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My Reading Itinerary Monday! – Week #25 – 2026
Welcome to My Reading Itinerary Monday! Where are your books taking you this week? I will be traveling to Michigan, California, and Nova Scotia! Here’s what I read and what I have planned for this week. Escapes Completed I can’t believe I only read 2 books last week! A Cultivated Corpse (A Food Blogger Mystery) by Debra Sennefelder Release Date - June 16, 2026 Setting - Connecticut The Great Escapes Book Tour stops here this week for Cozy Wednesday. The Case of the Missing Maid (Harriet Morrow Investigates) by Rob Osler Release Date - December 24, 2024 Setting - Illinois My #FlashbackFriday Read Scheduled Escapes Murder at the Campfire Cookout (A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery) by Darci Hannah Release Date - June 30, 2026 Setting - Michigan For Review A Poisonous Pour (A Cece Barton Mystery) by Maddie Day Release Date - April 28, 2026 Setting - California I will feature this book on Cozy Wednesday next week! Voted Most Likely to Murder: A Novel by Lacey Moone Release Date - May 12, 2026 Setting - Nova Scotia, Canada The Great Escapes Book Tour stops here next Thursday! Possible Future Escapes June 14 - 20, 2026 Happy Reading!! Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Remember – This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article
Cozy Wednesday featuring Murder, She Wrote: Murder Most Trivial by Jessica Fletcher and Barbara Early #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @BerkleyMystery @AuthorBarbaraEarly
Welcome to Cozy Wednesday! I am delighted to share my thoughts today about Murder, She Wrote: Murder Most Trivial by Jessica Fletcher and Barbara Early! Murder, She Wrote: Murder Most Trivial by Jessica Fletcher and Barbara Early About Murder, She Wrote: Murder Most Trivial Murder, She Wrote: Murder Most Trivial Cozy Mystery 63rd in Series Setting - Starts in Cabot Cove, Maine, but most of it takes place in and around Los Angeles. Publisher : Berkley Publication date : May 12, 2026 Print length : 320 pages Hardcover ISBN-10 : 0593952901 ISBN-13 : 978-0593952900 Digital ISBN-13 : 978-0593952924 ASIN : B0FM7785KS The newest delightful entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series, featuring mystery novelist Jessica Fletcher. Jessica Fletcher and friends Seth Hazlitt and Maureen and Mort Metzger team up for pub trivia and crush the competition, then are stunned to learn that the prize is a chance to appear in a five-day trivia tournament filming in LA. No one expects life-or-death stakes! But on day one of the tournament, a crew member is murdered. Who would benefit from derailing the show? Jessica has to come up with the ultimate answer. In a metafictional twist, the investigation takes Jessica and the gang to the filming locations of their favorite mystery shows, where they discuss how Columbo, Monk, or Jim Rockford might go about solving the case. Dollycas’s Thoughts After winning a local pub trivia contest, Jessica Fletcher and friends, Seth Hazlitt, Maureen, and Mort Metzger, win a chance to participate in Pub Trivia Live, a televised 5-day trivia tournament in Los Angeles. The studio wasn’t covering much of anything. They were responsible for their own meals, lodging, and travel. Jessica’s niece, Victoria, and her husband, Howard, have a huge place that they have decided to turn into a B&B, and they invite Jessica and her friends to stay with them. Howard recently purchased an old limousine to take their guests on tours, so their travel around town is covered, too. With only airfare and meals to worry about, they decide to hop on a plane and head for LA. Uncertain of what to expect, they arrive on day one, check in, head to hair and makeup, find their spots on the set, and get ready to answer some trivia questions. Team Mainely Brilliant did well on day 1, earning 2nd place. Yet the excitement of the broadcast is cut short when, moments after the live show ends, the soundman is found slumped over his console. Seth and Mort rush to assist, but there is nothing to be done. Jessica immediately recognizes that the trip has taken a deadly turn. Aside from the murder investigation and the pub trivia show, Howard has made plans to take his guests to some locations where their favorite mystery shows are filmed. How would Jim Rockford, Monk, Remington Steele, or Columbo handle the murder case the Mainely Brilliant team has on their hands? ____ There was so much to love about this story—first, the pub trivia contest theme. Jess, Seth, Mort, and Maureen make an awesome team. They each have their strengths, which makes the game so much fun. Second, Victoria and Howard’s huge Hollywood mansion. They have a wonderful permanent guest, a mystery guest, and maybe a treasure. Third, Howard’s carefully planned outings for his visitors from Maine are equally enjoyable, blending excellent restaurants, Hollywood history, and affectionate nods to classic detective television. And, fourth, the puzzling mysteries to solve by Jessica and her friends. It isn’t Jessica’s first trip to LA, so when Lieutenant Gabriel Careras walks onto the set, she is happy because he understands her need to investigate. He also appreciates her insight and asks her to keep her eyes and ears open. What I particularly appreciated was the way each supporting character contributed meaningfully to the investigation. Seth draws on his medical expertise, Mort puts his detecting skills to good use, Maureen emerges as especially resourceful in uncovering information, and Howard proves more useful than expected with his theories and observations. The studio setting is populated with credible suspects, simmering tensions, and acts of tampering, all of which sustain the suspense. Because the motives are not immediately obvious, Lieutenant Gabriel Careras’ eventual explanations feel both necessary and satisfying. It was also refreshing to leave Cabot Cove for a lively excursion to Hollywood. Ms. Early’s descriptive writing brings each location vividly to life, and the various subplots integrate smoothly with the central mystery rather than distracting from it. It has been some time since Victoria and Howard last played a role, and both they and their housemate add considerable texture to the narrative. By the end of the story, they have even more good things to handle. It is impressive that Murder, She Wrote: Murder Most Trivia is the sixty-third installment in the series and the second written by Ms. Early. She has clearly developed a strong feel for these characters and for the tone that makes this series so enduring. As a longtime fan of both the books and the television series, I finished this entry hoping there will be many more adventures featuring the ever-reliable Jessica Fletcher. