#NetGalley #BookReview Return to Breakneck Island by Tom Ryan #CozyMystery #HistoricalFiction

Review

Return to Breakneck Island
by Tom Ryan

 Release date: October 6th, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Return to Breakneck Island
by Tom Ryan from Net Galley and Grove Atlantic in order to read and give an honest review.

…Combining small-town warmth, action-packed treasure hunting, and dark historical secrets, this sequel strikes a wonderful balance between a cozy mystery and a thrilling adventure. It answers the lingering questions of the MacLeary disappearance while perfectly setting the stage for the next chapter in the series….

Having read the first book in this series, The Treasure Hunters Club, I was thrilled to dive into this sequel; yet another twisty mystery set in the small coastal town of Maple Bay, Nova Scotia. As a Canadian reader, I was proud to pick up a mystery rooted in local lore and set along our gorgeous eastern coast. Tom Ryan delivers once again with Return to Breakneck Island, taking us back to Maple Bay’s coastal charm and hidden darkness.

The story treats us to dual mysteries. The first occurred in 1932 and follows the MacLeary family, who tended the lighthouse on Breakneck Island until a violent storm blew through. Their disappearance launched a local legend of a family vanishing without a trace, leaving behind no bodies and whispers of a hidden fortune. In the present day, Cass, Peter, and Dandy find themselves drawn back to the island’s secrets. While each character initially follows a separate trail, from cryptic clues about a missing manuscript to unexpected family arrivals and mysterious artifacts, their individual investigations eventually collide in a deadly puzzle.

The dual-timeline structure and multiple points of view keep the narrative moving at a brisk pace. The 1932 chapters are what truly hooked me; knowing the tragedy awaiting the MacLearys lent every historical scene a heavy, atmospheric tension. Ryan brings significant emotional depth to the story, layering themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, overcoming social mores, and the lingering psychological impact of the past. The labeled chapter headers successfully anchor the plot, making it easy to juggle the various character viewpoints across both time periods.

While I missed seeing the main trio team up as closely as they did in The Treasure Hunters Club, the payoff when their storylines finally merge is well worth it, culminating in a plot twist that caught me completely off guard. The atmospheric writing shines throughout this complex, engaging wild ride of a plot. Filled with red herrings and dynamic characters, the story seamlessly blends historical secrets with present-day danger.

Combining small-town warmth, action-packed treasure hunting, and dark historical secrets, this sequel strikes a wonderful balance between a cozy mystery and a thrilling adventure. It answers the lingering questions of the MacLeary disappearance while perfectly setting the stage for the next chapter in the series.

 

#NetGalley #BookReview of The Dying Light, Detective Matthew Venn/Two Rivers #4 by Ann Cleeves #Mystery #PoliceProcedural

The Dying Light

A Detective Matthew Venn/ Two Rivers Novel #4

by

Ann Cleeves

Release date: September 29th, 2026 

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Dying Light (A Detective Matthew Venn Novel #4) by Ann Cleeves from NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Macmillan in order to read and give an honest review.  

…The Dying Light is an atmospheric, moody mystery packed with strong character development, heavy secrecy, and a sharp exploration of privilege …

Having recently become a fan of Ann Cleeves I was thrilled to read and review the newest entry in the Detective Matthew Venn/ Two Rivers series and I was not dissappointed.
While it is part of an established series, I did miss the last book yet I found I was able to easily jump into this one as a standalone without feeling lost.

The Dying Light, takes us back to the coast of North Devon, England. The story opens at “The Tides,” an upscale North Devon holiday home owned by rising politician Paul Armstrong. The story opens when a local teenager named Lottie Cauldwell is found dead in the property’s swimming pool. To make matters worse, Armstrong’s own daughter, Hannah, has vanished. Detective Inspector Matthew Venn and his team, Sergeant Jen Rafferty and DC Ross May, are called in to unravel what happened. Paul Armstrong’s political status causes the investigation to quickly draw intense media scrutiny and pressure from the Home Office along with it, forcing the team to work against the clock before the case is pulled from their hands.

