Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon

In her now classic novel Outlander, Diana Gabaldon told the story of Claire Randall, an English ex-combat nurse who walks through a stone circle in the Scottish Highlands in 1946, and disappears . . . into 1743.

1778: France declares war on Great Britain, the British army leaves Philadelphia, and George Washington s troops leave Valley Forge in pursuit. At this moment, Jamie Fraser returns from a presumed watery grave to discover that his best friend has married his wife, his illegitimate son has discovered (to his horror) who his father really is, and his beloved nephew, Ian, wants to marry a Quaker. 

Meanwhile, Jamie s wife, Claire, and his sister, Jenny, are busy picking up the pieces.

The Frasers can only be thankful that their daughter Brianna and her family are safe in twentieth-century Scotland. Or not. In fact, Brianna is searching for her own son, who was kidnapped by a man determined to learn her family s secrets. Her husband, Roger, has ventured into the past in search of the missing boy . . . never suspecting that the object of his quest has not left the present. Now, with Roger out of the way, the kidnapper can focus on his true target: Brianna herself.

Hardcover, 825 pages

Audiobook, 45 hours

Published June 10, 2014

 by Delacorte Press

4/5 stars

My slow journey through the Outlander series continues with Written in My Own Heart's Blood, book eight in this epic historical saga. And yes you really should read this series in order. After the way the previous book ended with a couple of pretty big cliffhangers I was definitely curious to see where things were headed next.

Without giving too much of the plot away (even though the blurb above does), this installment continues to follow Jamie, Claire, Bri and Roger and the many characters whose lives are tied to theirs during the chaos of the War of Independence.

By this point in the series some of these characters really do feel like old friends that I've come to care about. I’ll admit a couple of the previous books weren’t favourites of mine as they felt a bit drawn out, but this one held my attention more with a bit more action and movement in the plot. There were new layers added as the story involves the 2 different timelines and some new characters to keep track of. Most of my time was spent with the audiobook, the narrator is awesome.

Though I’m not a huge fan of the storyline involving Lord John Grey and his 'son', I do understand why it’s there since he plays such an important role in Jamie’s life.

And yes… this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger...of course it does. I’m looking forward to reading the final published book, and then I can join everyone else waiting a year… or two… or five for the next one.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge with the audiobook purchased from Audible.

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

A couple's fifteen-year marriage has finally gotten too interesting...

Our love story is simple. I met a gorgeous woman. We fell in love. We had kids. We moved to the suburbs. We told each other our biggest dreams, and our darkest secrets. And then we got bored.

We look like a normal couple. We're your neighbors, the parents of your kid's friend, the acquaintances you keep meaning to get dinner with.

We all have secrets to keeping a marriage alive.

Ours just happens to be getting away with murder.

Hardcover, 390 pages

Published March 26, 2019

 by Berkley Books

4.5/5 stars

Samantha Downing is an auto-read author for me, and somehow I managed to save her debut for last. After finishing My Lovely Wife I can officially say I’m current on all her books and it’s been such a ride seeing where she started. This one proves she came out of the gate strong.

At its core, this is a twisted domestic thriller about a seemingly ordinary suburban couple trying to keep their marriage…interesting. Told from the husband’s perspective, we follow Millicent and her husband as they balance family life with something far more sinister. The tension builds in that slow, deliberate way Downing does so well. You know something is off from the very beginning, but watching the layers peel back is what makes it so compelling.

The husband’s voice is unsettling in a calm, almost rational way, which makes everything that unfolds feel even more disturbing. Downing layered in red herrings and kept me questioning what I thought I knew. The characters are unreliable, the storyline is dark and twisty and the writing addicting. The chapters aren't long, perfect for just another one. Before I knew it I was done.

Can't wait to see what Samantha Downing comes up with next.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge #6

A Ghastly Catastrophe by Deanna Raybourn

Veronica and Stoker are practically dying for a new adventure but when their wish is granted, they find themselves up against a secret society and a darkly seductive duo.