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About the Authors Jessica Fletcher is a bestselling mystery writer who has a knack for stumbling upon real-life mysteries in her various travels. Barbara Early coauthors this volume. Barbara Early earned an engineering degree, but after four years of doing nothing but math, developed a sudden allergy to the subject and decided to choose another occupation. Before she settled on murdering fictional people, she was a secretary, a schoolteacher, a pastor’s wife, and an amateur puppeteer. She lives in Western New York State (Go Bills!), where she enjoys cooking, crafts, classic movies and campy seventies television, board games, and spending time with her granddaughters. Before teaming up with Jessica Fletcher, she previously wrote the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series and the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mysteries (as Beverly Allen). Author Links Website Facebook Purchase Links Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - Penguin Random House You can find all 63 books in the Murder She Wrote Series HERE. Also written by Barbara Early TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops. May 8 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT May 8 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW May 9 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT May 10 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT May 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW May 11 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT May 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW May 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW May 13 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT May 14 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW May 14 – Salty Inspirations -AUTHOR GUEST POST May 15 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW May 15 – Books to the Ceiling – REVIEW* May 16 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW May 17 – Boys’ Mom Reads! -SPOTLIGHT May 18 – Caboodle of Cozies – CHARACTER GUEST POST May 18 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT _____ Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways. Read the full article
I have finished the first draft of my sequel to As We Were, titled As We Are. It is the second and final book in the series, and I am so in love with it. Everything about it had me in such a chokehold while writing that I finished the project in record time. It will be released in July, even though it will likely be ready before then. I’m so thrilled to share it with the world – it is better than the first, and ties everything together beautifully. Such a magical, wonderful journey it has taken me on. While I am saddened to know that this is the end of it, the inspiration for other projects exploring the world Asmund traveled through during his journey to find Abigail is in full force. If you want a romance book full of time travel, supernatural abilities, sci-fi elements and plenty of scenes ranging from super sweet to seriously steamy, check out my debut novel, As We Were. It’ll have you in tears, in awe, and most importantly, fully in love with the ancient prince of an alien planet and the girl he has traveled centuries to find.
Breaking Bookstagram News (Again) a recap of the recent changes to Instagram that could impact your Bookstagram success (& FIVE new ones you may not know about) Instagram Updated (Yes, Again…Again) Instagram is quietly releasing new features that may change how you + other Bookstagrammers interact with content. Since this is the third post I’ve created on these changes in as many months, let’s recap those updates. Recognizing these Instagram updates can help you reevaluate your content strategy. So what changed? Update 1: See + adjust your Instagram algorithm to ensure you see content you actually want How to use it: Reverse-engineer popular content to appeal to Bookstagrammers within your niche How to Find It: Reels tab > Right corner > Heart icon Update 2: Before: views counted if someone even SCROLLED by a post Now: views consider intentional viewing behavior, counting when: someone pauses on a reel someone WATCHES your reel someone ENGAGES w/ your reel Why It Matters: quality > quantity consider what makes someone pause + engage saves + shares indicate valuable content Update 3: Clickable links within captions This update is limited to verified accounts > only 10 a month No more “link in bio” nonsense Why It Matters: direct followers to content outside of Instagram generate conversions if you offer Canva templates + other forms of content Update 4: Tap to pause Reels instead of holding your finger on the screen This helps Instagram recognize when someone is actively engaging with your content You NEED a strong hook!! Why It Matters: this may cause another drop in views study your analytics. how long are people watching? when do they stop? New Update 1: Talking-Head Reels perform best Forget spending hours in Canva, Edits, or CapCut. Instead: Speak directly to your audience Talk to them like an old friend Use a strong hook (TWO hooks!) Be authentic Why It Matters: builds brand authority is an authentic way to connect with fellow Bookstagrammers keeps people watching unpolished content feels human New Update 2: Break your content into a multi-post series. The algorithm will push these posts to return viewers. Examples: Bookstagram Tips Queer Book Releases for [month] Monthly Booksta Content Ideas Reading Journal Updates Why It Matters: bring people back turn viewers into followers build brand authority + trust New Update #3 - 5 3 Sort likes, comments, + saves from oldest to newest 4 Reels have performance labels (high share rate, save rate, etc.) in the Edits App 5 Content labels show when someone you follow is new The Head of Instagram also confirmed…. Hashtags won’t extend your reach Prioritize using relevant keywords within your content Check my SEO guide for tips! There’s NO ideal number for carousel slides Make sure each slide offers value Swipes are engagement signals More swipes = more reach Bookstagram Growth TIps: Demonstrate your expertise + authority Talking head content Strong hooks Help other Bookstagrammers Offer relatable POV content Behind-the-scenes content Reel moments Friends > Followers Educational tips How-to guides (request ARCs, create flatlays, grow on Bookstagram, etc.) Book listicles Create save-worthy content friends want to share!
