The Librarians by Sherry Thomas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I’ve been a fan of Thomas’ Lady Sherlock series since it began and I’ve dipped my toe into one or two of her other books, so I felt I was reasonably able to understand the way her stories unfold. After reading several reviews, however, I left this book on my Wishlist far longer than I should have.

Sherry Thomas is not a ‘cookie cutter’ writer. Her characters, plots, and story telling are rich, diverse, and not a little complicated. Also, she isn’t afraid to do a deep dive into back stories and explanations where necessary.

That being said, I ended up going through this audio book more than once to make sure I hadn’t missed anything – and I’m pretty sure I have but that will encourage another listen.

What starts out appearing simple and ordinary quickly shifts into that space where the reader notices something is amiss. Actually quite a few things are amiss.

Each of the librarians has his/her own unique story and situation. Their backgrounds are diverse. Many have at least one thing in common; an acquaintance with one person in particular.

As the individual stories unfold the main mystery starts to unfold, too and when combined the reader is treated to the reality that each character has his/her own response and reaction. From what I’ve seen in the comments this seems to unsettle some folks.

Thomas always gathers the various strings of her plot lines and not only manages to resolve the main mystery but the individual character’s situations, too.

If you like a well plotted mystery and interesting characters but aren’t afraid to stretch the imagination a bit if necessary, I think you will find this book well worth the time.



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I’ve been reading Charlaine Harris’ blog and books for a Very Long Time. I enjoy her books and I enjoy her reading list.

I always look forward to her latest blog where she shares her reading list. I always get some great suggestions for my own To Be Read List.

Her January 5, 2026 blog post has some great information, not to mention inspiration. Click on the link and see what you think.

Emily Cherry Cozy Mysteries #1-10 by Donna Doyle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have to admit Emily Cherry has been a much enjoyed and appreciated cozy companion lately. i actually took my time with it rather than rushing through.

I came across the full series available on Audible and decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by the development of all the characters and the way that Emily decided to stretch herself rather than stay stuck.

The books are not long. The narrator does a credible job. The subject matter made me want to actually read Emily’s blog.

All in all, a nice, comforting cozy listen without a lot of noise or language. While each book is available on its own, I suggest going for the full set (10 books) so you can enjoy the full series.



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A Most Efficient Murder by Anthony Slayton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I’m not sure how I discovered this book but it has been on my Audible Wishlist for a while. Recently I decided to give it a go and, I have to say, I rather enjoyed it.

While there is a definite Christie vibe (think Roger Ackroyd), it is very unlike anything I’ve read or listened to as a Cozy British Mystery. To be honest, that is a huge plus. No sweet young thing with no life experience saving the day. No dry as old cardboard story line.

What we have is subtle humor, characters that are not quite over the top, a rather interesting story (or should that be stories?) with a bit of a surprising ending.

This is one of those mysteries where I sit back and let the author take me where he wants me to go, as opposed to me trying to outwit him by figuring everything out as I go. I’ve discovered that when I approach books in this manner they are more enjoyable and less stressful.

What starts out as a celebration of an 18th birthday ends up with at least 2 murders and quite a bit of misdirection thanks to some well designed interference by at least 1 of the characters. At least one.

Things are not always what we are told and neither are the participants in the plot.

Worth the listen, or the read. I enjoyed it enough to add Book 2 to my wishlist.



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Every once in a while I enjoy a cozy mystery. I found this one thanks to an Audible sale and liked it enough to tag the rest of the series.<br /><br />Verity is smart (mostly), sassy, determined, and tends to get herself into situations that…scare the wits out of her. Any anyone reading along. Not your generic Damsel in Distress. Ditto her friends and family, not to mention the location of the story.

I like the characters, which don’t feel cookie cutter to me (hoping that continues). I love the skunk. IYKYK. The twists and turns could be a tad confusing but everything seems to even up at the end. The ghosts are some of the most realistically portrayed characters I’ve come across in a long time. Their stories are relayed sympathetically rather than being cliche.

So far, I am enjoying this and looking forward to more.

Lately I have gone back to reread (in my case relisten) to the entire Lady Sherlock series to date. I’ve enjoyed the experience but more importantly I discovered details I had not noticed before…

Miss Moriarty, I Presume? by Sherry Thomas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have been revisiting this series lately and when it came time to listen to this book again, I admit, I wasn’t too enthusiastic. It wasn’t a favorite when it first came out. I had assumptions based on what I ‘thought’ the story told bur as the relisten (audio book) progressed, I realized I had either missed or not remembered things correctly.

