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Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West [Book Review]

Posted on November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Making Friends Can Be Murder

Author: Kathleen West

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: June 10, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West

BOOK BLURB

It feels like kismet when Sarah Jones, newly relocated to Minneapolis after abruptly calling off her engagement, gets invited to join a group of women who share her same (very common) name. For years Sarah has received all types of correspondence intended for different Sarah Joneses, but now it seems that this mistake has given her the opportunity for an instant community.

What starts as a low-stakes meet-up called “The Sarah Jones Project” soon turns sinister when another local Sarah Jones is found dead, under suspicious circumstances, at the base of the downtown Minneapolis bridge. After fielding numerous calls from concerned loved ones ruling out their Sarah as the victim, the surviving Sarahs decide to take matters into their own hands.

Aided by the dead woman’s nanny, a newly commissioned (and very handsome and eligible) FBI agent, and a cloistered nun with a complicated past, the motley crew of unlikely friends are determined to get to the bottom of the murder of one of their own.

MY REVIEW

Sarah Jones is new in town, and she’s invited to join a group of other women named Sarah Jones. Then, a Sarah Jones is killed, and the other Sarah’s decide to find the killer.

Making Friends Can Be Murder is told through multiple points of view – Sarah Jones (30), an FBI agent, and through transcripts and text messages. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining mystery.

A delightful cozy mystery. Good for readers who enjoy light mysteries with humor and quirky characters.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson [Book Review]

Posted on November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: The Busybody Book Club

Author: Freya Sampson

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: May 27, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

Having recently moved from London to a small Cornish seaside village, Nova Davies started a book club at the local community center, but so far it’s a disaster. The five members disagree on everything, and to make matters worse, a significant sum of money is stolen during one of the meetings, putting the much-loved community center at risk.

Suspicion for the theft falls on book club member Michael, especially when he disappears and a dead body turns up at his house. But the book club has their own theories. Agatha Christie superfan Phyllis is determined to prove Michael’s been framed, while romance reader Arthur believes there’s a mystery woman involved, and teenage sci-fi fan Ash thinks dark forces are at play.

While trying to locate Michael, solve the murder and recover the stolen money, each of them has their own secrets to protect. But despite the danger closing in, they won’t rest until they’ve cracked the case and gotten everyone safe at home with a book, where they belong.

MY REVIEW

Book club members at a community center works together to find a missing book club member, find stolen money, and solve a murder.

The Busybody Book Club is told using multiple points of view. The book club members are very different, and each has their favorite genre. This makes for an entertaining read, as the characters have different ideas of what happened to the money, missing book club member, and the murder.

The Busybody Book Club is a charming cozy mystery. Recommended for readers who like light mysteries set in a small town.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Our Last Wild Days by Anna Bailey [Book Review]

Posted on November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Our Last Wild Days

Author: Anna Bailey

Publisher: Atria Books

Publish Date: May 20, 2025

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

The Labasques aren’t like other families.

Living in a shack out in the swamps, they made do by hunting down alligators and other animals. To the good people of Jacknife, Louisiana, they are troublemakers and outcasts, the kind of people you wouldn’t want in your community.

So, when Cutter Labasque is found face down in the muddy swamp, no one seems to care, not even her two brothers. The only person who questions the official verdict of suicide is Cutter’s childhood friend, Loyal May, who has just returned home to care for her mother. When she left town at eighteen years old, she betrayed Cutter. Now with a ragtag group from the local paper where she works, Loyal goes in search of answers, uncovering a web of deceit and corruption that implicates those in town. It may be too late to apologize to Cutter, but Loyal has restitution in mind.

MY REVIEW

A woman is found dead in a swamp, and nobody cares but an old childhood friend who hasn’t seen her in years.

Our Last Days has well developed characters, a Southern gothic atmosphere, and tense plot. Recommended for readers who enjoy highly atmopsheric mystery thrillers.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Safari by Jaclyn Goldis [Book Review]

Posted on November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: The Safari

Author: Jaclyn Goldis

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books

Publish Date: May 20, 2025

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

Odelia Babel, CEO of a sustainable fashion empire, is about to marry for the second time—to a man twenty-five years her junior. Asher Bach is the thirty-something designer of Odelia’s luxury clothing line, the darling of every high-fashion journalist, and madly in love with Odelia.

Eager to celebrate her nuptials with her nearest and dearest, Odelia invites her adult children, her daughter-in-law, her grandchild, and her best friend/assistant to an all-expenses-paid luxury safari at Leopard Sands in South Africa, the Babel family’s favorite vacation spot.