The Black Cat Detectives: A Mystery by Kit Gray #Spotlight #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @AuthorEliseScott
I am happy to shine the spotlight on The Black Cat Detectives: A Mystery by Kit Gray today! About The Black Cat Detectives The Black Cat Detectives: A Mystery Cozy Animal Mystery Setting - Corvin’s Crossing—a small fictional island off the coast of New England Publisher : Crooked Lane Books Publication date : May 26, 2026 Print length : 304 pages Hardcover ISBN-13 : 979-8892425520 ASIN : B0FNW3NQ3C Paperback ISBN-13 : 979-8892425537 ASIN : B0FNVM2SHD Digital ISBN-13 : 979-8892425544 ASIN : B0FNW6TDN4 A charming cozy mystery with a delightful twist: The detectives are three kittens with magical powers, determined to solve a most purr-plexing case. Precocious kittens Bippity, Boppity, and Boop are exceedingly loyal to their human, the twenty-eight-year-old up-and-coming magician Mila. She saved them from starving to death in a dingy Corvin’s Crossing alleyway and has been nothing but loving ever since, even though her own life is in shambles. So when Mila’s sketchy boyfriend and business manager turns up dead at the end of her big magic show—she’s the prime suspect. With evidence mounting, there’s nothing stopping the sheriff from hauling away Mila to the human pound. Unless the kittens can solve the crime and clear her name. The kittens will have to use their dubious control over the laws of physics and every whisker of know-how they’ve got to catch the real killer if they want to save their happy home with Mila. This is one meow-stery more tangled than any ball of yarn they’ve encountered yet. Great Escapes Praise for The Black Cat Detectives: A Mystery by Kit Gray I love cozy mysteries, and nothing is more cozy than a cat- except three of them. The story takes a lot of suspension of disbelief. But the writing is lively and imaginative and I found the story a delight. If you love cozy mysteries and cats, this is the purr-fect book for you! ~Storybook Lady Rating - 🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛ I picked this book up because of the cover, it’s just too cute to resist. And honestly, the kittens completely stole the show for me. What made this cozy mystery stand out was that the story is told through four points of view: Mila, the magician who rescues them, and the three kittens, Bippity, Boppity, and Boop. Each kitten has such a distinct personality that their chapters felt fresh and fun, and I loved how their voices added humour to the mystery. ~bibliophile_foodie This was a fun mystery. This feels like the first of a series, and I hope it will continue. I recommend this book highly, a great cozy read. ~Sneaky the Library Cat 🐈⬛ How cute is this! This is the perfect book to pick up when you need a true escape and want to get lost in the world of mystery and kittens! ~Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books About Kit Gray Kit Gray aka Elise Scott writes from their lived experiences of queerness, disability, neurodivergence, fat-positivity, and petting three cats with two hands. Their life has been an adventure, from facilitating equine therapy for trauma survivors to counseling at-risk youth with the aid of an inordinately large sub-woofer and beyond. They earned their BA from Mount Holyoke and their MS from Capella University. Their debut novel, a cozy mystery featuring three kittens with the ability to bend the laws of physics, who must solve a murder to save their rescuer from the human pound, is forthcoming from Crooked Lane in May 2026. Elise is a Not Quite Write Prize winner and Best-of-the-Net nominee. Their short work has appeared/is forthcoming in The Advocate, Choices: An Anthology of Reproductive Horror, The Not Quite Write Anthology 2025, The B'K, Five Minutes, Knee Brace, All Existing, and Quibble, among others. Find out what they’re working on now at http://elise-scott.com . Author Links - Website - Facebook - BlueSky - Instagram - X - GoodReads - Storygraph Purchase Links - Penguin Random House Amazon B&N Bookshop.org TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please Visit All The Stops June 3 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT June 3 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW June 4 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST June 4 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW June 5 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT June 5 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW June 6 – Baroness Book Trove -SPOTLIGHT June 7 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT June 8 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows -CHARACTER GUEST POST June 9 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT June 9 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW June 10 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT June 11 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW June 12 – Ascroft, eh? - AUTHOR GUEST POST June 13 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT June 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT June 14 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW June 15 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER GUEST POST June 16 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW ____ Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Read the full article
Cozy Wednesday featuring Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth (A Bainbridge Island Mystery) by Lynn Cahoon #Review #ARCGiveaway @KensingtonBooks @lynncahoon
