June Price's Blog

 

Publication March 4, 2926

While the focus here is on the characters and their connection, there's a bit of intrigue and drama mixed in. Dorothy and Gina are still enjoying life even as the aches and pains, not to mention regrets of life, keep invading. They're joined this go-round by Dorothy's artistically talented grand-daughter who also seems to have the knack for not always realizing (or caring?) how her comments and questions are taken. She's likable but, well, would be a possible embarrassment at any given moment, too. They're invited to the estate of Rupert, a long time friend of Dorothy's, who doesn't seem to have long to live. It's an amazing place, too, including private boats and such, not to mention Ioannis, who I guess you'd call has aide and driver. Then they're joined by movie star Florence who is about to be caught up in the drama of a divorce sure to create a media frenzy after her husband's statement. Her story is an important aspect of the book and provides a shocking twist at the end. Oddly enough, that one's topped soon by a discovery by Dorothy.

I won't detail the plot but it's multi-layered diving into past and present lives and the expectations of each. It took me awhile to get into the story but I'm leaning toward that just being a harsh real world invading my thoughts way too often of late. The characters are likable, even one who appears shady at first meet, and one wishes they could join them on some of their adventures. Dorothy and Gina's impulsive swim sounded delightful. Getting to know Florence, too, was intriguing, reminding us all that what we see on screen isn't necessarily what the actor is really like as a real person. I'm sorta hoping we will get an update on her life in future books, have to admit. The story, while slow to me initially, moves ahead nicely despite leisurely detours for fun and frolic. 

Bottom line,I enjoyed my time with Dorothy, Gina, and friends. Well, not so much Gina's ex-husband. I'm still not certain whether I'll ever warm up to him or not. Right now I'm rooting for Erik. Nope, not telling. Read the book. Like I said, multi-stories with multi-layers. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at how things are going in Gina's new life, not to mention some surprising twist hints for likely future story lines. Corfu sounds delightful, that's for sure, though know they'll find other fun places to explore and enjoy, not to mention people to get to know.  

 

Publication Feb. 21, 2026

I seem to have missed book two but it didn't matter. As always, Oliver's words flow and it worked well as a standalone. You'll meet the regulars early on, members of the Detection Club, and get a quick feel for each. Eliza and Theo are the leads, however, and the tension and attraction between them intensifies as the story moves along. I looked back at my review of book one and noted that aspect was rather overwhelming but it was obvious from the blurb that this would be a key element this time so I went with the flow. Agatha is in Mesopotamia and sends a cryptic message to them to come there as things simply aren't right. She doesn't say what but, as it turns out, even Agatha Christie isn't quite sure what is going on amidst the heat and sun baked sands and ever changing light of the site of a high stakes artifact evacuation where we'll also meet one Max Mallowan. Christie fans will know his connection. Grin. In any case, Eliza and Theo, along with Dorothy Sayers, yes, that Dorothy Sayers, go. Eliza even manages to smuggle in her trusty beagle Queenie who, trust me, is a star in this installment. An annoying reporter wanting to interview Agatha tags along soon after.

I won't detail the plot, it's a twisty one, but revolves around not just the murder of artifact catalogue worker Julian Larch but what is going on with missing and odd finds amongst the artifacts being found, not to mention a supposed Queen's Curse and spotted sickness plaguing the workers. Author Oliver excels in describing the setting, making me feel the oppressive heat and gritty sand between my teeth at the height of a sand storm. And, oh, boy, if you're claustrophobic, be prepared for a tense scene Eliza and Theo find themselves in. Poor Theo does take quite a beating through this installment, I must say, but it never dulls his growing attraction to the fact based Eliza. Through it all there's a dash of history, cultural conflicts, curses, people being attacked, lost and found diaries, and troubled characters, both real and fictional. Be sure to read the author's note at the end for more on that. There's a dose of humor here and there, too, to relieve the growing tensions. 

Bottom line,  I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will be looking for the next in the series. Oliver's writing flows with many a poetic phrasing and there are even quotes from Shakespeare that pop up, albeit a few not quite fully accurate. Nope, not telling you any more. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for giving me this early peek at Eliza and Theo's adventures (and misadventures) in a mysterious world while managing to sneak in the debate about who artifacts found should really belong to, one not quite settled to this day, I think. Readers will get a good overview of what an excavation was like in those days, including things like grids resembling chess boards in Theo's mind, and the scholar's need to create order out of a jumble at times. I'm sorry I missed the second book but will be looking forward to the next, especially after that ending. 