When the corpse of an entitled young man is found entirely drained of blood in a carriage next to Highgate Cemetery, Veronica’s interest is piqued. And then a second victim is found, his death made to look like a suicide, and Veronica and her intrepid beau, Stoker, know the hunt is on. The two men share one link: they were both members of a society so secretive that only a singular mention of it can be found anywhere.

Thirsty for more clues, Veronica and Stoker hear that a young Roma boy may know more about their first victim, but the only way to the boy is through an old acquaintance of Stoker’s, Lady Julia Brisbane. Lady Julia and her dashing husband, Nicholas, occasionally track down murderers and are only too happy to help. But as it becomes clear the secret society is a dangerous sect looking to entice immortality seekers, Veronica and Stoker find themselves ensnared by a decidedly more sinister couple.

The professed leader of the society claims to be a creature of the night; his partner practices witchcraft and they both fancy themselves emissaries of the otherworldly. Just as Veronica and Stoker get closer to learning the true purpose of the society and unraveling this macabre mystery, another body turns up, and they quickly discover they’ve gone from being the hunters to the hunted. . . .

Kindle Edition, 330 pages

Published March 3, 2026 

by Berkley

3.5/5 stars

Deanna Raybourn is back with another installment into the adventures of Veronica Speedwell and Revelstoke Templeton-Vane (aka Stoker), it felt a bit like catching up with old friends. A Ghastly Catastrophe marks the 10th installment in this series, Veronica and Stoker remain one of my all-time favorite fictional couples. 

This time around, Veronica and Stoker are drawn into a particularly strange case that begins with a suspicious death near Highgate Cemetery. As they begin digging for answers, the trail leads them toward a secretive society with some very unusual beliefs. The deeper they look, the clearer it becomes that this mystery is far more complicated and of course dangerous than it first appeared.  

  

It had a unique plot,  a tad slow on the uptake but once the action started it was a captivating read.  The appearance of Lady Julia Brisbane and her husband Nicholas, characters longtime Raybourn readers will recognize, was a great addition. Their involvement added an extra layer of fun to the story and created some entertaining dynamics as the two investigative couples cross paths. Would be great to see them again.

Even ten books into the series, Raybourn still manages to keep Veronica and Stoker’s adventures feeling fresh. The mystery leans toward the macabre and occasionally borders on the theatrical, but Veronica’s sharp narration, Stoker’s steadfast presence and their clever banter continue to keep me entertained...and guessing.

My thanks to Berkley for a digital ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Spotlight: The Sisters of Book Row by Shelley Noble

The Sisters of Book Row

by Shelley Noble

 

A thrilling and timely historical novel of books, banning, and the women who helped save New York’s famed Book Row, from bestselling author Shelley Noble.

1915: Manhattan’s Book Row, an eclectic jumble of forty bookshops along Fourth Avenue, is the mecca for rare book buyers from around the world, and the haunt of locals looking for a bargain. It is also the target of the most vicious censor in American history—Anthony Comstock.

And home to three sisters who vow to stop him.

For the three Applebaum sisters, the narrow, four-storied Arcadia Rare Bookshop is the only home they’ve ever known. Olivia, the oldest, is an expert in restoring rare manuscripts. Daphne, the outgoing middle sister, oversees the retail shop and is a favorite with their customers. Celia, the youngest, is left to dust and catalogue, but often sneaks out to do heaven knows what. Little do her sisters know, Celia has joined a group of young people who secretly print and distribute articles on women’s health by hiding them within the pages of ordinary cookbooks, household hints, and sewing patterns, despite the personal risk.

Meanwhile, the Comstock Laws threaten anybody who owns or circulates “obscene, lewd, or lascivious” publications. Even classic literature or fine art could send a person to jail. In the face of such oppression, Celia and the booksellers of Book Row band together. But secrets and a mysterious stranger mean the fate of the famed Book Row is anything but secure.

Paperback, 384 pages 

Publication March 3, 2026 

by William Morrow Paperbacks

Dead in the Water by John Marrs

A chilling tale about life flashing before your eyes—including terrifying scenes you don’t remember.

