The Curse of the Saltmarsh Girl

Title: The Curse of the Saltmarsh Girl

Author: Clare Marchant

Rating:3/5

Info: 296 pages, first pub by Boldwood Books 08/07/2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

Two different time periods, two different women, the same spooky place. The story follows Margery, a young woman in 1665 searching for her missing mother, and Angel, a woman in the present day grappling with the mystery of her birth family. Margery’s mother headed to the village of Saltmarsh to visit her eldest daughter and never returned. Angel heads to Saltmarsh to stay with her brother after learning she might have finally found her biological family. While Margery searches the village, a mysterious illness sweeps through the town, killing everyone it touches. Angel has some big decisions to make quickly as the woman who may be her biological mother is dying.

I enjoy historical fiction in general. I especially enjoyed Margery’s storyline. The villagers of Saltmarsh are either hostile or dismissive of her search. People are getting sick and dying, and they blame Margery for bringing the illness to their village. A demon dog, ghosts floating around in the marsh, what isn’t to love?

For me, Angel’s storyline didn’t work. Angel dealing with finding her birth family, learning why she was abandoned, and navigating the emotions that came with it was interesting. However, her attempts to solve the mystery of Saltmarsh were less exciting. She discovers mysterious markings in the church and tries to figure out what they mean. The problem was that I already knew who wrote them and what they meant because I was also following Margery’s story. So, Angel’s mystery didn’t really do anything for me. There was creepy stuff happening in the marsh, sure, but I was not invested in her uncovering the mystery.

Now, a moment about the setting, which is where I think the novel really shines. I love love love the setting of Saltmarsh. It is isolated, filled with creepy fog, surrounded by ghostly ruins of a village abandoned during the Black Plague, and threatened by the ever-present possibility of flooding. Yes, yes, and yes. This setting checked every box for me. I think as far as setting goes, Marchant hit a home run with this one.

The reason I am rating this 3 out of 5 stars is that I could have done without Angel’s storyline. I found myself rushing to get through her chapters to get back to Margery and would have preferred this to be a full Margery story instead of the dual-protagonist structure.

Overall, this is a book that fans of female-focused historical fiction will probably enjoy.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder

 

Title: A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder

Author: Melinda Mullet

Rating:4/5

Info: 320 pages, first pub by Crooked Lane Books 07/29/2025

Genre: Mystery &Thrillers

 

Mystery writer Maeve Gardner lives aboard a houseboat with her lovable dog, the Captain. He is a good boy with a nose for trouble and a hankering for snackies. When Maeve’s ex-boyfriend turns up dead in the canal where her home is docked, she suddenly finds herself at the center of a mystery of her own.  With Maeve as their prime suspect the police have little interest in pursuing other leads. That leaves Maeve and her eclectic band of besties to figure out the truth and clear her name.

This was a fun book with all the ingredients for a light summer read. The houseboat setting adds some quirky charm. Maeve’s circle of friends-Paul the friendly pub owner, India her best friend and floating bookstore proprietor, the Wicca couple next-door, and her hacker neighbor Ash-pack the story with personality. The mystery is paced just right for a quick vacation read or weekend escape.

While the book didn’t break new ground for me in terms of plot or mystery structure it was still enjoyable and entertaining. I recommend this to readers who appreciate mysteries with a charming setting and lovable cast.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me the ARC.

The Bloodless Queen

Title: The Bloodless Queen
Author: Joshua Phillip Johnson
Rating: 4/5
Info: 464 pages, first pub DAW books 07/08/2025
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Sci Fi & Fantasy

In 1987, I was seven years old, eating burritos and rocking out to the movie The Chipmunk Adventure. In Joshua Phillip Johnson’s alternate history, 1987 played out very differently. In this world, people who died on the autumn equinox didn’t stay dead. Instead, they became fae—inhuman and dangerous beings who maim and kill anyone standing between them and the protected areas of the world known as Harbors.

The story is set in the present day and follows Evangeline and Calidore, a married couple who serve as fencers in the Midwest Harbor. Fencers are essentially government-sanctioned superheroes, granted unique powers through prime number tattoos that mysteriously appear on their skin. The smaller the prime number, the greater the power. Evangeline and Calidore juggle the looming threat of the equinox with the recent death of Cal’s father, the challenges of raising their nearly seven-year-old daughter Winnie, the rise of a cult-like, Fae-worshiping religion called the Church of Always Giving, and the politics of defending a world that doesn’t fully understand the danger they face. Public opinion is shifting, with many believing fencer funding could be better spent elsewhere.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Bloodless Queen. The fencer powers were original and memorable—not your standard superhero fare. I also appreciated the alternate history elements, particularly the excerpts from in-world history books. Instead of skipping over them like I sometimes do in other books, I found myself looking forward to each excerpt.

