Holly Reads Too Much

A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith

June 25, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This charming cozy mystery introduced me to the Inner Temple, a historic legal enclave in London I had never heard of before. At first, I mistakenly thought it was a religious setting, but a quick Google search cleared up the confusion and added even more intrigue to the story.

When a murder disrupts this insular legal community, an internal investigation is launched with the help of Gabriel Ward, a King’s Counsel (KC) who is brilliant but socially anxious, slightly OCD, and agoraphobic. Paired with a young constable, Ward navigates the case with intelligence, wit, and a surprising amount of charm, gradually stepping outside his comfort zone.

The “mouse” in the title is tied to a book at the center of the mystery, an unusual but clever detail that fits the story’s legal-literary tone.

Matthew Lloyd Davies delivers a standout performance as narrator. His voice perfectly suits the characters and setting, and I’ll definitely be seeking out more of his work.

I’m already looking forward to the next installment when it releases in July.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury UK Audio for providing a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

#ACaseofMiceandMurder #NetGalley
Kill Your Darlings by Peter Swanson

June 18, 2025

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I really enjoyed this but I’m starting to wonder what is wrong with a book that’s just told in chronological order. For audiobook listeners it can be a little harder to tell when a chapter changes so constantly going backwards and changing perspectives makes it more challenging 🤓
Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R. King

June 8, 2025

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ One of my all-time favorite series continues strong with Knave of Diamonds. Following the shocking revelation in the previous book (that Holmes and Mycroft’s mother is alive and living in France at 100 years old), this installment shifts focus to Mary Russell’s side of the family. We’re introduced to her elusive Uncle Jake, a charming rogue with a shadowy past tied to a long-unsolved jewel heist from Holmes’s early career.

This mystery weaves together past and present in a satisfying way, shedding light on one of Holmes’s rare unsolved cases and deepening the emotional tapestry of the series.

The audiobook is a treat, with three narrators (Amy Scanlon, Jefferson Mays, and Steven Crossley), each bringing clarity and nuance to their respective perspectives. Their performances make it easy to follow the shifts in narration and keep the story dynamic and immersive.

Special thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 2025 Reading Recap

June 1, 2025
22 (all audiobooks) for May, which is good. Favorite of the month: The Shining. Least favorite of the month: The Other People. That one should have been right up my alley but for some reason it didn’t land for me. I was very lucky with the library holds this month, so half of the books were published very recently.

I started 2 series that I’m planning on finishing as soon as I can get them from the library: The Murderbot Diaries and John Corey detective books.

I liked The Shining so much I’m considering trying to read a couple of Kings each month. I will be reading some anyways for Secret Stuff Book Club.

Never Flinch by Stephen King

The Doorman by Chris Pavone

The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North

FDR Drive (Nora Carleton, #3) by James B. Comey

Head Cases (PAR Unit, #1) by John McMahon

Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay

Marble Hall Murders (Susan Ryeland, #3) by Anthony Horowitz

Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang

Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind by Nate Bargatze

The Other People by C.B. Everett

No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding (The Vacation Mysteries, #2) by Catherine Mack @netgalley

Artificial Condition (The Murderbot Diaries, #2) by Martha Wells

All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, #1) by Martha Wells

Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance (Miss Morton Mysteries, #3) by Catherine Lloyd

Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld (Miss Morton Mysteries, #2) by Catherine Lloyd

Miss Morton and the English House Party Murder (Miss Morton Mysteries, #1) by Catherine Lloyd

Holly by Stephen King

The Shining by Stephen King

Doctor Sleep (The Shining, #2) by Stephen King

The Book Case (John Corey, #0.5) by Nelson DeMille

Plum Island (John Corey, #1) by Nelson DeMille

Third Girl by Agatha Christie
Miss Morton Mysteries by Catherine Lloyd

May 24, 2025

Miss Morton Mysteries by Catherine Lloyd – Books 1–3
🎧 Narrated by Lucy Rayner

Thanks to a recommendation from @allaboutcosy, I dove into the first three books in Catherine Lloyd’s Miss Morton Mysteries series this week, and I was hooked. I finished them back-to-back and am now counting down the days until Book 4 releases at the end of September.