 Publication March 17, 2026

For a case that started out simply enough with what is surely standard private detective assignments, to "Get photos of the cheating spouse", this one escalated fast. True, Charlie spends lots of time checking the family's baby cam to simply look at new baby Callie sleeping, burping, crying -- which she does lots of -- but he shows a focus and tenacity probably born as much from his days as an investigative reporter as any PI training.  You'll quickly find out that his idea of having a plan is, well, winging it, but he has a heart of gold and, oh, he loves being a girl dad. He impulsively takes 16-year of runaway Friday Finley not only under his wing -- though she exhibits some pretty fierce survival skills herself as the story goes along -- and takes her home with him. Oh, and instantly considers her search for her missing father his case, too. Yep, he's definitely a born girl dad. You'll find out a bit more of what may have guided his impulses later. Nor does he back down as the case takes on, let's see, elements of a nasty goon with a snake tatoo, owned cops, gambling, drugs, protection rackets and more. And those are just the highlights. 

I don't want to reveal much more of the plot as part of the fun is to be amazed at how a simple "get some photos" case turns deadly. I found myself instinctively liking Charlie, even if I did shudder at the idea of him having Callie along, albeit in her car seat, on a surveillance job. Needless to say, Callie's mother was not pleased but rolled with it far better than many of us might have. Must have been the lack of sleep and sheer exhaustion of being a new mom. Lucky for them baby nurse Grace appears in a timely fashion, joining the now quite crowded home. I definitely hope, assuming this is going to be a series, she makes frequent appearances as I liked her calm manner no matter what was thrown at her. Charlie's friends, with their legal backgrounds, were also likable, his detective agency boss even going so far as to fire him at one point because he was, let's say, rash. In other words, he cared for Charlie just as the rest do. There's humor, too, flowing through the plot, often interspersed with tense action scenes, so be ready to hold onto your proverbial hat at times. And, oh, yes, Callie is adorable and, I promise, safe. I somehow felt like I should toss in that "no babies were harmed" bit. Grin. 

As for Friday's quest to find her missing father and avoid foster care after her mother's recent death, it gets complicated. There's every indication he's probably dead. Let's face it, when you cross the wrong crowd, your life expectancy isn't likely to be long. Friday is resilient, however, and ready to do whatever it takes to find him, dead or alive. Like Charlie, she has some rash moments, too, but, hey, that's giving away a plot hint. Nope, no more. Read the book. While some may find it a slow start, trust me, it picks up quickly...well, aside from moments spent admiring Callie. Uh, Charlie, you might want to save some phone battery. You know. Just in case you need it? Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to Charlie and this interesting cast of probably regulars. There's something about girl dads and the hint of what is to come has me ready for the next installment. 

 

Publication March 17, 2026

This combines history, art, prose, and poetry into a strong tale of the first night of the American Revolution. Most of us are familiar with Paul Revere's famous ride but fuzzy on details, not to mention anyone else involved. This book goes a long way toward filling in some gaps. It's also nicely illustrated and helps you feel like you're there as Revere and others set about their assigned tasks. I liked the mostly dark, frequently rather ominous blues suggesting the night, reminding us that this task was accomplished in the scant span of one night. It also reminds us that there were others involved, from the man loaning a fast horse to Revere to the brave woman facing down Redcoats as her husband and she begin to melt down pewter utensils for bullets. 

Needless to say, as a former history major and teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed this creative combo of styles to tell a story we all sorta know but, well, not necessarily all that well. Each spread basically deals with on facet or brief moment of the evening, using text, and both prose and poetry to capture the moment and feelings. I liked that while the book obviously focuses on Revere, it doesn't ignore the male slave who helped get the word out or the largely nameless to us average citizens who rose to the moment in various ways. Each poem is focused on that source, sharing the person's observations and feelings as they were caught up in history. As the author notes early on, history isn't just a recitation of barely connected facts or events but it's the ordinary people, just like us, who rise to the challenge even when the odds seem against them. In other words, this is the human side of the story, not just that Revere jumped on a horse galloping about the countryside shouting that "The British are coming!" He didn't, btw. How foolish that would have been given speed and stealth were the objective, not to give himself away. 