It seems like the perfect trip, but not everyone is thrilled for the happy couple. Amid game drives in the bush and bonfires beneath the desert stars, tensions among the family threaten to boil over. And then, the morning after a big fight with her son Sam—and hours before the wedding—Odelia is found murdered. Sam is immediately the prime suspect, but he claims he has an ironclad alibi—he was with his twin sister, Bailey. Only Bailey is nowhere to be found…

MY REVIEW

A woman finds a second chance at love, and invites her family and friends to her wedding at a luxury safari. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy for her, and she is killed before her wedding.

The Safari has shady characters, a unique setting, and a twisted plot. There are plenty of suspects to choose from in this mystery thriller. A heavy dose of drama and dysfunctional family.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

A Charming Touch of Tarot by Melissa Holtz [Book Review]

Posted on November 11, 2025November 11, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: A Charming Touch of Tarot

Author: Melissa Holtz

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: May 13, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Mystery

Series: The Gin & Tarot Club #2

My Rating: 3/5

A Charming Touch of Tarot by Melissa Holtz

BOOK BLURB

Alyssa, Nina, Lanie, and Corinne’s friendship is being put to the test. With Nina’s marriage falling apart, Lanie acting distant, Alyssa’s new romance, and no one quite trusting Corinne, this may be more than their bond can take. But when Nina appears at Alyssa’s door, and confesses not just a decades-old secret, but a newfound magical power, the friends know that the only way to face this is together.

Someone has been blackmailing Nina for years, but lately the threats to reveal her secret have changed to threats on her life, and on the lives of those she loves. With Alyssa contacting ghosts for insight and Nina getting used to her telepathy skills, they dash from city to city to track down the threat. There’s someone out there that will go to any lengths to keep their control over Nina, and it will take all four friends to get out of this without ruining, or losing, their lives. But with the strength of their friendship—and a little help from the beyond—these women are out to prove they’re not to be messed with.

MY REVIEW

Four friends – Alyssa, Nina, Lanie, and Corinne – are getting used to new magical skills while solving a murder.

A Charming Touch of Tarot is the second book in The Gin & Tarot Club series. I recommend reading the first book in the series, An Enchanting Case of Spirits, as it introduces the characters and sets the stage for this entertaining series.

With enchanting characters and an engaging story, A Charming Touch of Tarot is a delightful read. Good for readers who enjoy cozy paranormal mysteries.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books in The Gin & Tarot Club series:

An Enchanting Case of Spirits
A Charming Touch of Tarot

Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey [Book Review]

Posted on November 11, 2025November 11, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Serial Killer Games

Author: Kate Posey

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: April 29, 2025

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

Dolores dela Cruz has been dying to spot one in the wild, and he fits the mold perfectly: strangler gloves, calculated charm, dashing good looks that give a leg up in any field . . . including fields of unmarked graves.

The new office temp is definitely a serial killer.

Jake Ripper finds a welcome distraction in his combative and enigmatic new coworker. He hasn’t come across anyone as interesting as Dolores in a long time. But when mere curiosity evolves into a darkly romantic flirtation, Jake can’t help but wonder if, finally, he’s found someone who really sees him, skeletons in the closet and all.

Until Dolores asks Jake’s help to dispose of a body . . .

MY REVIEW

The office where Delores works hires a new temp, Jake. They are drawn to one another, and start watching and trying to figure out one another. Soon, they each suspect the other of being a serial killer.

Serial Killer Games is told using dual points of view – Delores and Jake. It is fun to read the thoughts and actions of both characters, and see how it plays out.

This novel is a more romance than mystery. With quirky characters and dark humor, Serial Killer Games is a fun read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman [Book Review]

Posted on November 10, 2025November 10, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: One Death at a Time

Author: Abbi Waxman

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: April 15, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: na

My Rating: 4/5

BOOK BLURB

When Julia Mann, a bad-tempered ex-actress and professional thorn in the side of authority, runs into Natasha Mason at an AA meeting, it’s anything but a meet-cute. Julia just found a dead body in her swimming pool, and the cops say she did it (she already went to jail for murder once, so now they think she’s making a habit of it). Mason is eager to clear Julia’s name and help keep her sober, but all Julia wants is for Mason to leave her alone.

As their investigation ranges from the Hollywood Hills to the world of burlesque to the country clubs of Palm Springs, this unconventional team realizes their shared love of sarcasm and poor life choices are proving to be a powerful combination. Will secrets from their past trip them up, or will their team of showgirls, cat burglars, and Hollywood agents help them stay one step ahead? Are dead piranhas, false noses, and a giant martini glass important clues or simply your typical day in Los Angeles? And will they manage to solve the crime before they kill each other, or worse, fall off the wagon? Trying to keep it simple and take it easy is one thing—trying to find a murderer before they kill again is a whole other program.

