Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #596: Dead Beat by Leigh Bardugo

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

This week I'm waiting on Dead Beat by Leigh Bardugo. It's the third book in the Alex Stern/Ninth House trilogy.

From the publisher: The highly anticipated, explosive conclusion to the Ninth House trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo.

Hell is empty and all the devils are here…

Alex Stern made it to hell and back more than once, but this time she left the door open behind her. Demons are creeping through the streets of New Haven and the Yale campus, feeding on the souls of the living, terrifying the dead. Alex and her allies can hunt them, but it’s only a matter of time before the gates to the underworld open and they face a war they cannot win. To stop it, they’ll have to reach deep into the secrets of Yale and its societies, and discover the truth hidden in Alex’s own blood.

While she struggles to hold onto the dream of a future Yale once offered, Alex must contend with the machinations of a corrupt Lethe Board and a deadly vampire with his own connection to the societies. But for the first time in her life, she won’t have to face the fight alone. Dawes, Turner, Mercy, and even Tripp will have a role to play, none more so than Alex’s mentor Darlington, the golden boy who lived so long in her head, now back in the flesh and cursed with dangerous powers of his own. Hell itself is stalking the delegates of Lethe House, and they’re all about to learn that demons don’t play by human rules.

Dead Beat by Leigh Bardugo is expected out September 9, 2026 from Flatiron Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? I've read the first two books in the trilogy. I'd like to find out what happens to these college kids. I would love to see them come out of it relatively unscathed. But, being Dark Academia, Urban Fantasy, and Contemporary Dark Fantasy, it's hard to predict just what will happen.

What book are you waiting on? Leave a note in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our ever growing TBR lists. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts by Kim Fu

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read. 2: Open to a random page. 3: Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Share the title and author so that other people can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser!

She felt certain she wouldn't get the house. She'd been gone for only a couple of hours, not long enough to have made such a momentous decision, the largest purchase of her life. It was like coming home married from a first date. 

(7% through on my Kindle)

The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts by Kim Fu was published March 3, 2026 by Tin House.

Audiobook Review: Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano

 From the publisher:

Life hasn’t been easy for Finlay Donovan lately, but it just got a whole lot harder. Her nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, has been extradited from Virginia to Maryland, where she’s facing criminal charges for a theft she swears she didn’t commit. A prisoner to an ankle bracelet as she awaits her trial, Vero is forced to live with her overbearing mother and nosy aunt. Threatening messages keep arriving on her mother’s door, demanding Vero “turn over the money . . . or else.” And if she doesn’t figure out who really stole her former sorority’s treasury funds, her next home might be a prison cell.

But proving her innocence might be an impossible feat. Vero was the treasurer of her sorority when the money went missing—one of the only people who had access to the cash. And her alibi is a date who ghosted her. With her court date quickly approaching, and her mysterious stalker on her tail, Vero needs to clear her name fast.

Finlay decides a trip to Maryland is in order. After all, Vero stood by her through her darkest moments, and Finlay will be damned if she lets her best friend and children’s nanny be convicted for something she didn’t do. She sets off on a mission to suss out the real thief and bring Vero home.

Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano was released March 17, 2026 from Macmillan.

My Thoughts: 

Elle Cosimano brings us to a point to find out what happened to Vero that she got arrested and shipped to Maryland from Virginia. If you've been reading the series, then you know why already. But, it is brought up early in the book, so that part of the plot is easy enough to follow.

As usual, Vero and Finlay get up to shenanigans trying to solve the mystery and keep Vero out of jail. Meanwhile back at the ranch, Nick is babysitting the kids. No doubt this will lead to shenanigans as well. Taking care of young kids pretty much guarantees that.

I was listening to the 12 chapter sampler. It's well done. The narrator is clear and enjoyable to listen to. Now, I am going to get a copy of the book ASAP to find out what happens next.

I gave this book 5/5 stars. You really should read the books in order to see the relationships and attitudes toward each other develop. Vero has helped Finlay out many times. This time, it's Finlay to the rescue. If you enjoy your mysteries with a helping of humor, then you will enjoy this series.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Book Review: You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews

 

From the publisher:

Dark domestic suspense meets haunted house horror in this unnerving adult debut guaranteed to keep you awake for days afterward, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn

The walls are closing in on her perfect new life.

