Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele

 First novel in The Plain Order Ink Society series, in which Amish writers crack the case of local mysteries.

Sadie Lynch thought inheriting her late Amish aunt’s candle shop was a blessing—a chance to leave her stalled writing career behind and find a fresh start. But running a Plain business when she's not Amish isn’t exactly filling her store with customers—especially when the local minister insists she sell out.

Sadie, who doesn’t want to leave, thankfully meets Wanda—an Amish woman with a secret obsession. As Wanda continues to visit the candle shop, an unexpected partnership blooms when Wanda agrees to help Sadie’s shop in exchange for writing advice.

But the grand reopening of the candle shop takes a deadly turn when the body of the Amish minister is discovered behind the counter. Now Sadie is the only suspect, prompting Wanda and the Plain Order Ink Society to try helping her solve the mystery.

But in this Plain community, secrets burn brighter than flames—and nothing is as simple as it seems.

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Murder, Plainly Written: Volume 1 (The Plain Order Ink Society): Steele, Mindy: 9798891514072: Amazon.com: Books

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele is a best-selling

and award-winning author who writes in favor of her rural

surroundings. Winner of the 2022 and 2024 FHL Reader’s

Choice award, Steele has been a welcomed addition to the

Amish genre. Her knowledge and admiration for the Amish

credits her ability to understand boundaries, and customs,

giving her readers an inside view of the Plain life. Her

accidental debut into romantic suspense proves she is a writer

of words and a storyteller at heart. Her books are peppered

with humor, and sprinkled with grace, charming all the senses

to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the

happy ever after ending.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

 The story chronicles the breakdown of Esther Greenwood, a bright, beautiful, enormously talented college student facing a profound identity crisis while coming of age in 1950s America, as she navigates the pressures of society along with her own ambitions. While at a prestigious, competitively won position at a New York City magazine one summer, Esther finds herself struggling with the looming expectations of marriage, motherhood, and giving up on her dreams to achieve them. She becomes increasingly disillusioned and her mental health deteriorates, ultimately leading her to undergo harsh treatment and therapy. 

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The Bell Jar: A Timeless Coming-of-Age Classic (Perennial Classics, 1): Plath, Sylvia: 9780060837020: Amazon.com: Books

Sylvia Plath was born in 1932 in Massachusetts. Her books include the poetry collections The Colossus, Crossing the Water, Winter Trees, Ariel, and The Collected Poems, which won the Pulitzer Prize. Plath is credited with being a pioneer of the 20th-century style of writing called confessional poetry. Her poem "Daddy" is one of the best-known examples of this genre.

In 1963, Plath's semi-autobiographic novel The Bell Jar was published under the pseudonym "Victoria Lucas"; it was reissued in 1966 under her own name. A complete and uncut facsimile edition of Ariel was published in 2004 with her original selection and arrangement of poems. She was married to the poet Ted Hughes, with whom she had a daughter, Frieda, and a son, Nicholas. She died in London in 1963.

Pride and Practicality by Pepper Basham

 Arianna Reeves knows how quickly admiration can turn into exile. One poorly placed trust, one disastrously charming rake, and she is no longer society's darling--but its favorite cautionary tale.

Now returned home--uninvited and unmistakably whispered about--Arianna is determined to make amends with her estranged family and do something useful with her thoroughly ruined life. Even if polite society would prefer she did it at a very great distance from anyone respectable.

Thomas Bridges, a principled clergyman with an inconvenient habit of thinking for himself, is already walking a narrow line. His congregation expects propriety, his mother expects matrimony, and both have very firm opinions about his future. Thomas, however, would prefer a life guided by conviction . . . even when it proves impractical.

When Arianna repeatedly--and quite disruptively--crosses his path, Thomas faces a dilemma no sermon prepared him for. She is not at all what she ought to be: not dull, not foolish, and--most dangerously--not someone he can overlook, but a kindred spirit who shares his passion for service and his troubling habit of defying society's expectations . . . all with good intentions, of course.

As their forbidden acquaintance deepens into something far more perilous than friendship, Arianna and Thomas must decide: preserve their reputations, or risk them entirely for the good of others—--and their own hearts. 

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     Pride and Practicality: A low-spice, high-swoon Regency rom-com: Basham, Pepper: 9780840717719: Amazon.com: Books

Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her twentieth book, The Cairo Curse, came out in February. Next up is Positively, Penelope, the sequel to her bestselling novel, Authentically, Izzy. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.

