The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Westbury

THE OXFORD GUIDE TO SCANDAL AND LIES by Kate Westbury is a wonderful historical and cozy mystery debut set in the early 1950s.  The main characters are very different from each other: Ginevra Bishop (estranged daughter of a viscount and former debutante, trying to find purpose) and Sidney Braithwaite (former soldier, recovering from wartime emotional trauma) although they are both students at Oxford. It is at the university that they witness the death of a beloved librarian and are recruited by the security services (Rook is their handler) to investigate further. The handful of suspects (both professors and students) provides multiple scenarios for the dual to unravel, all while fighting a romantic attraction.  Westbury’s THE OXFORD GUIDE TO SCANDAL AND LIES was a LibraryReads selection, a September 2026 Indie Next Pick and received a starred review form BookPage (“The chemistry is delightful, the setting is academia personified and the story itself encourages propulsive page-turning―a heck of a debut novel indeed”). Enjoy!

The Castle in the Glen by Rhys Bowen

THE CASTLE IN THE GLEN is the latest stand-alone historical mystery by Rhys Bowen, bestselling author of more than sixty novels. This is the story of a famous mystery writer, Iris Blackburn, who was recently diagnosed with dementia and needs to find a co-writer to help finish her latest work, the prequel to her best-selling Inspector Melrose series. She offers the opportunity to Emma Callander, a young writer living in London, but from Australia. Emma is hesitant at first but quickly becomes enthralled by the author’s book within a book about the drowning death of the daughter of a laird and her male companion. The draft chapters describe fictional Melrose’s first solo case and he, too, is concerned about solving the puzzle, especially since the main suspect, a rival suitor, has disappeared. To help writing and revising, Emma is given a trip to Glascow and the Isle of Skye and there she begins to learn some troubling facts and is threatened while also starting a romance. The pace picks up and readers will likely predict some of the ending Bowen has crafted, but she includes numerous twists and surprises, so they are unlikely to foretell them all. The unique geography and environment on Skye is vividly described in this entertaining combination of suspense and historical fiction.

The Chase by Felix Francis

THE CHASE by Felix Francis continues in the tradition of the excellent horse racing mysteries by Dick Francis. In this case, his son, Felix, shares a tale about almost fifty-year-old Fabian Tulley who runs an art gallery. The paintings and sculptures he buys and sells are generally related to the racing world and horses; plus, Tulley’s father is a trainer with horses in major races, so he is definitely involved in that world. Easing into retirement does not look likely for Tulley when an unpleasant client very publicly accuses him of knowingly selling a forged painting. Troubles compound when more paintings are vandalized and Tulley is physically attacked. To me, THE CHASE is stronger (and closer in style to an original Dick Francis novel) than Francis’ previous offerings largely because of the way he shares Tulley’s musings and suppositions with the reader. THE CHASE received a starred review from Booklist (“It’s fascinating to follow his [Francis’] hero into art galleries and auctions as well as the stable and racetrack.”) and is scheduled to be published on September 8.

The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts

THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR OF JUDITH POTTS by Robert Thorogood is the latest in the Marlow Murder mystery series (also on PBS Masterpiece). When reading this story, it was incredibly easy to picture the interactions of three friends, Judith Potts, Susie Harris, and Becks Starling in their small English village. This time, some famous locals (a sportsman and a writer) are found dead and the friends set out to investigate, but something Is clearly not right as Judith is distracted, and police liaison Tanika Malik has been suspended. That shifts the burden of investigating to Becks and Susie while Thorogood seems to over-emphasize some of their less attractive qualities (e.g., rule-follower and boisterous, almost rudeness), perhaps to replace the tension that existed between the investigators and police in earlier series entries. They have even more to solve when Judith is threatened with exposure of being involved in her long-ago husband’s death. The ending is exciting, and readers will be gratified to learn more about Judith’s cryptic past.

