June Price's Blog, page 7

And to All a Good Bite: An Andy Carpenter Mystery (An Andy Carpenter Novel Book 32), by David Rosenfelt

 

Publication October 14, 2025

Once again, reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter finds himself in the middle of a murder case. There is, of course, a dog involved. A beautiful Golden named Rufus that the defendant, Jeff Wheeler, rescued from a burning building. Why was it burning? Because someone blew it up. Jeff was there to pick up his girlfriend who was attending a meeting in the building. Unfortunately, he was unable to save her or any of the others there but did manage to rescue the then puppy before being forced out by smoke and heat. He became something of a hero to many and ultimately adopted Rufus from Andy's Tara Foundation. Now. however, he's accused of murder. Having reluctantly reached the realization that he is a lawyer at heart despite his yen to endlessly talk and watch sports, Andy not only agrees to take the case but cares for Rufus at his own home. Never fear, he talked it all out with Tara during one of their daily walks. 

As usual, it's complicated. While I won't even attempt to summarize the plot, let's just say it ultimately involves bad guys, explosives, greed, priceless art, crack investigative work, and, well, Marcus saving Andy's life. That last one should be no surprise to long time series fans. You'll also get to spend ample time in the courtroom where Andy's snarky style masks a crafty legal mind. I always find the court time fascinating as we get insight into why he asks and doesn't ask certain questions, and things like what the police responders did or didn't do. In the process his investigative team gets time to shine, well, except for the work allergic Edna, who appointed herself office manager. You'll wind up liking them all, especially Laurie, Andy's wife, an ex-cop, as is Corey, who is part of the team with his retired K-9 Simon. Sam's hacking ability still makes Corey nervous but no one can deny that while his day job is as an accountant, his ability to find out things online is incredible. Marcus is, well, Superman, I think. I've never attempted to figure out how often he's saved Andy's life but it almost seems easy for him. While I lean toward thinking he'd make me nervous, I'd sure like to know he had my back. 

So, bottom line, it's an intriguing, complicated plot full of not just dogs, Laurie's motherly care of the team, Tara's wisdom and patience with her human, and explosions and international ..... oops, almost gave away a plot point. Let's just say, it's a fun read, even with the violence, and I'm already impatient for the next in the series. Andy's genuine worry and concern over the verdict rings true, too, showing the fact that he is not just a lawyer but a caring one. Thanks #NetGalley and #St.Martin'sPress - #Minotaur for allowing me this early peek at what's going on with Tara's human and his friends. This continues to be a favorite series, one I look forward to following as long as Rosenfelt keeps writing. Extra virtual treats for Tara and her four legged friends, too, especially walk-resistant Sebastian.  

The Great American Mousical (A Broadway Tale), by by Julie Andrews; Emma Walton Hamilton. Tony Walton (illustrator)

 

Publication October 21, 2025

No matter what, the show must go on. 

This is a cute tale of those who make stage plays magical. Written by someone who knows a thing or two about the theater, Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, however, instead of human stars and stage crews, it features mice. Yes, mice. Youll find out what inspired the story as you read. Think Disney and you can imagine this one being made into a charming movie. You've got the whole range of personas, from the diva to wannabes, stage mothers, frazzled directors and stage crew, and a hallowed theater setting. Okay, true, the mouse perform in the deep realms of the theater basement but, hey, it's on Broadway. Sorta. True, they may not win a Tony for their production but they love performing.

Then, uh-oh, things go wrong. Not only is the once hallowed theater to be bulldozed for another purpose, their starring actress has gone missing. The troupe is in a panic but holds to the old manta that the show must go on, even if the show has to be practically re-written and blocked in a short amount of time. In the meantime, what has happened to Adelaide, their star? I won't detail any more of the plot but let's just say, she fell into a trap and there seems no way she can make what may be the model of the famed Sovereign's final bow. Will she make it back in time? How? A little mouse in a big city. A BIG BIG CITY. Will she find help in time or give in to her occasional dramatic moans of it being the end? How can they save their beloved theater?

