The Baroness’ Choices of New Books Publishing This Week
2026, Week 18’s New Books
My choices for this week include Young Adult Mystery, Historical Mystery, Cozy Culinary Mysteries, Sweet Romances, Cozy Mysteries, Traditional Mystery, Sweet Cowboy Romances, Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Comedy Fantasy, Contemporary Romance, Middle Grade Fantasy, Cozy Paranormal Mystery, and Historical Romantic Suspense.
Can you believe that Friday is the beginning of May? I can’t. It’s like April just quite literally fast-forwarded to the end of the month.
The last new release week of any month tends to be the biggest. Both Jen and I have books from this list on our TBR. Hopefully, you will see the reviews soon. No promises, though.
Here are my choices for New Books Publishing Week 18 of 2026!
A House of Vipers by Emma Jackson
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Young Adult Mystery
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A new dark academia mystery that begins a year after a student’s mysterious disappearance when his brother finds clues that can help him and his friends solve their boarding school’s most elusive puzzle—and find his brother dead or alive.
It’s been a year and a half since Sutter Heyward’s brother, Lawson, disappeared from the secluded campus of Meddlehart Academy. Everyone has given up on finding him except for Sutter, who can’t shake the feeling that he’s out there somewhere and desperately needs help to make it home.
That is, until he and his friends uncover clues that Lawson was searching for their school’s rumored buried treasure the night he went missing . . . and there is a secret society on campus still trying to find it. They are the Order of the Vipers. Sutter and his friends don’t hesitate to join the hunt, but they quickly realize that becoming a Viper involves dangerous initiation rituals where the risk is often greater than the reward.
With every clue and secret they uncover, Sutter knows they are one step closer to solving the mystery of his brother’s disappearance. But as he digs closer to the deadly truth, he will discover that some things were meant to stay buried.
A Murder in Marylebone by Emily Sullivan
Minnie Harper Mysteries
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Historical Mystery
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After over a decade away, widowed mother of two Minnie Harper has left sunny Greece and returned to her native England at the turn of the 20th century—just as a cloud of suspicion falls over her younger sister in this cozy historical mystery for fans of Jessica Fellowes, Tasha Alexander, Deanna Raybourn, Rhys Bowen, and the PBS series The Durrells in Corfu.
The world is changing at the dawn of the 20th century, but respectable English families still dread a public scandal. So Minnie agrees to accompany her reckless sister, Delia, for a night on the town with her Bohemian friends. The evening involves a raucous house party, a visit to a fortune-teller, and an encounter with a flirtatious baron, but none of that unsettles Minnie more than running into Stephen Dorian, her former employer in Corfu, who stirs in her a mix of resentment and attraction.
Soon after, Delia discovers the body of her rumored beau in his own home, and Minnie insists on playing by the rules and informing the police. After all, fleeing the scene could suggest Delia is guilty of more than an improper late-night rendezvous . . .
When the sisters return to the townhouse, their parents, dreading the threat of gossip, insist that Minnie help clear Delia’s name. Her discreet investigation will take her back into Delia’s decadent circle and have her crossing paths again with the baron—a collector of antiques—and the infuriating Stephen Dorian. But her new social life is soon overshadowed by dangerous intrigue that leads her to question even her own past . . .
A Poisonous Pour by Maddie Day
Cece Barton Mysteries #3
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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Since moving from L.A. to California’s verdant wine country, widowed single mom Cece Barton has gone from Colinas wine bar manager to wine bar owner—with a chaser of sleuthing . . .
It’s Memorial Day weekend and Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley is buzzing with activity. For Cece, business at Vino y Vida is going great, as is her romance with new beau, Benjamin. Meanwhile, Cece’s neighbor, Richard Flora, is stirring up controversy with his newest article, an exposé of Regan Greene, power-hungry director of a valley district organization. Also in the mix is the town’s big classic car show, paired with wine tastings . . .
At the show, Cece spots Regan, who is displaying her restored green ’72 Thunderbird convertible. As Cece pours tastes, she witnesses several heated discussions with Regan—including an argument with wine afficionado and new Colinas hardware store owner Greg Jardis. Otherwise, all goes smoothly—until Sunday brings shocking news. Regan has been murdered . . .
