The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury

The Oxford Guide to Scandal & Lies

Book Summary

Set against the backdrop of post-WWII Oxford University, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies is the irresistible debut from Kate Westbury that seamlessly layers mystery, romance, and a dash of academia to introduce the Crown’s newest undercover operatives.

Oxford, England, 1951 - The Honorable Ginevra Bishop likes red lipstick, clever retorts, and earning top marks in her tutorials. She’s following her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford, eager to prove she’s more than a debutante.

Sidney Braithwaite likes brooding, Latin, and ignoring his nightmares. He’s determined to forge a new life for himself at Oxford, far from his childhood mining village and free from memories of the war.

Though Gin and Sidney have little in common, the British Security Service is keen to unite her charm with his espionage experience: there’s a Soviet spy at the university, and the agent tracking them down was poisoned. MI5 wants Gin and Sidney to pick up the trail and identify the informant before more sensitive information is compromised. As a team, the pair of undergraduates clash in personality, upbringing, and taste––but have a connection neither can deny. Gin and Sidney must unite their respective talents to follow the clues before they’re caught in the traitor’s crosshairs…if the sparks flying between them don’t blow up the operation first.

My Thoughts

Step through the gates of Oxford, and you’ll find secrets tucked into every shadow. The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury is a delightful blend of espionage, history, mystery, and sparkling character dynamics, all woven into one wonderfully engaging story. I especially enjoyed the chemistry and witty banter between Gin and Sydney, as well as the way their romance unfolds slowly and naturally. 

The mystery is well-crafted and thoughtfully plotted, with secret clues, coded messages, suspicious professors, whispered conversations, and the thrilling sense that someone may be watching from just around the corner. I love a mystery that keeps me suspecting everyone, and this one does exactly that. The Oxford University setting is another highlight, filled with rich history, beautiful libraries, secret corridors, and intriguing academic societies. Westbury brings it all vividly to life through picturesque descriptions that make the story feel atmospheric and immersive. Charming, clever, and full of intrigue, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies left me eagerly hoping this is only the first case in a brilliant new series.

Let’s wrap up the week with a little bookish sparkle! Kate Westbury’s debut novel The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies is now available from Amazon, and today also brings a deliciously spooky treat: Sue Hollowell’s boo-tifully spicy cozy mystery Food Truck Fright Night. This is my last post for the week, but I’ll be back on Tuesday, September 8, with The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle. Until then, may your weekend be cozy, your coffee be strong, and your reading pile be delightfully irresistible!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen

Paper Ghosts

Book Summary

Part ghost story, part love story and steeped in magical realism, Paper Ghosts will transport you to a place where old secrets echo through the years and love finds a way of bringing us home.

Every family has its secrets . . .The Wester women live inside theirs.

For decades, the women of Wester House have unsettled and fascinated their small, timeless North Carolina town. Their home is full of whispers, old griefs, and uncanny knowing. But when Willamena Wester reaches out to the granddaughter she once pushed away, long-buried truths begin to stir.

1976: Restless young Willamena falls for a stranded musician who brings freedom and the promise of another life to her carefully controlled world. Their brief, incandescent love story promises to escape the pull of the Wester legacy until Willamena makes a fateful choice that changes her life forever.

Present day: Returning home is the last thing Bailey Wester wants. Yet as she reconnects with Willamena, the grandmother she feared, Bailey begins to understand the love, heartbreak, and impossible choices that shaped the women in her family and realizes the past may not have been trying to haunt them after all. A luminous novel filled with Sarah Addison Allen’s stunning prose and signature blend of romance, Southern charm, and wonder, Paper Ghosts reminds us that in order to have the future we really want, sometimes we need to live with the past, and not let go of it.

My Thoughts

There is a special kind of excitement that comes with opening a new Sarah Addison Allen book, and Paper Ghosts arrived with all the promise of mystery, family secrets, and a touch of magic. Ever since I discovered Garden Spells, I have looked forward to each new release, and I was eager to settle in with this story. While Paper Ghosts unfolds at a gentler pace than I expected, that slower beginning gives readers time to step into its shadowy atmosphere and appreciate its quieter moments. The unexpected shifts in time add an intriguing layer, even as I found myself wishing for a smoother path through the characters’ histories.

