Review: Your Behavior Will Be Monitored

Your Behavior Will Be Monitored by Justin Feinstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Your Behavior Will Be Monitored by Justin Feinstein from Tachyon Publications via NetGalley.  This book will be published around April 7, 2026.

I was not prepared for how engrossed in Your Behavior Will Be Monitored by Justin Feinstein I got from the moment I picked it up.  I thought I would just read a chapter or two before bed and found myself staying up until the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't quite put it down.  I did eventually because my eyes refused to stay open but picked it right back up as soon as I could and finished it.  I needed to know how this was going to end.  I should have guessed I was going to love this from the moment I saw it was written in an epistolary form.  I tend to really get into books that are not traditionally formatted.  In this case, you are mostly reading transcripts of videos and exchanges recorded by the corporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is monitoring everyone at this cutting-edge AI company.  In fact, the employees agree to have everything monitored in order to feed their data to the AI to make it better at what it does.  And as we are seeing in the real world, AI is getting better and better at what it does.  The problem is people are not inherently good and tech bros are definitely not interested in using AI to benefit humankind over turning a profit.  Even the AI recognizes this!  And while this book is set in the nearish future, many of the topics are already here.  Personalized advertising is already happening to an extent.  I don't want to give anything else away because I want you to read the book.  If you are interested in AI at all, even the slightest, I think you will want to read this book. I hesitate to say enjoy because oof, that's probably not the right word.  It is a bit heavier than that and yet, also offers just a glimmer of light.

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Review: Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef

Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef by Brigid Washington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Readers Copy of Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef by Brigid Washington from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.  This book will be published on April 28, 2026.

I was drawn to Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef by Brigid Washington for two reasons.  I really wanted to know what it is like to attend the Culinary Institute of America (the other CIA).  I also have lived in the Caribbean and looked forward to indulging in some nostalgia given Brigid's Trini roots.  This book delivered on both.  I drove by the CIA when I visited the FDR library in upstate New York.  I wondered what it would be like to go there.  It has produced so many famous chefs, including Roy Choi (my very favorite).  It looks impressive even from the outside.  Brigid's descriptions of the campus and the courses are incredible.  If I had lots of money, no food allergies, and no aversion to meat products, I would absolutely want to go there.  It sounds intense, but the food sounds amazing.  Brigid also makes sure that her Caribbean heritage is prominently featured throughout the book.  It is important to her and her own food journey.  I was dying for some doubles and sorrel by the time I finished.  It was a reminder that the most meaningful food doesn't have to be fancy.  It is the heart behind it that makes all the difference.  That being said, I couldn't help but smile a bit at the mention of Eleven Madison Park.  EMP is hands down the best food experience I have ever had in my life.  It was fun to see a little behind-the-scenes there.  If you like food or cooking or ever thought about attending culinary school, I suggest reading this book.  

The book isn't just cooking.  Brigid attends the CIA to escape heartbreak and find her path in life.  It was a pretty expensive lesson, but who knows if she would have ended up where she did had she not taken that chance.  I give her props for sticking out what sounded like some really tough lessons.  It seems she ended up in a pretty good place though after all.

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Review: How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay

How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of How to Be Okay When Nothing is Okay by Jenny Lawson from Penguin Life via NetGalley.  This book is set to be published on March 31, 2026.

How to Be Okay When Nothing is Okay by Jenny Lawson is slightly different from the other books or articles you may have read from Jenny.  Although it does include humor and stories of her life, this is more of a companion for you when times are tough and you need a pick-me-up or to know someone cares about you.  Because Jenny does care about you.  She knows as well as anyone what it can be like when the darkness starts to take over.  The book is segmented to address different times of not being okay.  The introduction of each part will give you examples of when it might be a good time to read that section.  The really nice thing is each "chapter" is fairly short, so you can pick it up and read it in a few minutes to get that refreshing burst you were looking for.  The timing of this book also feels like a gift because even if you don't feel like you have mental health struggles, you may still feel like nothing is okay right now.  This book will remind you that you aren't the only person who feels that way.  

Bonus points for giving the animals in our lives the credit, and snacks, they deserve.

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Review: The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London

The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London by Christopher Skaife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I recently read a book involving ravens at the Tower of London that recommended The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Raves at the Tower of London by Christopher Skaife because it was used as part of that author's research.  I just happened to own a copy of this but hadn't gotten around to reading it yet.  I decided now was the time!  If you are curious about ravens or the Tower of London, this is a really good introduction.  As the title implies, Christopher Skaife was the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London.  He retired from that position in 2024.  The book has a lot of interesting information about ravens but also about becoming a Yeoman Warder and what life is like for those living at the Tower of London.  Before reading this, I didn't realize people live there.  How cool!  If birds freak you out, this book is probably not going to help with that.  Ravens are crafty.  I already thought they were cool, but this gave me whole new level of appreciation for them.  I will be sure not to confuse them with crows in the future!  This also reinforced my already firm belief that you should not piss off crows or ravens.  They remember faces and can hold a grudge!

