Tag: 5 Stars

Book Review: A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🫑 /5

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If ever there was a book that felt like a cozy, witchy hug, it’s this one.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a warm, enchanting, and emotionally resonant story about rebuilding from the ashes of failure, rediscovering joy in magic, and finding home in the most unexpected people (and creatures).

At the heart of this delightful novel is Sera Swan, once the rising star of the Guild, now an exile stripped of her magic after breaking the rules to save someone she loved. In a desperate act of forbidden magic, Sera brought her quirky Aunt Jasmine back from the dead—and unintentionally resurrected a zombie rooster named Roo-Roo in the process. With her powers gone and her reputation shattered, Sera retreats to Jasmine’s magical inn in Lancashire, a place where outcasts are welcomed, and the impossible feels ordinary.

The inn quickly becomes a gathering place for some of the most charmingly chaotic characters I’ve ever met. But I think my favorite just might be Roo-Roo – the unintentionally resurrected zombie rooster who steals every scene he’s in. Yes, really. Oh and there’s a talking fox named Clemmie. I picture her as a British fox version of Salem from Sabrina The Teenaged Witch.

Through it all, Sera must navigate the messy, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking process of learning to live a life she never expected, with people she never saw coming. And maybe—just maybe—she’ll rediscover her magic in more ways than one.

Mandanna’s writing is full of charm, wit, and just enough emotional heft to make your heart ache in all the right ways. The story balances found family, redemption arcs, gentle romance, and whimsical worldbuilding with pitch-perfect tone. The village inn setting, nestled in the English countryside, is pure autumnal escapism—exactly the kind of place you’ll want to move into (goats, zombie birds, and all).

It’s the perfect read to usher in fall, purely magical, and full of cozy charm.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Book Review: By Time You Read This by Brianna Labuskes

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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I usually try to keep my book reviews spoiler-free, but that’s going to be difficult with this one—especially if you haven’t read the first two books in the Raisa Susanto series. So if you’re new to the series, pause here, go read The Lies You Wrote and The Truth You Told, and then come back. I’ll wait.

You’ve been warned: this review contains info from earlier books, and this is not a series where each book stands alone.

This is book three in the series, which follows Raisa Susanto, an FBI forensic linguist who also happens to be the sister of one of the most infamous serial killers. FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto thinks she’s through with the past now that her psychopathic serial killer sister, Isabel, is locked away forever. Then Raisa receives a letter from Isabel. It isn’t much, but it pushes Raisa back into what she thought she had already finished. Now, Isabel is dead, and their other sister, Delaney, is has vanished. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes disturbingly clear that Isabel had a protégé, even while behind bars.

Raisa is manipulated into solving Isabel’s murder, and the deeper she digs, the more evident it becomes that Isabel’s influence hasn’t died with her. She also worries that Delaney is somehow involved. From beyond the grave, Isabel still manages to pull strings—controlling and warping the lives of both of her sisters.

Told through multiple points of view—including Raisa and Delaney’s perspectives, as well as blog transcripts and diary entries—this book is packed with twists and tension that absolutely deliver, just like the previous two installments.

By the end, it feels like Raisa has completed a compelling character arc: she’s come to terms with who she is, who Delaney has become, and who Isabel truly was. Still, I really hope the series continues. The unique blend of police procedural and thriller, told through the lens of forensic linguistics, keeps the narrative fresh, intellectually engaging, and emotionally layered.

📌 Final Thoughts:

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with complex sibling dynamics, forensic detail, and emotional depth, this series is a must-read. Just be sure to start at the beginning to truly appreciate the journey. As always, I recommend reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here! Bonus, the whole series in available in KU for both ebook AND audio!

Many thanks to Brianna Labuskes, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Book Review: Don’t Say a Word by Allison Brennan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Margo and the rest of the Angelhart family return in the second installment of what’s quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this release ever since finishing You’ll Never Find Me, the first book in the series.

Now working full-time with the family’s private investigation business, Margo—alongside Jack and Tess—takes on the suspicious case of Elijah Martinez, a promising young man found dead from an apparent drug overdose. But no one who knew Elijah believes he ever used drugs. The deeper Margo digs, the more dangerous the case becomes. As key people she speaks with begin turning up dead, the stakes escalate rapidly.