The Queen's Coronation by Jennifer Ryan

THE QUEEN'S CORONATION by Jennifer Ryan (The Kitchen Front and more) is a work of historical fiction set in early 1950’s Britain. Based in large part on reminiscences from her grandmother, Ryan has written numerous books set during WWII and I would recommend those over this latest. Here, readers will again find women building a community and supporting each other, but this book seemed to focus more on their problems and to be more repetitive than Ryan’s other novels. THE QUEEN'S CORONATION is still a good story involving Caroline, an assistant dresser to the Queen; Lucy, a beautiful aspiring singer who is taken advantage of; and Miranda, a self-centered, independent newspaper woman. Because of events in their pasts (an out of wedlock pregnancy, potential for stepparent abuse; and widowhood), each of these women struggles with her own feelings of inadequacy. Whereas Ryan’s books are often more about a group of women actively encouraging each other, this one seems to focus on the individual plights and the unhappiness and abandonment faced by Caroline, Lucy, and Miranda. Earlier works are more uplifting; this one compensates with some “inside” details on the coronation and the young queen as she, too, copes with 1950s gender stereotypes and expectations.

Death at King's Cross by Rosanne Limoncelli

DEATH AT KING’S CROSS by Rosanne Limoncelli (The Four Queens of Crime) is the second in the series to feature four famous mystery writers (Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham) and pioneering policewoman Detective Chief Inspector Lilian Wyles as they all work together to solve a puzzling crime in 1941 London. A young woman is found stabbed at King’s Cross Station and the case is given to MI5 where the higher-ups seem reluctant to share information. The writers and Wyles are increasingly convinced that several more women’s lives may be at stake; it is only combining their findings (regarding stolen medicines, missing relatives, and blackmail threats) that they are able to concoct a plan and act upon it. Although the plot rests a bit too heavily on coincidences, it is still suspenseful and entertaining, especially the reflections on the role for women in the police force at that time. Look for this title when it becomes available in July 2026.

A Deadly Episode by Anthony Horowitz

A DEADLY EPISODE by Anthony Horowitz is book six in the Hawthorne and Horowitz Mysteries (following the story line introduced in The Word is Murder, The Sentence is Death, and A Line to Kill – plus more - which chronicle the sleuthing of a former policeman named Daniel Hawthorne and his sidekick, none other than Anthony Horowitz himself.). These mysteries are clever, fun, and entertaining and the latest title received starred reviews from both Booklist and Publishers Weekly (“This series is in peak form.”). This time, Hawthorne and Horowitz are visiting the filming site for The Word is Murder; a small, cash-strapped company is creating the film and have hired an eco-activist to write the script. Horowitz is not pleased with the changes from the book, but that is a non-issue when the lead actor, David Caine, playing Hawthorne is killed. There are a roughly a half dozen suspects, but numerous motives (seems as though Caine was universally disliked) and plenty of opportunity. Full of subtle clues and red herrings, there’s mystery within the mystery - I especially enjoyed reading about an earlier case, Hawthorne’s first as a private detective. While A DEADLY EPISODE could likely work as a stand-alone, it is much preferable to read this series in order as readers learn more about each of the characters and can observe the growing relationship between them. Enjoy!

NOTE: Here is the New York Times with suggested titles for classic private eye detective novels.

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton by Jennifer N. Brown

Somehow, I kept hearing about THE LOST BOOK OF ELIZABETH BARTON by Jennifer N. Brown prior to its publication and I am glad I was able to read a preview of this historical fiction debut. The story is set in two time periods, the 1500’s when Elizabeth Barton (a real person regarded as a visionary and saint by some) and 2023 when fictional academic Alison Sage has discovered a bound copy of Barton’s prophecies and is invited to an exclusive conference to discuss her research. From the beginning something seems off, but Alison is new to the professional attention and gladly shares with other professionals (Roger, Charles, Westley, Marla, Brian and Arjun) whose work tangentially relates to her own. They actually stay at a Manor House within walking distance of the priory where Elizabeth (The Holy Maid of Kent) lived. Brown alternates the time periods so as to provide background about the dangers surrounding the religious conflicts when Henry VIII was planning to divorce/annul and (re)marry. She also describes possible motivations and actions of the prioress and Elizabeth’s benefactors, basing her writing on texts, letters or sermons and families who lived at the time. It is a fascinating look at that period. Modern day Alison, however, seems a bit naïve especially when she rekindles a romance with a fellow scholar. THE LOST BOOK OF ELIZABETH BARTON received starred reviews from both Booklist (“Recommend to fans of Wolf Hall and all readers consumed with the treacherous Tudor times.”) and Publishers Weekly (“excels at depicting the manipulation of women across the centuries … . Fans of historical suspense will be wowed.”).