Bottom line, a fun read with amusing characters. The people, er, mice Adelaide meets are all types one might run into on a New York street but their clever "cab do" attitude is inspiring. Watching the various characters personify theater types, including the hard working crews, is fun and reminds us that all the magic doesn't happen onstage. A real plus is the info included at the end of not just the authors but a lengthy glossary of theater terms, not to mention a playbill that makes it clear what "real" plays the oh, so close sounding song titles mentioned within come from. Thanks #ABRAMSKids - #AmuletBooks for allowing me this early peek at this adorable slice of theater life. I wonder if there's a troupe of mice in the basement of the Richard Rogers Theater doing Hamilton nightly? Grin. 

Andy: A Dog's Tale, by John Kelly

 

Publication October 14, 2025

Support dogs rock!

I've known a few, so I was immediately attracted to the book. Well, the adorable face on the cover didn't hurt. Andy is an inspiration to us all to work hard to overcome our fears and do what we were always meant to do. In Andy's case, overcome being injured by a bicycle running over his tail....ouch!..... and then learning to serve a wheelchair bound human. It isn't easy but he does it.

The illustrations are beautiful, almost lifelike at times, and show Andy's expressions well. The smallest of his litter, he already faced rejection due to size but support dogs come in all breeds and sizes. Kudos to the author and others for highlighting the contributions of our furry friends to those in need. There's a section at the end that details their contributions and those who work with them to make them a success. I understand there's a film although, alas, I have no info on it. 

Bottom line, it's a sweet, powerful story. Readers unfamiliar with service dogs will emerge with a better understanding of not just the role service dogs play but how hard they (and their humans) work to make it all work. I'm not quite sure dogs dream of being heroes but they do strive to please us, so maybe that is the same thing in their minds. Thanks to #TheCollectiveBookStudio and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at this adorable story. I wanted somehow to reach through the page and scratch Andy's ears (with his human's permission, of course) and tell him what a wonderfully good dog he is. 

Forever in Alaska (Moose Falls, Alaska #3), by Belle Calhoune

 

Publication October 28, 2025

A sweet, charming romance set in my own state. Although I'd read the first two in the series, this one would work well as a standalone. Much of the basic background information flowed into the narrative naturally early on. The characters are likable and if you don't come away from the book wishing you knew Hattie Stone, you romance genes are snoozing. Despite her illness, she remains upbeat and determined to see her grandsons settled in happy families in Moose Falls. Landon, the self described nerdy brother who worked as a scientist/chemist, may be her biggest challenge yet. Never mind that, according to Bailey Daniels, he looks like a gorgeous Clark Kent type. His confidence around women is, well, shaky. Needless to say, he's astonished to find himself Bailey's target as she works to convince an unwanted suitor to go away and stay away. Landon and Bailey hadn't even met at that point but things move quickly.

I won't detail the plot. Think Hallmark Channel worthy.  Let's just say, in order to make his ailing grandmother happy on what may be her last Christmas, Landon finds himself in a fake romance with Bailey. He's working out issues from his past job but quickly realizes that his feelings for Bailey aren't fake. Family relationships, his and hers, past events, and the bond between the three brothers, who refer to themselves as the Three Musketeers. not to mention Bailey's family dynamics and tragedy, make Landon and Bailey's bond all the tighter. Hattie reveals some surprising things on her bucket list at the Christmas gathering, I must say, albeit all are not serious. I liked them, though, as they show her zest for life. 

Bottom line, family love and legacy is strong. I liked the characters and the town of Moose Falls rings sounds like a fun place to live. I smiled when a scene flying over the bay was described. I've done that and it made me smile. Alaska is a pretty magical place. Thanks #Forever - #GrandCentralPublishing for giving me that early peek and Christmas smile. I didn't note the exact line but Hattie's saying that even though she was near the end of her time she was still living was inspiring and a reminder to us all the live every moment with gusto.

Antiques Round-Up (A Trash 'n' Treasures mystery Book 19), by Barbara Allan

 

Publication October 7, 2025

Enjoy a good mystery but like to laugh? This one's for you. 