Long-buried secrets resurface, and someone is clearly determined to keep them hidden. But Margo, relentless and sharp, refuses to let go. Like a dog with a bone, she keeps pulling at threads until the truth starts to unravel.

This novel is a solid police procedural and thriller, delivering all the trademark suspense and intricacy we’ve come to expect from Allison Brennan. The added family tension and emotional depth elevate the story even further. We also get more insight into Margo’s father—currently in prison for a murder no one believes he committed, yet he remains tight-lipped about the case. This overarching mystery seems poised to thread through the entire series.

On top of that, federal agents from various government agencies make appearances, adding layers of complexity to the plot. I truly hope this series continues for many more books. The characters are well-developed, and the pacing feels natural and unhurried. I’m fully invested and already looking forward to what’s next.

I also just discovered there are two novellas—Into the Fire and Out of the Shadows—so those are now at the top of my TBR list.

This book comes out on 09/16/2025, but you can preorder your copy here.

Many thanks to Allison Brennan, Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. As always, I recommend reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion.

Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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As an older millennial, The Golden Girls was just one of those shows that was always on. You know what I mean—flipping channels after school or on a lazy Sunday, and there they were: Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia, living their pastel-hued, sass-soaked lives in that iconic Miami house. I can’t even count how many times I’ve fallen asleep to their comforting banter—only to wake up to one of those cheesy “Greatest Hits of the ‘70s” CD collection infomercials playing on loop. That was peak background TV, and honestly? It lives rent-free in my heart.

So when I saw Murder by Cheesecake on NetGalley, promising a Golden Girls–themed cozy mystery, I downloaded it faster than Sophia can deliver a one-liner.

Let me tell you—it delivers.

Author Rachel Ekstrom Courage doesn’t just slap some wigs on a generic mystery plot and call it homage. She gets these women. The voices are spot-on—Dorothy’s dry sarcasm, Blanche’s theatrical flirtiness, Rose’s sweet but slightly unhinged St. Olaf stories, and Sophia’s savage little roasts. You can tell this was written by someone who genuinely loves the show and wanted to bring these characters to life in a fun new way.

The plot? Dorothy is accused of murder, there’s a suspicious cheesecake involved (of course), and suddenly our favorite four are knee-deep in a Miami mystery. It’s a whodunit with bingo halls, bad dates, high-stakes wedding drama, and of course, plenty of snacks. The story moves fast, the dialogue is sharp, and the clues are sprinkled in just enough to keep you guessing without feeling too twisty for the cozy genre.

If you love cozy mysteries, crave some comfort reading, or just miss watching reruns with a bowl of cereal at 11 p.m., this book is for you. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite TV aunties—with a steak knife hidden under the pie plate.

I’ll be first in line for book two. Here’s hoping Blanche gets a steamy love triangle, Rose accidentally solves a crime with a duck, and Sophia ends up running the investigation because let’s be real—she’s already the queen.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Thank you to the author Rachel Ekstrom Courage, the publisher Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Our favorite chicken farmer, Maggie, is back with her gang in the second book of Tess Gerritsen’s Martini Club series. Make sure to read The Spy Coast before diving into The Summer Guests. Both books are available on Kindle Unlimited!

Maggie and the Martini Club may have their own reasons for moving to the remote town of Purity, Maine, but their motivations seem to mirror those of many others. In fact, Purity harbors just as many secrets as it does people. Here, we have the classic tension between the locals and the summer residents.

As someone who grew up in a tourist town, I completely relate to this dynamic. We had the “city-its” who arrived with their SUVs and designer parkas as soon as the snow fell—so I get it.

At the heart of the story is a long-standing feud—one as legendary as the Hatfields and McCoys—between the Tarkin and Conover families. The Tarkin siblings live in a dilapidated house on Maiden Pond, directly across from the Conovers’ summer estate, Moonview—a massive lakefront home. They also live under the shadow of their father, Sam Tarkin, who murdered four people years ago with no apparent motive.