The narrative is told in third person but focuses primarily on Evangeline and Calidore. I liked both characters, though I especially connected with Calidore—probably because I’m a book nerd too. Their love and devotion to each other and their daughter was touching, even if it occasionally felt a little over the top. The pacing started off slow for me, but once the story picked up, I was hooked. By the time the climax arrived, I found myself missing the earlier, quieter moments I initially thought were too slow.

I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy. While there are sci-fi elements, the story leans more into the fantasy genre. Be aware that grief and death are central themes. Calidore’s struggle with his father’s death is a key emotional thread, and the Church of Always Giving glorifies death and suicide. The fae are terrifying, and those who die on the equinox become one of them. This book doesn’t shy away from emotional weight, so go in prepared.

One last (mild) spoiler: the dog lives.

Many thanks to NetGalley and DAW Books for the ARC. This review reflects my honest opinion.

Believe Me Now

 Title: Believe Me Now
Author: S.M. Govett
Rating: 4.5/5
Info: 320 pages, first pub Crooked Lane Books 06/10/2025
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers


Believe Me Now follows two women: Natalie Campbell and Helen Stratton. Natalie lives with severe PTSD after being sexually assaulted by her boss. Helen is a police investigator trying to uncover what happened to her sister Alice, who disappeared as a teenager.

Natalie begins experiencing episodes of lost time. She relies heavily on her husband, Ryan, and daily routines she has in place for herself. Although her life isn’t perfect, it feels manageable until Ryan is accused of raping a coworker. Not long after, Natalie starts receiving threatening letters at home. Although the letters are anonymous, she recognizes the style and believes they are from her former boss’s wife, the same woman who once blamed Natalie for ruining her life.

Meanwhile, Helen is trying to navigate a complicated work environment. Her boss is someone she recently ended an affair with, which her coworkers probably all know about. To add further complications, she is assigned a new, eager-to-please partner who can’t wait to prove himself. 

Believe Me Now is perfectly placed in the mystery and thriller genres and delivers on both. The plot is filled with twists and turns, and I was eager to see how Natalie and Helen’s stories would eventually connect. Even with multiple threads and voices in play, I never felt confused. Govett gives each woman a distinct voice, making it easy to follow both perspectives.

I found it to be a quick read, mostly because I was so invested in the outcome. I think it deserves a second read to fully catch all the subtle clues and hints woven throughout the story.

What stood out most to me was how well the female characters were written and how thoughtfully the author portrayed the challenges women face, especially in relation to the men around them. Helen constantly has to fight to be taken seriously. Natalie, in contrast, is babied by her husband. Both women are much stronger than the men in their lives give them credit for.

The male characters are also compelling in their differences. Ryan is meant to be seen as a supportive husband, at least through Natalie’s eyes, but I disliked him from the beginning. On the other hand, Helen’s new partner was likable right away, even if she was slow to trust him. Helen’s boss immediately rubbed me the wrong way. I’m tempted to reread the book and look more closely at the parallels between Ryan and Helen’s boss, as they seem to represent a quiet form of control disguised as caring.
 

Overall, Believe Me Now is a solid and engaging read that balances emotional depth with high-stakes suspense. I‘d recommend it to anyone looking for a mystery that keeps your heart racing and pages turning.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Ferry Out

 

Title: The Last Ferry Out

Author: Andrea Bartz

Rating: 3.75 /5

Info: 320 pages, first pub Ballantine Books May 20, 2025

Genre: Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Mystery

 

Abby was supposed to be getting married and living happily ever after. Instead, she heads to Isla Colel, the place where her fiancée Eszter died from an allergic reaction. Desperate to find out everything she can about Eszter’s time on the island Abby talks to everyone she can. Instead of finding closure she starts to wonder if Eszter’s death wasn’t an accident.

Abby is a character dealing with grief and all the troubles that entails. She can’t concentrate on work, figure out how to move on, or figure out how to wake up everyday knowing Eszter won’t be there. While it might feel a little extreme at times I think Bartz did a good job at showing how overwhelming grief can be. Abby did a few questionable things during the story, like oversharing and immediately trusting strangers. However, her grief and being cut off from her tiny support group back home made it all make sense to me. Plus, I think she felt immediately close to Eszter’s friends because they were “vetted” by Eszter.

I enjoyed the novel but I have some nitpicks. While I enjoyed reading about the tropical paradise Abby finds herself in, I enjoyed the flashback scenes more. There wasn’t really anything wrong with the real time parts, it was more that I found what was going on in the flashbacks to be more interesting. The second nitpick I have is the way some of the chapters end. There were a few cliffhangers that felt like their only purpose was to be a cliffhanger. There was only one cliffhanger that worked for me and that was about 75% of the way in. I don’t mind reading cliffhangers but I need them to feel like they actually provide something to the narrative.   

