I read a lot. Last year, for instance, I finished more than 200 published books (and many short stories and unpublished novels and short story manuscripts). One thing I enjoy as much as reading is telling people about books I love. And since today, March 31, is the last day of the first quarter of 2026, this seems a good time to talk about my favorite mystery/crime books published in the last three months.
Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line
Each book is madcap and fun, this newest one especially. It has Finlay, Vero, and friends trying to clear Vero of charges that she stole a lot of money that her old college sorority raised from illegal poker games. The story is engaging, with tons of twists, strong characters, a great voice, and clever, interesting writing. I laughed out loud often. If you haven't checked out this series yet, don't wait. The first novel is being adapted by Tina Fey for a TV series on Peacock. Take my advice: read the books first. While you could start with the sixth book, you'll get much more enjoyment by reading them in order.
The Bookbinder's Secret
There are a bunch of books with this title. I am talking about the one written by A. D. Bell. This is a debut novel, but it doesn't read like one. It is set in England at the start of the twentieth century. The main character, Lily, is an accomplished bookbinder (she is technically an apprentice but it is in name only). While repairing a book, she finds an old letter hidden in the binding, and it leads her to a dangerous mystery that she is compelled to investigate.
This novel has wonderful characters, a well-drawn setting, and an intriguing story. The voice is melodious, and the writing is strong. Plus you get an inside look at bookbinding. What reader wouldn't like that? I did have a quibble: Lily didn't quickly figure something out that seemed obvious to me. But a book needn't be perfect to be recommended, and I definitely recommend this one.
Murder Will Out
The story opens with Willow returning to the island where she spent summers as a child. She has come back to attend the funeral of her beloved yet long-estranged godmother, Sue. It turns out that Sue recently inherited a mansion (a haunted mansion--but it's not scary-haunted), and her death--occurring the day before she was supposed to get married--looks awfully suspicious to Willow. With the help of new friends, including a resourceful librarian and a smart, brave, charming corgi, Willow is determined to find out what happened.
This book has strong writing and an engrossing, complex story. The author makes great use of the setting, especially the house and the ghosts. I appreciate how the main character grows by the end and finds her place in the world. And of course I love the dog. I did find the large cast of characters a little hard to follow at times. And I have a problem with a legal issue affecting the plot that the author (and her editor) overlooked. It could have been resolved with an additional sentence or two. Nonetheless, this is a book I enjoyed and recommend.
A Field Guide to Murder
I enjoyed how both characters grow throughout the book. And I loved watching them learn to lean on each other as they investigate, developing a sweet father/daughter type relationship. The book has a slow start and a lot of characters, but once I got into it, I was invested in the mystery and especially in Harry and Emma. The writing was good and, at times, funny. A solid debut.
Overall, all four of these books are recommended. As I said, the Finlay Donovan series is up to book six, and the other three books are the first in their series. I'm looking forward to the next book from all of these authors. I hope they are released sooner than later.
Before I go, I don't usually mention here the release of books I edited. But today happens to be the publication date of Let Nothing Astonish You by Lauren Opper. This intricate whodunit is set in part in a Gothic mansion in small-town Connecticut. It is Opper's first novel, and it comes with a blurb from none other than Meg Gardiner: "A lively mystery rich with atmosphere, a vivid cast of suspects, and some delicious twists. Enjoy!" I couldn't say it better myself.
Happy book birthday, Lauren! May your writing career be long and bright.
