The Old Girls' Island Getaway

 

 The Old Girls' Island Getaway is yet another absolute delight in Kate Galley's heartwarming series, now spanning six books. Dorothy and Gina with their twenty-year age gap may seem like an unlikely pair, but their friendship is the real deal. At seventy-one and nearly ninety, these spunky and delightful women prove that life’s too short not to embrace a little fun—especially on the sun-drenched island of Corfu.

 

When Dorothy receives an invitation to visit an old friend at his villa, she insists that Gina join her for what promises to be a relaxing getaway filled with sunshine, sea breezes, and perhaps a splash of ouzo. Their idyllic plans take an unexpected turn with the arrival of glamorous actress Florence Quinn, who's settled into the pool house. Beneath Florence's sparkling exterior lies a hidden past—and a secret she's desperate to keep buried. Ever the determined duo, Dorothy and Gina, accompanied by fourteen year old Juliet, Dorothy’s granddaughter, set off on a quest across the island to uncover the truth, stumbling upon a treasure trove of secrets, scandals, and delightful surprises along the way.

 

This is a warm, witty, and adventurous tale that celebrates friendship, mischief, and the joy of unexpected discoveries. Kate Galley excels at portraying older characters with authenticity, depth, and humor, making every page feel vibrant and relatable. If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, this one stands perfectly well as a standalone.

 

Once you start reading, you won’t want to put it down—I couldn’t! I’m already eagerly awaiting the next installment. Highly recommended for fans of uplifting, feel-good fiction with a touch of Golden Girls charm. 

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Spending Time with the Girls Again: A Delightful Escape in Death on the Lanai

 

I’ve been a Golden Girls fan since the very first episode. Once the series came to an end, those late-night reruns where Dorothy’s sarcasm, Rose’s innocence, Blanche’s flirtations, and Sophia’s one-liners made everything feel a little brighter. So when the first book in this cozy mystery series, Murder by Cheesecake, came out, I dove in immediately. It captured the essence of the show so perfectly that it felt like spending an extra evening in the Miami house with the girls. Naturally, I was thrilled to get my hands on the second installment, Death on the Lanai by Rachel Ekstrom Courage.

This one picks up right where the charm left off. An enigmatic invitation arrives at the house, inviting the four women to a lavish party on a remote island estate in Biscayne Bay. What starts as a glamorous getaway quickly turns complicated when they arrive and meet the host: a famous artist named Declan (known as El Toro), who reveals himself as a man from Blanche’s past. Back in the day, he was the struggling artist who loved her deeply but couldn’t offer the life she wanted. Fate pulled them apart, but now he claims she’s been his muse all these years. Blanche, ever the Southern belle with a trail of suitors, doesn’t quite remember the details—but the chemistry is still there.

The party takes a dramatic turn when a tropical storm knocks out the power, stranding everyone on the island. The next morning, Declan is found dead, and suspicion falls squarely on Blanche. With no way off the island and a house full of potential suspects, the girls band together to uncover the truth.

What makes Death on the Lanai so special is how faithfully it brings the characters to life. The dialogue sparkles with the same witty, heartfelt banter we know from the show. Dorothy’s dry humor cuts through every tense moment, Rose offers her earnest (and often hilariously offbeat) observations, Sophia delivers those classic zingers, and Blanche’s passionate, flirtatious energy drives much of the emotional core. There are even subtle nods to actual episodes and moments from the series that feel authentic rather than forced—little Easter eggs that made me smile in recognition.

The setting is vividly drawn, too. The remote island estate, the storm, the candlelit tension—it all builds a wonderful sense of place and atmosphere. The mystery itself simmers slowly, unfolding through conversations, revelations, and the girls’ sleuthing. If you’re someone who prefers a fast-paced thriller that grabs you in the first chapter, this slower build might test your patience. But for me, it was exactly right. The gradual tension lets the characters shine, and the payoff feels earned and satisfying.

