Blog Tour: Review - Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman

Source: From the publisher & Netgalley for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: August 26, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Tory Van Dyne is the most down-to-earth member of a decidedly eccentric old-money New York family.  For one thing, as book conservator at Manhattan’s Mystery Guild Library, she actually has a job. Plus, she’s left up-town society behind for a quiet life downtown. So she’s not thrilled when she discovers a woman in the library’s Christie Room who calmly introduces herself as Agatha Christie, politely requests a cocktail, and announces she’s there to help solve a murder— that has not yet happened. 

     But as soon as Tory determines that this is just a fairly nutty Christie fangirl, her socialite/actress cousin Nicola gets caught up in the suspicious death of her less-than-lovable talent agent. Nic, as always, looks to Tory for help. Tory, in turn, looks to Mrs. Christie. The woman, whoever or whatever she is, clearly knows her stuff when it comes to crime.

     Aided by an unlikely band of fellow sleuths —including a snarky librarian, an eleven-year-old computer whiz, and an NYPD detective with terrible taste in suits—Tory and the woman claiming to be her very much deceased literary idol begin to unravel the twists and turns of a murderer’s devious mind. Because, in the immortal words of Miss Jane Marple, “murder is never simple.”

Review: 

Agatha Christie is one of my favorite authors. When I was in high school I picked up Curtain and then Body in the Library and was sold. I tried to read as many of her books as I could. I would often grab them at used bookstores while on beach vacations and read them while there. I love a murder mystery in the summertime. 

This synopsis stole my heart from the moment I read it - wouldn't it be cool to have the Queen of Mystery appear to you to help you solve a crime?! I thought so. Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library follows timid book conservator Tory as she is thrown into a murder mystery case linked to her cousin Nic. Together they, Mrs. Christie, a detective, a young girl, and her librarian work together to figure it all out and more bodies appear as they go. 

Tory was a great MC - she was vulnerable but determined, set in her ways, but also curious. Nic was a great side character, she is often so dramatic and over the top that she created comic relief when needed. Mrs. Christie was herself - she interspersed the dialogue with memories of her life, quotes from her books, thoughts about poisons, and ponderings about whodunit. 

The plot - although a murder mystery - felt like a cozy hug. I loved the premise, the solving of the mystery was done so well and it really felt like normal people inserting themselves into an investigation and running with their thoughts. I think that magical realism part was done well - Mrs. Christie appears when she wants to, only in her room, and only really for the duration of the case. The explanation is just that - she is there to help solve a crime from the afterlife because she is bored. Other than that explanations are left to float. And for me this worked. 

Overall, if you are a fan of Mrs. Christie, you will likely enjoy this book. It is a slower cozy read, but it is full of her vibe and facts about her and her life that I think you will enjoy. Super cute. 

About the Author

Amanda Chapman is a lifelong mystery lover and wordsmith.  An enthusiastic fan of traditional mysteries and of New York City she found herself wondering, "What if someone recreated Agatha Christie's personal library -– even to the furnishings and architecture -- in New York City? What would happen in that space?" And thus MRS. CHRISTIE AT THE MYSTERY GUILD LIBRARY, the first in a new series, was born.

Building the Book Pile #501

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday!

It was a strange yet busy week last week. Monday was the holiday so we finished running errands and doing chores for the week ahead. Tuesday and Wednesday I was in the office and was overtaken with emails about things for next week (when recruiting season kicks off and companies start coming to talk to students). I had a few meetings but spent most my time slogging through emails. On Thursday I was off, my husband had an appointment midday and I wanted to be there to drive him/ help if he needed anything. Friday I worked from home and again was overtaken by emails and things to do to prep for Monday.

On Saturday we had to go up north a few hours to pick up his car from the dealer (normal service needed to be done and if we went up there is was 'free'). After picking it up we stopped by another dealer to look at cars. We have been talking about going down to a 1-car household for a bit/ getting an EV... after looking we came home and I played with the dogs and took a short nap. We ended up at another dealership... no car was taken home and we haven't made a decision yet. 

On the reading front - things have been slow going. Between waking up multiple times at night for the puppy to potty and early mornings for the same/ her wanting to play - I have been so tired. Any time I sit to try to read I pretty much fall asleep.  I did finally finish Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library. It was good and no indication of the book that it took me so long to read it. Review finally coming this week. 