What follows is a slow-burn, methodical mystery. Ann Cleeves approaches the investigation like unraveling a tangled thread, meticulously loosening each knot until the central mystery is exposed. As Venn and his team interview the local community, parents, and witnesses, they uncover a tangled web of local secrets, family trauma, and political ambition. The plot builds suspense at a steady, deliberate pace, steadily cranking up the tension toward a poignant and incredibly sad climax. The resolution ties the complex threads together in a deeply satisfying way.

The Dying Light is an atmospheric, moody mystery packed with strong character development, heavy secrecy, and a sharp exploration of privilege. It is a solid four-star read that will appeal to anyone who prefers thoughtful, dialogue-heavy procedural mysteries over fast-paced thrillers. Cleverly written, replete with intrigue, red herrings, and a brilliant cast of characters. This book was brilliant and although I had suspicions it really keeps you guessing to the very end. I found the book to be really enjoyable and as always Ann Cleeves has yet to disappoint me, and The Dying Light is definitely no exception, I highly recommend.

#NetGalley #BookReview Write A Novel in 100 Days, The Busy Writer’s Guide to Finishing Your Book Fast by Kim Purcell #Writing #Advice

Review

Write A Novel in 100 Days

The Busy Writer’s Guide to Finishing Your Book Fast

by Kim Purcell

Release date: September 22nd, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of “Write A Novel in 100 Days, The Busy Writer’s Guide to Finishing Your Book Fast by Kim Purcell “from NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press | Ten Speed Press, in order to read and give an honest review.

… I highly recommend picking this up if you want to stop waiting for the perfect moment and finally get your ideas onto the page!…

I was absolutely thrilled to be able to read and review “Write A Novel in 100 Days” by Kim Purcell. This guide is a five star read that tackles the universal struggle of almost every aspiring author I know…having a fantastic story idea but lacking the time, systems and confidence to get it down on paper. Reading this I knew that it would be one of those books I would constantly refer to time and again. Well-written, informative and down to earth Purcell offers us tools designed to set us up for success. Instead of demanding long stretches of free time, we are introduced to a brilliant concept called “Magic Minutes”. The author proves that dedicating just fifteen focused minutes a day can culminate in a finished manuscript. It is a refreshing tool that encourages busy creatives to stop stressing about finding more hours and start utilizing the small pockets of time they already possess. As someone juggling my own novel manuscripts, this approach feels incredibly validating.

What truly makes this book for me is the fact it’s a wonderful easy to follow roadmap to finishing your novel. Purcell breaks down the daunting drafting process into four manageable acts and highlights twenty-two key plot beats so you never wander blindly through your story. If you ever feel stuck on pacing or character arcs, this framework offers brilliant guidance. She also dives deep into the mental hurdles of the craft, specifically targeting perfectionism and writer’s block. Through fun exercises, she helps readers treat drafting as an enjoyable creative practice rather than a overwhelming test where every word must be flawless from the start.

This accessible method is a massive win for both absolute beginners and veteran wordsmiths with folders full of unfinished projects. The author has compiled brilliant insights that usually take years of trial and error to figure out, delivering them in a way that feels totally achievable. As I mentioned previously, this is a book, I will be referring to time and again. As someone who has recently been through a few lifechanging months along with taking on new responsibilities and as a result my writing has been relegated to the bottom of my todo list. I particularly loved and needed this reminder of how much I can accomplish with a successful plan in place. I can’t say enough about this book and would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a system to help you finish your novel, gain confidence and create a consitent writing practice which will work for years to come.I highly recommend picking this up if you want to stop waiting for the perfect moment and finally get your ideas onto the page!

 

 

#NetGalley #BookReview of The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman #Witches #HistoricalFiction #MagicRealism

The Witches of Cambridge

by Alice Hoffman

Release date: September 8th, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada in order to read and give an honest review.