The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse by Heather Morris

 In 1942, the Nazis come for a Jewish family living in the Montparnasse area of occupied Paris. In the chaos of their arrest, eleven-year-old Josephine runs to the only person she can trust: her piano teacher, Andrée Levallois, a secret French Resistance operative.

Andrée takes her in as a member of the family, spreading their rations and risking everything to keep her safe. But soon the authorities close in, and both Andrée and Josie are caught in a desperate race to stay alive.

Pick up your copy here......                                                                                                                                  Amazon.com: The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse: 9798228808522: Heather Morris: Books

Heather Morris is a native of New Zealand, now resident in Australia. For several years, while working in a large public hospital in Melbourne, she studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an Academy Award-winning screenwriter in the US. In 2003, Heather was introduced to an elderly gentleman who ‘might just have a story worth telling’. The day she met Lale Sokolov changed both their lives. Their friendship grew and Lale embarked on a journey of self-scrutiny, entrusting the innermost details of his life during the Holocaust to her. Heather originally wrote Lale’s story as a screenplay – which ranked high in international competitions – before reshaping it into her debut novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Merry Christmas Snickerdoodle! by J.D. Forester

 It’s not Christmas without the cookies! From gingerbread to sugar cookies, this pun-filled picture book features all the holiday favorites—not to mention peppermint swirls, hot chocolate, gumdrops, and more.

Rhyming affirmations pair perfectly with jolly anthropomorphized food art for a cheerful and festive read.

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Merry Christmas, Snickerdoodle!: Forester, J. D., Love, Charlotte: 9798217141081: Amazon.com: Books

No author headshot available 

J. D. Forester is the author of several books for the youngest readers, including the My Tiny Dino Library series of board books.

The Family Friend by Claire Douglas

 When Imogen is told she’s inherited a country house near Bath, she thinks it must be a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which changed her life for ever.

Now, with partner Josh in tow, it’s a chance for a fresh start.
But after discovering an old box with her name on it in Dorothea’s abandoned study, Imogen starts to believe the woman was trying to send her a secret message.
And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she starts to suspect that this gift might not be the life-line she thought it was.
Who would want to kill Dorothea?
Could it be tangled up in Imogen’s own dark family history?

And what if Imogen is now the one in danger?

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The Family Friend: Claire Douglas: 9781405978972: Amazon.com: Books

Claire Douglas is the Sunday Times number one bestselling author of eight stand alone novels: The Sisters (2015), Local Girl Missing (2016), Last Seen Alive (2017), Do Not Disturb (2018), Then She Vanishes (2019) and Just Like The Other Girls (2020). Her seventh, The Couple At No 9 (2021) was an Amazon number one bestseller, a number three Sunday Times bestseller and most recently hit number one on Germany's Der Spiegel paperback bestsellers chart. The Girls Who Disappeared was a Richard and Judy book club pick for Autumn 2022 and was an instant number one Sunday Times bestseller. Her books have sold over a million copies in the UK and have been published worldwide.

Last Morning at Nora's Table by Kathy Watson

 The kitchen saved Kathy Watson’s life.

In the midst of a recession, Kathy is running two restaurants with the passion of a gastronome who grew up on freshly farmed food—and the limitations of a chef who has little formal culinary education. That lack of training, a perceived shortcoming, has her bowing to the misogynistic egos of destructive, hot-headed chefs in her own kitchens. All the while, her fear and insecurity trigger childhood memories of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her mother—a relationship that she can’t seem to reckon with.

Then, one day, one of Kathy’s chefs walks out just before dinner service, forcing her to face off with one of her long-held fears: sautéing on the hot side. The experience breaks the cycle wide open—and thus begins Kathy’s journey to throw off years of abuse to become a woman she can love.

Including more than thirty recipes and a wealth of kitchen drama, Last Morning at Nora’s Table will satisfy your appetite for delicious food and back-of-the-house gossip. Swing a sauté pan up to the stove and dive in.

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Last Morning at Nora's Table: A Chef's Memoir with Recipes: Watson, Kathy: 9798896364269: Amazon.com: Books

Kathy Watson spent years as a public relations executive and journalist, including six as editor-in-chief of Oregon Business magazine, before embarking on a new career as a chef and restaurant owner. This is her debut novel. She lives in Hood River, Oregon, where she writes, leads a chefs collective, and runs and hikes the Columbia River Gorge with her husband Stu and Satchel, the world’s best dog.