Like the first book, this one is strong on heart and humor. It’s cozy in the best way—comforting, funny, and full of friendship. Reading it felt like catching up with old friends, complete with cheesecake references and plenty of laughs.

If you loved Murder by Cheesecake or if you’re just a Golden Girls devotee looking for more time with Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia), Death on the Lanai delivers. I’m already hoping for book three. Here’s to many more adventures with the girls—because honestly, who wouldn’t want to spend more evenings with them?

 This book is scheduled for release on June 2nd. You can preorder a copy here.

 Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

 This post contains affiliate links.

A Spirited St. Patrick's Day Whodunit – Death by Irish Coffee

 

 Death by Irish Coffee, the 15th installment in Alex Erickson’s Bookstore Café Mystery series, serves up a pleasant cozy mystery perfect for fans of the genre. Set against the lively backdrop of St. Patrick's Day in Pine Hills, Krissy Hancock partners with local bar owner Bucky to offer festive Irish coffees to the celebrating crowd. When Bucky suddenly falls ill and is later found dead, Krissy can’t resist digging into the case despite her own packed personal life.

The mystery is well-constructed with a large cast of suspects (I could have used a character list in the front of the book), red herrings, and a fairly intricate plot. I appreciated the added complexity; it kept me engaged and guessing until the end. Krissy’s character had some depth to it, and the supporting cast feels richer with ongoing storylines—a wedding on the horizon, coffee shop franchising plans, and a new police chief—building up anticipation for what’s next. 

While the pacing occasionally lets you set the book down, the charming small-town vibe, coffee-shop setting, and solid sleuthing make it an enjoyable read. New readers can jump in without feeling lost, though longtime fans will especially love seeing the series’ threads advance.

A great pick for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy bookstore or café settings, light suspense, and a touch of holiday flair. Pair it with your favorite cup of coffee (Irish or otherwise) for the full experience. 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Murder on the Cricket Green by Catherine Coles

 

I was already sold on Murder on the Cricket Green  (the fourth book on the Martha Miller series) before I even cracked the spine. There, right at the front of the book, was a full character list. A CHARACTER LIST! In this day and age when so many mysteries throw a dozen names at you and expect you to keep track with zero help, seeing that thoughtful little reference page felt like the author personally handed me a warm cup of tea and said, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” It completely changed my attitude toward the story before page one. Why don’t more authors do this? I’m begging the cozy mystery community to start a petition.

 

 Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Catherine Coles transports you straight to the gentle, sun-dappled lanes of postwar Westleham, a quintessential English village buzzing with excitement for its first proper cricket match since the war ended. The characters are warm, believable, and instantly lovable—especially Martha Miller, a woman quietly rebuilding her life, and the kind-hearted vicar Luke, whose gentle presence made me smile every time he appeared.

 

 Then comes the twist that hooks you: Martha’s husband Stan, missing for two whole years and presumed gone for good, suddenly strolls back into the village as if he’d just popped out for milk. He’s acting like nothing ever happened, and his return threatens the quiet, hopeful new beginning Martha has been carefully nurturing. Emotions run high, tensions simmer… and then, during the opening cheers of the cricket match, Stan collapses—dead before he hits the grass. All eyes turn to Martha.

 

 What follows is a perfectly paced, atmospheric cozy mystery full of village secrets, subtle red herrings, and that wonderful sense of community that makes postwar England so irresistible in fiction. Martha’s amateur sleuthing is smart, relatable, and never over-the-top. I genuinely cared about what happened to her, to Luke, and to the rest of Westleham’s colorful residents.

 

 The moment I finished, I immediately went online and bought the first three books in the series. That’s how much I loved it. If you enjoy gentle historical cozies with heart, humor, a touch of romance, and a satisfying murder to solve, Murder on the Cricket Green is an absolute treat. Highly recommended—character list and all.

 

 Perfect for fans of Frances Brody, Rhys Bowen, and anyone who wants to curl up in a 1940s village and never leave.