Rumors fly that Richard may have orchestrated the homicide—or even committed it. But Cece knows that’s absurd. And others in Cece’s orbit seem to have discomfiting connections to Regan, from Cece’s employee, Dane, to her winemaking teacher’s sister, Yolanda, to Colinas Mayor Guittierez. And after Yolanda visits the wine bar, Benjamin says he recognizes her from a road race.
Determined to clear Richard’s name, and failing to extract any clues from detectives, Cece once again enlists her twin, Allie, as her partner-in-sleuthing. But they’ll have to act quickly, before the trail goes sour . . .
An Unexpected Match by Shelley Shepard Gray
Matchmaker Knows Best #3
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Sweet Romance
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Two guarded hearts…
Unexpectedly drawn togetherFormer foster child Kinsey Zaleski has built a new life as a dental receptionist for her foster dad, Dr. Martin. But her hard-won peace is rattled by Hunt Vargo, the brooding, battle-scarred handyman fixing up the dental office. A former army captain, Hunt isn’t looking for love—especially with someone as sunny and feisty as Kinsey, who always seems to misunderstand him. When a shady figure from Kinsey’s foster-care past resurfaces, Hunt protectively jumps in to play the part of her fake boyfriend, only to find the budding attraction between them is all too real. With both their hearts wounded and exposed, can they find the courage to let love in?
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Confessions of an Amateur Sleuth by Lynn Cahoon
Bainbridge Island Mystery #2
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Cozy Mystery
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Bainbridge Island bookseller, aspiring author, and amateur sleuth Meg (no relation to Bill) Gates investigates the murder of a crabby food critic in New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon’s latest Pacific Northwest-set mystery for fans of Kate Carlisle, Lorna Barrett, Jenn McKinlay, and Ellery Adams.
Twenty-something bookseller and sleuth Meg Gates has a confession: solving crimes may be easier than writing. She’s been working on a guide to becoming a detective—but she’s her own worst critic. She needs a how-to in order to write her how-to!
At the Bainbridge Island writers’ group, she meets freelance food critic Lee Anderson, who invites her to join him for dinner at the Local Crab so he won’t be suspected of reviewing the place. Lee is a bit of a crab himself and intends to do a hatchet job on the eatery.
Instead, someone does a job on the critic—he’s found dead by the marina. Now Bainbridge’s culinary elite are on the suspect list.
With help from her beau, Dalton, and the Mystery Crew at Island Books, Meg dons her sleuthing cap to solve the mystery du jour—before another murder is served cold . . .
Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers by Sarah Graves
Death by Chocolate Mystery #9
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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The townsfolk of Eastport, Maine, know the best place to satisfy their sweet tooth is at Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, the Chocolate Moose. But some people living in the island town have more sinister appetites…
As the sun sets on summer in Eastport, local celebrations are in full swing—and Jake and Ellie have their hands full supplying the most decadent of desserts for extended family gatherings, class reunions, and other catered events. The organizers for Eastport High School’s Class of ’86 reunion thought it would be fun for former schoolmates to dress up in costume for a masquerade ball. Unfortunately, masks cannot hide old grudges borne out of teenage angst. So when Cindy Munson’s body is discovered murdered on the night of the dance, suspicion immediately falls upon Eastport High’s one-time notorious school bully, Terry Lawson.
Don attended the dance to apologize to those he harassed, only to be publicly rebuffed by Cindy. With the evidence stacked against him—Cindy’s body was found in his car—and no memory of what happened, Don is arrested. He’s more concerned about his six-year-old daughter going into child services than his own jail time. Remembering her own experiences in foster care, Jake volunteers to look after the little girl while conducting her own investigation into the night of the dance with Ellie.
But someone doesn’t want the amateur sleuths digging up past, humiliating secrets that may point to vengeful present-day motives—even if it means adding Jake and Ellie to a killer’s body count . . .
Gimmie Shelter by Libby Klein
Layla Virtue Mystery #2
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Traditional Mystery
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This whip-smart, witty series packs an emotional punch within an engaging mystery as Layla Virtue, a 30-something recovering alcoholic and former cop turned party musician, finds a sideline in solving murders from her new home in a Potomac County trailer park…
An unforgettable mystery brimming with hilarity and heart for readers of Margot Douaihy, Jane Pek, and Darynda Jones.