God is... by Deb Adamson

 Does God look like you? Does God look like me? Or is God what we picture, but cannot quite see?

Gently rhyming text, paired with beautiful art, encourages young readers to use all their senses to find God’s presence in their everyday lives. This picture book explores the many questions kids may have in their journeys of faith, validating their feelings and experiences while highlighting the simple ways little ones can connect with God, from getting a hug and breathing deep to going outdoors and enjoying nature.

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God Is . . . - Kindle edition by Adamson, Deb, Tous, Mercè. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

I am a children's book author. I write books with heart, humor and to encourage curiosity.

Spine Chilling Reads from Harper Perennial

Thank you, Harper Perennial, for my box of Spine- Chilling Reads. Wildwood by Ashley Woo, Night of the Mallrats by Nicolina Torres, The 10:12 by Anna Maloney, Witch Trail by Harriet Tyce, The Enigmatic Madam Ingram by Meihan Boey, lots of great books to choose from for Cool October evening reads.

 

Trope Reveal for One Step Closer by Laura Pavlov

 With a championship loss under his belt and an ex-girlfriend’s bad press on his heels, quarterback Maverick Storm just needs to lie low. He escapes to Peachtree to lick his wounds and reevaluate his life. But the owner of the local inn soon puts his heart in a twist.

Hazel Adams isn’t one to make rash decisions―with her inn or her emotions. Seeing your ex-boyfriend and former best friend together does something to a person, though. And kissing a sexy stranger turns out to be Hazel’s something.

That kiss inspires Hazel and Maverick to try fake dating as a temporary fix for all their problems. But when the paparazzi catches wind of the unexpected romance, they’re in for a more long-term arrangement.

As they grow closer, their guards begin to come down. But with their lifestyles at odds and their hearts at stake, they’ll have to decide whether to make their connection real―or keep pretending it’s not.

Pick up your copy here....

Amazon.com: One Step Closer (Peachtree Lane): 9781662538056: Pavlov, Laura: Books

#1 Amazon and USA Today Bestselling Author Laura Pavlov writes sweet and sexy small town romance that will make you both laugh and cry. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome kids who are now adulting, and dog-whisperer to one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. When Laura isn't busy in the writing cave she enjoys reading, decorating her home, going on long walks and spending time with her family! Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves to hear from readers!

Excerpt Reveal Smash by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

 EXCERPT REVEAL

Title: Smash

Authors: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Forbidden Romance

Release Date: October 25, 2026

Take a sneak peek at SMASH.

You know you want to…

Copyright © 2026 by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

There was a beat of silence. For some reason I continued to stand there. Rafe looked at me for a few more seconds, like he was deciding something. Then he lifted his chin, gesturing toward the hallway. “You just got back from a run?”

I nodded. “First one since I left Montana.”

“How was it?”

“Definitely different. There are so many people out on the streets.”

He smiled. “There’s an art to dodging the slow walkers and people glued to their phone. You’ll pick it up.”

“I’m guessing I’ll also learn to stop apologizing to people I cut around. I think I said ‘I’m sorry’ a hundred times on an hour-long run.”

“Dead giveaway you’re from out of town.”

I laughed. “That and the fact that I’m wearing purple. What is it with everyone wearing black in New York? Especially women. They’re all in black pants, black leggings, black tops, black coats, black purses...”

His eyes flicked over me again—this time I definitely didn’t imagine it. “I like that you wear color.”

My stomach did a small, traitorous flip. “Thanks.”

Another pause stretched between us, this one charged in a way I couldn’t quite explain. Then Rafe walked to the table and grabbed his shirt, pulling it on. It made me wonder if he’d caught himself looking at me and felt wrong—exactly the way watching him felt for me. 

“I, uh, I’m sorry Calder and I didn’t make it to your girlfriend’s show the other day.”

Rafe smiled. “Not my girlfriend and not a big deal.”

“How was it?”

“Good. I like plays better than musicals, but it was fun watching someone I know become someone else onstage.”

Maybe that’s why it sometimes felt like he was watching me—because being around him turned me into someone else. Or maybe this was the real me. I wasn’t sure who the hell I was anymore.

“Any good plans for the week?” he asked. “You start your new job soon, right?”