Monday starts my business season, but I am going to try to stay on top of reviews and the blog - if I am MIA for a bit.. no worries this is likely why. I hope that you have had a restful weekend with good books.

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Blog Tour: Review - Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

The Glowing Life of Leeann Wu by  Mindy Hung - from the publisher for review

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: North of Tomboy by Julie Swanson (MG) -4 stars

Early Reader Review: 9 Little People by Regina Feldmann (Youth) - 4 stars

Recap: August 2025

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Reading Recap - August 2025

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

In August... read 5 books, and I am in the middle of one more.

It was a slow-going reading month, and that is ok. September and October get very busy so I am slowing down a bit.

StoryGraph Visual (seems to be missing 1 book)

~~Books I Read in August~~   

 

Feel free to share in the comments! I would love to know what you are reading! 

Early Reader Review: 9 Little People by Regina Feldmann

9 Little People by Regina Feldmann, Illustrated by Martina Stuhlberger 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  September 2, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From Netgalley and NorthSouth Books for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Rating:


Synopsis: 

A sweet, joyous celebration of nine unique children and their lifelong friendship.

Nine little people are born on the same day. All of them experience love and care in their different families, and they grow up doing everything together. They become the best of friends.

9 Little People is an ode to friendship and family. It is an ode to belonging and acceptance. It invites children–and their families–to imagine a community where everyone is brought together by their commonalities, as well as celebrated for their differences.

In sweet, rhyming text, author Regina Feldmann shares how the nine children change and develop, celebrating important and silly moments together—and many moments in between. Martina Stuhlberger’s thoughtful illustrations bring their world to life in vibrant colors.

Review: 

9 Little People follows nine children born on the same day as they grow up together. The book does a lovely job showcasing diversity: across families and day to day experiences. It shared uniqueness and differences in a positive and uplifting light. Overall highlighting the celebration of friendship through their years and differences without being too deep in an accessible, age-appropriate way.

The rhyming text was engaging and playful, and it was fairly short, making it great for a single sitting, short attention spans, or before bedtime. 

The illustrations were appealing and I think that younger readers will enjoy the colors and the detailed characters that were showcased. The backgrounds were more soft and muted, in pastel tones that I think keep the focus on the children and their activities.

There is also a very lovely reader's note that adds warmth. 

Early Reader Review: North of Tomboy by Julie A. Swanson

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review this in no way alters my opinion or review.

North of Tomboy by Julie A. Swanson 

Publisher: SparkPress
Publication Date:  September 2, 2025

 

Format: Paperback ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

For fans of Kacen Callender, Lin Thompson, and Kyle Lukoff, comes a middle grade novel set in 1973 about a child who feels more boy than girl and is frustrated that people act blind to that when—aside for her stupid hair and clothes—it should be obvious!

Shy fourth grader Jess Jezowski turns the tables on her mom when she’s given yet another girly baby doll for Christmas. This time, instead of ignoring or destroying it, she transforms it into the boy she’s always wanted to be—a brave, funny little guy named Mickey. Making him talk, Jess finally lets the boy in her express himself.

But when Mickey evolves to become something more like an alter ego whose voice drowns out her own and the secret of him escapes the safety of her family, Jess realizes Mickey’s too limited and doesn’t allow the boy part of her a big enough presence in the world. She must find a way to blend him into her—so she can be that side of herself anywhere, around anyone.

Jess tries to wean herself from the crutch of Mickey’s loud, comical persona, and to get her family to forget about him, but she struggles to do both. What will it take for her to stop hiding behind Mickey and get people to see her for who she truly is? Based on the author’s experience growing up on Michigan’s rural Leelanau Peninsula in the ’70s, North of Tomboy includes artwork throughout.

Review: 

North of Tomboy is a moving coming-of-age story about nine-year-old Jess, a child growing up in the 1970s who feels out of place in the body and role others expect of her. Gender norms were especially rigid during that time, and Jess struggles to express her frustration at being forced to dress and act “like a girl” without having the words to explain her feelings to her parents.