Catch Your Death by Ravena Guron

CATCH YOUR DEATH by Ravena Guron is described by the publisher as being part Agatha Christie and part Karen McManus. It is a locked room mystery with several teenage characters and an amazing number of twists. Devi’s car breaks down on the way to her grandmother’s house; Lizzie delivers a necklace to a wealthy, but arrogant, woman named Emily Vanforte; and Jayne is employed to help with a very fancy dinner. They all end up marooned during a snowstorm with the dysfunctional family at the Bramble Estate. Emily joins her husband, Charles; daughter, Lottie, daughter’s boyfriend, Douglas Treefair; and a young cousin of Lottie’s, Tate Astur, as the only dinner guests when Emily dies suddenly. Was her food poisoned by one of these other dinner attendees? The three girls combine efforts to solve the puzzle and try to keep any other deaths from happening until police can arrive. Guron does an excellent job building suspense and an air of menace: the three girls alternate narrating and police interviews are interspersed as chilling flashbacks. The old manor house is full of secret passages and multiple weapons appear and disappear.  School Library Journal recommends CATCH YOUR DEATH for grades 9 and up, saying, “truly unpredictable and sure to engross readers as the full story unwinds.” I concur and I will look for past (This Book Kills) and future mystery titles by Ravena Guron. 

The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths

THE FROZEN PEOPLE by Elly Griffiths is the start of a new mystery series which features Ali Dawson who has the extraordinary capability to travel in time. She leaves the modern day to go to 1850 London in an attempt to find out whether the ancestor of a government official is guilty of murder. But, something goes wrong, and she is trapped there while a modern-day murder results in her son being arrested. Ali’s colleagues frantically try to return her so that she can apply her crime-solving skills to her son’s case. This series is quite different from the historical mysteries and police procedurals that Griffiths’ fans have come to enjoy, but it does convey a dark feeling of menace and readers will be engaged. Kirkus says, “Murder on several time planes is a fascinating premise enhanced by an enthralling look at Victorian London.” Griffiths herself notes, “Even though the plot is somewhat fantastical, I wanted to make the details as convincing as possible.” Her research and clever writing shine through.

A Case of Life and Limb by Sally Smith

A CASE OF LIFE AND LIMB by Sally Smith is the second volume in The Trials of Gabriel Ward series (after A Case of Mice and Murder) and was recently reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, referring to “its lawyerly shenanigans and emotional poignancy.” This is a delightful series written by a lawyer and resident of the Inner Temple so the affection which Ward feels for his surroundings seems genuinely based on Smith’s own feelings. Set at Christmas time 1901, this puzzle concerns some rather gruesome body parts delivered as gifts and containing indirect threats to leaders of the community. Gabriel Ward grows as a character while continuing to battle some of his reservations about getting involved in investigations and also arguing a libel case involving a young actress. A CASE OF LIFE AND LIMB received starred reviews from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly ([with] “Elegant prose, expert pacing, and a well-drawn protagonist …. This series deserves a long life.”).

From Cradle to Grave by Rhys Bowen

FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE by Rhys Bowen is the latest (19th) mystery story in Bowen’s Royal Spyness series featuring Lady Georgiana. Although these cozy tales have a loyal and enthusiastic readership, I have found the last few (see The Proof of the Pudding and Peril in Paris) to offer a less positive picture of the heroine. Similarly, in this case, she needs to hire a nanny and stand up for herself against interfering relatives. Given that Lady Georgiana and her friend Belinda have shown themselves as more than capable in solving murders, those tasks should not seem to be so daunting although they help move the story forward. Once again, I would recommend reading earlier entries in this light and entertaining series. FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE eventually develops into a fine mystery (multiple young aristocratic men are dying without any apparent link) but hopefully Lady Georgiana will channel her grandmother and show a stronger spirit in future outings.

Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent

GUILTY BY DEFINITION is the first novel offered by Susie Dent, a renowned British etymologist, and I originally requested a preview because of a recommendation from Ron Charles, the Washington Post book reviewer. Dent utilizes her expertise regarding words and their history to craft a tale full of clues which are puzzled over by a team of linguists who are working on dictionary definitions and are based in Oxford. It is from there that Charlie, the sister of one of them, went missing several years ago. To me, this is a story that starts slowly and gradually builds empathy with the main characters, Martha, Alex, Safi, and Simon. As the team investigates, readers learn some troubling background about Charlie, but the momentum grows and the quirky definitions add further highlights to a unique and, ultimately, engaging quest. Even commonplace activities are an educational opportunity in Dent’s capable hands: “Salary, salad, silt, sausage, salsa, sauce … the lexicon of salt whirred through her brain as she turned the stew down to a simmer.” Or, if you hate Sundays, consider “‘mubble-fubbles’ -- 17th century speak for a heavy, eve-of-something-unpleasant dose of the blues -- as proof that no sane person has ever liked them.” GUILTY BY DEFINITION received a starred review from Booklist and Library Journal recommends it for fans of The Dictionary of Lost Words and By Any Other Name. A Reading Group Guide and A Conversation with the Author are included. 

A Dark and Deadly Journey by Julia Kelly

A DARK & DEADLY JOURNEY by Julia Kelly is number three (after A Traitor in Whitehall and Betrayal at Blackthorn Park) in the Evelyne Redfern mystery series. These historical fiction (WWII era) titles are best read in order. In the latest, young British espionage agent Evelyne is again paired with agent David Poole and the two are sent to Lisbon to find an informant who has gone missing. They have barely landed when a dead body is discovered and Evelyne falls under suspicion. Their mission, in support of the local intelligence office, involves interaction with desperate ex-pats at glamourous parties. It is further complicated by a personal connection and additional deaths, testing the partner’s trust of each other. As author Kelly explores the choices between reputation and money over doing the right thing, she arrives at a rather abrupt ending, tying up the missing pieces in Lisbon only to open questions that will lead to further adventures for Evelyne and David.

Dark Horse by Felix Francis

DARK HORSE by Felix Francis (Hands Down) continues in the spirit of horse racing mysteries of which Dick Francis was such a champion. His son introduces Imogen Duffy, a young conditional jockey, and reprises the beloved character of Sid Halley. The book feels disjointed, though, with the first half focused on Imogen’s racing career and its disruption by her abusive ex-boyfriend and fellow jockey, Liam Carson. He is stalking her but is clever enough to persuade others that she is irrationally threatening him. A sudden death leads to a murder trial, and it is in the second half where Sid Halley becomes involved – checking alibis and witness statements in an attempt to provide a viable defense and discover the truth. Although the story does not flow as smoothly as some of the best from Dick Francis himself (the reference to his life size statue at Aintree Racecourse is a nice salute), readers will enjoy the suspense (once again, Sid’s life is threatened) and the vivid descriptions of racing and horse jumping action.

Dear Miss Lake by AJ Pearce

DEAR MISS LAKE by AJ Pearce is the final novel in an excellent four book series which began with the award-winning Dear Mrs. Bird. These historical fiction titles should be read in order and are set primarily in London or the English countryside during WWII. Emmy Lake is a major character who becomes an active correspondent for a magazine titled Woman’s Friend.  In the latest book, she is devoting time to an advice column dealing with issues like financial worries, problems with relatives living together, unexpected pregnancies, and unfaithful husbands. In addition, Emmy works with the British government by conducting interviews and profiling the contributions that women like nurses and factory workers make to the war effort, especially on the Home Front. It is all quite upbeat even when she becomes involved in trying to obtain answers about British POWs. Throughout, there is a strong comradery amongst the team (e.g., brother-in-law Guy Collins, fashion editor Monica, young assistant Hester, and stalwarts like Mrs. Shaw and Miss Peters) at the magazine. And, happily, there’s a wedding or two to plan despite the wartime shortages impacting food and clothing. Resilience, resourcefulness, and courage combine again and again in this hopeful, inspiring read: “Tonight as I kiss the glass of the photo frame and wish Charles goodnight, I felt sure he would know I was thinking of him. … ‘whenever you think of me, I will feel it in my heart and be thinking of you too.’” 