Bottom line, as noted, I enjoyed this creative read and highly recommend it to not just history buffs but teachers and libraries everywhere. No matter your age, you're likely to enjoy the read. The maps at the beginning help visualize the setting as well as making it clear Revere wasn't in this alone. They also put the location of the Old North Church into perspective, something I don't recall having seen before but that's probably on me, not my teachers. There are brief bios of the individuals or groups highlighted, such as the fife players with information on the importance of their role in battle or maneuvers. It was interesting to learn that Revere lived to be 83 years old and left behind some 50 grandchildren! Finally, you'll find lists/links at the end guiding you to books, places, documents, and even films where you can learn more, as well as a select bibliography. Thanks #AstraPublishingHouse for allowing this history buff an early peek at the fascinating look at a pivotal moment in our nation's history. How inspiring to see common, everyday citizens rise to the occasion. 

 

Publication March 31, 2026

Everyone in the village of Harvest, Ohio, seems to be excited for the upcoming wedding of chocolatier Bailey King and Sheriff Aiden Brody. What could possibly go wrong with a wedding that includes a seven-tier wedding cake and Jethro the pig as ring bearer? I'm sure long time readers can make a close guess and, most likely add, hey, what about a murder? If you're one of those, good guess. Yes, Jethro gets the first bite out of the cake but that ranks as relatively well-behaved for this not-at-all-spoiled pig, but before Bailey and Aiden can make their exit a guest drops dead. Needless to say, not only does the new groom suddenly have to don his role as sheriff but Bailey is quickly on the case as a good friend is initially the most obvious suspect. Add on Margot Rawling guilt tripping Bailey into being front-and-center for the upcoming summer wine tasting event since the honeymoon was obviously delayed, her family's needs, and, of course, pig sitting Jethro, and Bailey barely has time to get used to her new title of wife. 

This is the 10th book in this series that I've so come to enjoy. The regulars are all well-fleshed out, though new readers may wonder about that brick in Lois' bag, and generally likable. True, I'm not too fond of the overbearing Margot or Ruth Yoder but even they have their good points, albeit I do wish Bailey would learn to stand up for herself a bit more where they're concerned. Even if you're unfamiliar with the Amish culture, this book does an excellent job explaining not just the beliefs but the thoughts behind them. True, Bailey may have wished not to have been stuck behind a couple slow moving horse and buggies at one point but she respects their role in the Amish way of life. She struggles to smooth the way for Margot's wine tasting event even when it isn't well received by the community but makes it work, for instance.

Speaking of the wine tasting event, the four wine representative involved have a lot of drama behind their interaction. That does nothing to make the already crunched for time Bailey's job easier as she finds herself investigating rather than honeymooning. I don't want to share any more of the plot except to say everything somehow seems to be intertwined. As usual, it's fun to try to sift through the clues as Bailey finds them while laughing at the antics of Jethro. Unfortunately, Bailey isn't quite as amused by them as usual due to her worries about her grandmother's health and her friend being a suspect. The plot moves along quickly and works well as a standalone although this is such a fun series I recommend you check it out in full as some point as it'll give you some insight into inter-relationships and how the past has shaped the regulars that, while explained to satisfaction, doesn't go into the depth long time readers will have. Thanks #KensingtonPress for this early peek at characters I feel like I've come to know as friends while enjoying the quirkiness and warmth of the village of Harvest. Have some chocolate hand as you read, everyone, and be sure to check out the recipes at the end. I bet Jethro isn't the only one with a weakness for truffles. Grin. 

 Sorry, know how much some of you hate the dreaded Review to Come but this is to be part of a virtual Book Release Tour. Look for it next month. It'll be well worth your read, I will say that much. 

