Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #528: Greenteeth by Molly O'Neill

 

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. 

From the publisher: 

From an outstanding new voice in cozy fantasy comes Greenteeth, "a joyful, warm-hearted" (H. G. Parry) tale of fae, folklore, and found family, narrated by a charismatic lake-dwelling monster with a voice unlike any other, perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher.

Beneath the still surface of a lake lurks a monster with needle sharp teeth. Hungry and ready to pounce.

Jenny Greenteeth has never spoken to a human before, but when a witch is thrown into her lake, something makes Jenny decide she's worth saving. Temperance doesn't know why her village has suddenly turned against her, only that it has something to do with the malevolent new pastor.

Though they have nothing in common, these two must band together on a magical quest to defeat the evil that threatens Jenny's lake and Temperance's family, as well as the very soul of Britain.

★"[Greenteeth] is full of magic that is rich, mysterious, and exciting, and Jenny Greenteeth is a morally grey, delightfully monstrous protagonist that fantasy readers are bound to fall in love with." – Booklist (Starred Review) 

Greenteeth by Molly O'Neill is expected out February 25th, 2025 from Orbit Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? It sounds like a unique plotline. I like that it is described as cozy fantasy with a found family vibe. I want to know what makes Jenny Greenteeth decide that Temperance is worth saving. And I want to read about how they save the lake and Temperance's family. The "malevolent new pastor" is making me think of Cotton Mather in Salem.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to out TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Happy Book Birthday to A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke

 

From the publisher:

Death is only the beginning in Olivia Blacke's A New Lease on Death, a darkly funny supernatural mystery that introduces an unlikely crime-solving duo.

Ruby Young's new Boston apartment comes with all the usual perks. Windows facing the brick wall of the next-door building. Heat that barely works. A malfunctioning buzzer. Noisy neighbors. A dead body on the sidewalk outside. And of course, a ghost.

Since Cordelia Graves died in her apartment a few months ago, she's kept up her residency, despite being bored out of her (non-tangible) skull and frustrated by her new roommate. When her across-the-hall neighbor, Jake Macintyre, is shot and killed in an apparent mugging gone wrong outside their building, Cordelia is convinced there’s more to it and is determined to bring his killer to justice.

Unfortunately, Cordelia, being dead herself, can't solve the mystery alone. She has to enlist the help of the obnoxiously perky, living tenant of her apartment. Ruby is twenty, annoying, and has never met a houseplant she couldn't kill. But she also can do everything Cordelia can't, from interviewing suspects to researching Jake on the library computers that go up in a puff of smoke if Cordelia gets too close. As the roommates form an unlikely friendship and get closer to the truth about Jake's death, they also start to uncover other dangerous secrets.

A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke is out today from Minotaur Books.

I've started reading it. So far I am finding it interesting as to what the ghosts may do and how belief affects what happens to them. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book. Review to come.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #527: Stone Certainty 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. 

From the publisher: Dare you enter the stone circle . . .? The world's most unlikely ghost-busting duo - actress Diana and handsome young bishop Alistair - are back in this spine-tingling paranormal mystery from New York Times bestselling British fantasy author

There are stories about the dilapidated stone circle at Chipping Amesbury, going back centuries. Of people going missing, never to be seen again. Of people found dead inside the circle. Of monsters, and of demons. The villagers may tell the tales with relish to visiting tourists, but a careful observer will notice that there is no transport to the stones, no tours on offer, and the locals stay well away.

Alistair Kincaid, the youngest ever bishop of All Souls Hollow, is an expert in Britain's ancient stone circles. That's why, when landowner Sir Neville Chumley announces his plans to restore the circle to its ancient glory, he agrees to take part in a documentary about the project.

Well - that, plus talented actress Diana Hunt is on board. Ever since their last encounter, when the pair of them hunted ghosts and solved a murder, the tabloids have dubbed them the Holy Terrors, and Alistair can't wait to see her again.

But soon after filming begins, Alistair and Diana are plunged into a terrifying mystery. For the repositioning of the final stone unleashes a series of blood-chilling events that threaten to make them both believe in demons - if, that is, they make it out of the stone circle alive.