When she receives yet another doll for Christmas, Jess transforms it into a boy named Mickey and becomes her bold, funny alter ego who finally allows her to express the part of herself that feels most true. Through Mickey, she gains a sense of voice and agency, even as she struggles with how to bring that self into the world openly.

This book is contemporary middle grade, though the 1970s setting underscores just how difficult it was to exist outside traditional expectations. It can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating read, as Jess cannot fully articulate who she is, and the family dynamics may be difficult or even triggering for some readers. Still, the story is impactful and meaningful, showing the power of self-expression and the complicated journey of identity.

Overall, North of Tomboy is a thoughtful and emotional exploration of what it means to grow up feeling different, taking the old idea of “tomboy” and revealing the deeper truths behind it. Young readers who connect with stories of identity, resilience, and self-discovery will likely find it powerful and validating.

Building the Book Pile #500

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday!

I hope everyone is having a great long weekend so far!

Monday

Busy season is upon me. I had a presentation to about 1/3 of the 1Y class - it went fine overall. I also was asked to go on a global trip in November for work so I booked my flight... getting excited for that.

Tuesday

Tuesdays are always full of meetings, this one especially so and they took over my day. In the afternoon though I went to a reflective journaling session a friend is running through the term... and it was impactful and nice. so if you want a prompt- what are you working towards?  my initial reaction to this question was panic. 

Wednesday 

slow, sleepy day at work... was welcomed after so much the last to days. I got a lot off my to do list completed. 

Thursday

I had a number of meetings again today and met with student too. I also had to give another presentation, this time for the exchange students. The day was busy but ended nicely with a happy hour with the ERN groups. We met up with some friends and reconnected with others - it was great. 

Friday

WFH today, it will only be Fridays for a bit now. I got a few loads of laundry done in between emails and going through my updated to do list. Ended the day going out to eat, stopping by Home Depot to look at some things, and then to Homegoods to look for a rug (since we pulled carpet out, we need one for the winter months in there). I left with snacks and a new spooky butter dish but no rug. 

Weekend 

We have done lots already and have a pretty packed weekend to come too. Saturday we went to the local big yard sale and then went to an Augtoberfest event our favorite pub was hosting. Today we will head to go see my dad for his birthday BBQ and then we have to drop a car for service next week, plus all the normal week prep stuff - groceries, meal plans, chores, errands etc. 

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: North of Tomboy by Julie Swanson (MG) 

Early Reader Review: 9 Little People by Regina Feldmann (Youth)

Recap: August 2025

Blog Tour: Review - Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

  

 Nothing new this week 

Have you missed anything lately?

Blog Tour: Review - The Dragon's Tooth by Benjamin Coward (YA) -4 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Blog Tour: The Dragon's Tooth by Benjamin Coward

The Dragon's Tooth by Benjamin Coward 

Publisher: Benjamin Coward
Publication Date:  August 14, 2024

 

Format: Ebook


About the Book:

Dark forces are trying to overthrow the Seven Kingdoms. Can Calderon, the orphaned Kusarku prince, master a powerful magical weapon—and learn to trust his own abilities—in time to save his race and others?

After the devastating Grey War and the death of their beloved king and queen, the Kusarkus, descendants of minotaurs, reluctantly relinquished their independence and accepted the “generous protection” of the elves. 

Since then, Calderon, the only heir to the Kusarku throne, has had to hide his true identity. 

But when the Seven Kingdoms come under attack by unknown forces and the Kusarku are blamed, the young prince must journey to the human capital of Alezadria to defend his race and accept the responsibility of his birthright. 

If not the Kusarku, though, then who is leading the hordes of goblins and trolls against innocent citizens? And who can Calderon trust, even within his own kingdom?

To aid in his struggle against evil, Calderon’s adoptive father, Bard, presents him with one half of his father’s powerful magical sword – The Dragon’s Tooth. 

Working together with his friends, can Calderon master the legendary obsidian weapon and his own magical abilities in time to save the Seven Kingdoms?

Rating:

Review:

I was very surprised by this book. It was pitched as a young adult, fantasy, and a standalone - all things I enjoy reading, but it was also only 186 pages, so you never know what you will get with that. I am still not completely sold that this is a standalone though - while pitched that way and no series associations online, I felt like this was a good start to a series. 

