The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting (2021) KJ Charles (Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #1) Set in London in the Regency(?) Era The siblings had agreed that Alice needed a little town-bronze, which was to say a little knowledge of humanity’s infinite capacity to disappoint, before it became common talk that the plain girl came with […]
Not So Cookie Cutter (2019) Aidan Wayne He clasped his hands behind his back, at-ease stance so he wouldn’t cross his arms. He’d been told enough times that it made him look like a thug, so he tried to avoid doing it. He tended to hyper focus when it came to certain subjects, and to […]
The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal (2015) KJ Charles Set in England in 1894- “I inherited it from my uncle three months ago. The house has stood empty for many years because of its evil reputation. I felt that was an absurd superstition, and I need to sell the place, so I thought I could […]
The Magpie Lord (2013) KJ Charles (A Charm of Magpies #1) Merrick frowned. “Got to fight it, my lord.” “Fight what? Give me something to fight, and I’ll fight it—but how the hell do I fight my own mind?” Crane looked at the naked hostility in the other man’s face and posture, and strolled to […]
Unfit to Print (2018) KJ Charles Set in London in the late Victorian Prostitution and exploitation were words Vikram thought should be shouted aloud, along with poverty. Gil had spent his childhood here under his father’s carelessly affectionate eye. The old man might have played the fool, or the knave, with his housemaid, but he […]
Rag and Bone (2016) KJ Charles (A Charm of Magpies World) He gave it a cautious shake, heard the faintest rattle. A sealed jug, full of something. He could break the seal, prise off the wax, and have a look inside. Or he could find a rusty hatpin and jam it into his eyeball, because […]
The Lily of Ludgate Hill (2024) Mimi Matthews (Belles of London #3) Set in London in 1862 Much of the first part of this story takes place concurrently with The Belle of Belgrave Square. Lady Anne Deveril has spent the past 6 1/2 years joining her mother in mourning for Lord Arundell, as her parents […]
The Belle of Belgrave Square (2022) Mimi Matthews (Belles of London #2) Set in London in 1862 I discovered I started this story in January 2025, and then lost track of it until this past Friday. Julia Wychwood hates the season. She’s beautiful with a substantial dowry, but seemingly no offers. But she has her […]
A Queer Trade (2015) K.J. Charles (A Charm of Magpies World) “It’s the way of things. Burn your love letters, or have ’em put in the ground with you, or they’ll be tomorrow’s packing paper.” Hall gave a slightly rueful smile. “I put ’em aside for packing, when I notice, rather than foul use.” “Is […]
The Mystery of the Spirits (2021) C.S. Poe (Snow & Winter #5) I looked at Ferguson and offered a saccharine smile. “I guess I’m used to people telling me to shut up and therefore have to consolidate an entire religious movement that lasted nearly a century, heavily influenced by sensationalism and the mass casualties seen […]
Next of Kin (2022) Hannah Bonam-Young Chloe is on her own with her college degree and the desire to prove she can make it as a self-employed graphic designer. But all that is thrown into chaos when she receives a call from Child Protective Services. “The baby was premature. The doctor who called us earlier […]
Once Upon a Murder (2024) Samantha Larsen (A Lady Librarian Mystery #2) Set in England in ~1785 Although Tiffany Woodall enjoys being the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, not all is good in her world, as she has barely seen Samir Lathrop since the events of the previous book, despite her feelings for him. […]
Where Foxes Say Goodnight (2023) Sam Burns (Sleeping Foxes #1) Max has won awards and accolades for the semi-biographical story he wrote about his life with his grandmother, so it’s a bit of an unpleasant surprise to awakened the very next day by a lawyer on his doorstep with an NDA from the guy he […]
Fatality in F (2019) Alexia Gordon (Gethsemane Brown Mysteries #4) He’d hybridized the rose himself and christened it the ‘Sandra Sechrest’ in honor of the librarian who’d given him a biography of Pythagoras when he was seven and sparked his lifelong love of math. Gethsemane winced. Dunmullach’s murder rate had tripled after she arrived. Some […]
