I was provided Murder by the Book by J.L. Campbell and narrated by Nicole Cash as an audiobook ARC through NetGalley by RBMedia. I am SO glad that I requested this book and that they chose to share it with me. This book was not the kind of book I typically go for. I’m usually a cozy mystery girl. My anxiety thrives in the comfort of the cozy, but holy cow the book gods were shining down on me when I requested this book, and it was honored, because I LOVED it.

Addison Comstock is a “literary icon, known for her bestselling crime novels, razor-sharp tongue, and relentless rise to the top.” And, hello, she is RELENTLESS. Every time this woman spoke or had a thought, I was like, EXCUSE ME MA’AM?! Did you just say/do/think that outloud in this book for real?! She does not care about anyone but herself, and it’s beautiful. At one point, she says, “That works for people who give a damn about others. I’m not one of them.” And I was figuratively dead from choking on my laughter.

Along with Addison, we follow two of her ghostwriters, both of whom have twisted connections to Addison’s past, and they did their share of keeping my mouth dropping open the entire time I was listening/reading. The trauma that these three women have endured kept me on the struggle bus, trying to weigh their actions and finding myself incapable because I have no idea what I would do in their situations. They each overcame the unfathomable, and I was gifted the experience of watching them try to untangle this web of bonkers that connects them to each other.

5 stars. Would read again. Would immediately read another book by this author.

I am really grateful to NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook ARC of this book. The narrator, Jasmin Walker, did a really lovely job. I really liked the premise of this book. It sounds fascinating, and I wanted to love it. In reality, it was confusing, I had trouble following what was going on and who was who and what I was supposed to know about them. In the end, I didn't really understand the whodunit. Maybe a physical book would be better? I was also a little not sure about the Underground Railroad/Fantastical elements. I am open to having missed symbolism or historical reference here, but I'm usually not a fan of fantastical Underground Railroad because it feels like it takes away from the pure awe of what those people did.

I read The Shippers by Katherine Center in both formats, a physical ARC from Goodreads and an audiobook ARC from NetGalley courtesy of MacMillan Audio, beautifully narrated by Patti Murin. The setup is classic Center: a big, summery, high‑emotion rom‑com set on a cruise ship for a destination wedding, with all the longing, banter, and heart‑tugging moments you’d expect.

JoJo Burton heads into the trip determined to fix her lifelong intimacy issues, armed with pop psychology and a plan to pursue her childhood crush who just happens to be newly divorced and attending the wedding. But because her sister is understandably busy being a bride, JoJo ropes in her childhood best friend, Cooper Watts, to help her with “Project Conquest.” Cooper, who wasn’t supposed to be there. Cooper, who left for London without a word four years ago. Cooper, who broke her heart more deeply than she ever admitted. Their reunion is equal parts bliss and agony, and as they fake‑flirt, slow dance, share a cabin, and keep rescuing each other, JoJo starts to realize that the questions she’s avoiding might matter more than the plan she’s clinging to.

I really liked Cooper. He’s a genuinely good guy, and his care for JoJo shines through in every interaction. But overall, I struggled with this one. I usually adore Katherine Center’s blend of humor, heart, and emotional growth, but the story beats here didn’t quite land for me. Cooper disappearing for years, JoJo marrying someone she didn’t even like that much and then immediately looking for love again, and some of the shipboard antics all stretched believability past my limit. JoJo’s density about her own feelings made it hard for me to stay fully invested. There were definitely fun and funny moments, but as a whole, this one just didn’t work for me.

If you’re a Katherine Center fan, you may still find plenty to enjoy, but for me, this was a rare miss.

This ARC audiobook, narrated by Nneka Okoye and provided by NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, is the second book in Nicola Whyte’s series, and it continues everything I loved about the first. That debut did such a great job introducing the characters, and this follow‑up lets us settle even deeper into their world. This time, Audrey is cleaning a home when she stumbles across a dead body and a shocking amount of blood—only for all of it to vanish when she runs outside to call the police. From there, she and her mystery‑novelist partner in crime‑solving, Lewis, dive into the investigation with the steady, loving support of their elderly landlady.

The characters remain the heart of the series: strongly developed, realistic, and easy to root for. The plot is clear and engaging without ever feeling predictable, and the humor lands exactly where it should, adding warmth without undercutting the mystery.

If you enjoy cozy mystery series, this one deserves a spot on your TBR—but I definitely recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate the character development and charm.

Loved it. So good.

This one was so good. The best of the original trilogy. I finished it and IMMEDIATELY started the next one.

This first one was good. I enjoyed it, but it did feel like it was setting things up, and I wasn't super pulled in the entire time. However, the series blew my mind going forward.

ARC Review — The Book Club Murders by Maggie Allswell

This audiobook ARC, provided by NetGalley and Bookouture Audio and narrated by Jilly Bond, was such a fun surprise. The story centers on a book club full of warm, funny, deeply connected characters whose love of mysteries mirrors my own. Their constant references to other mystery novels I’ve read made me feel instantly at home with them, and when a murder shakes their quiet world, they naturally turn to their collective reading experience to start piecing things together.

The characters were the standout for me, quirky, unpredictable, and genuinely endearing. I never quite knew what they were going to do next, and their unconventional approach to solving the mystery kept me guessing in the best way. There was even a moment where I found myself wondering, “Wait… is this a joke? Is this a trick?” which is exactly the kind of playful uncertainty I love in a cozy.

There’s a slight touch of unreality here and there, but nothing that pulled me out of the story or disrupted the charm. Overall, I loved this book. If you’re a cozy mystery reader, this absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.