When Damon survives a near-drowning, his life flashes before his eyes. Every memory is crystal clear—except one. A dead boy. A face he can’t place. A moment he doesn’t remember living. At first he tells himself it’s a trick of the mind. But everything else he saw was real. So why not this?

With his waking life stalked by the disturbing scene, confusion quickly turns to obsession. Desperate for answers, Damon digs into his fractured past, and becomes convinced that the only way to remember…is to die again. And again. And again. When he meets a perfect stranger who’s all too willing to help, the stage is set for his dice with death.

But if this is what it takes to uncover the truth, maybe some memories are better left buried…

Kindle Edition, 388 pages

Published January 20, 2026 

by Thomas & Mercer

3.5/5 stars

Dead in the Water was my first time reading this author and I have to say the premise immediately pulled me in. Surviving a near-drowning only to realize one memory is missing, and that it involves a dead boy,  was a chilling and clever setup.

I really enjoyed the psychological depth,  watching Damon spiral into obsession, convinced the only way to unlock the truth is to repeatedly bring himself to the brink of death again and again. It made for a dark and unsettling read. It had me reading Just One More Chapter (pun intended) because I needed to know what he wasn’t remembering and why.

There were some clever twists woven throughout, I appreciated how the story slowly unraveled rather than rushing. Though at times the repetition of Damon’s choices felt slightly drawn out, but the overall concept felt fresh and bold. It was twisty and there were moments I had to pause and remember who was who again. But as my first introduction to Marrs it was a solid read.  Dark, twisty and thought-provoking,  I’m sure curious enough to pick up another one of his books.

My thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

From Sally Hepworth, comes a twist-filled, darkly funny mystery about the two kinds of people no one ever expects to be little girls and old ladies.

Meet Mad Mabel.

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She's lived on her idyllic street, Kenny Lane, for sixty years--longer than anyone else. Aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else's business, few would suspect that Elsie has a past that she has worked exceedingly hard at concealing. Because when it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies. And Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a strange history of people in her life coming to a foul end.

When a new little girl (talkative, curious, nosy) moves into the neighborhood and stops at nothing to befriend Elsie, her carefully-constructed life threatens to come crashing down as the secrets in Elsie's past start coming to light. Who was "Mad Mabel" fifty years ago? Who is Elsie Fitzpatrick today? And if the past has a habit of repeating itself, who has the most to lose?

Told with Sally Hepworth's twists, humor, charm, and heart, MAD MABEL is novel that weaves past and present together--through the power of justice and redemption, and all the way to its stunning conclusion.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Expected publication April 21, 2026

 by St. Martin's Press

4.5/5 stars

Mad Mabel by Australian author Sally Hepworth takes place in one of my favorite settings...Australian.  Yup its on my bucket list. 

Told in two timelines, one that follows Mabel in her senior years and the other taking me back to her teenage life.  I really enjoyed how those perspectives slowly came together.

In the present day, Mabel carries the nickname 'Mad Mabel,'  at first I was not entirely sure what to believe about her. Is she unreliable? Misunderstood? Or is there more going on beneath the surface? I loved how the story gradually peeled back those layers instead of giving me easy answers.

The past timeline shows the early death of Mabel’s mother and how deeply that loss shaped her. You can feel how her grief turned into anger, loneliness and that desperate need for connection and friendship. Watching those formative years unfold gave so much context to the woman she becomes later in life. It added emotional weight to the twists because they didn’t feel shocking just for the sake of it, they felt earned.

Mad Mabel is a layered story of grief, secrets and how easily a woman can be labeled without full disclosure. There were definitely some well-placed twists that made me rethink what I thought I understood and I appreciated how the dual timelines connected in a way that felt satisfying rather than rushed.  I found myself fully invested in Mabel’s journey from beginning to end.

This was a hybrid read for me, I highly recommend both the reading part and audiobook.

My thanks to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's press for advanced copies in exchange for a honest review.

The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer

A crumbling mansion, a forgotten book, and a mystery that could destroy them all . . .

