Review: When There Were 9

When There Were 9 by C.A. Larmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another good cozy that follows a Christie framework. I am inspired to read the original now this year. There are some new characters added to the book group this time. It makes for an interesting change in character dynamics. This book is set in a rural area outside Sydney so that fit in with the original plot by the Dame herself. Overall I enjoy this series and the plots along with interactions among characters. This cozy is a pure amateur detective case.

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Whats in a name 2026

  Once again,  Andrea at Carolina Book Nook is hosting a prompt-based challenge that’s all about titles.  This is one of the most creative ones I participate in each year.  

You can sign up at any point on the Linky on the page but only count books read between  

Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2026.  Creativity to apply a book to the prompt is encouraged but only count a book for 1 prompt.  

Andrea’s site has links for reviews for each category so please be sure to go back and link your book reviews as you work through the challenge.

#wian2026

Post reviews on the blog for each prompt

Progress: 1/6

 In 2026, choose 6 books that have titles that contain:  (Click on the links for more examples and info)

• Six/6
• Cold weather
• Peace
• Pathways
• Terrain
•  Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park by Aaron Johnson
• Blog and Goodreads Review 1/10/26
• Flower

Review: Gone to Hot Pot

Gone to Hot Pot by Vivien Chien
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

fun novella

Fun story from Megan’s perspective. Kikko takes a tour around Asia Village while Lana is in CA. Fun interaction with the shop owners and recurring characters starting Megan and kikko.

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Review: Diamonds on the Danube

Diamonds on the Danube by Cheryl Dougan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

good read where we meet the characters who are also in the ocean cruise mysteries. the relationships don't start out great and it is interesting to see how they have grown and changed by the time the ocean series starts. iand enjoyed getting the background info the mystery was quite a twisting turning bit of plot work

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Review: Private Oz

Private Oz by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

exciting nail biter

This installment in the Private series was a page turner. The detective work mixed with glamorous clients leads to some very interesting scenarios. My only complaint is the fact the chief of police missed recognizing a pretty important clue in a major case. Otherwise wuite the thriller

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Review: The Correspondent

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

engrossing read

I really did not know what to expect with this book but I found it to be engrossing once I started it. The lost art of letter writing and the connections it creates is brought to life in this book. It is amazing how connected to Sybil the reader becomes. I highly recommend this book

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Review: Dead in the Water

Dead in the Water by Susan Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The characters and relationships continue to develop in this second book in the series. This series seems to be great for readers who like character driven stories with a growing g level of familiarity with the characters. The book gives a deeper sense of Hope and her cruise family. Hope is a tenacious detective who will do whatever is needed to defend her friends.

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