I nodded. “The Monday after next. I’m planning to hit a different museum each day as I count down.”

“Nice. I love museums. When I was a kid, I was obsessed with dinosaurs. I used to beg my babysitter to take me to the Museum of Natural History. I’ve probably been there fifty times over the years. It’s still one of my top two favorites.”

“What’s the other one?”

“It’s called the Noguchi.”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

He nodded. “It’s in Queens, so it’s not as popular as the museums in Manhattan that the tourists hit. It has a lot of sculptures, but the best part is the outdoor garden. It’s one of the most peaceful places in the five boroughs.”

“I’ll have to check it out.”

“It’s a good place to think. Or not think.”

I laughed. “I might need both of those this week.”

He held my gaze for a second, like he understood more than I’d said out loud. “Yeah…you should go.”

I shifted my weight, suddenly aware again that I was still lingering in his doorway. “Thanks for the recommendation.”

“Anytime.”

Another pause. Why wasn’t I leaving?

Rafe smiled. “I was just going to make some breakfast. Want to join me?”

I thumbed toward the hall. “I should probably get upstairs and shower.”

“You sure? Your boyfriend texted and told me to keep an eye on you while he’s away. I think that might include making sure you don’t start any more cooking fires.”

“I didn’t start—”

Rafe laughed. “I’m teasing. Go take your shower. I’ll have breakfast ready when you’re done. Consider it payback for helping my aunt.”

I hesitated. I should’ve said no, even though everything in me wanted to say yes. But I didn’t. “Okay. I’ll be quick.”

“No rush.”

I forced myself to start up the stairs. 

It’s just breakfast. 

No big deal. 

Calm down already.

Heck, Calder told him to look out for me.

Still, I took a little more time in the shower than usual and let my mind wander to places it shouldn’t. When I got out, I wrapped a towel around myself and started digging through my drawers for something to wear. One drawer, then the next, and eventually moving onto the closet. 

I blew out a breath.

I was being ridiculous. Who cares what I wear? I was going downstairs to eat eggs, not attend a black-tie event.

And yet…

I sprayed on a little perfume. Took a few extra minutes fixing my hair. Put on eyeliner when I normally just brushed on a bit of mascara. By the time I got dressed, it felt like I’d crossed an invisible line I hadn’t meant to step over. 

Or maybe I had.

I shook the thought away. It’s just freaking breakfast. I grabbed my phone, took one more glance in the mirror, and headed back downstairs. 

★★★

Excited?  We are too!

RELEASING OCTOBER 25th!

Pre-order today!

 

eBook ➜ https://a.co/d/008td2M2

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 #Smash #PenelopeWard #ViKeeland #excerptreveal #contemporaryromance #standaloneromance #forbiddenromance #givemebookspr

The Land of Sweet Forever by Harper Lee

Harper Lee remains a landmark figure in the American canon—thanks to Scout, Jem, Atticus, and the other indelible characters in her Pulitzer-winning debut, To Kill a Mockingbird; as well as for the darker, late-’50s version of small-town Alabama that emerged in Go Set a Watchman, published in 2015 after its rediscovery. Less remembered, until now, however, is Harper Lee the dogged young writer, who crafted stories in hopes of magazine publication; Lee the lively New Yorker, Alabamian, and friend to Truman Capote; and the Lee who peppered the pages of McCall’s and Vogue with thoughtful essays in the latter part of the twentieth century.

The Land of Sweet Forever combines Lee’s early short fiction and later nonfiction in a volume offering an unprecedented look at the development of her inimitable voice. Covering territory from the Alabama schoolyards of Lee’s youth to the luncheonettes and movie houses of midcentury Manhattan, The Land of Sweet Forever invites still-vital conversations about politics, equality, travel, love, fiction, art, the American South, and what it means to lead an engaged and creative life.

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The Land of Sweet Forever: Stories and Essays: Lee, Harper, Cep, Casey: 9780063460515: Amazon.com: Books

 Harper Lee was born in 1926 in Monroeville, Alabama. She attended Huntingdon College and studied law at the University of Alabama. She is the author of the acclaimed To Kill a Mockingbird, and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and numerous other literary awards and honours. She died on 19 February 2016.