 4 ½ stars

You can order the book here.

Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Dorie's Anytime Cakes, Reviewed

 

As a longtime Dorie Greenspan fan—ever since her World Peace Cookies sent my taste buds into orbit—I couldn’t wait to dive into Dorie’s Anytime Cakes, scheduled for release on October 21. This book feels like a warm hug from Dorie herself, packed with over 100 recipes for cakes that are simple yet special; from the moment I cracked it open, I was hooked, my mouth watering at the thought of baking every single one.

 

The book kicks off with a cozy intro, covering ingredients, tools, and techniques in Dorie’s signature down-to-earth style. It’s like having her in my kitchen, guiding me with a wink and a smile. The recipes are organized by shape—rounds, loaves, Bundts, squares, baby cakes—and even include a “salty cakes” chapter for savory surprises. Each recipe is a gem: a heartfelt blurb, clear ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and tips for serving and storing. I adore the “Playing Around” sections, where Dorie nudges you to get creative, like spiking sugar with citrus or adding a hot honey kick.

 

You will find recipes like The BFF Brownie Cake that sounds like pure chocolate bliss, the Buttermilk Plum Cake that I will be making as soon as plums come into season, as well as the Miso-Cheddar Scone Cake that has me rethinking savory baking entirely. Dorie’s frostings and glazes are game-changers, and Nancy Pappas’ stunning, realistic looking color illustrations, that are more than an adequate substitute for photographs, make me want to bake just to see if my cakes can look that good.

  

What sets this book apart is Dorie’s voice—warm, funny, and encouraging. Her “DO NOT MIX!” warnings make me laugh, but her tips (like how to nail a perfect crumb) make me a better baker. Whether I’m craving chocolate, fruit, or something savory, there’s a cake for every mood. This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a master class in baking with love. I’m already planning my next bake from Dorie’s Anytime Cakes, and I know it’ll be a hit.

  

You can order here.

 Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. 

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stews: One-Pot Comfort Food From Around The World, Reviewed

  

I love cheering on enthusiastic young talents who achieve great success, and Xavier Bramble, the TikTok sensation and self-proclaimed “CEO of Stews,” is a perfect example. He started by running a student food service from his dorm room, gained fame on BBC’s Young MasterChef, and now has released his vibrant debut cookbook, Stews: One-Pot Comfort Food From Around The World. 

 

This is a lively, colorful collection of 100 global recipes that celebrate the timeless tradition of gathering around a simmering pot of bold, flavorful comfort food. Drawing from cuisines worldwide, it features the warm spices of India, Cajun classics from the American South, hearty French dishes, and much more. Bramble delivers truly innovative takes on stews you'll rarely find elsewhere, including:

 Greek Beef Stifado

West African Chickpea Stew 

Chile Colorado

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

French Beef Bourguignon

Moroccan Sea Bream Tagine 

 

The book is beautifully laid out with stunning, full-color photos of nearly every dish, clear and concise instructions, and a comprehensive index—a feature I’ve come to truly appreciate in cookbooks. 

To be honest, as an avid stew lover, I might only make a handful of these recipes myself, since some call for harder-to-source ingredients (like goat meat, which isn’t easy to find in my area). That said, Bramble has impressed me with the quality, variety, and creativity of his offerings. He proves there’s still room for fresh ideas in the world of stews. The book is inclusive too, with plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. 

 Overall, this is an inspiring and joyful celebration of one-pot cooking—perfect for anyone looking to expand their stew repertoire with global flair. 4 out of 5 stars.

 It’s scheduled for publication on February 24^th; you can pre-order your copy here.

 I will be trying a number of these recipes; they will be featured on my sister blog, Olla-Podrida, so be sure to subscribe for updates.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rediscovering the Gentle Charm of Miss Read's Fairacre and Thrush Green

There's something utterly comforting about slipping back into the quiet English villages created by Miss Read (the pen name of Dora Jessie Saint, 1913–2012). Her novels are like a warm cup of tea on a chilly afternoon—gentle, wryly humorous, and full of keen observations about village life, nature, and the changing seasons.