Single mother Elodie’s life has become a fairy tale. She’s met Bren, equal parts Golden-retriever-devoted and sinfully handsome. He’s whisked her and her autistic son, Jude, to the crumbling family house he’s renovating. She has a new husband, a new house, and a new baby on the way. Everything is perfect.

Until Jude claims he can hear voices in the walls. He says their renovations are “hurting” the house. Even Elodie can’t ignore it―something strange is going on.

The question is, Is it with the house, or with her son?

And what is Elodie hiding?

You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews was released March 17, 2026 from St. Martin's Press.

My Thoughts:

I gave this book 4/5 stars. It is gothic horror coupled with domestic suspense at its best. 

We see what's going on in the house through Elodie's eyes. And Elodie is an unreliable narrator. The reader begins to wonder how much of the haunting is paranormal and how much of the terror in the house is from the people who live there. At first I liked Elodie. But as the book goes on, it becomes clear that something is not quite right with her. And Jude swears that the house doesn't like what they are doing to it to remodel it. Eventually Elodie asks him a loaded question: Who is hurting you? The answer is kind of played down some, I think mainly because Elodie doesn't want to believe it, but it is integral to the plot. 

The plot moves along at a good pace. There are a few flashbacks that slow it down a little, but bring us more information about the characters of Elodie and Bren. As the plot draws closer to the end, it moves at breakneck speed. The twists there really surprised me. And it is a plot and book that will stay with you after you've shut the book.

If you enjoy domestic suspense and gothic tales, then you will most likely enjoy this book. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Book Review: I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig

 

From the publisher:

After a decades-long stint in prison, former serial killer Carol is looking to kick back and relax in her new retirement home...until a fellow resident drops dead and Carol has to prove she actually didn't do it this time....

Carol is delighted to be leaving her tiny prison cell behind to take her place in a luxury retirement home. She's hoping her past as a serial killer won't come to light so she can make a few friends and find some murder-free hobbies. But it's not long before a fellow resident—who happens to be a former police commissioner—drops dead, and Carol's true identity is leaked—making catching up over daily activities of bingo and baking rather awkward.

Just her luck, Carol soon realizes that the victim wasn't the only former law enforcement officer at Sheldon Oaks—it's filled to the brim with former cops, barristers, and government representatives, her newfound friends included. And everyone thinks Carol's guilt is a no-brainer, but she is ready to prove them dead wrong...without killing anyone, for once.

I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig was released February 17, 2026 from Berkley.

My Thoughts: I thought the whole premise was interesting from a retirement home filled with law enforcement and government officials to a main character who was formerly a serial killer.

Carol, the retired serial killer, has to prove her innocence if she has any hope of staying out of jail and staying in her nice new digs. She uses her history and personal experience as a killer to suss out who it might be. Her new friends help her reluctantly. Simply put, they are wary of her, but want to solve the mystery. With their backgrounds as a cop, forensic pathologist, and barrister/government official, the group is well equipped with Carol to solve the mysteries surrounding the death she witnesses from her balcony. I especially like that while the characters are older, none of them fit the doddering old pensioner stereotype, but are instead forces to be reckoned with.

The plot moved along at a good pace and maintained my interest. My only complaint was that there was evidence the reader is not privy to as they try and solve along with the group. There were many suspects, but in the end it was down to one. 

I enjoyed the mystery and the characters and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. If you have enjoyed mysteries like The Thursday Murder Club mysteries and Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, then you will most likely enjoy this one as well.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #595: For Better or Murder by Simon R. Green

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

This week I'm waiting on For Better or Murder by Simon R. Green.

From the publisher: It’s wedding season with a spooky twist! The Holy Terrors are trying to tie the knot while solving a ghostly murder in the latest witty, creeptastic paranormal mystery from New York Times bestselling British fantasy author Simon R. Green.

There are those who say seagulls cry over the sins of mankind. And that if we could only get our act together, they could stop crying . . .