If you are looking for an entertaining and informative book about birds, give this a read.  The writing is very accessible for those who don't know much about birds while still providing a fascinating perspective for those who do.  

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Review: Wayward Souls

Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris from Inky Phoenix Press via NetGalley.  This book is set to publish on March 17, 2026.

Wayward Souls is the second book in the Harker & Moriarty series by Susan J. Morris.  I recommend reading them in order.  While you could read this first or as a standalone, it may spoil some of the first book if you go back to read it.  

As their names suggest, it is part Dracula, part Sherlock Holmes.  The best parts. Both women are grappling with dark family secrets.  The setting is Ireland this time which I thought appropriate for the March 17 publication date.  No leprechauns but plenty of faerie lore.  If you are into smart women solving mysteries and investigating the paranormal, you should definitely give this a read.  

Bonus points for having a tough guy with a sweet spot for cats even if he doesn't know it himself.

Extra bonus points for the super cool cover art.  I would pick this book up just based on that.  

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Review: Strange Buildings

Strange Buildings by Uketsu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Strange Buildings by Uketsu from HarperVia via NetGalley.  This book was just published.

Strange Buildings is the second book in the Strange Houses series by Uketsu.  Although the first book is mentioned in this one, you can read them as standalones and in any order because nothing from the first book is spoiled here.  The mystery is self-contained.  Everything you need to solve the big mystery is in here and woven through several small mysteries.  Floor plans and drawings along with interviews help you put together what happened.  This book involves a cult with a really unique purpose.  It is a super original idea.  There is also a shady business that will have me questioning marketing tactics even more going forward!  I love that all is revealed in the end so you know whether you got it right.  Are you clever enough to see the clues?  I am a little obsessed with these books now!

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Review: Strange Pictures

Strange Pictures by Uketsu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Strange Pictures by Uketsu is a mystery that has all the pieces you need to solve it in the book.  In fact,  the answers can almost all be found in mysterious drawings if you know how to put them together.  Strange Pictures is the first book, but there are now more like it by Uketsu.  I so thoroughly enjoyed trying to solve there mysteries.  They are told as separate tales, but you can start to see threads that run through them that help you figure out the overall solution.  In the end, everything is laid out for you, so you will know if you got it right.  There are even helpful recaps of clues in case you forgot what you read earlier.  The only thing that might make this book better would be if you could download the drawings so you could physically handle them.  If you like puzzles, you will want to try this book.

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Review: Trust No One

Trust No One by James Rollins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Trust No One by James Rollins from William Morrow via NetGalley.  This book has already been published.

Trust No One is a standalone novel from James Rollins. If you enjoy Sigma Force, you should definitely check this out.  It has a similar vibe but new characters. This has historical aspects, occult ties, and mysteries/puzzles to solve.  Very Indiana Jones.   I liked the mix of characters and the fact that you aren't really sure who you can trust as the name implies.  I wouldn't be mad if this became a series too.

Bonus points for some really great animal characters, Hugh and Katch.  Rollins does an excellent job of incorporating animals in a way that makes them feel very real and showcases their extraordinary talents.  He is good about reminding us of the importance of conservation efforts, and the sacrifices some people make to right the wrongs of humanity.

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Review: The Universe Box

The Universe Box by Michael Swanwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Universe Box by Michael Swanwick from Tachyon Publications via NetGalley.  This book has already been published.

The Universe Box is a collection of short stories by Michael Swanwick.  The stories are a mix of fantasy, speculative, and science fiction.  In addition to some very interesting stories, I found the introduction to the stories fascinating.  When someone comes up with such wild ideas, you do wonder where they come from.  Some of the stories read like myths if you like mythology.  There is some humor.  I appreciate that animals are generously represented.  If you want something different and super well-written, get a copy of The Universe Box.  

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Review: Toto

Toto by A.J. Hackwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Toto by A.J. Hackwith might be my favorite version of the Wizard of Oz stories.  Don't come at me.  It is updated to a more modern time and told from the perspective of Toto.  It was so fun!  I still would have loved it even without the pop culture references.  Toto has always been my favorite character in the Wizard of Oz.  It is about time they got their own book!  And like any good little dog, Toto has big aspirations.  Toto is very funny too!  Whether you like the Wizard of Oz or animals, I think you will like this book.

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Review: The Break-Up Retreat: A Novel

The Break-Up Retreat: A Novel by Camilla Sten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Break-Up Retreat: A Novel by Camilla Sten from Minotaur Books via NetGalley.  It will be published in June 2026.