Beneath the decaying grandeur of Wurimbirra, a family estate on the east coast of Australia, dark secrets lie buried. Fiona Winslow returns to restore the mansion she once called home, but what she uncovers is more than just decay - it is a mystery locked away for generations.

A forgotten book, The Midnight Estate, leads her into a story of love, loss, and betrayal mirroring her own. And as the lines between fiction and reality blur, Fiona must confront a chilling Is the true mystery hidden in the walls of her ancestral home, or within the pages of a book that seems to have chosen her?

A Gothic tale told across three timelines, The Midnight Estate is a haunting mystery entwining a family's darkest secrets and a captivating book-within-a-book puzzle.

Kindle Edition, 416 pages

Expected publication July 21, 2026

 by MIRA

4.5/5 stars

Published in Australia as The Story Keeper and releasing in North America as The Midnight Estate, Kelly Rimmer’s latest completely drew me in.

Fiona returns home to Australia after a betrayal leaves her scarred, homeless, and without a job. But her homecoming is far from welcoming. When she becomes connected to a long-neglected estate, unexpected happenings begin to unfold, creating that layer of mystery, unease and intrigue.

The Story Keeper has that feel of a dual time-period story, even though one of the perspectives is revealed through a manuscript written by an unknown author. I loved the novel-within-a-novel structure, I found myself just as invested in the story on the page as in Fiona’s present-day journey. As the layers slowly peel back, the secrets emerge and the emotional weight builds. 

I've always loved a good Australian setting, it's a place on my bucket list and books like this have me itching to visit. I was also fortunate to receive both the digital and audiobook ARCs,  I especially loved the audio experience, the narrator’s accent made the story feel even more immersive.

The Story Keeper is a layered, atmospheric and compelling story about betrayal, identity and the power of uncovering the past. It ticked all the boxes and had me reading just one more chapter.

My thanks to Mira and Harlequin Audio for advanced copies in exchange for a honest review.

The Fourth Princess by Janie Chang

From the internationally bestselling author of The Porcelain Moon comes a haunting Gothic novel set in 1911 China. Two young women living in a crumbling, once-grand Shanghai mansion face danger as secrets of their pasts come to light, even as the mansion’s own secret threatens the present.

Shanghai, 1911. Lisan Liu is elated when she is hired as secretary to wealthy American Caroline Stanton, the new mistress of Lennox Manor on the outskirts of Shanghai’s International Settlement. However, the Manor has a dark past due to a previous owner’s suicide, and soon Lisan’s childhood nightmares resurface with more intensity and meld with haunted visions of a woman in red. Adding to her unease is the young gardener, Yao, who both entices and disturbs her.

Newly married Caroline looks forward to life in China with her husband, Thomas, away from the shadows of another earlier tragedy. But an unwelcome guest, Andrew Grey, attends her party and claims to know secrets she can’t afford to have exposed. At the same party, the notorious princess Masako Kyo approaches Lisan with questions about the young woman’s family that the orphaned Lisan can’t answer.

As Caroline struggles with Grey’s extortion and Thomas’s mysterious illness, Lisan’s future is upended when she learns the truth about her past, and why her identity has been hidden all these years. All the while, strange incidents accelerate, driving Lisan to doubt her sanity as Lennox Manor seems unwilling to release her until she fulfills demands from beyond the grave.

Paperback, 336 pages 

Published February 10, 2026

 by William Morrow 

4/5 stars

This is my third time reading Janie Chang, and once again I was completely drawn into her depiction of China during this fascinating period in history.

The Fourth Princess opens in Shanghai in 1911 and follows Lisan Liu, a young woman hired as secretary to Caroline Staton, a wealthy American newly installed as mistress of Lennox Manor. Through Lisan’s perspective we see that the neglected manor itself carries a dark past that slowly begins to haunt her, giving the story that gothic feel.

From Caroline’s point of view, we experience Shanghai as an outsider trying to establish herself in an unfamiliar country. She arrives with secrets of her own and as her past begins to surface it adds depth and tension to the narrative.