A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith

A CASE OF MICE AND MURDER by Sally Smith is book one in The Trials of Gabriel Ward mystery series (a second book is coming in November). This story is truly charming and delightful; it is set in the Temple area, a tradition-bound center of London's legal world (the year is 1901). Smith introduces readers to an unassuming and unwilling sleuth, Gabriel Ward, a well-regarded barrister but a recluse who finds himself investigating a judge’s death while being drawn into the problems of the lower classes, including a scullery maid and a homeless man. Gabriel Ward also has a challenging task of defending a publisher against a young woman who claims to have authored the best-selling Millie the Temple Church Mouse. And, all the while he must skirt the politics as rival lawyers jostle to succeed the murdered judge. In her promising debut, Smith interweaves the storylines, builds suspense, and develops affection for her characters, especially Sir Gabriel who says he “just tried to remember all that I knew from my books and to apply psychology to the facts; It is the only way I can think of to be a detective.”

Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R. King

KNAVE OF DIAMONDS by Laurie R. King is the 19th book in the well-regarded Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes mystery series which began over thirty years ago with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice. This may be one of the best yet – it certainly is an engaging tale. Three main characters – Russell, Holmes, and Mary’s sometimes criminal uncle Jake – share the adventures and narration duties. The story is set in 1925, but hinges on the still publicly unsolved theft of the Irish Crown Jewels in 1907. Readers soon learn that both Holmes and Jake have an emotional stake in that event and it’s entertaining to see them “dance” around each other as they contemplate teaming up to find the jewels, all while looking out for Mary (who is more than capable of taking care of herself). I hope Uncle Jake returns for more mysteries and recommend KNAVE OF DIAMONDS and the entire series to mystery fans. An author’s note references the actual theft and provides additional background on historical figures who appear in the novel. A fun, quick read with bursts of Irish affability.

Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess

WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK by Karen Dukess is a delightfully quirky, frothy offering which combines mystery and romance set in England’s Peak District. After the death of her often-estranged Mom, Cath Little heads to the UK to participate in a pretend murder contest. No one knows why her Mom had purchased the tickets without telling Cath. Soon, however, Cath and her detective team (roommates Wyatt, struggling in his marriage to a birding shopkeeper, and Amity, a romance author with writer’s block), are investigating not only the supposed death of local resident Tracy Penny, but also a series of strange coincidences involving Cath, her childhood, and her Mom. The tiny village of Willowthrop is also home to several memorable characters, including handsome barman and artisanal gin crafter named Dev who is attracted to Cath. This entertaining tale fulfills the author’s description: “Murder, revenge, lies, abandonment – they’re a respite from the mess and confusion of our own lives. Fictional chaos is a holiday, a beautiful distraction. We can go along for the ride and shiver from the danger without worrying that we'll get hurt.” WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK received a starred review from Library Journal (“just the thing for a rainy afternoon and a cup of tea”). Enjoy.  

The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson

THE BUSYBODY BOOK CLUB by Freya Sampson is a really fun cozy mystery story with a delightful cast of characters. Nova (along with her fiancé Craig) has recently moved to a small village in Cornwall where she works in a community center. There, Nova runs a small book club whose members include the older and very opinionated Phyllis (and her dog smelly bulldog, Craddock), Ash (a teenager, trying to impress a classmate), retired farmer Arthur who cares for his wife, Esi, and the newest member, Michael. A great part of the enjoyment is how each references a favorite genre: Phyllis frequently invokes Miss Marple and Agatha Christie; Arthur cites the plots of romance novels, and Ash loves Star Wars and science fiction. Readers won’t be too sure of Michael’s tastes because he disappears early in the story – at roughly the same time that 10,000 pounds goes missing and a dead body is discovered. He becomes a chief suspect although plenty of theories are bantered about and the book club members have some harrowing adventures, even threatening Nova and Craig’s upcoming nuptials. A May 2025 LibraryReads selection, THE BUSYBODY BOOK CLUB is light and entertaining; there are some surprises and more obvious twists, giving readers an equal chance to smile to themselves, saying “told you so!” Also enjoyable: The Lost Ticket and Nosy Neighbors, both by Freya Sampson.