Susan and Ethan Conover are on their way to visit his family with Susan’s daughter, Zoe, in tow. The purpose of their trip is to reunite with Ethan’s family—his mother, Elizabeth; his brother, Colin; and Colin’s wife and child, Brooke and Kit—to spread George Conover’s ashes in his favorite summer spot.

Zoe, an expert swimmer and diver, is thrilled to be staying on the water for a week. After meeting a local girl named Callie, however, she suddenly goes missing. While the rest of the Conover family doesn’t seem too concerned, Susan—newly married to Ethan—is convinced that something is terribly wrong. She’s determined to find her daughter while everyone else seems to carry on as normal.

Enter badass acting police chief Jo Thibodeau. The Martini Club immediately inserts itself into the investigation when Maggie’s neighbor, Luther, is accused of the crime—much to Jo’s dismay. However, recognizing their skills, she reluctantly allows them to assist in the search for Zoe.

When a different body turns up in the pond—and it’s not Zoe—all hell breaks loose.

As always, I try to keep my reviews spoiler-free because I firmly believe thrillers are best enjoyed without prior hints. That said, I can promise you that this book is packed with red herrings, twists, and surprises—you won’t see the ending coming. If you’ve been a longtime reader of Feed the Book, you know that I’m usually pretty good at spotting the killer by the halfway mark. But this time? I was completely wrong. Some sharper readers might figure it out early, but for me, the ending was a total shock.

If you’re looking for a twisty, suspenseful thriller filled with family drama, buried secrets, and former CIA operatives who just can’t settle into a quiet retirement, then you’re going to love this book. It’s a great police procedural type book and while you’re anxious and worried for Zoe, it’s also laugh inducing, with great one liners.

On sale now—grab your copy here! Huge bonus for me- both the book & audio are available on Kindle Unlimited!

Thank you so much to the Tess Gerritsen, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC copy of this book. As a longtime fan of Tess Gerritsen, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read it. I’m excited to see that there’s a third book in the works, because this reader is in love with the series.

Book Review: See How They Hide By Allison Brennan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️/5

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While I do my best to make sure my reviews are spoiler-free, I may inadvertently reveal information that can help you connect plot points. So, here’s my TL;DR spoiler-free review: the newest book in Allison Brennan’s Quinn and Costa series delivers another thrilling police procedural as Kara Quinn, Matt Costa, and the MRT investigate a series of connected murders tied to a secretive cult called Havenwood. The book features Brennan’s signature twists, compelling characters, a chilling villain and a story you can get lost in. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed. But do yourself a huge favor and go read the first 5 books before you read this one. You don’t have to but it will make everything better, I promise. There’s a list at the bottom of the post. Of your can check out my review of book 5, The Missing Witness.

See How They Hide is the sixth book in the Quinn and Costa series, focusing on Kara Quinn, Matt Costa, and the Mobile Response Team (MRT).
OMG OMG I’ve been waiting for this book! My girl Kara Quinn is back! I fell in love with this series, mainly because of the incredible characters Allison has once again brought to life and I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book!.

The story begins with two murders occurring at opposite ends of the country. As bodies start piling up, there seems to be nothing connecting the victims—except that they were all killed in the same manner and found with red poppies. Before long, the team is fully immersed in investigating a previously unknown cult called Havenwood. At the heart of the mystery is Riley, a former cult member who escaped after being an unwilling participant in its inner circle.

Kara is in Oregon while Matt investigates in Virginia, meaning they don’t spend as much time together as I’d like. That said, there’s plenty of Ryder and Dean in this book, which more than compensates. AND Catherine finally stops being an insufferable PITA—but only by the end, after annoying Kara at least twice. Despite her attitude, Catherine proves useful in the investigation, though I still despise how she speaks to Kara.

Kara and Matt’s growth throughout this book was so satisfying, and Riley plays a huge role in that. The picture she draws of them makes Kara realize that people see her in ways she never expected. Riley was also an exceptional secondary character, and I absolutely loved her conclusion in the story.

