Murder Crossed Her Mind () Stephen Spotswood (Pentecost and Parker #4) Set in NYC in 1947 Defense attorney (and ower of apologies to Lillian Pentecost) Forest Whitsun has come asking for help. His friend–the retired secretary for the law firm he used to work for–is missing, and he is certain something bad has happened to […]
Secrets Typed in Blood, Audio Book (2022) Stephen Spotswood narrated by Kirsten Potter (Pentecost & Parker #3) Set in NYC in 1947 “I’ll say this, though—she refused to meet my eyes. That screams someone with something to hide.” My boss shook her head. “I don’t think that was intentional,” she said. “I believe she is […]
Envious Casca (1941) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hemingway #2) Joseph Herriard has decided to force Christmas upon his brother, their family, and acquaintances. Nathaniel, regarding him with a contemptuous eye, said that a real English Christmas meant, in his experience, a series of quarrels between inimical persons bound to one another only by the accident of […]
No Wind of Blame (1939) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hemingway #1) She was a large woman, who had enjoyed, in youth, the advantages of golden hair and a pink-and-white complexion. Time had committed some ravages with both these adjuncts, but a lavish use of peroxide and the productions of a famous beauty specialist really worked wonders. […]
The Unfinished Clue (1934) Georgette Heyer Set in England in 1934 They disliked one another with equal cordiality. The General said that Dinah was an impudent hussy. Whereas Dinah drove him to the verge of an apoplexy by remarking with an air of naive wonder: ‘What odd expressions people of your generation do use! I […]
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 […]
Lady Mechanika: The Mechanical Menagerie (2026) Joe Benitez, Martin Montiel, Madeline Holly-Rosing (Lady Mechanika Vol 9) Apparently, Image Comics is rereleasing some of the older volumes of Lady Mechanika, which is how I ended up with a second copy of Sangre. The latest story, The Mechanical Menagerie is not yet out in TPB, so I […]
Footsteps in the Dark (1932) Georgette Heyer ‘No, don’t tell me I can go without you, Charles. I may be a bad wife, and wake you up to look in the wardrobe in the small hours, but I am not such a bad wife that I’d go away and leave you with a ghost and […]
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, […]
They Found Him Dead (1937) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hannasyde #3) Set in England in 1937 Clement, who was a partner in the firm of Kane and Mansell, was a man of considerable substance and, since he was heir to his uncle’s private possessions, a man of large expectations also. Miss Allison supposed that Rosemary must […]
Behold, Here’s Poison (1936) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hannasyde #1) 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 […]
A Bitter Cut (2026) Anna Lee Huber (Lady Darby #14) Set in Warwickshire, England in 1833 Kiera has decided that they best way to meet the family of the woman her brother Trevor hopes to marry is to invite them to a house party. Hosted by Lord Gage. For his political friends. “What was he […]
Murder Under Her Skin, Audio Book Stephen Spotswood narrated by Kirsten Potter (Pentecost & Parker #3) Set in Stoppard VA in 1947 I had some preconceived notions of what to expect from the Pig’s Hole, and it did not disappoint. It had clearly started life as a cheaply made shotgun shack and had only gone […]
All the World’s an Undead Stage (2018) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes Book 6) “What is it you can’t bring up in front of the squad, Loveless? Tell me you haven’t screwed up again.” “No, ma’am. It’s nothing to do with investigations.” He hesitated, fighting against foot scuffing. “My mother called this morning…” “Gods preserve us,” […]
Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs (2017) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes, #5) Unless Wolf’s squad had interesting specimens to send, State usually acted like the 77th wasn’t worth the attention a mosquito would rate. “Audacity, you should keep your head down. I don’t think wolf cubs are allowed here normally.” Miw. Her answer was little more than a […]
Feral Dust Bunnies (2017) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes, #4) Vikash pulled a glove from his pocket, which made Wolf wonder if he always came to parties prepared for a crime scene. Probably. This was Vikash, after all. “It’s all right to be anxious about things sometimes. And you know it’s okay to ask for help. […]
