March 2026's Reading Summary

It's that time again.  We've entered April, so it's time for a reading summary.  No foolin', here's what I read in March.

And yes, I did get the index updated this month.

All ratings are on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (great).  All links will take you to my full review.

 

Europa by James Ponti (City Spies #7) – 5

Since the City Spies have relocated from Scotland to London, it means they can get some special training from those higher up in MI-6. The first such session involves looking at a coded message the agency has recently gotten. The City Spies quickly realize that the agents who had looked for it missed one thing - the targets are in Paris. But which of the potential targets is the real one? Can the team figure it out in time?

This is another excellent book in the series. While I didn’t feel there was a spotlighted character, each did get a moment to shine and grow, and the team shone as a whole. The plot slowed down a time or two early on, but it was never for long. Instead, I got caught up in the action multiple times. And the humor continued to make me smile and laugh. I also appreciated that the code brought in Renaissance painters and Shakespeare without really slowing things down. This is another book that all ages will enjoy. 

 

Pompeii, Paccheri, and Panic by Traci Andrighetti (Pasta and Piazza Mysteries #0.5) – 3

Giada Adair, is going through a painful divorce and has taken a job as a tour guide in Italy in an attempt to rebuild her life.  She and her best friend have headed over before her first official tour to do a little research in Pompeii.  But her trip takes an unexpected turn when an ancient lamp just unearth from Pompeii disappears and Giada finds herself implicated.  Worse yet, a young woman dies in front of Giada, and she becomes a suspect.  That is, unless she was the intended victim.  Giada is going to have to channel her cousin Franki if she wants to get out of this alive.

I’ve been wanting to try this author for a while, so I decided to jump in with this novella introduction to a spin off series.  I enjoyed the main characters, and I found the suspects strong.  Likewise, the plot was perfect for a novella and kept me engaged until the suspenseful and logical climax.  But I found the Italian and Italian accents a bit off putting.  Which yes, makes me lazy since we have a glossary at the end.  And it fits with a book set in Italy.  I also found the (ancient) potty humor disgusting at times.  Others?  I was laughing.  I fully own both of these issues are me issues.  Others won’t have them.  But, as a result, I’ll probably give the author another try with her earlier series instead of jumping into the first in this series.

 

Murder at Chateau sur Mer by Alyssa Maxwell (Gilded Newport Mysteries #5) – 5

It’s July of 1897, and Emma is covering a polo match when she witnesses a strange scene – a young woman with a less than stellar reputation is insisting that she must talk to Senator Wetmore’s wife. The next morning, Emma is summoned to the Wetmore’s residence - Chateau sur Mer. The young woman from the day before is lying dead in their entry way. Emma has developed a reputation based on her past exploits, and Mrs. Wetmore wants Emma to investigate so that the whiff of scandal won’t haunt her family forever. But what is the victim’s connection to the wealthy family?

The book does a good job of putting us back in Emma’s world while also setting up the mystery.  While there are great twists, I did feel a few things were rushed at the climax.  Still, everything did make sense.  I appreciated the updates we got on Emma and the other regulars, both real people and fictional characters.  Speaking of which, I love how the two types rub elbows seamlessly.  In fact, I was surprised to learn a couple I thought pure invention were real.  Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end to find out the facts that support this fiction.  As always, the summer setting gave me some relaxed vibes, and I felt like I was transported back in time.  If you are looking for a fun historical series, this is one to check out.

 

Vanished in the Crowd by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles (Molly Murphy #22) – 3

It’s September of 1909 and New York City is bursting at the seams as an estimated two million visitors are in town for a celebration or the three hundredth anniversary of Henry Hudson’s discovery of the Hudson River. Some of those visitors are staying with Molly’s dear neighbors Sid and Gus. However, one of those women never arrives. No one seems to know where she is; even her husband doesn’t know. So Molly agreed to try to find her. But in a large city overflowing with people, where can she even start?

I’ve been a fan from the beginning, but like other recent entries, I struggled with this one. Daniel is his usual self, with the typical “character development.” The plot is uneven, and I pieced things together early. And the theme of the book turned into more of a lecture with repeated scenes about it. Mind you, I agree that the way women were treated in the early 1900’s wasn’t good. But lectures on it is not what I was looking for here. On the other hand, the majority of the characters are their usual charming selves. Fans of the series will still want to pick this one up. And they’ll be extremely anxious to pick up the next one as well. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

Antihero by Gregg Hurwitz (Orphan X #11) – 4

Evan’s latest call for help comes from a witness. A woman was taken off a New York City subway by four young men. When Evan manages to find the woman, she’s been horribly violated. Evan immediately goes after the men who did this to her, but she makes him promise not to kill them. Will he be able to keep his promise?

While this series is always more violent than what I typically read, this one felt darker than it needed to be. Then again, that might have been what helped me fully feel with Evan’s struggle to find another way to bring justice. I felt one subplot was recycled, but overall, I felt the character development was good. And the supporting regulars were good as always. We even saw a couple who hadn’t been around for the last book or two. And the plot kept me engaged. Other readers like me might want to think twice before picking up this book, but those who enjoy thrillers will love it. 