Wills has the beginnings of a truly compelling story, and I especially enjoyed the hints of her connection with her grandmother. I would have loved even more time with that relationship, particularly during Wills’s growing-up years, because those details could have made the family history feel even richer. Tug and Bailey also bring interesting possibilities to the story, and a deeper look at their lives would have added another warm layer to the family thread. Although this book leans darker than the author’s earlier work, with moments of violence and characters who are more complicated than cozy, it is still clear that Allen is exploring a different side of her storytelling.

I couldn't resist using this image!

Most of all, I wanted to spend more time with the family’s gift—the magic that gives the story its spark—and I finished the book curious for more answers. Even though Paper Ghosts was not my favorite Sarah Addison Allen novel, it reminded me why I continue to follow her work: her stories always invite anticipation, conversation, and the hope of discovering something enchanting on the next page. I will happily be first in line for her next tale, ready once again for whatever magic she chooses to share.

A little bookish magic is in the air today! Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen is now available from Amazon, and if you haven’t yet discovered her work, I highly recommend starting with my personal favorite, Garden Spells—an enchanting story that feels like stepping into a garden sprinkled with charm, secrets, and just a touch of wonder. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on Kate Westbury’s The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies on Thursday, September 3. Until then, may your day be bright, your tea be warm, and your next read have just the right amount of magic.

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson

We Wish You a Messy Christmas

Book Summary

This Christmas, the perfect gift might just be learning to let go and love the chaos.

It's Christmastime, and Olivia Bradshaw is dating her childhood neighbor, veterinarian Malcolm McEntire. Life should be merry, but Olivia is worried about her mother Jane's reaction to this budding romance. Their families couldn't be more different. Perfectionist Jane cannot tolerate the unorganized, messy, fun-loving McEntires, and the thought of being permanently linked as in-laws will surely send her over the edge.

Desperate to save both Christmas and her romance, Olivia and her dad concoct an intervention to turn Jane's holidays into a big mess. But they barely launch their plan before fate intervenes with a serendipitous mess of its own.

In this delightful Christmas novella full of faith and hope, Melody Carlson delivers small-town charm, family dynamics, and a sweet contemporary romance perfect for the holiday season.

My Thoughts

Jingle bells, messy halls, and a heartwarming lesson or two make We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson a delightful holiday treat. I always look forward to Carlson’s yearly Christmas novella because I know I can count on festive fun, heartfelt moments, and a meaningful takeaway. Her friendly, engaging writing style makes the story easy to settle into, while the humor sprinkled throughout keeps the tone light and cheerful even as the novel thoughtfully explores OCD and the way it affects both an individual and a family.

 I especially enjoyed how the story reminds readers that Christmas does not have to look the same for everyone. There is no single right or wrong way to celebrate—only the way that best fits your family. I also appreciated seeing the story unfold from different perspectives, along with the gentle thread of faith woven throughout. We Wish You a Messy Christmas is charming, hopeful, and full of holiday heart, with an ending that left me smiling. So, grab a mug of cocoa, ignore the stray tinsel, and enjoy this sweet seasonal story.

Grab a cozy mug and settle in—this week’s bookish sleigh is jingling with treats! We Wish You a Messy Christmas is available from Amazon, along with the author’s other delightful Christmas stories. Melody Carlson also has The Sweet Life Goes On coming out February 16, 2027. Today’s new releases offer a cheerful little treasure hunt: Amy Matthews brings us the entertaining and heartfelt The Treasure House, Linda Byler delivers the uplifting A Christmas Surprise, Kate Westbury adds sparkle and mischief with the clever and intriguing The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies, and Mindy Steel rounds things out with the delightful Murder, Plainly Written. There truly is something for everyone in this merry batch of book releases. 