I really enjoyed that the main character isn’t human but a descendant of the minotaurs. This was a refreshing change from the typical fantasy hero, he is still pretty green and has a lot of reservations about what lies ahead. The adventure was engaging, and the trouble across the lands gave the plot enough climax points to string the reader along. I felt that the worldbuilding struck a nice balance of being both believable and distinctly fantastical. While I wanted a bit more description, it was a shorter book,  it was also enough to tell the tale so to speak. 

The book does a great job of setting the stage for what’s to come, especially as Calderon begins to uncover his heritage and face the challenges ahead of him. I wanted a needed a bit more resolution here... and hope that the series does continue. Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable read. I think if you are looking for something with fantasy, diverse population dynamics, action and adventure this could be a great book to pick up.  

About the Author:

Growing up in the heartland of Missouri, author Benjamin Coward first discovered the thrill of world-building through role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons and books in The Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini. 

In his debut YA fantasy novel, Benjamin masterfully creates a realm where relatable characters fight evil opponents and overcome struggles through teamwork and self-trust. 

With a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and now living and working in north central Florida, Benjamin’s love of nature and history often seep into his storytelling, enriching the fantastical worlds he creates.

Find the Author

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

Building the Book Pile #499

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday!

Monday 

...was a lost day, not going to go into it. 

Tuesday

I worked from home. We have a midday dog letter-outer but she was on vacation, so this way I was home for them. I had so much work, it took me until 2 pm to get through emails from the weekend/ Monday and then I had a bunch of event approvals and logistics to go through.  We went out to dinner though and I had a really good burger ... half of which I brought home for lunch the next day.

Wednesday

Back to the office for a day and it was full of meetings..6 of them. I also had to get some communications drafted and my system kept spazzing on me. It was a long day for us both so we ended up getting ice cream before coming home for dinner. So that was a win.

Thursday

WFH day - only a few more of these left before the busy season really picks up. I spent the day working on logistics for events, had a few meetings, and had a meeting for a committee that I volunteer on. Filling the cup with little non-work things. I also played a little Tiny Bookshop on my Switch before the day started. Ran out in the afternoon to take Charlie for a rabies shot update, he loves a car ride and it was good to have time with just him. Since we got the puppy I feel like he is a bit sad. 

Friday

Woke up feeling a bit gross. Not sure if it is allergies or I am getting a cold - could be either with the students back. Work was slower, which was nice, and I got a lot of little things done. 

Weekend 

We have run some errands and done some painting around the house that needed to be done. It was a busy weekend, but productive. I also got a lot of reading done 😀

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Blog Tour: Review - The Dragon's Tooth by Benjamin Coward (YA)

Blog Tour: Review - Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

  

  

A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez - Netgalley

The Best Wild Idea by Lily Parker  - For Blog Tour

Suddenly Mine by Katie Evergreen - For Blog Tour

  

For review consideration:

Clementine Crane Prefers Not To by Kristin Bair

An Amateur Witch’s Guide to Murder by K. Valentin

A Heart So Haunted by Hollie Nelson 

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: Leaving the Station by Jake Maia Arlow - 4 stars

Early Reader Review: The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren -2 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Early Reader Review: The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren 
Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 26, 2025

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A Middle Eastern legend get a magically romantic modern makeover perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

A young woman must find a way to end the curse on her heart before it claims her forever in this delightfully witty fantasy romance.

Sare Silverbirch has already had her heart broken three times. A fifth heartbreak will stop her heart forever. Such is the nature of the curse she was born under, which forces her to live a life without letting anyone get too close.

When her mother dies unexpectedly and her heart breaks for the fourth time, Sare begins to urgently question the curse. Where did it come from? Why her? And rather than accept it, could there be a way to break it?

Her questions lead her to Istanbul where she meets Leon, a seer who helps her track down the mysteries of her mother’s past. But Sare’s heart is a fragile thing and their blossoming romance poses a great risk to her survival. Especially when she discovers that her fate is in the hands of celestials beyond this earthly realm.

Now the heavens are stirring, for they have a stake in Sare’s destiny—and they don’t like their plans being overturned.

The Book of Heartbreak is a dazzling, haunting romantasy sure to break—and mend again—the hearts of readers everywhere.