This is a book about grief and dealing with it. Full stop. Yes, there is a mystery around Eszter’s death but the mystery is told through the lens of Abby's grief. Bartz does a good job but it is something the reader should be aware of in case it is a sensitive topic. Some other topics readers should be aware of are scenes of push back from family about their relationship, self-harm, character death scene, and drug and alcohol use.

Overall rating 3.75. I’d recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery and reading an examination of grief set in a beautiful location.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books for this ARC.

A Spell for Change

 Title: A Spell for Change
Author: Nicole Jarvis
Rating: 4/5
Info: 480 pages, first pub Titan Books 05/06/2025
Genre: LGBTQIAP+, Sci Fi & Fantasy

 

A Spell for Change is set in the small Appalachian town called Chatuga. Here, Nicole Jarvis weaves a moving tale that centers on three characters, Nora Jo, Kate, and Oliver. Each of them is haunted in their own way. Nora Jo by the magical family legacy she never learned. Kate by cryptic visions of the future. Oliver, a war veteran, haunted by the memory of his best friend’s death, and the invisible scars of a battlefield he can't escape. Together they try to navigate the burdens of expectations and the mysterious forces they don't understand.
 

Nora Jo is determined to maintain her independence. She is passionate about teaching and believes an education will better the lives of the children of Chatuga. Unfortunately, her modern ideas put her at odds with the conservative community which eventually leaves her without a job. In her darkest moment a mysterious man offers to take her as his apprentice and teach her the ancestral magic she never had a chance to learn. Nora Jo, desperate and out of options, accepts.
 

Oliver, known as Junior to most, returns from World War I carrying invisible wounds: trauma, damaged lungs from mustard gas, survivor's guilt. He also brings back something stranger—an ability to see the dead. His parents don't understand; his father wants him to take over the family business while his mother thinks all he needs is a good wife. Oliver struggles to make a place for himself in a world he no longer fits in.
 

Kate has seen visions for as long as she can remember, flashes of a future she doesn’t always understand. Some are terrifying, others hopeful. When her family announces their plan to move to Nashville for a better life, Kate tries to find a way to stay. Taking on extra work to help make ends meet and chasing the romantic visions she has.
 

Each protagonist wrestles with the roles their community tries to force on them. For Nora Jo and Oliver, marriage is presented as a cure-all. For Kate, escaping to the city is seen as her only hope. But each of them resists these “solutions” and tries to find their own path.
 

This book felt shorter than it actually is. Once through the introduction, the chapters fly by. I cared deeply for Nora Jo, Oliver, and Kate—not just because they were well-written, but because they felt so real. I wanted them to succeed, to find peace, to be happy. While I can’t say I was completely satisfied with how Jarvis concluded each of their stories, the endings felt honest and earned.
 

I recommend A Spell for Change to readers who enjoy historical fiction that contain just enough magic to remind you that wonder still exists.

Thank you NetGalley and Titan Books for providing me with the ARC.

Poisoner's Vengeance

Title: Poisoner’s Vengeance

Author: Talia Greer

Rating: 3.75/5

Info: 311 pages, first pub Skull & Violet Books 03/31/2025

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy

Annette is a nun in a garden themed religion. She has worked hard to become the best of her class ever since she was given over to the abbey at ten years old. Then, just like that, the award for top poisoner goes to a different nun. Annette, who never felt like she fit in at the abbey, quickly decides to sabotage the abbey recertification. If her plan works everything that year will have to get looked at and redone. She hopes this will lead to her getting her award. Along her path for revenge she teams up with a relic that talks to her in her head and a demon named Rigo.

Annette is the POV character. At first, I didn’t like Annette. She immediately jumped to revenge. Also, her attitude that the award was owed to her I found somewhat off putting. Over the course of the story I grew to really enjoy Annette and what I first thought was a weakness in character writing I came around on. Annette isn’t well liked by the others that live in the abbey and Greer shows the reader why that is. Greer also digs deeper so by the end of the story I feel like I watched Annette grow and mature. I started the story rolling my eyes at her childishness just to eventually understand why she acts the way she does. I ended the story cheering her on.

The world building was very interesting and pulled me in right away. A religion based around gardening? Nuns sticking their feet in dirt to ground themselves as part of their daily practice? Love all of that. I would like to see more stories take place in this world. I want to learn more about the world outside of the abbey. I want to learn more about the demons.

Overall, I enjoyed Poisoner’s Vengeance. The plot was pretty predictable, imo, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. The world building kept me reading till the plot picked up. The characters weren’t as fleshed out as I would have liked to see but we are only seeing them through Annette’s eyes. I’d recommend this to anyone that likes romantasy stories. I do hope Greer keeps writing in the world she created.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skull & Violet Books for providing me an advanced copy of this book.