The Holy Terrors novels are funny, scary and thoroughly entertaining - perfect for fans of Simon R. Green's urban fantasy novels, as well as those who enjoy American Horror Story, The Haunting of Hill House, horror novels, and murder mysteries with a supernatural twist.

Stone Certainty by Simon R. Green is expected out February 4, 2025 from Severn House.

Why am I waiting on this? I'm thinking it can probably be read as a standalone. And the idea that it could be funny as well as scary is appealing to me.I like a dose of humor with my horror.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to out TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #526: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

 

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. 

From the publisher:

Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there's not a body in her backyard.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms. After all, they’ve dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.

When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets . . . before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is expected out March 4, 2025 from Minotaur.

Why am I waiting on this book? I have really enjoyed this series since the first book, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. This book will be the fifth book in the series. Finlay and Vero get into such trouble that at times their predicaments rival those of Lucy and Ethel. Each book seems a little more outrageous than the last, but in a good way. There's a mystery. But, there is also humor. And I love a good humorous mystery. 

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to out TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Happy Book Birthday to If I stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens and The Busybodies Collection

 

Through Raspberry Colored Glasses wishes a Happy Book Birthday to If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens and to The Busybodies Collection. 

From the publisher: 

An enemies to lovers romance with a spooky twist where two feuding writers end up on a writers retreat together at a haunted castle in Scotland

It's been months since horror author Penelope Skinner threw a book at Neil Storm. But he was so infuriating, with his sparkling green eyes and his bestselling horror novels that claimed to break Native stereotypes. And now she’s a publishing pariah and hasn’t been able to write a word since. So when her friend invites her on a too-good-to-be-true writers retreat in a supposedly haunted Scottish castle, she seizes the opportunity. Of course, some things really are too good to be true.

Neil wants nothing less than to be trapped in a castle with the frustratingly adorable woman who threw a book at him. She drew blood! Worse still, she unleashed a serious case of self-doubt! Neil is terrified to write another bestselling “book without a soul,” as Pen called it. All Neil wants is to find inspiration, while completely avoiding her.

But as the retreat begins, Pen and Neil are stunned to find themselves trapped in a real-life ghost story. Even more horrifying, they’re stuck together and a truly shocking (extremely hot) almost-kiss has left them rethinking their feelings, and… maybe they shouldn’t have been enemies at all? But if they can’t stop the ghosts pursuing them, they may never have the chance to find out.

Full of spooky chills and even more sexy thrills, If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens is the funny, fast-paced romp romance readers have been waiting for!

If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens is being released today by St. Martin's Griffin.

I've just recently started this book. I don't read much romance. I am finding this one appealing so far and looking forward to getting into the paranormal aspects and seeing how that affects the main characters. Review to come.

From the publisher:

Every nosy neighbor, gossipy friend, and meddling relative is just one good mystery away from becoming a detective. From behind locked doors or out in broad daylight, driven by chance or curiosity, amateur sleuths get in over their heads in these six hair-raising, hilarious stories.

Busybodies is being released today as a collection of six stories from Amazon Original Stories.

I've read books previously by 2 of the authors - Elle Cosimano and Jesse Q. Sutanto. Both of them write top notch humorous mysteries. I am looking forward to reading the selections by the other authors as well. I am thinking I might find some new favorites. Review to come.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #525: Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto

 

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. 

From the publisher: Vera Wong is back and as meddling as ever in this follow-up to the hit Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.…

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.

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto is expected out April 1st, 2025 from Berkley.

Why am I waiting on this book? I read the first Vera Wong book and loved it. What Vera thinks is the logical and good thing to do often results in a little bit of chaos. In the first book, she manages to solve the mystery with a dose of humor. I expect this one will be the same in that aspect even though the mystery itself is quite different. I love a good mystery with humor and I look forward to reading this one because of that.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to out TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Sullivan's Island Supper Club by Susan M. Boyer

 

From the publisher:

From the bestselling author of the award-winning novel Big Trouble on Sullivan’s Island comes a captivating new tale that explores the deep ties of friendship, family, and community—and the hidden cracks that can fracture even our strongest connections.