Soulstar (2021) C.L. Polk (The Kingston Cycle #3) This is the conclusion to the Kingston Cycle, and there is a lot going on here: Severin Mountrose is now king, witches are free, there is a search to replace aether, and Solidarity has decided to hold an open election–even if it doesn’t officially count. “Why doesn’t […]
Death in D Minor (2017) Alexia Gordon (Gethsemane Brown Mysteries #2) “Thank you, Miss Brown,” Hank said. “Doctor Brown,” she corrected. “Oh, that’s right, you do have some sort of degree in, what is it, music?” “A Ph.D. From Yale.” “You must forgive me, Doctor Brown. I believe I mentioned before I don’t pay much […]
The Tattered Cover (2025) Ellery Adams (Secret, Book, & Scone Society #8) There is a good deal of excitement for Nora and her friends in Miracle Springs. First for Nora, she is holding her live event with an author, and has a second event lined up for Halloween. “A medium?” Betty cried. “Count me in! […]
The Mistletoe Motive (2021) Chloe Liese There is a lot I love about this story: the ace rep, the female lead with ASD, the single point-of-view. Jonathan glances up and meets my eyes, his gaze speaking some cryptic language that I don’t. I hate that feeling. It’s old and familiar, and it never fails to […]
Luke and Billy Finally Get a Clue (2023) Cat Sebastian (The Cabots #3.5) Set in North Carolina in 1953 This is a story about being injured. Billy was no prince when he was hurting, either. He always felt, idiotically, that giving in to pain was some kind of character flaw. He knew it wasn’t, he […]
All Accounts Settled (2025) Drew Hayes (Fred the Vampire Accountant #9) The final Fred the Vampire Accountant book. I believe I read the author had health issues that kept him from finishing the book on the schedule he set for himself, and I also think he was fighting with the publisher of his earlier books, […]
Most Delicious Poison: The Story of Nature’s Toxins—From Spices to Vices (2023) Noah Whiteman Many of the plants we treasure–for the way they taste or the way they make us feel, were developed by plants not for our benefit, but as defense mechanisms from threats like herbivores. It just happens that we are less susceptible […]
Help Wanted (2018) J. Emery (Ashveil Academy #1) Em wants to get her best friend the best gift this year for her birthday. Except that she’s broke, and her alchemy skills are terrible. So she decides to get a job, so she can buy Thaian the gift she wants to get her. Calpurnia West, sister […]
Shade Spells with Strangers (2025) Sarah Wallace & S. O. Callahan (Fae & Human Relations #3) Set in London in 1814 The sequel to Fire Spells Between Friends starts at the wedding between Emrys Wrenwhistle and Torquil Pimpernel-Smith, where Silas Rook-Worth and his family are creating the protection spells and area for the wedding. Silas’ […]
Sleeping Murder (1976) Agatha Christie (Miss Marple, #13) Set in England in 1944. The cover of several copies of this book say, “Miss Marple’s Last Case” which is confusing since it is clearly set well before Nemesis. I arranged with dear Gwenda that I would come round and do a little weeding while she was […]
The Monster of Lightower Library: A Lamplight Short Story (2025) Morgan Stang (Lamplight Murder Mysteries #1.5) Evie, Isabeau and Penny need more information about the monster they are hunting, so they head to the library, of course. Unfortunately, the library seems to have it’s own unexpected monster. These stories really are fun. They make monster […]
Untouchable (2018) Talia Hibbert (Ravenswood #2) If you want me to read all of this, it’ll take me a while. And I’ll need digital copies.” “You will?” He glanced up. “Oh, yeah. Turns out I’m dyslexic.” Zach: Want to get a drink? Hannah: No. Zach: Want to eat cookies and bitch about people? Hannah: Meet […]
They Do It With Mirrors (1952) Agatha Christie (Miss Marple, #6) Everyone’s life has a tempo. Ruth’s was presto whereas Miss Marple’s was content to be adagio. A man who with shrewd business acumen and perfect honesty had built up a fortune so colossal that really philanthropy had been the only solution to the disposal […]