Welcome to Cozy Wednesday! I am happy to share my thoughts today about Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth (A Bainbridge Island Mystery) by Lynn Cahoon Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth (A Bainbridge Island Mystery) Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Setting – Off the coast of Washington State Publisher : Kensington Cozies Publication date : April 28, 2026 Print length : 256 pages Hardcover ISBN-10 : 1496752120 ISBN-13 : 978-1496752123 Kindle ISBN-13 : 978-1496752147 ASIN : B0FKX85SB8 Audio CD ISBN-13 : 979-8228778948 ASIN : B0G8D7N5LP Audiobook ASIN B0FV1SHL2L Bainbridge Island bookseller, aspiring author, and amateur sleuth Meg (no relation to Bill) Gates investigates the murder of a crabby food critic in New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon’s latest Pacific Northwest-set mystery for fans of Kate Carlisle, Lorna Barrett, Jenn McKinlay, and Ellery Adams. Twenty-something bookseller and sleuth Meg Gates has a confession: solving crimes may be easier than writing. She’s been working on a guide to becoming a detective—but she’s her own worst critic. She needs a how-to in order to write her how-to! At the Bainbridge Island writers’ group, she meets freelance food critic Lee Anderson, who invites her to join him for dinner at the Local Crab so he won’t be suspected of reviewing the place. Lee is a bit of a crab himself and intends to do a hatchet job on the eatery. Instead, someone does a job on the critic—he’s found dead by the marina. Now Bainbridge’s culinary elite are on the suspect list. With help from her beau, Dalton, and the Mystery Crew at Island Books, Meg dons her sleuthing cap to solve the mystery du jour—before another murder is served cold … Dollycas’s Thoughts Meg Gates works at her mother’s bookstore and is working on a book of her own, aptly a guide for amateur sleuths, since she and her friends have already helped solve a murder. Meg is also the assistant to successful author Lilly Aster. Lilly suggests that Meg join a local writing group to connect with other writers and learn more about the industry. At her first meeting, she meets Lee Anderson, a freelance food writer who may write a book someday. Lee invites Meg to dinner at the Local Crab, asking her to accompany him as he reviews the restaurant. During the meal, Meg realizes Lee is determined to give the place a negative review, even before trying the food. Uncomfortable with this approach, Meg leaves before dessert is served. A couple of days later, Meg receives a call from her Uncle Troy, the chief of police, telling her the food critic was dead and that he is compiling a list of suspects, and he didn’t want to add her to the list. She rallies the troops, her boyfriend, Dalton, and her best friend, Natasha, and her cocker spaniel Watson to help her solve another murder mystery, before the killer decides to strike again. ___ Meg is juggling many responsibilities as she works to rebuild her life. She is employed at her mother’s bookstore, assists author Lilly Aster, attends a college class with plans to become a full-time student, and is writing her first book. Her relationship with Dalton is becoming more serious, and she is adjusting to changes in her family dynamics. Meg has also joined a pickleball league and, on top of everything, is investigating another murder. Her mother has started dating, which Meg manages better than her brother, Junior. Junior himself has a new romantic interest—an outgoing and independent woman who visits the bookstore to meet Meg before Junior has a chance to introduce them. Natasha also has a new man in her life, but they are taking things slowly. Aunt Melody is a standout character, always supportive of Meg, even stocking her fridge and baking breakfast muffins. The characters’ development feels realistic and relatable. Lee Anderson had a reputation for giving harsh reviews to many of the restaurants on Bainbridge Island, and he was poised to give the Local Crab a particularly poor review. The question arises: could a negative review push a chef to commit murder? Meg and Dalton decide to visit each chef who received unfavorable reviews to investigate. They also delve into the backgrounds of other island residents to search for any connections to the deceased critic. Meg, Dalton, and Natasha each use their unique positions and relationships to gather information, then convene to share what they’ve learned and determine what should be reported to Chief Troy. When Natasha is stealthily attacked, Dalton observes something crucial that brings clarity to the case. Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth is a delightful sequel to An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder. Ms. Cahoon skillfully crafts relatable characters and places them in another intriguing mystery. Life on Bainbridge Island is never dull, and with Seattle just a ferry ride away, the setting adds promise for the continuation of this series. An Enjoyable Escape! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About the Author Lynn Cahoon is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of cozy mysteries, including the Kitchen Witch Mysteries, the Cat Latimer Mystery series, the Tourist Trap Mysteries, the Farm-to-Fork series, the Survivors’ Book Club Mystery series, and The Bainbridge Island Mysteries. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers and her books have sold more than a million copies. Originally from Idaho, she grew up living the small-town life she now loves to feature in her novels. She now lives with her husband and two fur babies in a small historic town in Eastern Tennessee. Author Links Goodreads – Twitter –Facebook –Website –Amazon Author Page Find all of Lynn Cahoon’s books HERE. I am giving away An Advance Review Copy of Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth! The contest is open to individuals 18 years of age or older. with a US or Canadian mailing address. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited. You do not have to be a follower to enter, but I hope you will find something you like here and become a follower. Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow. Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page. Subscribe to Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book via Email for 3 Bonus Entries. Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads for 3 Bonus Entries. Follow Kensington Books on Threads for 2 Bonus Entries! Follow Kensington Publishing on Facebook for 2 Bonus Entries! Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries. If you share the giveaway on Threads, Facebook, etc., you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link. The Contest Will End on May 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org The Winner will be notified by email and posted here in the sidebar. Click Here For Entry Form Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways. Read the full article
You can read my review of Marie NDaiye’s novella, The Witch, on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7902182043 The Witch will be available here in the U.S. on April 4th, 2026.