I’ll be featuring Sarah Addison Allen’s Paper Ghosts on Wednesday, September 2. Until then, may your day be bright, your reading stack be tempting, and your bookmark always easy to find!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

These Ancient Bones by Heather Graham

These Ancient Bones

Book Summary

The X-Files meets Dan Brown in this suspenseful tale of dark magic, ancient curses, and modern murder, as two agents with unusual talents investigate a series of sensational crimes in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida.

The case is sensational. Whistle-blower investigative journalist George Maynard has been killed in his St. Augustine home, his body so badly burned the morgue is needed to verify his identity. Paranormal investigator Shelly Mahoney has been transferred to a special unit to help law enforcement. Off the books, the unit is called the Krewe of Hunters and deals with “strange” cases.

At the murder scene with federal agent Grant Markham, Shelly makes an odd discovery: a stone etched with what appears to be a curse that invokes flames. If Shelly can use her ability to summon the dead—providing they have remained behind—she may unearth what happened.

Grant, too, has an unique ability. By holding the hand of the recently deceased, he can see what has happened to them. Yet in this case, neither of their gifts is of any help. As they set out to question those who might have had a motive, they also study ancient “curse tablets”—often used in the Greco-Roman world to cause death or warfare.

What ensues is a shocking discovery by the medical examiner and a search that takes the team to Italy where a similar murder may reveal the creators of the mystical tablets—made deadly with a little human assistance. But soon, the danger is closer than ever—because the target is Shelly . . .

My Thoughts

Beware: These Ancient Bones may lure you into the shadowy streets of St. Augustine and keep you happily haunted until the final page. Heather Graham delivers a wonderfully atmospheric mystery filled with ancient curses, creepy old cities, helpful ghosts, and a twisty murder investigation. The setting comes vividly to life through rich descriptions, city history, and recognizable landmarks, giving history-loving readers plenty to savor while adding depth and texture for anyone who enjoys an immersive backdrop. 

A murdered journalist, a mysterious stone etched with an ancient curse, and two investigators with special abilities make for an irresistible setup. The investigation moves along with steady momentum, offering twists, turns, and multiple suspects that kept me guessing. The supernatural elements add an extra shiver of charm, while the quick-blooming romance brings a lively spark to the suspense. As the second book in The Crows series, These Ancient Bones still works well as a standalone, making it easy for new readers to jump right in. Fans of atmospheric history, ghostly chills, and twist-filled mysteries will find plenty to love here. Step carefully—once this ghostly mystery has you in its grip, you may not want to escape.

Ready to curl up with These Ancient Bones and maybe keep one light on? You can find it on Amazon and at other major booksellers. If you’re new to The Crows series, the first book, The Witching Hours, is available to read for free with Kindle Unlimited—perfect for a little spooky binge-reading. And if your book stack could use a cozy, crafty detour with plenty of seaside charm, be sure to check out Danger Looms by Betty Hechtman. I’ll be back on Tuesday, September 1, with Sarah Addison Allen’s Paper Ghosts. Until then, grab a cozy blanket, guard your bookmarks, and may your next read rattle the teacups in all the best ways!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Safehouse Under Seige by Virginia Vaughan

Safehouse Under Seige

Book Summary

Deep in the heart of Texas,

he’s her only chance for survival.

US Marshal Wyatt Briggs will risk his life for his job—but when Emily Matthews’s WITSEC identity is compromised, keeping her safe becomes personal. Once engaged to Wyatt’s deceased brother, Emily is like family, yet now she means even more. Both find themselves targets on a drug kingpin’s revenge list, forced to flee from one compromised safe house to another. With a mole lurking in the Marshals Service, Wyatt and Emily must risk everything to protect each other. Emily’s testimony brought the criminal down once, but now they’ll have to work together to deliver justice again, all while staying one step ahead of deadly threats.

My Thoughts

From the very first page, Safehouse Under Siege by Virginia Vaughan pulls readers into a fast-paced blend of danger, mystery, suspense, and second chances. Emily and Wyatt are likable, well-developed characters with real depth, and their shared history adds emotional weight to the nonstop action. I especially enjoyed how quickly the story begins and how the twists keep coming as they work to stay one step ahead of the danger surrounding them. The mystery of the mole kept me guessing, and I found myself eager to solve it before the truth was revealed. 