I really enjoyed reading Camilla Sten's debut novel, so I was super excited when I had a chance to read an advanced copy of The Break-Up Retreat: A Novel.  More than 20 years ago, when I was going through a terrible break-up, I thought it would be genius to start a retreat for women getting over a broken heart.  Apparently, I am not the only one who has thought about this concept.  Admittedly, I was thinking of a more positive environment than the retreat in this book.  

Sten's break-up retreat is borderline culty.  No surprise that in this high control environment things start to go very wrong.  An investigative journalist goes undercover at the retreat to look into the mysterious disappearance of a former participant.  To do that, she has to confront some of her own relationship demons.  While I found the mystery/thriller aspect great, I really got into the treatment methods and the social media postings about the retreat philosophy.  I could have read a whole other book just about that because the psychology bits are intriguing. If you like a somewhat locked room mystery, cults, or psychological thrillers, check this out!

Bonus points for the way the advertising was weaved into the posts just like you see in real life.  It was perfect.

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Review: The Kaiju Preservation Society

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi is the right book at the right time.  It is the pop song of books that we all need right now.  Or at least, I needed it right now.  I had it with a side of Taylor Swift.  I came to John Scalzi backwards (and in heels) by reading Starter Villain.  Anyone who could write that book is my kind of writer.  The Kaiju Preservation Society is also my kind of book.  I'm all about animal preservation.  I was excited to learn about what it would take to save Kaiju.  I have held a top secret clearance but do not do food delivery, so I'm not sure how I get into this gig, but if KPS is hiring, please give them my name.  I like that there are smart people in the book, but you don't have to be that smart to understand anything going on.  I also like that it reinforces my belief that all billionaire tech bros are douchebags.  

If you need to escape from our current reality for a couple of hours or days, check this out.  It was delightful from start to finish.  

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Review: To Catch a Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right

To Catch a Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right by Christopher Mathias
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of To Catch a Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right by Christopher Mathias from Atria Books via NetGalley.  This book has already been published. For what it is worth, I planned to read this with or without the ARC.

To Catch a Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right by Christopher Mathias is not a completely objective case of reporting.  Christopher Mathias is clear from the beginning that he doesn't like fascists.  There was a time in the United States when that might have been a given, or at least, something most people would publicly agree upon.  Who would think that being anti-fascist would actually be a slur now?  That is the world we live in.  The people who self-identify as fascists might (or might not) surprise you.  Not every white, conservative Christian is a fascist and not every fascist is a white, conservative Christian.  Having read this book, I know what markers to actually look for because I am also not a fan of fascists either. I am much more aware of certain groups and words and what they really stand for.  

I did learn a lot about anti-fascists and antifa.  While some of them might be punching Nazis in the face, that's not what most of them are doing with their time.  It is a stance suited to data nerds.  They used to focus on naming and shaming fascists to try to get them to give up their hateful ways.  It remains to be seen how they will evolve now that being a fascist is acceptable.  

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is feeling upset, frustrated, and/or angry about the state of the world and wants to make change.  

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Review: The Codex Arcanum 1888: The Alchemical Chronicles, Book 1

The Codex Arcanum 1888: The Alchemical Chronicles, Book 1 by Tasmin Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Codex Arcanum 1888 by Tasmin Turner from Wish Books via NetGalley.  This book was published in December 2025.

The Codex Arcanum 1888 is the first book in the Alchemical Chronicles by Tasmin Turner.  You will definitely want to start here for two reasons.  The first reason is the second book isn't out as of this posting (a very important detail) and the second reason is this book is a bit cliffhangery.  You could certainly read it as a standalone, but you will definitely want to read it before the next book.  

This book has a lot of elements that I really like in my reading.  There are secret societies, paranormal events, a mysterious book that needs to be deciphered, a lost language, and esoteric history.  I give it bonus points for setting partly in the neighborhood I lived in when I studied in London.  I found myself imagining walking down the streets again even though I was there in much more modern times.  It was so fun.  It will be interesting to see what comes next!

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Review: The Bewitching

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is told by three different narrators across three different time periods.  The chapters alternate among them to move the story forward.  There are threads that tie them all together, mostly witches but not just witches.

I love a book about a book.  This is one of them.  The Vanishing is a haunting fictional tale of a "real" event where one of the characters' friends goes missing.  Jump forward to Minerva who is doing research on the book and its author.  This takes her to dark places her grandmother warned her about.  There once were witches.  There still might be witches.  

I really enjoyed all the references to music and horror writers.  It is always fun when writers drop some Easter eggs and you catch them!  Minerva and I share a similar taste in music.  I love the playlist.

I did have a hard time with some descriptions of animal death.  If you triggered by incest and/or rape, this book might also be difficult for you.  I tried to remember that there was a time, especially in remote areas, where marrying someone who was not an immediate family member was acceptable.  

Bonus points for Karnstein!  Good kitty!

