The Blackout Murders : A Homefront Sleuths Mystery (The Homefront Sleuths Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley

The Blackout Murders is a delightful blend of cozy mystery charm, wartime atmosphere, and just enough danger to keep you flipping pages long after you promised yourself “just one more chapter.” Anna Elliott drops readers straight into the heart of WWII-era America, where nightly blackouts, ration books, and whispered rumors create the perfect backdrop for a suspicious death that absolutely refuses to stay tidy. Our Homefront Sleuths—resourceful, witty, and fiercely determined—are the beating heart of this story. They’re the kind of amateur detectives you instantly root for: clever enough to dig where they shouldn’t, but human enough to stumble into trouble while doing it. The dynamic between them sparkles with humor and warmth, making the more sinister moments land with extra punch. What sets this cozy mystery apart is its immersive setting. Elliott brings the 1940s to life with rich detail—victory gardens, neighborhood chatter, blackout curtains—but never bogs the story down. Instead, the period flavor adds charm and tension in equal measure. If you love mysteries that balance intrigue with heart, sprinkled with historical touches and plenty of personality, this first entry in The Homefront Sleuths series is a wonderfully engaging start. A clever, comforting, and thoroughly entertaining read!

The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh

The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh is such an interesting read. It's a brilliant exploration of mathematics, philosophy, and the human search for understanding. Morpheigh uses historical context and engaging storytelling, bringing the world of Pythagoras and his followers to life. The book combines rigorous thought with accessible narrative. It makes complex concepts like numerology, harmony, and mathematical philosophy understandable. Readers are invited into a world where numbers shape reality, and ethical inquiry melds with scientific discovery. Thought-provoking and well researched, The Pythagorean is an intellectual adventure and a reflection on how ancient wisdom continues to influence modern thought. Highly recommended.

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The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid (Geronimo Stilton #2) Paperback – Illustrated

The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid is another wildly entertaining adventure from Geronimo Stilton, and it’s packed with all the cheesy charm fans adore. This time, our favorite nervous-but-determined mouse journalist heads to Egypt on an assignment that quickly turns into a whirlwind of pyramids, mysteries, hieroglyphs, and—of course—plenty of cheese. Geronimo’s over-the-top reactions, dramatic storytelling flair, and knack for stumbling into trouble make every chapter a giggle-worthy delight. The colorful fonts, playful illustrations, and silly wordplay add to the fun, keeping young readers fully hooked. Even adults may find themselves smiling at the puns (and there are many). What really stands out is how the book blends humor with a dash of history, giving kids a bite-sized taste of Egyptian culture without ever feeling educational. Light, quirky, and endlessly imaginative, this second installment proves that a Stilton story is always a gouda time—especially when pyramids and cheese collide!

Up to No Gouda (Grilled Cheese Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition by Linda Reilly

Up to No Gouda is a deliciously fun kickoff to Linda Reilly’s Grilled Cheese Mysteries, and yes—the cheese theme is delightfully unapologetic. This cozy caper follows grilled-cheese expert Carly Hale as she sets up her dream café, only to find herself tangled in a murder investigation with more twists than a mozzarella pull. Reilly leans fully into the dairy puns, and honestly, that’s half the charm. Between the gooey sandwiches, small-town gossip, and a cast of characters you can’t help but root for, the story melts together into a warm, satisfying read. If you enjoy punny mysteries, comfort food vibes, and a heroine who’s as determined as she is endearing, this book is absolutely your jam… or maybe your cheddar. Either way, it’s a cheesy good time and a promising start to a series that clearly isn’t afraid to lean into its theme. Bon appétit!

Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson

Book Review: Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson

Tailored Realities is another inventive and absorbing entry from Brandon Sanderson, delivering exactly what longtime fans love while still offering fresh surprises. This novel plays with the idea of customizable worlds—realities shaped by personal desire, fear, and half-remembered truths—and Sanderson uses that premise to explore identity, agency, and the cost of escaping one’s own life. The story follows a protagonist who discovers they can “stitch” alternate versions of their world together, weaving possibilities into something both empowering and deeply unsettling. Sanderson excels at grounding high-concept ideas with emotional clarity, and here he blends character-driven storytelling with intricate worldbuilding that feels both imaginative and purposeful. Every chapter reveals a new layer to the mechanics of these tailor-made realities, but it never feels like exposition; the rules unfold through action, tension, and thoughtful character moments. What stands out most is the moral ambiguity running beneath the adventure. The book asks uncomfortable questions about what we owe to our “real” lives, and whether perfect worlds—no matter how beautiful—can ever replace authenticity. Whether you’re a dedicated cosmere reader or simply love speculative fiction that challenges your expectations, Tailored Realities is clever, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt. It’s Sanderson at his most inventive.