Holy Terrors dream team – actress Diana Hunt and her partner in crime (solving) young bishop Alistair Kincaid – are getting married! The plan is to hold a small ceremony with just some family and friends at a charming and secluded hotel in Cornwall. But in true Holy Terrors fashion, the Pale Rider hotel carries the legend of a killer ghost rider and his skeleton horse, which sets the perfect tone for a cheerful occasion!

Trying to make the best out of the stormy weekend and seemingly haunted place, spirits fall even lower when one of the guests is found murdered in the hallway. Did the legendary pale rider strike again or is there something more sinister going on – and will Diana and Alistair finally have the chance to say yes?

The ‘hugely entertaining’ (Booklist) Holy Terrors Mysteries are perfect for fans of Simon R. Green’s urban fantasy novels, authors Jim Butcher, Terry Pratchett and Ben Aaronovitch, as well as those who enjoy American Horror Story, The X-Files and murder mysteries with a supernatural twist.

For Better or Murder by Simon R. Green is expected out May 5, 2026 from Severn House.

Why am I waiting on this book? The series appeals to me. I have it on my TBR list. I'm curious about the comparison to Jim Butcher, Terry Pratchett, and Ben Aaronovitch. I've read Jim Butcher and Terry Pratchett. This does sound like an urban fantasy, which I also enjoy. And I've enjoyed the X-Files, and other mysteries with a supernatural twist. I want to know if the Pale Rider is really supernatural and what does he want anyway?

What book are you waiting on? Leave a note in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our ever growing TBR lists. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Reading!

Happy Book Birthday to You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews and Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano

 

Through Raspberry Colored Glasses wishes a Happy Book Birthday to You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews and Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano. These are two very different books being born today but both are good reads in their own ways. CG Drews' book leans toward gothic suspense while Elle Cosimano's book is a humorous mystery.

From the publisher:

Dark domestic suspense meets haunted house horror in this unnerving adult debut guaranteed to keep you awake for days afterward, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn

The walls are closing in on her perfect new life.

Single mother Elodie’s life has become a fairy tale. She’s met Bren, equal parts Golden-retriever-devoted and sinfully handsome. He’s whisked her and her autistic son, Jude, to the crumbling family house he’s renovating. She has a new husband, a new house, and a new baby on the way. Everything is perfect.

Until Jude claims he can hear voices in the walls. He says their renovations are “hurting” the house. Even Elodie can’t ignore it―something strange is going on.

The question is, Is it with the house, or with her son?

And what is Elodie hiding?

From the publisher:

Life hasn’t been easy for Finlay Donovan lately, but it just got a whole lot harder. Her nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, has been extradited from Virginia to Maryland, where she’s facing criminal charges for a theft she swears she didn’t commit. A prisoner to an ankle bracelet as she awaits her trial, Vero is forced to live with her overbearing mother and nosy aunt. Threatening messages keep arriving on her mother’s door, demanding Vero “turn over the money . . . or else.” And if she doesn’t figure out who really stole her former sorority’s treasury funds, her next home might be a prison cell.

But proving her innocence might be an impossible feat. Vero was the treasurer of her sorority when the money went missing—one of the only people who had access to the cash. And her alibi is a date who ghosted her. With her court date quickly approaching, and her mysterious stalker on her tail, Vero needs to clear her name fast.

Finlay decides a trip to Maryland is in order. After all, Vero stood by her through her darkest moments, and Finlay will be damned if she lets her best friend and children’s nanny be convicted for something she didn’t do. She sets off on a mission to suss out the real thief and bring Vero home.

I've read You Did Nothing Wrong and it's good. Review to come this week of this book that manages to be both a gothic horror story and a suspense title. This book was released today from St. Martin's Press.

And I listened to a 12 chapter sample of the audiobook for Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line. The audiobook version was released today by Macmillan Audio. I love the characters, especially Finlay and Vero. It's a good humorous cozy. So far it's not quite as wild as other titles in the series, but that's ok. I have to get the rest of the book now. I want to find out who is trying to frame Vero. And how do they get her out of hot water?

Hope you have a great Tuesday!