Big Mistake.

Sherry Thomas’ writing can be very visceral. This particular book is a great example.

The encounter with Moriarity left me exhausted and wound so tight I couldn’t breath for a few minutes. Clearly, I had absorbed the reactions from Charlotte and the group. Then again, the addition of a gattling gun in Sherlock’s bedroom was a bit…

The discovery of a rather important but carefully, craftily noted detail had gone unnoticed until this relisten. Moriarity himself reports to someone higher??????!!!!!!

O.M.G.

Learning this after listening to the entire series many times left me pondering what I might expect with the next book in the series (which can not come fast enough).

This book is an amazing adventure. We have the opportunity to learn more about our key players and discover things that are surprising and intriguing. It is also early enough in the series for me to realize just how carefully crafted the entire series is, not just the individual books.

Clearly, this is a much bigger puzzle than I originally thought.

Moriarity likes to maneuver and manipulate everyone. There are no lengths he will not go to. Pitted against not only his daughter but Charlotte & Company the game becomes far more deadly and the plotting becomes extremely ambitious.

Taken after reading the rest of the series you begin to understand the stakes and contemplate what Charlotte has been planning. Prepare to have your mind boggled!





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A Gentleman and a Thief: The Daring Jewel Heists of a Jazz Age Rogue by Dean Jobb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I tripped over this as I browsed an Audible 2 for 1 sale.

Every once in a while I find something way out of my normal rut. This was not only on a different road but a different time period than my usual.

A true crime story about a man whose name is mostly forgotten, 100 years ago Arthur Barry was a burglar who ran the local constabulary in circles until the inevitable end … sort of.

Arthur was one of those kids who was smarter than was good for him and his need for excitement set him on a path that started when he was 12 or 14 and ran until he was nearing 50. He developed a game plan for burglarizing homes that almost always guaranteed that (a) he got what he came for (b) he got away and (c) no one was injured or killed.

Polite, well mannered, bright, quick thinking. Arthur was all that and more. His story is amazing and amusing and even surprising.

Looking for something a bit out of the ordinary? This is it!



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Murder Crossed Her Mind by Stephen Spotswood

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This read (listen) came about because of a 2 for 1 sale on Audible.com. I have to say I am quite pleased to have discovered it.

I love Nero Wolfe and Sherlock Holmes and have listened or read many takes on each collection. Archie was always more interesting than Wolfe and Watson caused some humor but made Holmes more accessible.

Both Pentecost and Parker are interesting people in their own right but bring them together and there is something a bit arcane about their relationship. Each woman is very individual and interesting and not a cookie cutter cut out of some other literary character.

The time frame is also interesting and unusual. Later than either Wolfe or Holmes and in New York City, no less, the reader is treated to a post-war environment that is not cozy or mundane. Can I just say I love the idea of the brownstone?

My entry into the series was book 4 and as such a lot of the foundation has already been put into place. Juggling several cases (mysteries) at once makes the reader engage or just keep pace, there is no mid way if only to keep up with the various mysteries.

Speaking of the mysteries, wow! When each starts out I found myself thinking that I ‘knew’ what was coming but as each evolved it became clear that the author was in control and what IO ‘thought I knew’ was not what was actually going on. I love it when the author does that!

The cliffhanger ending was a both expected and surprising. And I can’t wait to find out what comes next!

I know I will be going back to Book 1 to learn more about Pentecost and Parker. I also know that I will have to pace myself as the author takes no prisoners and I suspect each book will be intense and wild.



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Tea? Coffee? Murder! – Episode 1-3: A Cosy Mystery Compilation by Ellen Barksdale

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When I look for an audiobook to listen to I tend to aim for something longer than 8 hours. This book, a compilation of the first 3 books in the series, has an 11 hour run time. In other words, each of the individual books is less than 4 hours long, so I would not have considered any of them individually. Being able to actually listen to the three has been enjoyable without lots of filler or diversion.

All that being said, this series is an interesting/odd take on a version of Midsummer Murders/Murder, She Wrote.

The stories are well written, have interesting characters, and there seems to be just enough to keep me interested without additives that just add bulk and no real substance.

If you are looking for something a bit different and yet engaging, give this a try.



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