A fan of Alice Hoffman I was excited to read “The Witches of Cambridge” and I was not disappointed. Alice Hoffman is back doing what she does best, blending magic with historical fiction.

…the authentic emotional depth, gorgeous setting and classic Hoffman magic make it an enjoyable read…

The story follows Ava, who has known she was different but never quite knew why. We go back  to the 1950s at Radcliffe College, where Ava meets Lauren, a cold, determined and disciplined young witch who with Ava joins the secret Lilith Society. The Lilith Society is a safehaven for witches, to help them hone their powers in a safe space away from those who are fearful and repulsed by them. But when members start disappearing, they quickly realize how dangerous it is to be a woman who does not fit the mold.

Hoffman’s writing is as lush and moody as ever. She digs into the long history of women being feared and accused of witchcraft just for speaking up or standing out. At its heart, it is a story about the fierce bonds between women and how we are always stronger together than on our own. As always she gives us a poignant, beautifully written tale of love, loss and the power of friendship. That said, I did feel a bit disconnected at times. The pacing felt abrupt in places, jumping into scenes without much setup. It also read a little younger than I expected. Even so, the authentic emotional depth, gorgeous setting and classic Hoffman magic make it an enjoyable read! I highly recommend!

#NetGalley #BookReview Buried in the Woods Below by Daniel G. Miller #Thriller #Mystery #Psychological ​

Review

Buried in the Woods Below

A Novel

by

Daniel G. Miller

Release date: September 1st, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC of Buried in the Woods Below by Daniel G. Miller from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in order to read and give an honest review.  

​”… Bravo to the author for a completely unexpected ending which threw me completely, the surprising reveal at the climax…chef’s kiss…” 

​In this atmospheric thriller, we meet Charlotte, who finds herself forced to take leave from her job following a workplace altercation with a male colleague. Encouraged by her mother, she accepts an invitation to spend a month at a lake house on the historic Big Island with the family of her childhood best friend, Olivia.  Charlotte was with Olivia when a traumatic accident occurred. Although Charlotte and Olivia have lost touch over time, Charlotte agrees to the trip, since Laelynn, Olivia’s mother is going on a business trip and needs Charlotte to help take care of their 8-year-old twins it might help old grievances mend. Charlotte is also curious to see whether her old teenage crush on Olivia’s father, Eric, is still there.  

​The moment Charlotte arrives on the island; the warning signs start popping up fast and furious. The house has poor cell service, zero Wi-Fi and there are threatening notes nailed to their door. When events turn sinister along with a heavy mist hanging in the air, one cannot help but be immersed in the creepy atmosphere.  

The atmosphere builds as things unravel, unusual twin girls singing creepy songs, eerie ghost stories, and a spooky abandoned amusement park replete with screeching old rides and creepy old dolls, the author really pulls no punches in adding just enough to keep us riveted. With the unexpected arrival of the colleague responsible for her forced leave and things turn even more unsettling.  

​Between the lack of cell service, disturbing rumours, creepy notes, hostilities from Laelynn, strange sights in the dark, and disturbing occurrences…staying may not have been Charlotte’s wisest choice. Charlotte, however, chooses to remain on the island. While her old feelings for Eric seem to be resurfacing, her and Olivia are bonding, their safety drives her to get to the bottom of everything before anyone else gets hurt.  

​With each passing chapter, the mystery gets even more bizarre flawlessly amping up the tension and the unanswered questions. Who is writing the threatening letters? Could it be a strange neighbor, or is there a deeper secret behind how Eric acquired the house in the first place? As she begins seeing and hearing things in the night that vanish when she steps outside, the sense of dread, becomes too hard to ignore. 

​Bravo to the author for a completely unexpected ending which threw me completely, the surprising reveal at the climax…chef’s kiss. It wrapped up the story in such an unexpected way. My only minor issue was I couldn’t quite warm up to Charlotte.  