Skim Blood and Savage Verse (2017) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes, #3) How could he have even thought about not celebrating his thirty-fifth birthday? Especially if it meant it gave her an excuse to invite all the old money and local officials to the affair. And outside? Of course it had to be outside. The weather […]
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 […]
Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters (2015) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes, #1) (T)he pink and neon-blue raven folded his wings and waddled over to snap at Carrington’s pen. “Stop it, Edgar.” “You couldn’t get laid at a clusterfuck!” “I don’t really do anything,” Soren answered as he hefted the empty coffeepot. “Guess I’ll make fresh since […]
Death and Dinuguan (2025) Mia P. Manansala (Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery #6) This is the sixth and final book in the series, and oddly, the one I liked best. A series of break-ins have hit the small businesses of Shady Palms, made all the more upsetting as all the victims were women. Adeena said, “I […]
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 […]
Cheddar Luck Next Time (2025) Beth Cato Bird is slowly rebuilding her life after losing both her parents and then her grandmother within a single year, but her inheritance gave her one thing: the ability to focus on her gourmet cheese board business. The property she inherited from her grandmother has a commercial kitchen, and […]
In Defense of the Queen (2013) Michelle Diener (Susanna Horenbout and John Parker #3) Set in London in 1525 Susanna’s brother has come to London, but something is wrong, and a crossbow bolt emphasizes that point. As Henry plants to make his illegitimate son heir over his legitimate daughter, intrigue and plot swirls once more […]
The Skeleton Stuffs a Stocking (2019) Leigh Perry (The Family Skeleton #6) This seems to be the last Skeleton mystery, although I did see a listing for an anthology of short stories. Georgia is back living at home, and working as an adjunct at the other university in town (the one her parents do not […]
Dangerous Sanctuary (2012) Michelle Diener (Susanna Horenbout and John Parker #1.5) Set in London in 1525 This is a novella set between In a Treacherous Court and Keeper of the King’s Secrets. Today the King’s procession through London from Bridewell would end here, in a ceremony of thanks to God for the capture of the […]
Keeper of the King’s Secrets (2012) Michelle Diener (Susanna Horenbout and John Parker, #2) Set in London in 1525 “Foreigners live there.” The boy pulled himself taller. “Rich ’n’ all.” He eyed the money. “Where’re they from?” Parker did not loosen his hold. The boy tried to yank his arm away but gave up when […]
The Skeleton Makes a Friend (2018) Leigh Perry (Family Skeleton Mystery #5) Another semester, another college, but this time Georgia is teaching at a summer program for high school students. If I’d been able to afford it, I would have tried to talk Madison into signing up for the program. She’d just finished her sophomore […]
In a Treacherous Court (2011) Michelle Diener (Susanna Horenbout and John Parker #1) Set in London in 1525 Although the main characters are based upon real people, almost nothing is known about Susanna Horenbout and John Parker except for their court positions and that they were married to each other. Additionally part of the story […]
The Skeleton Paints a Picture (2017) Leigh Perry (Family Skeleton Mystery #4) This premise of this series is a little silly–one of the two main characters is an animated skeleton. But once you accept that, it’s a fun cozy mystery. Georgia Thackery is an adjunct professor, seeking the magical grail of a tenured position. “Why […]
Goldie Vance Vol. 1 (2016) Hope Larson, Brittney Williams (Goldie Vance #1) Imagine Nancy Drew crossed with Dennis the Menace, and her father manages the hotel she works at. Cute, but not really for me. Publisher: BOOM!Box Rating: NR
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 Devil in Music (1997) Kate Ross (Julian Kestrel Mysteries #4) Set in Lake Como, Italy in 1825 He knew he had been testy and ungracious—had not really given Europe a chance. But how could he, when home tugged insistently at his heartstrings, and a cruel voice kept whispering in his ear: Don’t stay away […]
A Scandal in Mayfair (2024) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery #5) Set in London in 1817 “Do you wish for advice or a distraction?” Simon sighed. “Would that there was a way to detect a poison hiding in a bottle or meal. But alas, our scientists have not yet gained such insight.” “Do you think […]