Review: 

Let’s be very clear here - this cover is stunning, and the synopsis holds so much promise. Unfortunately, this book ended up being a struggle for me. I wanted to put it down just a couple of chapters in, but pushed on, thinking maybe I was in a book hangover and not giving it a fair shot. In the end, though, it still fell short. Of course, other readers may have a very different experience.

The premise is intriguing: Sare is cursed to die when she experiences heartbreak, and on her fifth heartbreak, she will die forever. After her fourth heartbreak, she travels to Istanbul to search for her past, where she meets Leon.

Curses, Istanbul, Middle Eastern legends - sign me up, right? It had all of these elements, but somehow it still missed the mark.

I did enjoy that this story brought me to a new setting and introduced new stories and mythology. I appreciated the diversity in my reading, but I felt the author didn’t fully embrace it. I wanted more vivid descriptions of Istanbul and its culture, and more of Sare’s experience of change when she arrived. These elements seemed vital to her journey of self-discovery and learning about her family and past, but they were glossed over.

The book is tagged as adult romantasy, though to me it leaned more toward young adult or new adult fantasy. While there is a romance, it doesn’t feel central to the story, and honestly, the book works without it.

As for the characters: Sare often read as an angsty teen, even though she was nearly 18, and she never really grew out of that persona. I also never felt I had a clear sense of Leon - he came across as clingy from the moment they met, which gave me the ick. He was supposed to be the swoony love interest, but I just didn’t feel it. Munu, the celestial guide, was easily my favorite. She added humor with her dramatics and her sudden appearances to warn Sare.

Overall, I struggled to get through this one. While the ending does pick up and offers an okay resolution, I still came away feeling pretty meh.

With its unique premise, fresh Istanbul setting, and touches of Middle Eastern legend, this romantasy may appeal to readers looking for something different in the genre.

Early Reader Review: Leaving the Station by Jake Maia Arlow

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Leaving the Station by Jake Maia Arlow 

Publisher: Storytide
Publication Date: August 19, 2025  

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Sometimes, looking at him was like looking in a fun-house mirror.

Zoe’s life has gone off the rails.

When she left Seattle to go to college in New York, she was determined to start fresh, to figure out what being a lesbian meant to her, experiment with clothes and presentation away from home for the first time.

Instead, she lost touch with her freshman orientation friend group, skipped classes, and failed completely at being the studious premed student her parents wanted her to be.

But the biggest derailment of all? Her newly minted ex-boyfriend—and the fact that she had a boyfriend to begin with. When she met Alden, he made her feel wanted, he made her feel free. He made her feel . . . like she could be like him, which was exciting and confusing all at once.

So, Zoe decides a second fresh start is in order: she’s going to take a cross-country train from New York to Seattle for fall break. There, no one will know who she is, and she can outrun her mistakes.

Or so she thinks, until she meets Oakley, who’s the opposite of Zoe in so many ways: effortlessly cool and hot, smart, self-assured. But as Zoe and Oakley make their way across the county, Zoe realizes that Oakley’s life has also gone off the rails—and that they might just be able to help each other along before that train finally leaves the station.

Review: 

Leaving the Station is a compelling coming-of-age story. It centers around identity, through thoughtful conversations around sexuality, gender, religion (both Jewish and Mormon), and the ongoing question of one’s place in the world. I found it engaging and thought provoking with often vulnerable exchanges between the two main characters, Zoe and Oakley.

The cross-country train ride setting was a brilliant choice. It created a sense of forced proximity that allowed Zoe and Oakley to not only get to know each other, but to confront themselves in ways they had been avoiding in their normal lives off the train. There was also this beautiful flow of “all walks of life” woven into the story through their fellow passengers, which added richness and dimension to the story and their conversations.

I really loved Aya, she is a young and often opinionated train-goer that pops in throughout Zoe's time on the train. Her presence provided comic relief at just the right moments, and she was beloved by all once their train ride came to an end.

The characters’ struggles with identity felt authentic and deeply human. Their emotional journeys were depicted in ways that will resonate with many readers, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community and I personally felt a strong sense of connection and belonging while reading.

Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-crafted read that leans more contemporary than romantic. The romance element is certainly present and meaningful though. The author did a wonderful job capturing the uncertainty, hope, and clarity that can come from soul-searching, connection, and the willingness to start again.