 

Publication March 10, 202

Lots of excitement over the upcoming Hudson-Fulton celebration of 1909. It's the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the Hudson River and Molly Murphy Sulivan's family is caught up with it in a variety of ways. Her teenage daughter is super excited to be riding on a float while husband Daniel's early days with the fledgling NYC offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation are beyond busy and stressful. As for Molly, she's stressing over an unexpected scarcity of funds since Daniel hasn't been paid in months. She's also chaffing a bit at being somewhat relegated to simply the role of wife and mother after running her own detective agency. In fact, women's reduced roles (in comparison to today) is a running theme of the book, including the suffragette movement two of Molly's dearest friends are deeply involved with. Then, a case falls into Molly's already busy world. Seems a well-known female research scientist has gone missing. She was supposed to be staying with neighbors Sid and Gus (you'll learn more about them as you read) but never showed up and now Willa Parker's husband has hired a Pinkerton agent to find her. Molly, already struggling with being underestimated as a woman, is determined to find Willa first. 

As always, it's the characters and ample doses of  history that keep me coming back to this series. I have grown to like Molly, Daniel, and, well, all the usual side characters. Balancing work and expectations as a wife and mother is a mental weight Molly carries throughout this entry. I mean, she even suffers a bit of a guilt trip over missing church while keeping some secrets from husband Daniel. Of course, Daniel hasn't exactly been forthcoming, either, so it was intriguing to see them work through this divide. It was also intriguing given the furor over vaccines as I type, that the missing scientist was focused on finding a cure for polio. Her findings, however, were all credited to her husband. Sigh. In any case, the plot moves right along and manages to insert bits of the real celebration, including a flyover by Wilber Wright and the first ever total illumination of NYC by electric bulbs.

And, oh, yes, there's a murder to solve, too, albeit the murder aspect of the mystery doesn't occur early on. Let's just say, don't stop reading when it appears the initial case has been solved. It all ties together, trust me. I won't detail the plot further other than to say that the women's suffrage movement is front and center as are, let's see, science and the social divide via class status. We even get a gentle reminder of how quickly a single "cold bug" can get around. My sympathies were with Molly the whole time, especially in Daniel's more unbending moments, but, hey, he's coming around. The ending was satisfactory albeit I found myself feeling weird to be rooting against a Pinkerton agent after just finishing another book with a female Pinkerton agent as the main character. Oh, well, reality bites. In any case, bottom line, this words wonderfully well as a standalone but I'd highly recommend that you check out the entire series. It's a solid, good one, that is built on strong characters who've grown as the series progresses. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for this early peek and for initially introducing me to Molly. There's a bit of a startling teaser for the next book at the very end and, of course, Molly's struggle to balance a career and home and family will always prove interesting. 

 

Publication March 10, 2026

Fun. Just plain ol' fun.

I thoroughly enjoyed this parody collection of poems credited to the writer's pets. Although I have to admit to not being fully familiar with the writings of all the writers showcased here, it was fun to learn about them through the eyes of their pets. Did you know Ben Franklin had a pet squirrel named Mungo? We get Mungo's supposed take on its human's adventures with a kite and lightning. I do think my favorite parody may have been by Catterina, Edgar Allen Poe's cat simply for the ending. You're even encouraged to sing one of the poems to the tune of that pet's owner's contribution to America's national song selection. And, oh, I don't want to list them all by know you'll enjoy Dr. Seuss' Sam-I-Am  as told by his Yorkshire terrier Sam, who is actually a Samantha. 

The book is set up with each spread featuring a different poet/pet. You get the parody poem and a bit about the human side of that partnership. Nothing long winded, hence easily digested by young minds. Heck, even the brief bits about the writers offer up humor, as do the illustrations. While not realistic, they are colorful and, well, fun, with the pet supposedly being quoted easily recognizable. Well, if you know what, say, a wombat is. In other words you're getting a bit of poetry with a side of history. There's a list of picture books available for the poets/writers spotlighted as well as a select list of the works cited at the end.  Even if you aren't particularly familiar with the wordsmiths, it's a great way to introduce them to yourself and young readers. Thanks #GnomeRoadPublishing for allowing me this early peek at what was a fun, lively read. Rather wish I'd had this in my teaching days, gotta admit. 

 

 

Publication March 3, 2026

I liked the concept of honoring second generation immigrants by focusing on Ana Movilian's story. She's struggling to balance her own needs while regularly feeling as if she's never living up to her mother's dreams for her. Ana dropped out of Harvard medical school to pursue what we'd consider a career as an influencer and has actually done quite well. She not only has a large audience for her successful self-help podcast but is about to begin a book tour for her first book. Everything seems to be going well until, uh-oh, her publicist, Meredith, quits. The replacement? Well, Ryan Grant is handsome but seems to look down on her work, preferring his "important" client list. I bet that even if you haven't read the blurb, you can see what's coming. I'm not quite sure I'd dub Ryan as an enemy, hence the enemy-to-lovers trope, but, well, sparks do fly.