Years ago, I devoured every book in both her beloved series: the Fairacre novels and the Thrush Green novels. Time passed, memories faded, and over this holiday season, I decided it was time for a revisit. I picked up No Holly for Miss Quinn (1976), the twelfth Fairacre book. 

What a joy it was! Reserved, ultra-competent Miss Quinn plans a peaceful, solitary Christmas—only to be roped into caring for her brother's children when crisis strikes. Amid the chaos, old flames reappear and quiet surprises unfold. As always with Miss Read, the story brims with warmth, gentle humor, and that deep sense of community and belonging that makes you long for simpler times.

These books may feel a touch slow to younger readers, but for anyone craving comfort and subtle insight into human nature, they're pure enchantment.

Now I'm hooked all over again and plan to reread both series from the beginning—while starting a collection of the original editions with those charming illustrations by J.S. Goodall. Hunting down vintage copies is half the fun!

If you're tempted to join me (or discover Miss Read for the first time), here's a complete bibliography to guide you.

The Fairacre Series

Village School (1955)
Village Diary (1957)
Storm in the Village (1958)
Miss Clare Remembers (1962)
Over the Gate (1964)
Village Christmas (1966)
Fairacre Festival (1968)
Emily Davis (1971)
Tyler's Row (1972)
Christmas Mouse (1973)
Farther Afield (1974)
No Holly for Miss Quinn (1976)
Village Affairs (1977)
The White Robin (1979)
Village Centenary (1980)
Summer at Fairacre (1984)
Mrs. Pringle (1989)
Changes at Fairacre (1991)
Farewell to Fairacre (1993)
A Peaceful Retirement (1996)

The Thrush Green Series

Thrush Green (1959)
Winter in Thrush Green (1961)
News from Thrush Green (1970)
Battles at Thrush Green (1975)
Return to Thrush Green (1978)
Gossip from Thrush Green (1981)
Affairs at Thrush Green (1983)
At Home in Thrush Green (1985)
School at Thrush Green (1987)
Friends at Thrush Green (1990)
Celebrations at Thrush Green (1992)
Year at Thrush Green (1995)
Christmas at Thrush Green (2009, with Jenny Dereham) 
The World of Thrush Green (1988) – a companion book with excerpts and background

To read more about all of these books, click here. 

Happy reading—may Fairacre and Thrush Green bring you the same cozy comfort they've given me for decades.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Poe-tic Tribute: Gothic Tablescape for Edgar Allan Poe's Birthday

 

If you're a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, this tablescape is the perfect way to celebrate his birthday today, January 19^th. Imagine gathering friends for a themed dinner party delving into his tales of mystery and imagination—it's a unique twist on traditional birthday festivities. This setup would be especially ideal for a book club meeting, where discussions of "The Raven" or "The Tell-Tale Heart" could unfold amid the atmospheric decor, fostering deep literary conversations in a setting that echoes Poe's gothic style.

 

Using this tablescape as an example, create your own version. Be sure to let me know so that I can have a look.

 

I think this is one of my favorite tablescapes of all time. There are many layers here as you can see, from the chocolate brown table round, to the skeleton hand fabric, to the gauzy runner, all combine to give this table an ethereal look that's perfect for honoring the master of macabre.

  

Simple black placemats are topped with tin chargers, on which I placed square black plates. Books, published in the 1700s (to give it a literary feel), were placed on top and serve to hold salad plates from Carly Dodsley, and then appetizer plates from the “Midnight Dreary” collection a number of years ago from Pottery Barn. 

The skull coffee mugs are from Williams-Sonoma, a couple years back. A bit of sparkle is provided by Mikasa wine and water glasses in the “Parklane” pattern.

  

The adorable mice place card holders really worked here, I thought, they can be found here.