I especially loved the atmosphere, it was rich in history, which I love, the decaying mansion mirrors  hidden truths and the characters are ones that I could root for.  The story itself came with a few surprises and unexpected twists.

Janie Chang has a talent for bringing parts of China's history to life. The Fourth Princess was a captivating historical novel filled with secrets, layered perspectives and a setting that still lingers.

My thanks to HarperAvenue for a print arc in exchange for a honest review.

Two Kinds of Stranger by Steve Cavanagh

SHE HELPED A PERFECT A STRANGER. SHE DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS THE PERFECT KILLER...

Ellie Parker had everything.
Perfect husband. Perfect apartment. Perfect friends and the perfect job.
As an internet celebrity - famed for her random acts of kindness - everyone knew it.
So when a betrayal causes her to lose it all, millions of people are watching.

But even at her lowest, Ellie will always help someone in need.
Which makes her the perfect target for a sadistic game.
Because as she soon learns, you can never trust a stranger - and a seemingly random encounter plunges her into a nightmare worse than she ever imagined.

The only person she can turn to is conman turned trial lawyer Eddie Flynn, who must take on a case where nothing is what it seems. With the most cruelly ingenious mind manipulating events from the shadows, everyone is in danger - including Eddie and his family.

Kindle Edition, 400 pages

Expected Publication, March 24, 2026

by Atria Books

4/5 stars

Two Kinds of Stranger is book 9 in the Eddie Flynn series, but it works as a standalone. I’m slowly making my way through the backlist, not just because I’m genuinely curious about these characters and their histories but they are great courtroom drama with unique plots.  

This installment centers on Ellie Parker, a high-profile social media influencer who has built her platform by sharing every aspect of her life online. She’s especially known for her random acts of kindness - surprising strangers, helping families in need and inviting her followers into moments that feel generous and authentic. Her life looks polished and purposeful… until it very publicly unravels.

During a live broadcast, a shocking moment of betrayal plays out in real time. Not long after Ellie is arrested and charged with two counts of murder, unfortunately for her all the evidence points straight in her direction.

Enter Eddie Flynn. A former conman turned defense attorney, Eddie is known for courtroom drama that never lacks twists and turns. You truly never know what he has up his sleeve next. Just when it seems like the case is airtight, he pivots. When things look impossible, he finds another angle. Watching him strategize is half the fun.

This was a  smart, fast-moving legal thriller with plenty of tension. I can't wait to see what Eddie Flynn is up to next  - One of Us is Guilty coming in 2026 - I'll be working on getting caught up in series by then. 

My thanks to Atria Books for a digital ARC (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review. 

Brian's Return by Gary Paulsen

As millions of readers of Hatchet, The River, and Brian's Winter know, Brian Robeson survived alone in the wilderness by finding solutions to extraordinary challenges. But now that he's back in civilization, he can't find a way to make sense of high school life. He feels disconnected, more isolated than he did alone in the North. The only answer is to return, to "go back in", for only in the wilderness can Brian discover his true path in life, and where he belongs.

Paperback, 115 pages

Audiobook, 2 hours, 26 minutes

Published May 1, 2021

 by Laurel Leaf

3/5 stars

Brian’s Return takes Brian back into the wilderness once again, this time by choice rather than circumstance. Now older, Brian feels restless and disconnected from modern life and is drawn back to the land that shaped him after that original plane crash.

This story focuses more on reflection than survival and exploring how deeply the wilderness has become part of Brian’s identity. Paulsen’s writing is, as I've come to expect, clear when describing nature. I've come to appreciate revisiting Brian’s mindset and growth.

That said, the plot feels quieter and less gripping than earlier books in this series. Much of the novel is introspective, and there’s less tension or forward momentum compared to Brian’s earlier survival experiences.

Overall, Brian’s Return is a thoughtful addition to the series, but not a standout. It’s best suited for readers already invested in Brian’s journey rather than those looking for high-stakes adventure.

I listened to the audiobook, obtained via Cloudlibrary.