Whom the Gods Love (1995) Kate Ross (Julian Kestrel Mysteries #3) Set in London in 1825 He glanced around this part of the churchyard, which they had entirely to themselves. “I come here every day, and no one disturbs me.” He shrugged sadly. “No one knows what to say.” People of intense imagination are apt […]
Murder at Midnight (2023) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery, #4) Set in Hertfordshire in 1816 Peter, in spite of having six elder sisters, had long been accustomed to managing the finances of his whole family as his sisters married and moved away one by one. But Lily couldn’t help resenting the implication that, three years […]
A Broken Vessel (1994) Kate Ross (Julian Kestrel Mysteries #2) Set in London in 1824 “I don’t know what there is to thank me for. Did you expect I should throw her into the street?” “No, sir, I knew you’d treat her uncommon fine. That’s why I sneaked her in when I thought you was […]
Cut to the Quick (1993) Kate Ross (Julian Kestrel Mysteries #1) Set in England in 1824 Julian Kestrel had first appeared in London society a year or two ago, and hardly anything was known about him. … If he had been anything but a dandy, such vagueness about his pedigree would have been fatal, but […]
Death at the Manor (2022) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery #3) Set in England in 1815 “My aunt and Miss Clarke were at school together as girls. When neither of them had married after a few years, they began to talk of setting up their own household together, rather than remaining with their families in […]
Silence in the Library (2021) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery #2) Set in London in 1815 Lily knew others thought her father handsome, but she never could—whenever he looked at her, lines of disapproval appeared between his eyes. They were there now. Laying aside the visual reminders of her grief felt too much like leaving […]
The Body in the Garden (2020) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery #1) Set in London in 1815 Lady Adler, Freddy’s mother, had encouraged Lily to go to town “to begin living your life again, my dear,” and, when Lily had protested that she had nothing fashionable to wear, had called in her personal dressmaker and […]
Black Arts, Audio Book (2014) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Jane Yellowrock #7) It’s still annoying that Angie is written both older and younger than her age of 7. Characters: Jane Yellowrock, Beast, Eli Younger, Alex Younger, Leo Pellissier, Molly Trueblood, Evan Trueblood, Angelina Trueblood, Little Evan Trueblood, Rick LeFleur, George Bruiser Dumas, Aggie […]
Phantom Pond (2023) Juneau Black (Shady Hollow #4.5) Mischief Night, or Gate Night as some folks called it, was an annual tradition throughout the woodlands. She jumped in surprise but then realized it was only a spider dangling from a silken thread. The spider must have come inside during the day, looking for a warmer […]
Off the Grid, Audio Book (2015) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Jane Yellowrock #7.5) Security was so much easier in the modern day, with access to so many public records protected by such poor security. (B)est of all, she knew where the armaments were stored. “They keep ’em here”— she tapped the uneven rectangle […]
Blood Trade, Audio Book (2013) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Jane Yellowrock #6) I hacked in amusement. I am bigger. I like bigger. Would like to be a holy hellcat too. Characters: Jane Yellowrock, Beast, Leo Pellissier, Eli Younger, Alex Younger, Soul, Sylvia Turpin, George Bruiser Dumas, Rick LeFleur, Reach, Bobby, Misha, Charlie, Evan […]
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 […]
Evergreen Chase (2021) Juneau Black (Shady Hollow #3.5) The committee selects promising trees years in advance and assigns someone to tend each one right up until it’s cut down. … “Wow, that’s more serious than I’d guessed. I thought someone just went for a walk and picked one out.” “No way. Other towns can do […]
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 […]
Interlude (2021) C.S. Poe (Snow & Winter) “What brings you out to humble Durango?” “I was told we needed a vacation.” “He tries very hard to make it sound like a punishment.” Maybe it’d been selfish of me, but I’d appreciated her refusal to say there was anything deeper but the statement on the surface. […]
The Mystery of the Bones (2019) C.S. Poe (Snow & Winter #4) “Life isn’t all about money, Seb.” “You can say that. You don’t have a hospital bill the length of a CVS receipt.” I’d been shot in May. That batshit crazy Pete White had nearly taken me out with an antique revolver, and all […]