This is part of a series I'm happy to pick up any time. The adventures, or frequently misadventures of Brandy Borne and her mother Vivian are always entertaining. I won't even try to summarize the plot other than to say it involves antiques, getting arrested, a casino heist, suspicious deaths (where they seem to always be the ones to find the bodies), an eventful road trip, a rent a horse, and, well, too many more to list. You'll like the two main characters, who run an antiques shop in Serenity, Iowa, where Brandy's boyfriend is with the police. Let's just say, Serenity is anything but when they're around, especially if Vivian is off her bipolar meds. They're also famous, though some would say infamous, for their books and crime solving, which makes it hard for them to remain inconspicuous. Not that Vivian could be inconspicuous if her life depended on it. I mean, she sneaked out on Brandy and rented a horse? Vivian whose only riding experience turns out to have been a pony in her youth?

Anyway, it's a fun ride. While Vivian tends to go off on various topics as they occur to her, frequently movie or television related, not to mention topics most of the younger generation isn't familiar with, Brandy at least tries to focus on the main target. In this case, it's finding antiques to resell at their store, never mind she keeps getting dragged into investigating with Vivian. It's hard not to shake your head in wonder at this duo but it's also hard not to like them. Brandy and Vivian alternate chapters for the most part, each here tending to end with a recipe and hint on adding antiques and/or collectibles to your own collection. While you may get lost in Vivian's, uh, thoughts at times, not seeing the point, even the most absurd are somehow entertaining. I did miss the regular characters and having diabetic dog Sushi around this go-round but he was left at home in the care of another long-suffering regular, Brandy's boyfriend police chief. Something tells me he wasn't surprised at the number of calls he kept getting from police departments as they travel to Texas in their RV to see what they can find at a town wide antiques yard sale as a fund raiser.,

Bottom line, there's a good mystery here and lots of laughs.  Characters who'll make you laugh and, most likely, shake your head in disbelief.  I wish I had Vivian's energy, not to mention her guts. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me this laugh-out loud early peek at the zany world of the Trash 'n' Treasures dynamic duo. 

The Christmas Keepsake (Love in Bloom, 2), by Annie Rains

 

Publication October 7, 2025

Uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time, if that's possible. Having dealt with a family member with dementia, I loved the whole idea of the keepsake memory book, especially done via collected Christmas keepsakes with a written memory attached to them. Although I hadn't read the first book of the series, it worked very well as a standalone. In fact, I wasn't even sure it was a series until I double checked the title and say book two indicated. Watching Hollis and Mallory find their way to each other despite the very strong walls they'd built around their emotions to protect themselves was a delight. I immediately liked them both, especially Hollis and his work with dogs. A foster child himself, he was sort of giving unwanted dogs the second chance they needed, even when he frequently seemed to need patching up from canine related accidents. 

It certainly didn't hurt that Mallory was a nurse and frequently the one applying the care, especially since she's working extra shifts to help pay for her grandmother Nan's spot in the memory care facility. Nan doesn't remember Mallory anymore but her story is told through the, oh, so honest journal she kept to explain the keepsake items. It's both sweet and sad, though the book manages never to let us sink too far into the "I need a tissue" range. As it turns out, Mallory's emotional trip via the journal opens the way for her to both give and take support from Hollis. He's dealing with a host of roller-coaster emotions, too, torn between his own dreams and those of others. You'll like his Pop, I'm sure, and come to love the Nan we meet through the journal stories. "Santa, Baby", the play she wrote that has become a holiday tradition, is one with a message for many, too, I'm sure.

I won't share any more of the plot as it's a joy to read and get to know the characters almost as they're rediscovering who they are and reaching for their own dreams. I think it's a John Lennon quote about life being what happens when we're making other plans and that is surely true here. Life, both the good and bad, is very much what we make of it. Hollis rescues dogs. Can he rescue himself? Will Mallory let him into her heart? Will family drama take over or love? Will the Christmas play be the beginning or the end of Mallory's dreams? Thanks #Forever - #GrandCentralPublishing for reminding me why I so loved Annie Rains' books in the past. Thanks for bringing me back with this warm hearted look at memories, dreams, family, and, yes, dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 

 

Naughty Novels (Cozy Corgi #37), by Mildred Abbott

 

A fun mystery that serves two purposes. It not only lets us catch up with Winifred/Fred and her cranky corgi Watson, but serves to introduce us to an upcoming new series featuring fantasy author Maeve Hawthorn and her corgi, Mischief. Fred is the focus of this story, of course, but we do get a good feel for Maeve as it goes along. Needless to say, Watson is charmed by Mischief, a corgi with a tail! Yes, there is a corgi type with a tail. The plot revolves around the murder of Maeve's agent while she's visiting the Cozy Corgi for a book signing afterward. 