I also appreciated the faith element, particularly the way Emily gently helps Wyatt begin seeking God again. Although this is the fifth book in the Lone Star Defenders series, it works well as a standalone; that said, I highly recommend reading the entire engaging series. Warm, suspenseful, and hard to put down, Safehouse Under Siege is a compelling page-turner from beginning to end.

Looking for your next page-turner? You can pick up Safehouse Under Siege on Amazon, along with the other novels in the Lone Star Defenders series. Be sure to follow Virginia Vaughan on Amazon, too, so you’ll be the first to know when her next book releases. If romantic suspense is your kind of read, don’t miss the intriguing Vanished in Montana by Jenna Night. Prefer a charming cozy mystery? Add A Little Latitude by Johnnie Alexander to your list. I’ll be back on Thursday, August 27, with the ghostly mystery These Ancient Bones by Heather Graham. Until then, happy reading—may your bookmarks be busy and your TBR pile joyfully out of control!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Taken Without a Trace by Hope Welborn

Taken Without A Trace

Book Summary

A missing person case…

or a deadly cover-up?

Georgia Special Agent Cash Brenner gets an anonymous tip on a cold case that’s haunted him for years—but following the lead has him walking into a deadly ambush. He’s saved by his ex, private investigator Maya Reid, who is on a mission to find her missing sister. As eerie similarities between their investigations emerge and Cash grapples with memory loss from the attack, they must put their rocky past aside to find answers. With danger lurking at every turn, Cash and Maya need to act quickly to solve the case and locate Maya’s sister—or risk losing everything they hold dear.

My Thoughts

Taken Without a Trace by Hope Wellborn grabs readers from the very first page and does not let go. This fast-paced, suspenseful story delivers an exciting ride filled with danger, intensity, and unexpected twists. I really liked Maya Reid and Chase Brenner, and I enjoyed following them on their sleuthing journey as the mystery grew more intriguing with each new clue. The suspect list kept expanding, leaving me wondering right up to the end who was truly responsible. I also appreciated the second-chance romance between Maya and Chase, which developed slowly and naturally, along with the light thread of faith woven throughout the story. With its shocking ending and engaging characters, Taken Without a Trace is a thrilling read that kept me eagerly turning the pages until the final reveal.

Ready to fill your reading list? You can pick up Taken Without a Trace on Amazon and be sure to visit Hope Welborn’s website to learn more about her and her books. There are also so many wonderful new releases out today, including the charming The Dog Park Murders by Angela Barker, the heartfelt A Cowboy to Remember by Melinda Curtis, the imaginative and mysterious Portrait of a Witch Undone by K.S. Shay, the heartwarming A Secret Worth Protecting by Susan L. Tuttle, and the deliciously autumnal mystery Apple Pies and Poisoned Lies at the Cider Falls Festival by Traci Hall. Then stop back on Wednesday, August 26, when I’ll be featuring the suspenseful Safehouse Under Siege by Virginia Vaughan. Happy reading, friends—may your coffee be cozy, your TBR stack be tall, and your next chapter be irresistible!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Board to Death by J.C. Eaton

 Board To Death

Book Summary

With loose cattle and a murderer hiding in plain sight, Katie’s got to think fast before making her next move, or it will be her last

Charcuterie chef, Katie Aubrey, is all agog, having been selected to cater a spectacular dining experience at The Pinnacle, a prestigious five-star senior residence. With twenty distinct charcuterie boards for the individual residents, Katie is certain this event will give her the publicity she needs to move up in the culinary world. But things don’t go as planned. A number of loose cattle block Cave Creek Road and the word sabotage is on everyone’s lips. To make matters worse, Edith Ellroy, former food critic and intolerable ghost, who occupies Katie’s residence, creates additional havoc at Katie’s Char-Board restaurant. Still, Katie and her crew manage to have everything in order for the event. But just as they think all will go well, she and one of her employees, discover the lifeless body of The Pinnacle’s manager under a date palm tree at the residence.