  

The amber tea lights provide a bit of an unworldly glow, and can be found here. The ravens were purchased years ago at a local shop, and have served me well over the years. The mirrored black flatware is a new addition this year, and I have found it quite versatile. You can find it here.

  

No matter how you plan to toast the year's most poetic birthday, I hope you’ll do it with style. 

 

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The Chateau Murder by Greg Mosse, Reviewed

I picked up The Chateau Murder by Greg Mosse with some curiosity, drawn to the promise of a cozy French village mystery set in a grand, decaying chateau. The atmospheric writing is genuinely one of the book’s strengths—Mosse paints the wintery grounds, the opulent yet crumbling interiors, and the surrounding village with vivid, immersive detail that made me feel the chill and the tension in the air. The premise, centered on a suspicious death amid a dysfunctional family gathering, had real potential, and I appreciated the occasional clever misdirection.

That said, I struggled to stay engaged throughout. The characters, with the exception of Russell the dog, felt shallow and largely unlikable. The family members, ex-wives, and staff came across as caricatures driven by petty rivalries and bitterness, but without enough depth or nuance to make me care about their secrets or motivations. Zoe Pascal, the returning amateur sleuth, is pleasant enough, yet even she didn’t pull me in as much as I’d hoped. I kept waiting for an emotional hook or a truly surprising revelation — Why did Adélaïde insist upon Zoe coming to the castle? A third of the way through the book and the reader still doesn’t know — , but the story unfolded predictably, and the murder itself was resolved with surprisingly little impact on anyone involved.

In the end, this was a book I could easily put down—though I did finish it, mostly out of mild curiosity rather than compulsion. For me, The Chateau Murder earns a solid but unenthusiastic three and a half stars: enjoyable enough for a light winter read if you’re in the mood for French ambiance and don’t mind surface-level characters, but it didn’t leave me eager to continue the series.

 You can order your copy here.

 

I received an advanced digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Remembering Charlotte MacLeod: A Tribute on the Anniversary of Her Passing (January 14, 2026 – 21 years since her departure on January 14, 2005)

Today marks the solemn anniversary of the passing of one of the most delightful voices in cozy mystery fiction: Charlotte MacLeod. I first discovered her brilliance back in the 1990s with Rest You Merry, a charming book expanded from a short story that launched the unforgettable Peter Shandy series (I reviewed it recently on my food and lifestyle blog, Olla-Podrida, you can read it here), and it remains a favorite that sparked my lifelong love for her work.

Though I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, I set myself a personal challenge for 2026: to read (or reread) every book MacLeod ever wrote. It’s an ambitious goal—she penned over 30 novels across multiple series, each quirky, humorous, and utterly unique. Just finishing The Luck Runs Out (the second in the Peter Shandy series) reminded me why her writing captivates so deeply. Her descriptions are pure magic, like this vivid portrait of the secondary character Iduna Bjorklund—a larger-than-life figure painted with such wit and warmth that she leaps off the page.

  "...his wife appeared at the appointed spot, looking smaller and daintier than ever beside a woman in a rose-colored coat and hat, whose contours were reminiscent of the Goodyear Blimp's. Spent and beleaguered as he was, Shandy felt a surge of fury. How dare this human zeppelin inflict herself and all her folderols on them after all they'd been through. His lips formed a terse word. Before he could utter it, Iduna moved toward him, smiling, and he had to smile back. It would have been impossible not to. To begin with, Iduna didn't move, she floated, buoyant and merry as a pink balloon in the hand of a child at a Fourth of July parade. Nor did she merely smile, she glowed with inner goodness that made him think of the vast iron cook stove in his grandmother's kitchen back on the farm. Here, he knew by certain instinct, was a woman who made wonderful cookies and would give you some."

 MacLeod had an extraordinary gift for creating eccentric, memorable characters from wildly diverse backgrounds—people you won’t encounter in any other mysteries. Her books are literate yet light, filled with gentle humor, clever plots, and zero gore or gratuitous violence.