As always, I’d read anything Allison Brennan writes—even her grocery list—but See How They Hide delivers all the hallmarks of a classic AB novel: a tight, twist-filled police procedural, deeply compelling characters, and a villain who is as cruel as they come.

Thank you so much to the author, Allison Brennan, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC copy of this book. The Missing Witness is out now! You can grab your copy here.

Other title in the Quinn & Costa Series:

Book Review: Sisters in Science by Olivia Campbell

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Sisters in Science is an extraordinary narrative that sheds light on the lives of four remarkable women—Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen—who defied the oppressive forces of Nazi Germany to leave a lasting impact on the world of science. Olivia Campbell offers a deeply researched and compelling account of their experiences, blending historical detail with a keen sense of storytelling.

This book takes readers into the tumultuous period of World War II, a time when the Nazi regime systematically persecuted individuals based on their religion, ethnicity, and political ideologies. For these four women—brilliant physicists and chemists—the stakes were particularly high. They faced not only the danger of persecution but also the erasure of their scientific contributions in a field dominated by men.

• Hedwig Kohn found refuge in Sweden, where she was able to continue her work in physics despite the challenges of exile.

• Lise Meitner, co-discoverer of nuclear fission, fled to Sweden and then to the United States, where her groundbreaking research would lay the foundation for future discoveries in atomic science.

• Hertha Sponer made her way to the United States and became one of the first female professors at Duke University, where her contributions to molecular physics broke barriers for women in academia.

• Hildegard Stücklen, though less known, played a vital role in advancing the fields of physical chemistry and spectroscopy during her exile.

What makes Sisters in Science truly stand out is its balance between detailed historical context and personal stories. Campbell doesn’t just focus on the challenges these women faced; she also celebrates their triumphs and enduring legacies. Their exile wasn’t just a flight for survival—it was a testament to their resilience and dedication to their work.

The book’s pacing is excellent, weaving historical events with the personal journeys of each scientist. Olivia Campbell’s meticulous research is evident in every chapter, but she manages to avoid making the narrative feel heavy or overly academic. Instead, readers are invited to feel the urgency, despair, hope, and triumph these women experienced as they rebuilt their lives and careers in foreign lands.

What resonates most is the sheer humanity of their stories. These women were not just scientists; they were pioneers who refused to let an oppressive regime dictate their destinies. Their determination to pursue truth and knowledge, even in the face of unimaginable odds, is deeply inspiring.

Campbell also brings attention to an important issue: the lack of recognition for women’s contributions in science. While these four women achieved remarkable feats, their names are often overshadowed by their male contemporaries. This book is a much-needed acknowledgment of their place in history and a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go—in achieving gender equality in STEM fields.

The writing is accessible yet rich in detail, making Sisters in Science an ideal read for both casual readers and those with a deep interest in history, science, or women’s studies. The inclusion of photographs, letters, and archival material adds another layer of authenticity and depth, helping readers connect with the women on a more personal level.

I cannot recommend Sisters in Science highly enough. It is a powerful and inspiring reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the vital role of women in shaping our understanding of the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a science lover, or someone simply looking for an inspiring read, this book will leave you enriched and in awe of the incredible resilience and brilliance of these women.

A special thank you to Olivia Campbell, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this incredible book. It’s a work that will stay with me for a long time.

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Picture this: you’re on a book tour through Italy, soaking in the charm of six picturesque cities, indulging in gelato and Aperol spritz, and relishing the company of fellow authors and die-hard fans. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for author Eleanor Wilde, it’s more of a high-stakes nightmare with literary rivals, a con man ex, and, oh yes, death. 

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack takes readers on a wildly fun ride, and it’s anything but your typical cozy mystery. With its snarky, witty protagonist, inside jokes about the publishing world, and the thrill of a whodunit, this novel makes for a laugh-out-loud read that fans of twisty mysteries and meta-humor will absolutely devour.

The story kicks off with Eleanor Wilde’s ambitious agenda: complete her latest novel (the tenth in her Vacation Mysteries series), embark on a whirlwind book tour across Italy, and kill off her main character, Connor Smith. Not much to ask, right? Except that Eleanor’s inspiration for Connor, suspects someone is genuinely out to kill him. And if that wasn’t enough, a body soon turns up in their traveling literary group, setting off a domino effect of secrets, suspicions, and betrayals. 