Two Bodies Are Better Than One (Lorraine Highsmith Mysteries) by Erica Ruth Neubauer #Review
Two Bodies Are Better Than One (Lorraine Highsmith Mysteries) Amateur Sleuth Mysteries/Police Procedural 1st in Series Setting - Wisconsin Publisher : Thomas & Mercer Publication date : March 1, 2026 Print length : 347 pages Paperback ISBN-10 : 1662535945 ISBN-13 : 978-1662535949 Kindle ISBN-13 : 978-1662535932 ASIN : B0FHJ2S7WY Loaded with dark humor and sharp wit, this wild ride through the ’80s follows an advice columnist trying to unravel the mystery of the dead body on her lawn—while keeping her own secrets under wraps. Until 1989, the wildest thing to happen in the sleepy town of Sheboygan Bay was surfers catching waves on frigid Lake Michigan. Then one summer morning, Lorraine Highsmith wakes up to find a corpse on her lawn. Detective Michaela “Mike” Zenoni is on the case immediately, eager to make a name for herself in a male-dominated precinct. And Lorraine is close behind—as the local advice columnist, she’s always looking for a scoop. What they don’t know is that Lorraine once had ties to the mob, and those connections could be coming back to haunt her. A recent transplant to Wisconsin, she keeps her past shrouded in mystery, and she’d like to keep it that way. Mike might be working with her to find the killer, but Lorraine knows that alliances can change on a dime. She needs to get ahead of this story … no matter who’s trying to put an end to hers. Dollycas’s Thoughts Lorraine Highsmith is relatively new to Sheboygan Bay. She works as a local advice columnist and has a past she would like to keep buried. One morning, she wakes up to find a very wet corpse on her lawn. Her sprinklers may have caused the moisture, but they didn’t kill him. Newly promoted Detective Michaela “Mike” Zenoni catches the murder case. She is anxious to show Chief Schneider that she can handle the tough investigations. Lorraine isn’t sitting back to let the police handle the case. She needs to make sure her past isn’t responsible for the body dropped in her yard. She can use the guise of investigating to write an article for the Sheboygan Bay Chronicle. Can Mike and Lorraine work together to catch the killer? Or will they go their separate ways and try to beat each other in solving the crime? ____ I have been a fan of Erica Ruth Neubauer’s Jane Wunderly Mystery Series, so I was thrilled to find this book available as an Amazon First Read. Set in Wisconsin in 1989, the story is told from two distinct perspectives: Lorraine Highsmith, our protagonist, and Detective Michaela “Mike” Zenoni, who leads the police investigation. Lorraine stands out as a complex character with a unique past and a rather chilling approach to dealing with those she disagrees with. Although she arguably deserves to be behind bars, her cunning and ability to cover her tracks make her a fascinating character. Despite her questionable actions, I found myself rooting for her—just as the author intended. Detective Michaela “Mike” Zenoni is still a character I am forming an opinion on. She is new to detective work and must contend with her boss, Chief Schneider, who seems more interested in closing the case quickly and taking all the credit rather than seeking true justice. Mike also appears to have a personal life, but is primarily focused on proving herself in a male-dominated department. There is significant potential for her character to develop as the series continues. The residents of Sheboygan Bay are not depicted as particularly representative of real Wisconsinites. Instead, this small town is filled with characters who are flawed in various ways. Some of their interactions provide comic relief, while others are more somber. Lorraine, in particular, is known for her sharp tongue and takes pleasure in using it. The supporting cast also offers plenty of opportunities for further character development. The central mystery is compelling and full of surprises. Following Lorraine and Mike’s separate investigations kept me engaged, and I was genuinely shocked by the revelation of the true culprit and the roles of their accomplices. The twist was cleverly executed and memorable. Two Bodies Are Better Than One is a dark, satirical tale that stands apart from Ms. Neubauer’s other work. While the dual perspectives occasionally slowed the story’s pace and some plot points could have been tighter, the ending left me curious about the future—was this meant to be a standalone or the start of a series? I have discovered that Book 2, Dead Men Can’t Deadlift, is set for release in March 2027. The continuation of the series will allow the author to further explore the characters and resolve lingering questions from this installment. I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving it free as an Amazon First selection. