The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 13 New Books to Make Your Heart Race by Julia Spiro; John McMahon; Melissa Larsen; Sandie Jones; Jenny Elder Moke; Daisy Pearce; Andrew Ludington

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 13
New Books to Make Your Heart Race

by Julia Spiro; John McMahon; Melissa Larsen; Sandie Jones; Jenny Elder Moke; Daisy Pearce; Andrew Ludington

I was worried these might be too creepy/thriller for me but most were actually just great mysteries based on the samples I read! There was great range in the stories I read, and I especially liked The Lost House, She Doesn't Have a Clue, Head Cases, and Splinter Effect. The last two are the first in a series so I will be excited to read the full books and perhaps continue with those stories. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Beautiful Butterflies and Flowers: 20 Step-by-Step No-Sketch Projects on Watercolor Paper by Chithra Shaan

The section on butterfly and flower anatomy provides a helpful foundation. The supplies are not overwhelming and the color recipes are clear. Some of the flowers are more complicated with as many as 15 steps. I think this book may be a bit intimidating for a total beginner. It is laid out nicely, has clear instructions, and builds up to a lovely bouquet of flowers and butterflies at the end. I was also excited to learn about how to integrate metallic paints into these watercolors. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Cozy Case Files, Volume 23: A Cozy Mystery Sampler

Cozy Case Files, Volume 23: A Cozy Mystery Sampler What a great way to sample multiple cozy mystery writers. One thread that ran throughout most of the stories was a strong sense of place. Most of these authors are new to me, and I am adding several to my TBR list. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Sketchbook Joy by Katie Moody

Sketchbook Joy by Katie Moody - It was great to read this encouragement for keeping a sketchbook which is something I'm just on the verge of starting. I loved the idea of commonplacing with drawings not just writing and ideas for incorporating pastels which I haven't tried yet. This book is a great reference for all the possibilities you could include in a sketchbook. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

An Excellent Thing in a Woman (A Sparks and Bainbridge Mystery, #7) by Allison Montclair

An Excellent Thing in a Woman (A Sparks and Bainbridge Mystery, #7) by Allison Montclair - I was really excited to read the next installment of Sparks and Bainbridge and actually wanted the book to be longer so I could spend more time with them! The book starts off quickly with some major developments but then felt a little slow in the middle. This felt like a bit of a transition book with less complexity than some of the other books, but I loved it all the same. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.