MY REVIEW

Julia is a former actress who recently found a dead body in her pool, and is suspected of murder. Mason is a young woman figuring out what she wants in life. When they show up at the same AA meeting, Mason offers to be Julia’s sponsor. Julia is not keen on the idea, but goes along with it. Mason is determined to prove Julia’s innocence, and the adventure begins.

One Death at a Time is a light and fun mystery. Sharp and snarky characters, and a fast-paced plot make for an entertaining read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Proposal to Die For by Molly Harper [Book Review]

Posted on November 9, 2025November 9, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: A Proposal to Die For

Author: Molly Harper

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: April 8, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

Jessamine Bricker loves a plan. Contingency plans and pros-and-cons lists are her love language, and because of that, her proposal planning business is thriving. But with rent costs rising at her office building, Jess jumps at the chance to plan a proposal between her snobby high school classmate, Diana, and her very wealthy boyfriend, Trenton Tillard…the Fourth.

Roped into joining Diana’s ”pre-bridal” retreat at the exclusive Golden Ash resort, Jess hopes to fade into the background, get some work done, and maybe find some time to unwind. Their first day is anything but relaxing: Diana is furious about the mountain spa’s lack of cell phone reception, the couple next door argues constantly, and Jess swears she just saw a drug deal go down. To top it all off, she’s warned to stay out of the woods by the gruff and sexy chef, Dean Osbourne. Is this a retreat or a horror movie?

As Jess tries to do her job while placating the bride-to-be and her increasingly over-the-top demands, she spends more and more time with the resort owners, finding herself much more in tune with the laid-back Osbourne family than her social climbing “boss.” Between a meditation garden-related drowning and Jess’s discovery of a body in a sauna, it’s clear that deadly secrets abound at the Golden Ash. Now it’s up to Jess to unravel the mysteries here in the mountains—before all her plans are cancelled…permanently.

MY REVIEW

Jessamine is an engagement proposal planner hired to plan her high school rival’s proposal. While on the pre-wedding retreat at a remote spa, the bodies start to pile up.

A Proposal to Die For has humor, romance, and mystery. Entertaining characters and a delightful setting. Good for readers who enjoy light, cozy mysteries.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto [Book Review]

Posted on November 9, 2025November 9, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [on a Dead Man]

Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: April 1, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Vera Wong #2

My Rating: 4/5

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [on a Dead Man] by Jesse Q. Sutanto

BOOK BLURB

Ever since a man was found dead in Vera’s teahouse, life has been good. For Vera that is. She’s surrounded by loved ones, her shop is bustling, and best of all, her son, Tilly, has a girlfriend! All thanks to Vera, because Tilly’s girlfriend is none other than Officer Selena Gray. The very same Officer Gray that she had harassed while investigating the teahouse murder. Still, Vera wishes more dead bodies would pop up in her shop, but one mustn’t be ungrateful, even if one is slightly…bored.

Then Vera comes across a distressed young woman who is obviously in need of her kindly guidance. The young woman is looking for a missing friend. Fortunately, while cat-sitting at Tilly and Selena’s, Vera finds a treasure trove: Selena’s briefcase. Inside is a file about the death of an enigmatic influencer—who also happens to be the friend that the young woman was looking for.

Online, Xander had it all: a parade of private jets, fabulous parties with socialites, and a burgeoning career as a social media influencer. The only problem is, after his body is fished out of Mission Bay, the police can’t seem to actually identify him. Who is Xander Lin? Nobody knows. Every contact is a dead end. Everybody claims not to know him, not even his parents.

Vera is determined to solve Xander’s murder. After all, doing so would surely be a big favor to Selena, and there is nothing she wouldn’t do for her future daughter-in-law.

MY REVIEW

Vera Wong is back with another mystery to solve. This time, she meets a young woman looking for a missing friend. Vera’s snooping reveals the missing friend is dead, but it’s unclear on the real identity of the individual.

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) is lighthearted mystery. Vera is in her 60s, and overlooked by many. An intriguing mystery and a fun cast of characters, make for an entertaining read.