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Amazon First for providing me with a copy. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About the Author Erica Ruth Neubauer is the Agatha Award–winning author of the Jane Wunderly Mystery series. She spent eleven years in the military, nearly two as a Maryland police officer, and one as a high school English teacher before finding her way as a writer. For several years, she was a reviewer of mysteries and crime fiction for publications such as Publishers Weekly and Mystery Scene magazine. She’s currently a member of the Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. Erica Ruth lives outside Madison, Wisconsin, although her heart will always be in Milwaukee. Website – Twitter – Instagram – Newsletter Also written by Erica Ruth Neubauer This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article
You can read my review of Kat Sandler’s play, Yaga, which just recently wrapped up filming its limited-series adaptation for Crave & Sky TV, here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8430957790
Breaking Bookstagram News: Even MORE Changes! Changes to Instagram that make impact your reach (and how to take advantage to grow on Bookstagram) Instagram Changes Though I feel like I just shared a list of Instagram updates, there are even more Instagram changes + new features incoming that could impact your reach + engagement. Understanding how Instagram works can help you avoid fading into the void. So wtf is going on? Prioritize Storytelling on Bookstagram Educational carousels (yes, like this one) may start losing relevance. Instead, Instagram wants you to share meaningful content audiences can connect with. Don’t tell your audience what to do. Explain why it matters. Forge emotional connections > posting educational content that reads like a boring how-to guide. How: Tell a story Use multiple strong hooks Encourage DMs on Bookstagram Likes are great, but they won’t help you reach new audiences. Prioritize generating shares (DMs) + saves How: Make relatable content Adjust your CTAs Review data to determine which of your posts generate the most shares Forge genuine friendships and keep talking about books! Make Friends on Bookstagram I’ve been saying this for months: friends > followers. Instagram is changing the term “Followers” to “Friends.” IF you don’t interact with someone very often, their content may stop appearing on your feed. Instead, Instagram will show you posts from people who interact with you most! How: Use stickers in Stories Create polls Make the first move! – DM. Respond to someone else’s Stories Create an SEO Strategy I’ve specialized in SEO marketing for over a decade. It’s taking social media by storm. Prioritize relevant keywords over hashtags. Using keywords will help you appear in front of people who want your bookish content. How: Use closed captions on reels Prioritize longtail keywords Use naturally in captions Check my seo guide!
Breaking Bookstagram News: Fresh Features the NUMEROUS new Instagram features no one told you about – updates that could change how you plan Bookstagram content Instagram is slowly rolling out new features. ( so you may not have access to these updates YET –- be patient! ) Let’s take a look at what’s coming! Update 1: Reorder Posts in Your Feed You can now reorder the posts as they appear on your profile! From your profile, hold the post, click Reorder Grid, then drag + drop! Use this to draw attention to certain posts or beautify your feed! Update 2: Distinct Captions for Carousel Slides You can write a unique caption for individual slides within carousel posts. This can help improve attention retention and engagement, allowing you to maximize the value of posts that feature multiple images. Update 3: In-Depth Insights Pay attention to new metrics, especially skip rate when reviewing reels! Share rate + save rate are important for image posts! Use this data to make informed adjustments! Update 4: Instagram Instants To compete with Snapchat and BeReal, Instagram rolled out its Instants feature, allowing you to share real-time photos with Close Friends or Mutuals. These photos will disappear permanently after 24 hours. Annoyed with this new Instagram feature? Me too. You can turn it off in your settings! Update 5: AI Detection AI-Generated Content will receive an “AI Creator” label Update 6: OG Content FTW Instagram will prioritize original content over meme + repost accounts. Try to keep your posts + reels original! Follow fewer trends + make every post your own. Update 7: Reel Links Add clickable affiliate links to your Reels to generate more clicks + purchases (great for bookish Etsy store owners!). Directs Bookstagrammers straight to product pages. Which of these Instagram updates are you most excited to use to grow your Bookstagram?