The situation turns dicey when the pocket knife belonging to Katie’s sous chef, who was creating the charcuteries at the Pinnacle, is found at the murder scene. Fearing that he will be arrested based on circumstantial evidence, Katie has no choice but to do some sleuthing on her own. Unfortunately, Edith decides to take part as well. Katie finds a way into the victim’s room to see what information may be on her computer, but before she can investigate, another resident walks in and tells Katie that she believes she knows who the murderer is. To get to the bottom of it, the woman holds a dinner in her suite and invites Katie to join a few trusted residents who want the murder solved ASAP.

Unfortunately, the plan doesn’t materialize because another victim from The Pinnacle is found dead. This time it’s one of the housekeepers, a young woman. Katie is certain that the first murder was premeditated but the recent one was not. In spite of Edith’s hindrance, Katie solicits the help of her boyfriend and snoops around the house belonging to the owner of the Pinnacle. And just as she thinks she’s on to something, The Pinnacle is sabotaged when its refrigerant line is cut. Katie knows she’s close to an answer but so is the sheriff’s office who now have more evidence against Javie. Undaunted, Katie continues to poke around, only to discover a clever connection between the loose cattle and the two murders. But when she tries to pull the threads together, she finds herself at the end of the rope.

My Thoughts

Grab your crackers, cheese, and clue notebook—Board to Death by J.C. Eaton serves up a mystery platter with plenty of laughs. The cast is delightfully quirky, from Katie Aubrey, a charcuterie chef trying to keep life neatly arranged, to Edith Ellroy, a chaos-creating ghost who seems determined to garnish every situation with trouble. I could not help feeling for Katie, because it seems Edith may be sticking around until she finally sashays into the hereafter. 

The mystery is fun and lively, packed with twists, turns, red herrings, and lots of humor. Edith and the other ghosts manage to be helpful, hindering, and hilarious—sometimes all at once. I do wish the ending had been a little clearer, but it still delivered a comical finish. While Board to Death is the fifth book in A Charcuterie Shop Mystery series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. That said, I recommend sampling the whole series, because this entertaining crew is worth coming back for. Consider this one a tasty little whodunit with extra ghostly seasoning.

Calling all cozy mystery lovers—grab your favorite snack board and get ready to nibble your way into a delicious whodunit! Board to Death by J.C. Eaton is available now on Amazon, along with the other tasty titles in A Charcuterie Shop Mysteries. Be sure to follow J.C. Eaton on Amazon so you never miss a fresh new release. I’ll be back on Tuesday, August 25 with the thrilling Taken Without a Trace by Hope Welborn. Until then, keep your clues close, your snacks closer, and your TBR pile happily towering!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of thi book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Last Noel by Kimberley Woodhouse, Sarah Hamaker, & Jayna Breigh

 The Last Noel

Book Summary

Christmas novellas from three award-winning suspense authors

The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.

"Do you See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker

Oakleigh Wright's estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gang seeks?

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh

Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?

"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse

When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the "friendly" competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?

My Thoughts

The Last Noel is a festive treat for readers who like their holiday romance served with a dash of danger and a generous helping of heart. Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh, and Kimberley Woodhouse deliver three entertaining romantic suspense novellas set against the warmth and wonder of the holiday season. Each story offers romance, suspense, and danger, along with likeable, relatable main characters who are easy to cheer for. I especially enjoyed the second-chance romances and the way faith is thoughtfully woven into each novella, with forgiveness serving as a meaningful thread throughout. While I would have loved the suspense to be ramped up another notch or two, I still found the collection satisfying and engaging. These three romantic holiday suspense tales make for a diverting, faith-filled read that will leave readers reaching for a cozy blanket and one more chapter.

Looking for a little holiday suspense to curl up with? The Last Noel is available now from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and it’s ready to add a delightful shiver to your reading list. I’ll also be featuring a tasty cozy mystery, Board to Death by J.C. Eaton, on Thursday, August 20. Wishing you a bright, book-filled day—and until next time, happy reading and keep those pages turning!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of thi book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.