I won't detail the plot but it has lots of angst, drama, suspicious minds, writing and publishing woes, secrets, and, yes, lots of doggie antics. There's also a deep dive into past history with attitudes toward, let's say, those who don't conform to norms. Given some of Fred's family members, she has lots of first hand resource information, even if she does have to endure Percival's determination to jazz up her clothing choice in the process. The usual gang seems to largely be accounted for, from family members to Anna and her wild dogs. Only Watson, who has earned the title Sgt. Fleabag from the police chief, seems able to control them and even he has his limits. I did like that Fred, who has suffered tons of trauma during the run of this series, is not only going to therapy sessions but seems to be taking it to heart. True, she's still overthinking it at times, doubting her instincts, but she's definitely in a better place.  

Bottom line, a quick, easy read with its share of tension and humor, the latter usually supplied by the dogs. Enjoyed this excursion into Fred's often quirky world and am looking forward to getting to know Maeve and Mischief .... with that name, you just know there will be doggie antics .... in the new series.

For the Love of Dog: How Dogs Think and the Unbreakable Bond That Connects Us, by Maggie Marton

 Publication Sept. 16, 2025

We really don't deserve dogs.  

The title of the final chapter pretty much sums it up, "Dogs Are Love: Plain and Simple". It's a heartfelt, lovely tribute to our furry friends. Be prepared, however, for both laughter and tears. Every dog in our lives teaches us something and, sadly, that includes about loss.

The focus of the book, however, is what the author learned about herself and, in a sense, human nature in general from her own experience. It details her learning curve with Emmett, with his separation anxiety, Lucas, who was basically afraid of everything, and Scooter, later renamed Cooper, who made the author and her husband failed fosters despite his housebreaking challenges. Trust me, they have a lot of company in that category of people who volunteered to care for a dog until a suitable home is found only to fall in love with the dog and adopt it themselves. Each dog, while ultimately loving, had their own personalities and quirks and it was a at times to work through their issues with them. Kudos for the author for persisting. She learned something about dogs from each encounter, not to mention herself and others. There is quite a bit of easy to digest research and science shared but it was the personal experience and growth of the author that kept me reading.

Although I took pages of notes as I read, I'm opting to simply say that this is a book all dog lovers should read. Trust me, reading this with my own now senior dog at my feet, this wasn't an easy read at times but it was a thoughtful, loving one. The pain of loss is well worth the joy of knowing and sharing their life, however brief in comparison to our own. Dogs live in the moment and don't overthink, they simply live. There's something to be said for that. 

Bottom line, well worth the time it'll take to read. It's actually an easy read but I tended to spread out my sessions with it to both savor the content and think, really think, about what my own dog means to me. Thanks to #PostHillPress for making this early copy available to me. It wasn't always a "fun" read but it was a great read with my own furry friend curled up somewhere beside me. I'm going to check out a few of the references given at the back, too, I think, as time permits. 

O, Deadly Night (Year-Round Christmas Mystery, #8), by Vicki Delany

 

Publication October 14, 2025

This one might be a caution about becoming too much of a snoopy neighbor but, well, since it's Merry's curiosity and caring that leads to the solution, I don't think we're supposed to take that literally. Grin. In any case, this is another favorite series with characters you'll like, even if they do annoy you at times. Kyle, I'm looking at you. Mabel D'Angelo, Merry's landlady, is determined to greet her new neighbors properly, all in being neighborly, of course, not snooping. And, if you believe that, I'm sure the realtor in town has some swamp land they'd like to unload on you. 

Merry is annoyed when Mrs. D'Angelo's, who was supposed to be helping with the shop's float in the annual Christmas parade, is a no show. Crazy busy as Merry is, however, she doesn't think much beyond wondering who's moved in across the street. Then a couple days later a mutual friend mentions Mrs. D'Angelo is missing and isn't answering her phone. That's very unlike her. Merry and BFF Vicky decide to check up on her. 