S.K. Derban
Delicious Italian food and the love of family make CASE OF THE CURVED STAIRCASE a fun, feel-good mystery. ~Cozy Up With Kathy Case of the Curved Staircase: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Setting - Little Italy, San Diego, and San Diego Bay Publisher : S.K. Derban Publication date : August 27, 2025 Paperback Print length : 302 pages ISBN-10 : 196318811X ISBN-13 : 978-1963188110 Digital Print length : 273 pages ISBN-13 : 978-1963188103 ASIN : B0FHM8HSH4 Audiobook ASIN B0FW1BJKX1 The Little Italy entertainment continues in this second book of the Macaroni on Wheels series. Case of the Curved Staircase has more twists and turns than Terza can handle. And, Detective Nicholas Garza is not on the case. Say it isn’t so, Nico! Staircases can be fatal, especially on Halloween. After catering a surprise birthday party on the evening of October 30th, Terza returns to the scene of the celebration on the following morning. Instead of being greeted by the happy, party hosts, Terza discovers a dead body at the bottom of the curved staircase. Not again! And this time, Terza’s amateur detective skills are landing her directly into personal danger. She would rather be using her chef’s knife than having one pointed at her face! As the feisty Italian caterer continues to fill her free time solving crime, she runs head first into a new detective. Unlike Nicholas Garza, the detective now in charge considers Terza a hinderance instead of a help. Fortunately, Jacob Radovan, the medical examiner, continues to be Terza’s ally. There is also an unexpected wedding in Case of the Curved Staircase. Readers of Uneven Exchange just might cheer out loud. The almost perfect weather in San Diego allows the bride and groom to take a carriage ride from the wedding venue to the reception ballroom. It’s a fairytale come true. Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving another murder along with Terza, and will continue to appreciate her zest for life. Readers will be spending more time with the animated Tiepolo family, and especially Terza’s father. Ezio’s Halloween costume is a moo-ving choice! The Tiepolo’s celebrate their loving, family bond as they join together each Sunday. Food, family, and fun! Once again, you may consider this your personal invitation… Author Links Website – The Latest Blog – Facebook – X – Instagram – Pinterest – BookBub Purchase Links Kindle - Paperback - Audio 1st Book in the Series Click on the covers for more information or to order from Amazon. 2/28/2027 Read the full article
The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor (A Welsh Village Mystery) by Lucy Connelly #Review @candace_havens @crookedlanebooks
The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor (A Welsh Village Mystery) Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - Wales Publisher : Crooked Lane Books Publication date : February 24, 2026 Print length : 288 pages Hardcover ISBN-13 : 979-8892424073 Kindle ISBN-13 : 979-8892424080 ASIN : B0F9V4TPQ4 Audiobook ASIN B0GR1FFRNP A new job can be killer in this series debut mystery set in Wales, perfect for fans of Sheila Connolly and Paige Shelton. After crossing the pond, Dr. Gwen Griffith finds herself in the quirky place she fell in love with, Dillynaidd, Wales. A former managing editor for a Texan newspaper, Gwen is ready for the next stage in her life as the head of the journalism department at the local university in town. With her best friend, Carolyn Sparks–who is also the university’s dean–at her side, Dillynaidd feels like a dream, until murder comes knocking at her doorstep. Gwen had only just met the victim, Dr. Alice Rice, at a faculty party, but that doesn’t stop police detective Gareth Jones from suspecting her of foul play–after all, the victim was found on her doorstep. With her journalism background, Gwen decides that it’s up to her to clear her own name. But she’ll need all the help she can get when her idyllic small-town life is turned upside down in order to stay one step ahead of the killer. Dollycas’s Thoughts Dr. Gwen Griffith went to college in Dillynaidd, Wales, and now, with her job eliminated at a Texas newspaper, she is ready to reunite with her best friend, Carolyn Sparks, to become the head of the journalism department at her alma mater. Carolyn happens to be the dean of the university and thinks Gwen is a perfect fit. Not all the tenured professors are happy about Gwen being their boss. Dr. Alice Rice thought she was more suitable for the position, but Gwen hopes to win her over. After their interaction at a faculty party to introduce Gwen to the other members of the department, she was surprised when Dr. Rice showed up at her new home. She was shocked when the woman drops dead almost as soon as she opened the door. Barely knowing the woman didn’t stop police detective Gareth Jones from suspecting Gwen of murder. Now, she is going to use all of her reporter skills to investigate the murder herself. The killer appears to have Gwen in their sights, so she may need some help from her friends to survive long enough to see the curious case solved. ____ Ms. Connelly sets this new series off to an excellent start by introducing likable characters and giving them wonderful depth right off the bat while leaving plenty of room for growth. Gwen is super friendly and embraces her new situation with a positive attitude. Nervous, never having taught before, she has great ideas and is surrounded by very capable people. Her teaching assistant, Ellis, is experienced, knowledgeable, and willing to be her guide to the town and the college. Best friend Carolyn and her husband, Henry, are there to support and protect her when necessary. The little town of Dillynaidd was an idyllic place in its winter glory, with the small shops, bakery, and restaurant. With a housing shortage, many of the single faculty live in a unique building downtown with some amazing benefits. It may get to be too much someday, living so closely