Well-written, cleverly plotted with dynamic characters you will definitely have to dive into this one yourself to learn the truth behind all the bizarre happenings on the Island! I highly recommend. 

#NetGalley #BookReview of Portrait of a Witch Undone by by K.S. Shay #Fantasy #MagicRealism

 

Portrait of a Witch Undone

by K.S. Shay

Release date: Augut 25th, 2026

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(3.5 rounded up)

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Portrait of a Witch Undone by by K.S. Shay from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing/ Erewhon Books in order to read and give an honest review.

…an original, incredibly captivating, atmospheric read that perfectly balances historical legacy with supernatural thrills…

Witches, an art heist and magic realism, sign me up! Reading this several qualities felt familiar this book reads like a brilliant mash up of Discovery of Witches-meets Charmed-meets-The Magicians meets -meets-art-history class. The story uses the infamous 1990 Gardner Museum theft as fodder for the story to create this fabulously layered blend of magic realism and real-world historical intrigue (I did a deep dive online with regards to the heist, interesting stuff if you are interested). The concept of human-made art functioning as a magical portal between dimensions is brilliantly unique. The world-building is well done with its the vividly creative “Other Marsh” and the little maps scattered throughout the pages it helps the setting feel incredibly immersive. 

Well-written, the author authentically writes twenty-three-year-old Maeve. While readers might find her a bit young, she authentically fits into that “new adult” space as she wrestles with her corrupted magic and the weight of early adulthood. Beyond Maeve, the supporting cast really launches the plot, Ash’s vanishing acts as the driving force, while Imani’s divided loyalties create excellent friction. Though, admittedly, there were a few things that I struggled with, namely, vague physical character descriptions that make it hard to form a clear mental picture. I also deeply appreciated that the romance remained a subtle undercurrent rather than hijacking the narrative, allowing the atmospheric, slightly creepy fantasy elements to take center stage. Make no mistake, this is a heavily action-driven plot that brings fantastic momentum, but it does sometimes rely on easy coincidences to get the characters out of a jam.

Despite its imperfections, it is an original, incredibly captivating, atmospheric read that perfectly balances historical legacy with supernatural thrills. I highly recommend.

#NetGalley #BookReview The Whitechapel Full Moon Society by Elizabeth DeLozier #Mystery #Historical #SpeculativeFiction

Book Review

The Whitechapel Full Moon Society

by Elizabeth DeLozier 

Release date: August 25th, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Whitechapel Full Moon Society by Elizabeth DeLozier  from NetGalley and Dutton/Penguin Publishing Group in order to read and give an honest review.  

…Well-written, cleverly plotted we join Caroline in Victorian London while she slowly unravels the secrets to her brother’s disappearance, the person behind the Jack the Ripper murders and the secrets that have been hiding behind the doors of the Whitechapel Full Moon Society…

This is my first book by Elizabeth DeLozier  and I would love to read more from her. In the Whitechapel Full Moon Society we meet Caroline Foster, a young woman who loses everything and goes on a mission to find her only surviving long lost brother, Charlie. Leaving with very little to her name, she arrives at the Whitechapel Full Moon Society boarding house, Charlie’s last known address. She soon learns that he had disappeared months earlier. With little means to survive in the city she takes a job there as housemaid and ends up taking cover in the unique boarding house packed with a secretive eclectic bunch off oddballs and misfits but that is only the beginning. She has been given three rules she is not to bother the residents; she is not to venture through the locked door on the second floor, and she must lock herself in her room on the evenings of full moons. When she learns about the previous maid’s murder, one of the strings of gruesome murders by a killer coined Jack the Ripper in addition to with the cryptic rules, her missing brother. 

Well-written, cleverly plotted we join Caroline in Victorian London while she slowly unravels the secrets behind her brother’s disappearance, the elusive Jack the Ripper and the secrets that have been hiding behind the doors of the Whitechapel Full Moon Society. The plot twist at the climax is heart-stopping and flips everything you thought you knew upside down. After the climax, the story keeps going, tying up all the loose threads in a brilliant and entertaining way.  