That's where the story really takes off. Merry's good deed winds up with her not only rescuing Mrs. D'Angelo from a frightening situation but finding a dead body. One that turns out to have ties to the quaint town of Rudolph, NY, where Christmas is celebrated all year. Merry's sister Eve, an actress home for the holiday, recalls the victim being a mean girl in high school. I won't detail the plot much further but will note it involves online scams, illegal activities, greed, a family's drama, unrequited love, well, infatuation, and, oh, yeah, a dog gets skunked. And that's just hitting the high(low?)lights. Mrs. D'Angelo plays a pivotal role here and the regulars seem to largely be on hand, including Merry's father who might as well be Santa Claus as well as just portraying him. Her mother is an opera singer. How's that for an odd couple? Vicky is, as always, there when Merry most needs an assist, even reminding Merry not to be TSTL (too stupid to live) at one critical point.  

Bottom line, this was a fun read. The characters are easy to relate to and like and, well, who wouldn't like to at least try spending some time in a town where it's Christmas every day. There's even a horse-drawn sleigh! Watching the way Merry's St. Bernard Maddy adores the police detective is a hoot, too. The side-stories show Santa, er, Merry's dad, isn't just caring when dressed as Santa, either, and even Merry sometimes wonders about his Santa connections. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks and #NetGalley for this early chance to celebrate Christmas virtually in Rudolph. We do have a North Pole here in in Alaska, so I feel a kinship with those townspeople. 

Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine (Mrs. Claus Mysteries Book 6), by Liz Ireland

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

I adore this quirky series. To be honest, while the mystery is always intriguing, I'm there as much to lose myself in the fantasy world of SantaLand as for the mystery. I mean, cranky flying reindeer feuding over Flouncy, a flirtatious female reindeer from the Vixen herd, naturally. A stuffed up, talking snowman. A police station jail cell that is more hotel room than cell. Flying sleighs, with or without reindeer power, note. I mean, the are quite up-to-date there. Cut throat candy competitions. And, oh, so many other fun, quirky bits of this North Pole that don't quite match up with the long time traditional image. Heck, Santa is even not only young but hot. Sorry, ladies, he's married. April Claus is an amateur sleuth who always seems to find herself in the middle of some wrong doing, even murder.

That's the case here. Who killed elf fireman Sterling Redwinkle just as he seemed about to pop the question to his elf girlfriend Juniper? With a poisoned rose, no less. That's just the beginning. April is on the case but also caught up in preparations for BFF Claire's upcoming wedding to private detective Jake Frost. Yes, related to Jack Frost.  Even better (well, maybe....you'll see) she's to be married at Castle Kringle, home of the extended Claus Family. Current Santa Nick is simply holding down the job while waiting for his nephew Christopher to reach adulthood but has proven a caring, wise Santa. April often wishes she had his way with words. Well, when she isn't fretting that the romance is fading this go-round. She even resorts to taking one of those generic magazine quizzes to determine if he's drifting away from her. Yes, they read those magazines in SantaLand, too, it seems. In any case, given her busy schedule, which involves lots of chocolate (a woman after my own heart) and snooping, er, looking into the murder, she barely has time to focus on anything else. She's even desperate enough investigating to descend into Hades. Nope. Not explaining that one. You'll just have to read. Honest, it isn't what you're thinking. Grin.

Bottom line,  as noted, I thoroughly enjoy this series and the various novellas that pop up periodically. The characters, many of which are elves or.....nah, not telling, are quirky and have personalities all their own. the Dowager Mrs. Claus is a force in her own right and harbors no nonsense but, well, we get to see another side of her here, too. Claire has a surprise for April, too, not to mention Jake. Yikes, is the wedding off? Murder does have a way of dousing one's enthusiasm. In any case, if you're looking for a fun mystery with quirky characters, even if it involves talking reindeer and snowmen, this one is for you. Heck, I normally don't read stuff in the fantasy realm, either, but this one has me hooked. Thanks #KensigntonPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me to time travel and have this early peek at how SantaLand celebrates Valentine's Day. I'm already waiting impatiently for the next chance to drop in on April Claus and the whole crew. Hope she doesn't eat all the chocolate before I get there.