THE DOG WALKER: STOLEN: A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER (THE DOG WALKER NOVELS Book 3) Kindle Edition by D.L. MADDOX

THE DOG WALKER: STOLEN is a tense and entertaining psychological thriller that keeps the energy high from the very first chapter. D.L. Maddox delivers another gripping installment in the series, blending fast-paced suspense with characters who feel real with plenty of emotion. Jane is a captivating protagonist. The mystery unfolds with the right amount of twists, and the stakes rise in a way that makes the story incredibly hard to put down. Maddox’s writing is sharp, vivid, and confident, making this third book a standout. Fans of psychological thrillers will have an absolute blast with this one. A Great addition to the series. Highly recommended.

The Big Cheese Presents: Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas: Great for Holiday and Christmas Reading or Gifting by Jory John

Jory John’s The Big Cheese Presents: Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas is a delightfully whimsical holiday read that’s perfect for kids and families alike. With John’s signature humor and playful storytelling, the book brings the titular Big Cheese to life in a fun, festive adventure filled with puns, silly antics, and heartwarming moments. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, adding extra charm and energy to the story. Beyond the laughs, the book also carries gentle messages about generosity, friendship, and holiday cheer, making it a meaningful addition to any child’s bookshelf. Its short chapters, engaging dialogue, and vibrant visuals make it especially appealing for young readers and for sharing aloud during the holiday season. Overall, this book is a cheerful, cheesy, and utterly entertaining celebration of Christmas, perfectly capturing the magic and humor of the season.

The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens

Chevy Stevens hits the gas and never lets up in The Hitchhikers, a tense, emotional thriller set against the sun-bleached highways of 1976 Canada. Tom and Alice are on the road, trying to outrun grief after a devastating loss. When they pick up two teenage hitchhikers, the journey takes a sharp and terrifying turn—because not everyone in the RV is who they claim to be. What follows is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense. Stevens alternates perspectives between Alice and Jenny (one of the hitchhikers), letting readers see both sides of this dangerous dance. Each chapter tightens the tension until you can almost hear the hum of the tires and feel the claustrophobia building inside that rolling trap. The 1970s backdrop is pitch-perfect—from the classic rock on the radio to the eerie sense of isolation that only empty backroads can deliver. While the pacing starts leisurely, the payoff is worth it. The last hundred pages hit hard, blending high-stakes action with gut-punch emotion. Stevens explores loss, trust, and the darker instincts that surface when survival is on the line. Gripping, nostalgic, and deeply human, The Hitchhikers is both a chilling psychological ride and a reminder that sometimes the most dangerous roads are the ones we take to escape ourselves.

Clown Town by Mick Herron

If you’re already hooked on Mick Herron’s Slough House series, Clown Town feels like coming home—if home smells faintly of cigarette ash, stale coffee, and quiet despair. The “slow horses,” those misfit MI5 agents banished to bureaucratic purgatory, are back in all their messy glory. This time, River Cartwright stumbles onto a mystery involving his late grandfather’s library and a missing book that might never have existed—a breadcrumb trail that leads straight into the murky heart of British intelligence’s past. Meanwhile, Diana Taverner, ever the calculating First Desk, is doing damage control over a scandal tied to the Troubles. Naturally, she drags Lamb and his sorry crew into it, because when you need something deniable done poorly but effectively, there’s no better team. Herron’s wit is as sharp as ever, lacing bleak humor through scenes that could otherwise be unbearably grim. The pacing takes its time out of the gate—he’s always been a slow burn—but when it hits stride, the tension hums. The final act is full of deft twists, emotional gut punches, and that lingering question of what it all costs to stay in the game. Excerpt: “Spies didn’t retire, not really. They just faded into the wallpaper, waiting for someone to notice they were still part of the pattern—and wondering, when that moment came, whether it was a rescue or an execution.” Clown Town isn’t just another spy caper—it’s mordant, brilliant, and steeped in character. Longtime fans will find plenty to savor, and the series’ world feels darker, funnier, and more human than ever.