Seemed a bit pointless and definitely too long. [Full review to come . . . hopefully.]

Not my favorite of CL's. [Full review to come . . . hopefully.]

I always find this series entertaining. [finished 7/21/24—full review to come . . . hopefully.]

Happy A Certain Kind of Starlight publication day, Heather Webber! I have supplemented my review of the e-book [June 11] to reflect my second reading via audio ARC. Don‘t miss my updates! https://debbybrauer.org/#a-certain-kind-of-starlight

Today—July 23—is publication day.

#NetGalley #TorPublishingGroup #ForgeBooks #MacmillanAudio #ACertainKindofStarlight

Cute photos, with one pug fact and one space fact per spread.

I bought this for friends years ago. Sadly, planning to give it to them today at another friend's memorial service.

This was sort of a quality rollercoaster—stretches that were good, boring, unpleasant, [one year later], HEA. Between pick and so-so. [Full review to come . . . hopefully.]

This debut mystery blends murder, race, and class with fantastic results. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#trouble-in-queenstown

Today—July 16—is publication day.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #MinotaurBooks #TroubleInQueenstown

I got exactly what I needed from this book at this time. [Full review to come . . . hopefully.]

Terribly slow to start. I *think* I'm glad I stuck with it for the reward. [Full review to come . . . hopefully.]

This could have been better, shorter. [Full review to come . . . hopefully.]

This debut novel by Australian Kerryn Mayne has me champing at the bit for her second work. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#lenny-marks-gets-away-with-murder

Today—July 9—is publication day.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #StMartinsPress #LennyMarksGetsAwayWithMurder

Cat Shook‘s sophomore novel is a solid, multilayered story. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#humor-me

Today—July 9—is publication day.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #HumorMe

This updated rom-com includes a kid, two dogs, and disability representation. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-match

Today—July 2—is publication day.

#NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia #TheMatch

I‘m now a regular reader of this mystery series‘ new installments. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#dog-day-afternoon-andy-carpenter-29

Publication is expected July 2.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #MinotaurBooks #DogDayAfternoon

This could be your next beach read. Don‘t dawdle in getting on your library holds or bookstore preorder lists. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#a-certain-kind-of-starlight

Publication is expected July 23.

#NetGalley #TorPublishingGroup #ForgeBooks #ACertainKindofStarlight

This 15th mystery/thriller installment makes a fine standalone for lovers of a tense chase. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#pitch-dark-mike-bowditch-15

Publication is expected June 25.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #PitchDark

I haven‘t completely deserted The Dark Side for a summer of love stories and cozy mysteries. My latest read is a supernatural fantasy/horror story! Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-witchstone

Publication is expected June 18.

#NetGalley #BlackstonePublishingAudiobooks #TheWitchstone

Need some summer fun? Try this rom-com about a couple of opposites-attract rom-com writers. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-romcommers

Publication is expected June 11.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #TheRomCommers

Ready for a funny, cozy mystery sequel? Try this. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#dead-tired-expectant-detectives-2

Happy publication day (June 4)!

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #MacmillanAudio #DeadTired

You can‘t always judge a book by its cover . . . but this dystopian robot science fiction held up to both cover and publisher‘s description. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#service-model

Publication is expected June 4.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #ServiceModel

This particular rom-com didn‘t float my boat, but it might float yours. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#just-some-stupid-love-story

Publication is expected June 4.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #JustSomeStupidLoveStory

I couldn‘t put down Alex Finlay‘s latest mystery/thriller. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#if-something-happens-to-me

Today—May 28—is publication day!

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #IfSomethingHappenstoMe

The second verse is not the same as the first . . . but it is also funny, warm, and delightful. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-guncle-abroad-the-guncle-2

Today—May 21—is publication day!

#NetGalley #PenguinGroupPutnam #TheGuncleAbroad

I've been waiting a dozen years for this dystopian science fiction/fantasy sequel! Was it worth the wait? Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#red-side-story-shades-of-grey-2

North American publication was May 7.

#NetGalley #RBMedia #RedSideStory

This mystery farce about a mystery author on book tour in Italy could be your next beach read. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#every-time-i-go-on-vacation-someone-...

Publication is expected April 30.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #EveryTimeIGoOnVacationSomeoneDies

I may have a new cozy mystery backlist to explore. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#death-by-chocolate-raspberry-scone-a...