I really enjoyed this book; DeLozier completely creates a unique story with a brilliant blend of atmospheric history, dark folklore, and a cast of multidimensional quirky characters that create a heartwarming ending. I highly recommend.

#NetGalley #BookReview Brimstone Hollow by Archer Sullivan #Mystery

Review

Brimstone Hollow

by

Archer Sullivan

Release date: August 11th, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Brimstone Hollow by Archer Sullivan from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books  in order to read and give an honest review.

…“All in all, I loved this book. I am a sucker for mysteries that take you on a twisted, fast-paced ride of thoughts and emotions from start to finish. Just when you think you have pinned the culprit, something happens and you have to rethink everything. The lines are blurred and no one is as they seem, and despite everything PI Annie Gore is going to get to the bottom of it.”

This is the second novel by Archer Sullivan, the first The Witch’s Orchard I absolutely adored, and her newest Brimstone Hollow, definitely does not disappoint. Once again, we meet Annie Gore, a former Military Investigator turned private investigator trying to launch her new business.

Annie is settling into her Louisville office when Katie May, a young mother, wants to hire Annie after hearing about her last case and knowing Annie is familiar with the Appalachians.  Katie recently learned that her estranged father Ezra, a snake handling preacher, has died from a snake bite. In fact, he was buried quickly, without an autopsy or embalming and before Katie had even been notified. Katie is suspicious about the circumstances of her fathers death and although they haven’t talked in years, she needs to know what happened to him.

Annie takes the job without hesitation, feeling an immediate kinship with Katie, as her own strained relationship with her father makes Katie’s story hit close to home. She heads back into the Appalachian Mountains, this time to Brimstone Hollow, a town famous for its sulphur springs and tent revivals. Annie jumps into the case, and at first, all signs point to an accidental death, that is, until she starts asking the locals about Ezra and suddenly finds herself a target. She knows she’s on the right track, and someone is determined to silence her for good. The deeper she digs, the more it becomes clear that nothing in Brimstone Hollow is as it seems, and a simple snakebite is anything but. Archer Sullivan masterfully captures life in a small rural community, showing how the isolation of this unique place has fostered deep bonds, solidarity, and a sense of belonging,where snake-handling pastors aren’t out of the ordinary. But beneath the surface lies a darker side, as the locals fiercely protect their own, blurring the lines between good and evil. This only fuels Annie’s resolve to get answers for her client, and with glimpses of her past emerging, solving the case might help her find answers for herself too.

All in all, I loved this book. I am a sucker for mysteries that take you on a twisted, fast-paced ride of thoughts and emotions from start to finish. Just when you think you have pinned the culprit, something happens and you have to rethink everything. The lines are blurred and no one is as they seem, and despite everything PI Annie Gore is going to get to the bottom of it.  This is a well written, suspenseful, atmospheric read with authentic, quirky, multidimensional characters, an atmospheric setting and  clever plot twists that culminate in a very dramatic but satisfying conclusion.  I highly recommend for anyone who loves intriguing mysteries and authentic feeling characters.  I can’t wait to read more from this author!

#NetGalley #BookReview Murder at University Park by Cheryl Miller Dellasega #Mystery #DarkAcademia

Murder at University Park

by Cheryl Miller Dellasega

Release date: August 4th, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Murder at University Park by Cheryl Miller Dellasega from Net Galley and Get Red PR in order to read and give an honest review.  

… I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys well-written page-turners with driven, authentic characters and plots that truly make a statement…  

Set back in 1998, this one introduces us to Dr. Lacey Redd, an academic desperately close to getting tenure but completely at the mercy of Dr. Geoffrey Hart. Hart is your classic misogynistic department head, a stellar reputation on the outside, hiding some seriously dark secrets on the inside. When Lacey gets the chance to work on his research, she starts catching on that he might be falsifying the data.