with those you work with, but in this story, it was an advantage. The college and the dean’s home aren’t too far away. I was easily able to visualize everything thanks to the author’s descriptive details. The victim, Dr. Alice Rice, made her share of enemies. The woman was stuck in the past and did not even attempt to use the technology available. She was a bitter woman whom everyone, including the students, tried to avoid. Ellis was familiar with her attitude and tactics, and quickly became Watson to Gwen’s Sherlock. He was so nice and willing to take Gwen anywhere she needed to follow clues and get answers. I liked it when Detective Gareth Jones finally realized that Gwen was a reliable source with keen instincts. The author tries to draw readers aside with some well-placed red herrings and twists. I fell for a couple, but came back to the right conclusion before all was revealed, although the motive was unexpected. The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor checks all the cozy mystery boxes, with a terrific protagonist surrounded by an interesting group of supporting characters, the requisite small town, lighthearted humor, a fun theme, and a puzzling mystery to solve. Gwen’s time in Wales got off to a very bumpy start, but things were looking up in the end. I am eager to see what Ms. Connelly has planned for her and her new Dillynaidd friends next. Bring on Book 2! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About the Author Lucy Connelly travels around the world, usually with her bossy dog in tow. Her favorite pastime is sipping tea in a quaint café as she turns each passerby into a murder victim, witness, or suspect. If she stares at you strangely, don’t worry. She only murdered you in her book. Author Links Website - Instagram - X - Facebook Find All of Lucy Connelly’s Books HERE. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways. Read the full article
The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer: White Lotus Meets Below Deck A luxury yacht. Elite influencers. Endless parties. Big money. Doesn’t sound all bad, right? As soon as I saw the main character was a ‘Bookstagrammer,’ I knew I had to dive into The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer. It begs the question: If you were invited to join this elite inner circle and make a life-changing amount of money, would you step on board? Even if you knew everyone on… The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer: White Lotus Meets Below Deck
Breaking Boostagram News - Annual Engagement Numbers Are Plummeting! Save this guide to optimize your Bookstagram posts for better engagement! Instagram Engagement Is Down According to data from SocialInsider, Instagram organic engagement is down by ~24% year-over-year Follower Growth Is Down Follower growth has slowed for accounts of all sizes. You‘re not the only one who is struggling! Thankfully, you can use this data to learn, adjust, + adapt. Carousel Resilience Carousels are the most effective post format, with engagement rates remaining steady at 0.55%. No Reel Guarantees While reels offer stable performance, they no longer guarantee incremental increases in followers. Trending audio also won’t help you expand your reach. Static images have declined by 17% year-over-year in engagement. Prioritize Engagement While reels offer stable performance, they no longer guarantee incremental increases in followers. Trending audio also won’t help you expand your reach. Static images have declined by 17% year-over-year in engagement. Creative Carousels Use carousels to demonstrate EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trusthworthiness). EEAT = loyalty, meaning book lovers will return for more of your content. Mix up your content pillars! Only creating educational content may bore book lovers who prioritize reviews + book guides. What Reel-y Matters Use reels to remain relevant, engaging, + entertaining. Reels may help you maintain your reach. Don’t prioritize going viral! You’ll gain views, but not followers. Instead, optimize for engagement. Encourage conversations. Connect with your fellow book lovers! Boost Engagement Balance entertainment with educational value using Carousels + Reels How-to guides (how to request ARCS, make your own book review journal templates, etc.) Canva tips Book publishing industry info Create posts that are visually appealing, easy-to-read, + fun Encourage saves + shares Repurpose + Adjust Try changing post formats to gather more data. If a post flopped as a Reel, repurpose it into a Carousel. Refresh your content to reengage your audience. This can also help you reach new book lovers with the same message. Natural Engagement Try to naturally encourage enagement by: Sharing a question of the day within the post AND your caption Responding quickly with a follow-up question to keep the conversation going Sharing the post in your Stories with an engagement sticker Keeping up with trend- or time-sensitive topics for relevance Save-Worthy Content The first slide of a Carousel / first three secods of a Reel are everything Spark their interest with a hook Add valuable slides Don’t make Carousels long unless each slide offers helpful content Be direct Add “save this post” or use other visual cues to nudge action Did this guide help? Save it for future reference!
About the #bookstagrammer tag
What is the #bookstagrammer tag on Tumblr?
#bookstagrammer is a Tumblr tag people add to their posts so others can find related content. This page collects public posts tagged #bookstagrammer from blogs across Tumblr so you can browse them in one place.
Can I browse #bookstagrammer posts without a Tumblr account?
Yes. Zoomblr shows posts tagged #bookstagrammer with no login or account required — just scroll the feed above. It's completely free.
How do I save an image from a #bookstagrammer post?
Open the blog of any post you like via its link, then use Zoomblr's post viewer to download the image in full resolution.