Eleanor must balance her book deadlines with real-life detective work, sorting through a colorful cast of authors, agents, and obsessive fans. With each Italian city comes a new twist, and Eleanor’s to-do list grows longer: solve the murder, dodge her ex Oliver (who shows up at the worst possible moments), keep her literary rivals at bay, and figure out who’s really behind the mayhem. 

This novel brilliantly breaks the fourth wall, letting Eleanor not only narrate her story but also chat directly with readers (footnotes and all)! It’s like having a lively conversation with a friend who isn’t afraid to let you in on the messy, hilarious parts of her job as a writer.  Her cheeky self-awareness, paired with razor-sharp wit, makes for a refreshingly original tone. 

If you’re a fan of snappy dialogue and unconventional characters, Eleanor’s one to remember. She’s a little chaotic, brutally honest, and endlessly opinionated, which adds a fun edge to the story. Her dynamic with her ex Oliver adds extra spice, and her deep reliance on her younger sister Harper (who, though a little overshadowed, plays the grounded assistant to Eleanor’s whirlwind) rounds out the cast in a quirky way.

While the book’s ensemble of suspects can get a bit overwhelming, each one brings something fresh to the story, and even the more aggravating personalities contribute to the chaotic fun. Though it’s hard to get attached to any of them (perhaps intentionally), this motley crew of characters, annoying quirks and all—adds to the atmosphere. 

The audiobook narration by Elizabeth Evans deserves special praise. Evans captures Eleanor’s voice to perfection, bringing out her snark, frustration, and subtle vulnerability in a way that enhances the reading experience. If you’re an audiobook fan, this is one to add to your list.

So grab a gelato, settle in, and prepare to laugh, gasp, and cheer as Eleanor brings the mystery to life—one Italian city at a time. On sale now, you can grab your copy here. 

Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. 

This Girl’s A Killer by Emma C. Wells

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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I’ve had the pleasure of reading a lot of good books this year. So far, I’ve been surprised and impressed more often than not, and this last read was no exception.

When I received an invitation from Poisoned Pen Press to read This Girl’s a Killer, I was a little apprehensive, as I don’t usually read horror or “scary” books. But I loved Finlay Donovan, so I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did because I was absolutely blown away. This is why I love new authors; you never know what you’re going to find.

Cordelia Black isn’t crazy. She’s organized. She’s punctual. She has a killer wardrobe. She loves her best friend and goddaughter. She isn’t crazy. She’s just… Karma.

Everything is going just fine until it isn’t. Watching Cordelia’s perfect world fall apart actually gave me anxiety while making me laugh. It was an interesting paradox. This book is dark, twisty, and funny.

I cannot wait to see what Emma Wells comes up with next.

Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley and the publisher Poisoned Pen Press for giving me this opportunity to read an ARC copy.

This Girl’s a Killer is out now and you can grab your copy here.

Book Review: One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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If you’re ready for some great Christmas vibes and family drama, look no further than One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery. Normally, this time of year, I’m all about cozy mysteries, witchy romances, and everything fall-themed. However, I love Susan Mallery’s books, and I needed a break from my usual reads, so I figured it was the perfect time to get into the Christmas spirit🎄plus I’m all about the family drama.  

Julie is a badass mom and business owner who’s looking forward to a quiet Christmas at her family’s cabin—aka mansion in the woods—with her younger boyfriend, Heath. Her kids all have their own plans, and his ex-wife has the kids for the holiday. But as we know, life doesn’t always go as planned. The cabin ends up packed with more people, secrets, and drama than anyone could’ve imagined.

I saw so much of myself in Julie that it was hard not to root for her. She cares deeply about everyone else and making them happy. It’s so evident in her detailed plans to ensure everyone has the most amazing Christmas ever. And while Julie might seem like the perfect mom and girlfriend, we also get to see her unravel and expose all her flaws as the story unfolds.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here!

Thank you to the author Susan Mallery, the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.