Luckily, her best friend and tech-whiz colleague, Sandy, steps in to help her dig deeper. But when Sandy suddenly dies under highly suspicious circumstances, Lacey knows it wasn’t an accident. Convinced Sandy was murdered for what she uncovered, Lacey is dead-set on finding justice and bringing Hart and his cronies down.

As she keeps digging, Lacey uncovers an even uglier truth: Hart has been preying on female grad students for years. Things come to a head when he attacks her at a department party, but Lacey isn’t having it, she fights back, leaving him injured and completely exposed. With a new department head stepping in and Hart finally out of the picture, it feels like justice has been served but Lacey still feels something is wrong.

Honestly, what kept me hooked on this academic thriller wasn’t a complex, mind-bending puzzle, but rather its raw, unflinching look at the sad reality of navigating a male-dominated career. Dellasega absolutely nails the toxic side of academic life: the petty politics, the untouchable “old boys” network, and the insidious ways authority is weaponized to silence women.

Dr. Lacey Redd is such a relatable lead, she’s smart, overwhelmed by the stagnant system, and just stubborn enough to push back when everyone else wants her to stay quiet. The true power of this novel is how it tackles institutional dynamics and gendered credibility. The quiet alliances between the women and the almost combative maneuvering feel so authentic and lived in.

Fair warning, though: if you’re looking for a tightly plotted whodunit packed with elaborate misdirection, you might find this one a bit frustrating. The mystery definitely takes a backseat to the characters and the heavy atmosphere, and the final reveal moves a little too quickly. Seasoned thriller readers will probably spot the culprit from a mile away. Even so, the pacing works, and the emotional stakes are incredibly high. Dellasega delivers a sharp, unsettling look at what it actually takes to challenge the power in a system built to protect its own. If you appreciate character-driven suspense and the darker, grittier side of academia, there is a lot to admire here.

I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys well-written page-turners with driven, authentic characters and plots that truly make a statement.

#NetGalley #BookReview Write Yourself Home by Johanna Franzel #chronicIllness #somatic #journaling # self-care #self-help

Review

Write Yourself Home

A Creative Guide for Living Well in the Body You Have Through Embodied Writing and Movement Practice

by  Johanna Franzel

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Write Yourself Home: A Creative Guide for Living Well in the Body You Have Through Embodied Writing and Movement Practice by  Johanna Franzel from Net Galley and North Atlantic Books in order to read and give an honest review.

… It is perfect for writers, journalers, and anyone craving a gentler relationship with their body and inner voice. …

Write Yourself Home by Johanna Franzel is about coming home to yourself, not who you were before or who you hope to be, but learning to find peace, love, joy, and acceptance for who you are now. As someone who navigates chronic illness, this book feels less like a workbook and more like sitting with someone who genuinely understands what it means to live in a body that carries pain, memory, and resilience. Franzel’s invitation to “stop making sense” struck me deeply; it’s such a simple line, yet it helps you find a more forgiving way of being.

The book unfolds in six lessons, each guiding you a little closer to yourself through writing, breath, and gentle somatic practices. Franzel doesn’t offer quick fixes or glossy wellness promises. Instead, she meets readers exactly where they are, whether they are navigating chronic illness, burnout, trauma, or the uneasy feeling of disconnection. Her prompts are thoughtful and expansive, encouraging honesty without pressure.

I especially appreciated the sections on masking, medical “noncompliance,” and the emotional realities of chronic pain. Franzel writes with fierce compassion, acknowledging the hard parts while still making space for joy, creativity, and community. The exercises and prompts were deeply thoughtful, helping me reconnect with parts of myself I often overlook.

This is a book I’ll return to again and again. It’s soothing, insightful, and beautifully written. I highly recommend it. It is perfect for writers, journalers, and anyone craving a gentler relationship with their body and inner voice. Quietly powerful and deeply needed.