Publication is expected April 23.

#NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia #DeathbyChocolateRaspberryScone

Looking for a tense domestic mystery/thriller? Australian Sally Hepworth‘s latest might be just the ticket. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#darling-girls

Publication is expected April 23.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #DarlingGirls

This mystery/thriller bears resemblance to the Indiana Jones and National Treasure movie franchises. I like it! Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-generals-gold

Publication is expected April 16.

#NetGalley #DreamscapeSelect #SevernRiverPublishing #TheGeneralsGold

Bailing (or *at least* putting a pin in) at 67%. I really tried, but I‘m just not enjoying it. Not good humor:gore ratio.

Horror isn‘t my usual fare, but this vampire/horror/mystery combo has me itching for a sequel. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#bless-your-heart

Publication is expected April 9.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #BlessYourHeart

This mystery with a historical backdrop starts hot, but loses its sizzle. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#ash-dark-as-night

Publication day was April 2.

#NetGalley #RBMedia #AshDarkasNight

This book is an example of why we should, most definitely, read outside our comfort zones and moods. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-cemetery-of-untold-stories

Publication day was April 2.

#NetGalley #RBMedia #TheCemeteryofUntoldStories

This hot-off-the-presses dystopian novel packs a huge punch. I‘m glad I didn‘t shy away from reading it. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#i-cheerfully-refuse

Publication day: April 2.

#NetGalley #RBMedia #ICheerfullyRefuse

This middle grade fiction debut told from the dual POV of a sentient typewriter and a 12-year-old introvert was enticing to me. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#olivetti

Publication is expected March 26.

#NetGalley #RBMedia #Olivetti

Xóchitl González‘s sophomore novel stars strong, creative women of color. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#anita-de-monte-laughs-last

Publication is expected March 5.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #AnitadeMonteLaughsLast

It had its moments, but dragged for a good long time. Happy ending. Lots of different types of relationships.

I really should have bailed. One good twist toward the end doesn‘t make up for an overall whiny, angsty book.

I really tried—bailed at 41%, in Chapter 9. I found it so tedious and unpleasant. The saddest part is that it's been hogging an Overdrive hold spot since September [now it's mid-February]. I hate when that happens!

It took my library so very long to add this to the Overdrive collection after I suggested it to them that I have no recollection whatsoever as to why I wanted it. It's very basic. The best thing about reading it with my ears is that the author has a lovely, reassuring British accent.

Read a third time in preparation for the long-awaited sequel, which I will crack open soon. My lobster bought me a signed edition of this for my birthday. 💙

The fourth Finlay Donovan is every bit as fun as the books before it. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#finlay-donovan-rolls-the-dice-4

Publication is expected March 5.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #FinlayDonovanRollstheDice

This is very possibly the least thrilling “thriller” I‘ve ever read! When is something going to happen? I‘m done. [bailed @ 30%]

The audio edition includes a long author interview with her 100-year-old inspiration.

I picked this up solely because it was written by Dave Eggers. I didn't so much as glance at the publisher's blurb. So, imagine my surprise when I discovered quickly that it is a totally transparent satire of the Trump administration and the horrible damage he/it did to our country and the world. Dare I hope that anyone might rethink their allegiance to MAGA politics by reading this “The Emperor's New Clothes“-style tale?

I should have bailed. [between so-so & pan]

This reads like a thinly veiled Princess Diana rip-off, with William (the first-born/the heir) & Harry (the one who marries an American celebrity) smushed into one character. It apparently wants to be both romance and mystery—it falls more heavily to mystery, I suppose. It was OK, but didn't wow me. I would have preferred something more original.

Content warnings include child sexual abuse, assault, and rape; racism, including physical violence; and emotional abuse. These are not the only reasons for my rating, but they definitely contributed to my lack of enjoyment in the book.

“Learning the Ropes“ (the pirate story) and “The Big Nap“ were quite amusing. The rest? Not so much.

Sixth in a long series, this installment has all the things that makes the series fun, including good friends, incompetent bad guys, outrageous adventures, Southern sass, and more.

The whole book was unpleasant. Throughout, there is the middle-grade version of Mean Girls. Then, in the last roughly twenty percent, there is the ghost story/horror aspect. I didn't find any compelling redeeming features.