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Review: 6:40 to Montreal

6:40 to Montreal by Eva Jurczyk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

6:40 to Montreal by Eva Jurczyk is a locked room mystery.  I'm going to say the narrator is also unreliable.  She definitely has secrets that she is trying to keep covered up.  The ending is also not at all what you would be expecting!

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Review: Red Star Falling

Red Star Falling by Steve Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Red Star Falling is the second book in the Luke Daniels series by Steve Berry and Grant Blackwood.  You can read this as a standalone.  

It is really funny because I feel like Steve Berry and James Rollins are often on the same wavelength.  This time about Russia and the Arctic Circle.  Similar settings, different stories.  The scary thing about Red Star Falling is how much it echoes the real world.  The political figures will feel very familiar.  I can only hope we have someone like Luke Daniels out there trying to stop them from destroying the planet.

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Review: The Cat Who Saved Books

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Cat Who Saved Books is the first book in The Cat Who...book series by Sosuke Natsukawa.  I haven't read the second book yet, but it is also about cats and books.  This is a sweet, cozy read for anyone who loves books.  Liking cats is a bonus but not a requirement.  While the cat gets title recognition, he does not save the books on his own.  He enlists the aid of a young booklover who happens to have inherited a bookstore.  They go on adventures to save books from misguided bookish people.  It is all very wholesome.  


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Review: The Ministry of Time

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley was billed as a time travel romance which put me off from reading it.  I don't read much romance.  However, a trusted, bookish friend told me I had to give it a try.  In fact, she didn't believe me that it was being a called a romance.  I took her word and started reading.  Honestly, I also wondered why romance was a selling point for it.  There is romance, but it is really about a lot more than that.  It's historical fiction, mystery, and thriller.  It reminded me of the TV show, Beforeigners, and the book, The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.  That is high praise from me because I loved them both.  I really appreciate that this is inspired by real people and real events.  I like an Arctic exploration story.  Graham Gore was a bit of a hottie with a good reputation, so I could see why he is a leading man type. As a former bureaucrat, I am also a sucker for government agencies.    It had so much more going on that I even enjoyed the romantic parts.  

If you like time travel, check this book out even if romance is not your thing. 

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Review: We'll Prescribe You Another Cat

We'll Prescribe You Another Cat by Syou Ishida
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We'll Prescribe You Another Cat is the second book in the We'll Prescribe You a Cat series by Syou Ishida.  You will want to read them in order because they build upon each other.  

I didn't love We'll Prescribe You Another Cat as much as I loved the first one.  That said, I still cried my eyes out on the Nikke chapter.  Be careful when you get there.  I think the problem I had this time is I didn't always understand how the prescribed cat related to the issue.  It was sometimes as if someone prescribed antibiotics for a broken arm.  The cats are still cute and fun and well worth reading about.

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Review: Marble Hall Murders

Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marble Hall Murders is the third book in the Susan Ryeland series by Anthony Horowitz.  You can read this by itself, but I recommend reading them in order because they reference events in previous books.  This book really brings to a close what happened in those books.  I'm not sure if there will be another one, so while they are long, it is worth the investment.  I didn't know they made TV series of the first two books until I read the acknowledgments.  I will definitely look for them now.  

The thing I enjoy about this book and the other Susan Ryeland books is that they are a mystery in a mystery.  You basically get two books in one.  You are reading the "real life" story that has a mystery book embedded in it.  Solving the mystery in the book will often help you solve the "real" mystery too.   All the clues are there for you if you can put them together.  You never would have expected book publishing to be so deadly! 

Bonus points for Hugo.  Susan was a winner in the universal cat distribution system. She doesn't think she is a cat person.  Ha!  Every cat person knows that cats and books pair well together.  I don't know if I need work or a relationship, but I definitely need a cat.  

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Review: Arkangel

Arkangel by James Rollins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arkangel is the 18th book in the Sigma Force series by James Rollins.  You could read this as a standalone book although it does reference events and characters in previous books.  There is enough explanation that you don't need to have read any other books in the series, but I highly recommend you do!  

I really enjoy many of the characters in this book, but I am so glad to see Tucker, Kane, and Marco again.  They are by far my favorites.  I could also only wish that my dogs were as disciplined as Kane.  Reading through this time I realized that Sigma Force always reminds me of Thundercats.  For some reason, I always picture Monk as Panthro.  It's weird.  I know.  That's my guilty Sigma Force secret.  

It felt appropriate to be reading Arkangel in the midst of winter in Wisconsin.  Not quite Arctic temperatures, but I could feel the chill as they searched for a lost city through ice and snow.  The topic couldn't be timelier as people wonder why places like Greenland are important.  In another odd coincidence someone mentioned to me that being eaten by a plant wouldn't be so bad.  I suggested they read this book.  If that doesn't make you want to read this, I'm unsure of what will.  

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