Charlotte Matilda MacLeod was born on November 12, 1922, in Bath, New Brunswick, Canada. Her family emigrated to the United States in 1923, and she became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1951. After attending the Art Institute of Boston, she worked as a copywriter for Stop & Shop Supermarkets in the late 1940s and early 1950s, later rising to vice president at the advertising agency N. H. Miller & Company before retiring in 1982. 

By day she crafted ads; by early morning (starting at 6 a.m.) she wrote mysteries, only beginning new books on Sundays and often working in her bathrobe to resist errands. Her cozy style—humorous, literate, with likable protagonists and delightfully odd secondary characters—sold over a million copies in the U.S., Canada, and Japan. She co-founded the American Crime Writers League and served as its president. Among her honors: the Nero Award for The Corpse in Oozak's Pond (1987, also Edgar-nominated), the Malice Domestic Lifetime Achievement Award (1998), and multiple American Mystery Awards.

 MacLeod’s series include:

 

Peter Shandy (my personal favorite): Set at the fictional Balaclava Agricultural College, starring the agronomy professor Peter Shandy and his wife Helen. Start with Rest You Merry (1979) and continue through gems like The Luck Runs Out (1981), Wrack and Rune (1982), and more—up to Exit the Milkman (1996).

 

Sarah Kelling & Max Bittersohn: Witty Boston upper-crust adventures. 

 

Canadian-set mysteries under the pen name Alisa Craig (RCMP officer Madoc Rhys and the Grub-and-Stakers gardening club series).

  

She also wrote stand-alone novels, short stories, anthologies (like Christmas Stalkings and Mistletoe Mysteries), and non-fiction, including a biography of Mary Roberts Rinehart.

MacLeod spent her later years in Maine, where she battled Alzheimer's before passing at a nursing home in Lewiston on January 14, 2005. I still mourn her loss—her voice was one of kindness, cleverness, and joy in the everyday absurdities of life.

If you love cozy mysteries with heart, humor, and unforgettable characters, do yourself a favor: pick up the Peter Shandy series. Start with Rest You Merry during the holidays or dive into The Luck Runs Out for pure delight. These are timeless gems that deserve rediscovery. Thank you, Charlotte MacLeod, for the laughter, the cleverness, and the cozy escapes. You are deeply missed.

Happy reading—and may your mysteries always be merry!
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Val McDermid’s Winter Made Me Fall Back in Love with the Season

  

Val McDermid’s Winter caught me at exactly the right moment. I’ve always had a complicated relationship with the season: as a child I adored it, as a working adult I tolerated it, and now, creeping toward what the poets politely call “the winter of life,” I mostly dread it. Yet somehow this slim, illustrated volume turned the gloom around for me. Reading it felt less like opening a book and more like settling down for a long, fireside chat with an old friend who happens to love the very things I’ve started to resent—the iron-cold air, the early dark, the whole damp Scottish midwinter package.

McDermid writes with the ease of someone talking across a kitchen table, drifting between memories of childhood sledging in Fife, Hogmanay in Edinburgh, night trains to London, and the proper way to carve a neep. Philip Harris’s delicate illustrations are far more than decoration; they give the pages the glow of lantern light on snow. I found myself lingering over them the way you linger over a Christmas card from someone you actually like. Along the way you pick up gentle insights into how she plots her novels (scribbled notes on random scraps of paper—comfortingly chaotic), and you’re reminded of traditions—Up Helly Aa, First Footing, Burns Night—that still matter in a country that refuses to let winter have the last word unchallenged.

By the final page I was surprised to feel something close to affection for the season again, or at least for its stories. McDermid handed me a borrowed coat of Edinburgh snow and made it fit. If you’ve ever loved winter and then fallen out with it, this gentle, funny, beautifully made little book is the reconciliation you didn’t know you needed.

It is being released today. You can (and you MUST!) get a copy here.

 Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.