Preorder A Castle in the Sand by Wanda Brunstetter

 Solitude, Sunshine, and a Second Chance at Love

Don't miss this new stand-alone Amish romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Young widow Sharon Raber has been feeling hopeless. Still restless after a visit to her parents, she decides to retreat from Indiana to Sarasota, Florida, for some solitude in the sun. Finally drawn out of her grief by an older widow in the Pinecraft community, Sharon meets Peter Stutzman, who is helping his aunt make home repairs. Could a second chance at love be possible for Sharon, or will the courage needed to release her heart be too much for her. . .and Peter? 

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A Castle of Sand: Brunstetter, Wanda E: 9798891512726: Amazon.com: Books

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

30th Anniversary Edition Divine Secrets if the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

 When theatre director Siddalee Walker inadvertently reveals some of the less-savory facts of her Southern childhood to the New York Times, the article brands her mother, Vivi, a "tap-dancing child abuser." When Vivi virtually disowns Sidda over it, Sidda panics and postpones her upcoming wedding. But Vivi's intrepid gang of lifelong girlfriends, the Ya-Yas, sashay in and conspire to bring everyone back together.

The Ya-Yas, an inseparable and indomitable foursome who grew up together in the small town of Thornton, Louisiana, persuade Vivi to send Sidda a scrapbook of girlhood mementos entitled "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood." With the scrapbook in hand, Sidda retreats to a cabin on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, intent on discovering the key to the swirling mix of anger and tenderness she feels toward her mother. Through a series of flashbacks from Sidda's current crisis to Vivi's youth and early motherhood, the"Divine Secrets" will reveal themselves to you through Rebecca Wells' vibrant, irresistible voice.

It's an incisive look at the tangled relationship between mother and daughter, with its countless emotional shiftings from dark to light, love to resentment, bonding to breaking free.

 Rebecca Wells is a novelist, actor, and playwright. She is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder, Ya-Yas in Bloom, Little Altars Everywhere (winner of the Western States Book Award), and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (winner of the American Booksellers Book of the Year Award, short-listed for the Orange Prize), which was made into a feature film.

She performs from her work internationally and her books have been translated into twenty-three languages. A native of Louisiana, she now makes her home in Nashville, with her spaniel Mercy.                                                                                                                               

Buried Embers by Alex Sigmore

Eight months ago, Calla Rowe watched her partner die in a blaze everyone believed was an accident. But Calla—one of the best fire investigators in the country—knew it was murder. She just couldn’t prove it. Once Calla could diagnose the marks of an arsonist with a preliminary glance at a burn site, calculate exactly how and where a wildfire was going to move, and break down the chemical composition of different accelerants. Now she’s hiding out in the remote Oregon town of Pinecrest, trying to shake the nightmares of her partner’s death and find peace.

But Calla is pulled back in when the town’s sheriff calls her to the site of a suspicious wildfire. Though he’s wary of newcomers, the sheriff knows he’s in over his head: not only does he have an arson case on his hands, he’s also investigating the disappearance of a local boy—one of a group of environmental activists and protestors who suspect a logging company is secretly cutting old-growth timber. Against her better judgment, Calla agrees to help—and soon realizes that something very dangerous is going on in Pinecrest. As more fires burn, Calla is drawn deeper into a web of treachery bigger than she could have ever fathomed–and that she may be the next target.

Full of shocking twists and cliffhangers, Buried Embers showcases a master at the top of his game, a thrilling page-turner featuring a brilliant but troubled female investigator who must save a community and herself in the process.

Pick up your copy here...

 Buried Embers: A Novel: Sigmore, Alex: 9780063492271: Amazon.com: Books

Alex Sigmore writes gripping mystery thrillers with heart. Known for strong, complex female leads, Alex’s stories blend edge-of-your-seat suspense with emotional depth, exploring the costs of justice and the bonds that hold us together. Whether unraveling secrets in Her Dark Secret, tracking a killer across the New Mexico desert in The Passage, or going undercover in Blood in the Sand, Alex delivers stories where empathy is as sharp as the detective’s mind.

Each book stands alone but is part of a larger, multi-book arc, offering readers the satisfaction of a complete case and the thrill of an evolving mystery. The Emily Slate Mystery Thrillers and Ivy Bishop Investigations have become reader favorites, known for their layered characters, psychological twists, and immersive storytelling.

When not writing, Alex dreams of a quiet home in the hills of California with a view, a couple of rescue pugs, and a life full of books, travel, LEGO builds, and good friends. But for now, it’s all about the next page-turning mystery.