Welcome to Sullivan’s Island, an idyllic beachside town just outside Charleston, South Carolina. This serene, unspoiled sanctuary offers tourists a picturesque taste of the lush Lowcountry while the locals enjoy a laid-back, small-town lifestyle. Amidst an eclectic mix of newcomers and natives, lifelong resident and social maven Tallulah Wentworth’s legendary monthly dinners have united an unlikely group of women into the very best of friends.

To outsiders, this sunny, seaside haven is nothing short of paradise, but the residents of this beachside hamlet know that it harbors its share of troubles. Everyone has an opinion about the most hotly contested local issue—how to manage the maritime forest that’s sprung up on accreted land—and civility is quickly running out at both town council meetings and in online forums.

When a neighborhood meet-and-greet devolves into violence, several pillars of the community are led away in handcuffs. By the next morning, a very real, very dead body is the newest addition to Sarabeth Boone’s spooky Halloween graveyard display. But who could possibly be responsible for such a heinous act?

Did someone finally snap over the mounting tension between conservationists and cutters? Or was this a premeditated act perpetrated by an opportunistic killer masquerading as a trustworthy friend and neighbor?

The Sullivan’s Island Supper Club weaves a tale of mystery, friendship, and love—new love, old love, and second-chance love. Discover the lengths these women will go to protect each other and uncover the truth, even when it shatters the delicate balance of their seemingly perfect lives.

With her uniquely Southern voice, Susan M. Boyer delivers a fast-paced follow-up to the reader-favorite Big Trouble on Sullivan’s Island. Perfect for fans of strong Southern women, twisting tales, and the breathtaking Carolina coast, this charming whodunnit mystery marries scandal and sisterhood for the ultimate reading treat.

The Sullivan''s Island Supper Club was released September 17th, 2024 from Stella Maris Books.

My thoughts:

This is an interesting book. We're made aware of the murder up front, but not who the victim is. The bulk of the book after that is a big flashback of events leading up to the discovery of the body. 

The chapters are told from different characters points of view. We get to know pretty much all of the guests at the Sullivan's Island Supper club as well as why it was formed. I was a little confused at first, but each chapter is clearly marked as to when the events in it took place as well as whose eyes they are being seen through. And the  female characters are all strong women. I think my favorite though is Sarabeth Boone who was hosting a party with her husband Tucker the night before the body was found in her front yard.

It is a mystery, but it seems to me that it is told more as a story about the women and the community they inhabit. After the initial discovery of the body, we are left guessing as to who the victim and the killer might be as we get to know the group. I was able to guess who the victim was, but I was a little surprised at who the killer was.

Overall I give this book 5 stars out of 5 stars. It's well written. And the way the mystery is handled is different from any mystery book I've read lately. The characters are interesting. There is one scene with an attempted suicide, so be aware if this is a trigger for you. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, then you will like this one. And if you are a reader who likes to read about strong southern women, then this would be a good book for you. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This did not affect my opinion. My review is freely given and all my own ideas.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #524: Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn

 

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. 

From the publisher: Four women assassins, senior in status—and in age—sharpen their knives for another bloody good adventure in this riotous follow-up to the New York Times bestselling sensation Killers of a Certain Age.

After more than a year of laying low, Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie are called back into action. They have enjoyed their time off, but the lack of excitement is starting to chafe: a professional killer can only take so many watercolor classes and yoga sessions without itching to strangle someone...literally. When they receive a call from the head of the elite assassin organization known as the Museum, they are ready tackle the greatest challenge of their careers.

Someone on the inside has compiled a list of important kills committed by Museum agents, connected to a single, shadowy figure, an Eastern European gangster with an iron fist, some serious criminal ambition, and a tendency to kill first and ask questions later.  This new nemesis is murdering agents who got in the way of their power hungry plans and the aging quartet of killers is next.

Together the foursome embark on a wild ride across the globe on the double mission of rooting out the Museum’s mole and hunting down the gangster who seems to know their next move before they make it. Their enemy is unlike any they’ve faced before, and it will take all their killer experience to get out of this mission alive.

Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn is expected out March 11, 2025 from Berkley.

Why am I waiting on this book? I love the idea of senior citizen assassins. I really enjoyed how she used the concept in the first book, Killers of a Certain Age. This one seems to be more complex plotwise. with them both searching for the mole and looking for a person with murder on their minds. 

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to out TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!