Set in Regency era England, the story follows Miss Morton, the daughter of an Earl whose sudden death—along with his mountain of debt—forces her into employment as a ladies companion. Once a society darling with a promising future, she and her sister are left to the mercy of a cold and controlling aunt.

The mystery kicks off when she and her employer attend a birthday celebration for her sister, who still still lives under their aunt’s roof—and suddenly, guests begin turning up dead.

I have a soft spot for clever, courageous accidental detectives—especially when they’re British women navigating societal constraints—and Miss Morton is exactly that.

Lucy Rayner’s narration is excellent. She brings just the right balance of elegance, wit, and suspense to every character, making the listening experience thoroughly enjoyable.

I borrowed these audiobooks from my library, but they’re good enough that I’d happily spend Audible credits on them. If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong female leads and a dash of class tension, this series is a must.
No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack

May 13, 2025

Eleanor Dash is back—and so is the murder.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ In No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding, the second installment of The Vacation Mysteries series, Eleanor and her friends head to picturesque Catalina Island to celebrate a secret celebrity wedding. Fresh off wrapping the film adaptation of their Rome adventure (When in Rome), the group is ready for love, laughter, and relaxation. But when ominous anonymous letters begin to surface (hinting at an impending murder) and a storm traps everyone on the island, the celebration quickly takes a dark turn.

Catherine Mack blends humor, suspense, and glitzy Hollywood drama into a tightly plotted whodunit that’s impossible to pause. Narrator Elizabeth Evans brings Eleanor and her world vividly to life, striking the perfect balance between light-hearted charm and gripping tension. Her performance adds depth and personality to every twist and turn.

Publication Date: May 13th

Special thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review.
Virginia Highland Books

May 10, 2025

Ventured down to Virginia-Highlands and into the bookstore there.
April 2025 Reading Recap

May 5, 2025
Nine 4 star reads for April. Several had one of my favorite tropes, found-family mixed with my favorite genre, cozy mystery. Great reading month all around.

Death in Douglas Glade (The Milverton Mysteries #3) G.B. Ralph ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Murder at Gulls Nest (Nora Breen Investigates #1) Jess Kidd ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (On a Dead Man) (Vera Wong, #2) Jesse Q. Sutanto ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The Railway Conspiracy (A Dee and Lao Mystery Book 2) John Shen Yen Nee ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Murder in Masquerade (Lady of Letters #2) Mary Winters ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

10 Marchfield Square Nicola Whyte ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The Maid’s Secret (Molly the Maid, #3) Nita Prose ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Witness 8 (Eddie Flynn #8) Steve Cavanagh ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The Beast of Littleton Woods (A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, #12) T.E. Kinsey ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Railway Conspiracy by John Shen Yen Nee

April 12, 2025

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ For fans of Sherlock Holmes, this series is a refreshing homage to the legendary detective duo. While Dee and Lao’s relationship pays tribute to Holmes and Watson, the writing adds layers of richness and depth that surpass the original tales.

Set in 1924 London, The Railway Conspiracy unfolds against the backdrop of political turmoil in China, which spills over to affect Chinese citizens living in London. As various factions (including representatives from other nations) work to shape events back home, the intrigue and stakes rise.

I found the dynamic between Dee, Lao, and Mr. Hoong incredibly engaging. Their camaraderie, with Mr. Hoong occasionally stepping in as their muscle, adds both warmth and humor to the narrative.

Daniel York Loh, the audiobook narrator, delivers a wonderful performance. His ability to distinguish between characters and accents enhances the immersive experience, bringing the story vividly to life.

The only thing I would change is that I would have loved an afterword exploring the historical events in China during this period. This fascinating chapter of history is rarely covered in American schools, which tend to focus on Western history. After finishing the audiobook, I was so curious that I did some research myself—but hearing what inspired the author to include these elements would have been a wonderful addition.

Many thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for providing me with a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion. I was so captivated by this series that I purchased the Kindle editions to ensure I have them both. I can’t wait to see where Dee and Lao’s adventures take them next!
Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd

April 9, 2025

This was soooo good I almost want to listen again just to be able to spend more time with Nora 🥰. She is a former nun who goes looking for her missing pen pal. Fantastic audiobook narration.