 

Death at Tidal Creek by Caleb Wygal (Myrtle Beach Mysteries #5) – 4

Clark Thomas is slowing building a relationship with Andrea, who has just opened a business next door to his bookstore. So when two people are found dead near the garbage bins at Tidal Creek Brewery, near where Andrea lives, Clark takes note, especially when one of the is the president of Andrea’s HOA. But it’s only when Andrea finds herself involved in the HOA that Clark fully gets involved. It turns out the late president was up to some shady business. Is that why he was killed? 

As always, this book had great beach vibes. I’m curious how the love triangle storyline is going to get resolved. We did get some good growth in Clark, interesting new characters, and a couple more tantalizing clues to his wife’s murder. The main mystery was good. I figured out a piece early but didn’t have it all put together. The ending was a bit exposition heavy as always, but my questions were answered. If you are looking for a beach vibe mystery, this is the book, and series, for you. 

 

Fatal Fried Rice by Vivien Chien (Noodle Shop Mysteries #7) – 4

Lana Lee has decided to do something about not being able to cook Chinese food by signing up for a class at a local continuing education school. She is hoping to keep her class a secret, but that becomes much harder when she returns after class to find the instructor stabbed in the back. With the detective assigned to the case certain that Lana is responsible, she must figure out what happened. But with the victim a stranger, can Lana learn anything about her?

The problem with this book is that Lana really has no connection to the victim. It takes quite a while before we start getting any leads on suspects and motives. Once that happens, the book picks up, and we reach a logical climax. Fortunately, Lana and the rest of the regulars are their normal charming and entertaining selves. I enjoyed checking in with them as always. Fans will still be glad they picked up this book. 

 

Birth of the Black Orchids by M. R. Dimond (Black Orchid Enterprises #1) – 3

This book is really two separate longish short stories that introduce us to JD Thomas and his friends Dianne Cortez and Johnny Ly. They have moved into a mansion in the town of Beauchamp, Texas. They have separate rooms upstairs and are opening businesses downstairs, lawyer, accountant, and vet. Days before Christmas, they hold an open house to show off the renovations and promote their businesses. Might something go wrong? Then, a couple of weeks later, a neighbor they are supposed to be helping vanishes. Where might she have gone?

I really did love meeting these characters. You can feel the bonds of friendship between them. However, the mystery in neither story is super strong. The Christmas setting of the first story helps with the cozy vibes. And if you are looking for those vibes, you won’t be disappointed to pick up this book. 

 

Broken Trust by Liz Milliron (Laurel Highlands Mysteries #3) – 5

Jim has been called to the scene of a murder in the office of a local mining company. The victim is Lonnie Butler, a friend of his – in fact he and Sally helped Lonnie get the job just a few months ago. Despite the fact that Jim’s sister and her two kids are coming for a visit, Jim can’t help but keep investigating. Unfortunately, one of Sally’s current clients has come up as a suspect in the case. She doesn’t feel she can share what she knows without crossing ethical lines, so she starts trying to figure out what really happened to Lonnie. Will the case come between them? Will they still be able to find Lonnie’s killer?

The mystery was good, with strong suspects that kept me engaged even when I began to suspect where the mystery was going. The wrap up was strong. The relationship issues were a very strong subplot. While one small aspect made me roll my eyes, the main issue was well done. I like that they both made mistakes and were both right, and their friends called them out for it. Meanwhile, I hadn’t realized how much Sally needed a friend until she got a new one here. If you haven’t read this book yet, you are in for a treat. Trust me. 

 

Frozen Stiff Drink by James J. Cudney (Braxton Campus Mysteries #6) – 2

As this book opens, Wharton County is bracing for a late winter storm that is supposed to dump quite a bit of snow on them. Before the storm buried them for good, the local magistrate dies under suspicious circumstances. But with his beloved Nana D missing, that’s all Kellan is able to think about. Until his brother becomes caught up in the murder investigation. Can Kellan help his family?

I came into this book hoping it would improve on the previous book, but it didn’t. The writing still keeps us outside the story, including summarizing conversations. There are many glitches, timeline and otherwise, that should have been caught with a good edit. While there is a lot going on, I still felt the pacing lagged, although the end did wrap things up well. The supporting players could use a bit more personality, especially considering how many there are and the complex connections. Still, I do like Kellan, and that makes me want to know what happens after the cliffhanger. If you aren’t already a fan, don’t pick up this entry. 

 

Vengeance in Venice by Erica Ruth Neubauer (Jane Wunderly Mysteries #7) – 5

While Jane and Redvers got married several months ago, they are now taking the time for a proper honeymoon in September of 1927.  They are looking forward to relaxing days exploring the city and eating the delicious cuisine.  Which is when Aunt Millie and her new husband crash the trip.  Millie has gotten the two couples an invitation to a party hosted by her friend Clara Morton, who turns out to be quite the eccentric.  Jane and Redvers are hoping to slip away early, but their plans are scrapped when a dead body is found in the garden.  When a friend that Jane has just reunited with becomes the prime suspect, honeymoon plans get put on hold to solve this latest murder.  Can Jane free her friend?

Someday, I want to visit Venice, but traveling with Jane was the next best thing.  I felt like I was there with her and the fun group of suspects.  There were plenty of secrets and twists along the way to a satisfying climax, although a couple of things didn’t wrap up quite as well as I would have liked.  Aunt Millie is a hoot as always.  And Jane and Redvers get plenty of time to shine.  I love their relationship, and I had to laugh with them several times as I read reading.  Anyone looking for a light historical mystery will be glad they picked this one up.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book.