Tea, food, and friendships are strong in this novel. Good for readers who like lighter mysteries that also focus on family.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Vera Wong Series:

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [on a Dead Man]

Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang [Book Review]

Posted on November 9, 2025November 9, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Julie Chan Is Dead

Author: Liann Zhang

Publisher: Atria Books

Publish Date: April 29, 2025

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

Julie Chan, a supermarket cashier with nothing to lose, finds herself thrust into the glamorous yet perilous world of her late twin sister, Chloe VanHuusen, a popular influencer. Separated at a young age, the identical twins were polar opposites and rarely spoke, except for one viral video that Chloe initiated (Finding My Long-Lost Twin And Buying Her A House #EMOTIONAL). When Julie discovers Chloe’s lifeless body under mysterious circumstances, she seizes the chance to live the life she’s always envied.

Transforming into Chloe is easier than expected. Julie effortlessly adopts Chloe’s luxurious influencer life, complete with designer clothes, a meticulous skincare routine, and millions of adoring followers. However, Julie soon realizes that Chloe’s seemingly picture-perfect life was anything but.

Haunted by Chloe’s untimely death and struggling to fit into the privileged influencer circle, Julie faces mounting challenges during a weeklong island retreat with Chloe’s exclusive group of influencer friends. As events spiral out of control, Julie uncovers the sinister forces that may have led to her sister’s demise and realizes she might be the next target.

MY REVIEW

Julie doesn’t have a lot going for her, but her long lost twin sister is a popular influencer. When Julie discovers her sister’s dead body, she decides to hide the fact her sister’s died, and take over as her.

Julie Chan is Dead is told through the point of view of Julie herself, since she’s not really dead. Julie is a bit unhinged, making for an entertaining viewpoint. She dreams of the perfect life, but realizes her sister’s life wasn’t as perfect as it appeared.

Dark humor and mystery combine in this debut novel. Julie Chan is Dead is a fun ride with satire and a twisted story.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via EdelWeiss in exchange for an honest review.

All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman [Book Review]

Posted on November 9, 2025November 9, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: All the Other Mothers Hate Me

Author: Sarah Harman

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Publish Date: March 11, 2025

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman

BOOK BLURB

Florence Grimes is a thirty-one-year-old party girl who always takes the easy way out. Single, broke and unfulfilled after the humiliating end to her girl band career, she has only one reason to get out of bed each day: her ten-year-old son Dylan. But then Alfie Risby, her son’s bully and the heir to a vast frozen food empire, mysteriously vanishes during a class trip, and Dylan becomes the prime suspect. Florence, for once, is faced with a task she can’t quit: She’s got to find Alfie and clear her son’s name, or risk losing Dylan forever.

The only problem? Florence has no useful skills, let alone investigative ones, and all the other school moms hate her. Oh, and Florence has a reason to suspect Dylan might not be as innocent as she’d like to believe…

MY REVIEW

A mother wants to prove her son’s innocence after a classmate goes missing on a field trip.

All the Other Mothers Hate Me is told through Florence’s point of view. She is the mother of a ten year old boy, who is suspected of having something to do with a classmate’s disappearance. Florence sets out to prove her son’s innocence. Florence is eccentric, and lives a fairly chaotic existence. She’s a mess, and feels the other mother’s judge her.

All the Other Mothers Hate Me is a debut novel. It is a fun mystery with humor and suspense. Good for readers looking for a more lighthearted mystery.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Session by Julia Bartz [Book Review]

Posted on March 25, 2025February 25, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: The Last Session

Author: Julia Bartz

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books

Publish Date: April 1, 2025

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

When a catatonic woman shows up at the psychiatric unit, social worker Thea swears she knows her from somewhere. She’s shocked to discover the patient holds a link to a traumatic time in her past. Upon regaining lucidity, the patient claims she can’t remember the horrific recent events that caused her brain to shut down. Thea’s at a loss—especially when the patient is ripped away from her as suddenly as she appeared.

Determined to find her, Thea follows a trail of clues to a remote center in Southwestern New Mexico, where a charismatic couple holds a controversial monthly retreat to uncover attendees’ romantic and sexual issues. Forced to participate in increasingly intimate exercises, Thea finds herself inching closer not only to her missing patient, but also to tantalizing answers about her harrowing past. However, time is running out, and if she stays for the last session, she too might lose her mind…or worse.

MY REVIEW

Thea, a social worker at a psychiatric unit, recognizes a patient and wants to help her. When the patient abruptly leaves the facility, Thea tries to find her, and ends up in a remote wellness retreat.

The Last Session is told through Thea’s point of view. Thea is naive and makes some poor decisions throughout the book. The plot is entertaining, but does involve suspending disbelief.

This is a slow burning and bizarre mystery. Good for readers who enjoy fiction involving cults and wellness retreats gone wrong.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Books by Julia Bartz:

The Writing Retreat
The Last Session