And that's about all I'm going to share about the plot. As a character driven reader, I had difficulty relating to Ana, to be honest. While the plot moves along smoothly and there is humor, I didn't really dislike Ana but her need to prove herself over and over to everyone and fret that she wasn't respected seemed like a large chunk of the text. Ana knew her family had given up a great deal to immigrate to America and she couldn't quite help feeling as if she'd let them down by not fulfilling her mother's dream of her becoming a doctor. Ryan is initially seen only through Ana's eyes, so our initial expectation is that he is going to be stuck on himself and his own importance, so to speak. As it turns out, there's far more depth to him, however, and I found myself quite liking him as we find out more about his own family responsibilities and life. He hasn't had an easy life, either. 

While Ana and Ryan clash initially, it was satisfying to get a bit of a look behind the scenes of the publishing world and book tours in particular, too, always a plus for this book addict. While I'd have rather liked to have gotten to see things through Ryan's eyes, too, mostly to explain their attraction to each other, it worked for the most part for me. Thanks #Ballantine - #Dell for this early peek at how Ana finds her way to not just success on the public level but a more solid personal foundation. Oh, and readers, there's a Reading Club Guide and more at the end, so be sure to check them out. 

 

Publication March 3, 2026

I bought my first book by Dana Stabenow in Denali Park, Alaska. I loved it and still have that book, now autographed. Yes, I've met her. As such, I was prepared to love this one from the git go. So, you can imagine my surprise when, after the first chapter, I was rather lost. I actually pondered putting it aside, figuring it was just me too caught up in real life events to allow myself to be sucked in. Fortunately, I kept reading and was glad I did. While I'm not quite sold on it the way I was on that first book set in Alaska, this one in the Wild West of 1890 did eventually pull me in. I've always been a sucker for a western, bring on those cowboys, but Stabenow's usual wonderful job of setting the story in the gritty, frequently violent, rough and barely civilized mining town of Montana Roja and it's quirky cast of characters was well done. Seriously, I could picture that drunk sheriff ignoring lawlessness and the likes of a killer one day showing up at a dance the next and shyly asking heroine Clare Wright to dance, not to mention delight in well-known names like Bat Masterson and Mark Twain popping up. 

As a history major, the historical aspects of the story were great fun. I'd heard of the Harvey Girls although I don't recall where. Reading Clare's daily routine as she worked undercover for the Pinkerton's to solve a murder made me wonder how she could stand up at the end of the day, let alone do any sleuthing. Those women didn't have it easy, that's for sure. Stabenow includes a Cast of Characters upfront, by the way, which I found helpful. I managed to get about halfway through before I finally had to satisfy my curiosity and skip ahead to the acknowledgements and Stabenow's notes on where the idea for the story came from and what was historically based and/or maybe tweaked just a bit. Sorry, Dana. I was impatient. I also took time to do a quick read up on the history of the Harvey Girls to refresh my memory. Worth your time if you're so inclined. Stabenow provides such a strong sense of the time and place that it makes it all the more real. (And, yes, there's a movie staring Judy Garland.)

So what's the mystery, you ask? Who killed the train conductor and what was he maybe or maybe not involved in? The murder is rather quick but, whoa, the murder itself is enough to remind you that you're reading about a lawless era when violence was often violent and quick. In addition, you'll get a great look at how train cars were hooked up, moved, and transferred from one train to the next while also being provided a mind picture of the setting the train travels through. I won't ruin the plot by saying much more but it was intriguing to see Clare working hard all day and dealing with the restrictions put on women of the era. 

Bottom line, despite the slow-to-me start, I wound up enjoying this probably new series. Given my assumption Stabenow  is setting us up for a continuing series, I was able to overlook the fact that end maybe wasn't tied up for us all nice and pretty, not to mention that this character driven reader chaffed at not knowing more of Clare's background until near the end. Thanks #BloomsburyUSA for giving me this early peek at not just a favorite author (and fellow Alaskan) but letting me hop a virtual time travel machine to drop into an era I've always found fascinating, the still not neat and pretty Wild West. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series.