As the song says, you can’t always get what you want. Maybe that’s why, instead of fulfilling her youthful dream of being a rock star, Layla Fortune is living in a trailer park while playing third-rate gigs, including a stint at a ʼ70s Abba brunch. Given everything else she’s been through lately, she’s not complaining (much) about satin ruffles and go-go boots. She has a squad of supportive new BFFs, and she’s reclaimed a relationship with her famous rocker dad. His recent diagnosis has brought them even closer—sharing the trailer park’s lake house, which he’s had remodeled in typically over-the-top style.
Layla’s dad loves his new community and the feeling seems mutual. So, why is one of them blackmailing him? It’s a mystery almost as baffling as the assignment Layla receives from her former Commissioner: look into the brutal murder of a mild-mannered school teacher. Archie Wilkins was bludgeoned with a candelabra, shot up with drugs, and stuffed into a church confessional. Not the kind of outcome expected for a guy reputed to be the world’s nicest.
Perhaps Archie had secrets. Perhaps everyone does, including Layla’s one-time cop colleagues. She’s been blaming herself for a deadly ambush that destroyed her career and her peace of mind, but as her new friends help Layla regain her memories, a different picture emerges, and it’s one that forces her to question so much that she’s taken as truth . . .
Her Colorado Firefighter by Eliza D. Collins
Tillacos Ranch #2
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Romance
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He’s a firefighter, a cowboy…
And a whole lot of trouble!Dispatcher Sienna Herrera can handle almost any emergency—until her best friend announces she’s getting married in just three weeks! Now Sienna’s trying to plan the best wedding their small Colorado town has ever seen with the one person least equipped for the task: the charming best man, firefighter Troy Tyler. He has zero interest in Sienna’s super-organized, color-coded task list, and she has even less in his no-worries attitude. But time is running out, and Troy is on call for the Wildland Fire Team. Will their mismatched differences save the wedding or ruin it completely…along with the spark Sienna and Troy can’t ignore?
His Ranch Redemption by Laurie Winter
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Romance
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He was her first love…
Can he be her forever?Widowed Sarah Carmella has a wonderful daughter and fulfilling work running her grandparents’ horse rescue. So there’s absolutely no reason for regrets and what-ifs when her ex-husband, Pete O’Keefe, arrives in town for a mutual friend’s wedding. She and Pete eloped young, then went their separate ways when tragedy struck. But memories of their whirlwind romance and Pete’s charm have Sarah fearing for her heart. Because Pete would never settle down in tiny Fern Hollow. Fresh out of the army, he already has another job chasing danger lined up. Yet, could falling for each other all over again become the adventure they both need?
Kill for a Million by Janet Dailey
Rivalries #3
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense
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For one prestigious Texas ranching family still reeling from the murder of their powerful patriarch, the aftershocks continue amid the most prized reining event of the year —and so does the infighting and scandalous romance from legendary author Janet Dailey!
Frank Culhane’s murder remains unsolved while his widow, Lila, is still battling to keep her beloved ranch from the grasp of his embittered first wife and grown children. As for arresting Frank’s killer, time is running out for Detective Sam Rafferty to prove himself and save his career, and for his number one suspect—and Lila’s lover—Culhane ranch manager Roper McKenna, to prove his innocence. Both men are staking their fates on the outcome of the imminent reining event of the year: the Run for a Million.
Roper’s dream of riding in Run for a Million is finally coming true. And for his struggling family, the million-dollar prize will mean everything. He’ll be competing on borrowed stallion Fire Dance, with Lila’s legendary stallion, One in a Million, as one of his backups. For now, only winning matters. But suddenly, even that is in jeopardy . . .
On the road, a huge semi almost sideswipes Roper’s truck and horse trailer. He just manages to save the rig from rolling, but the horses are severely shaken. Was it an accident, or an attempt to sabotage Roper—or to kill Lila, who was supposed to have accompanied him?
Meanwhile, others are in turmoil of their own. There’s Sam’s clandestine affair with Lila’s pampered stepdaughter—and murder suspect—Jasmine; dangerous information Jasmine has about her mother; and a long-buried secret Roper’s sister harbors that could explode the Culhane dynasty. Then there is the sole witness to Frank’s murder—a witness who can’t speak, but may have a one in a million chance at revealing the truth . . .
Murder in a Lavender Daze by Daryl Wood Gerber
Aroma Wellness Mystery #2
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Cozy Mystery
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Emma Brennan always knew that her idyllic California hometown of Carmel-by-the-Sea would be the perfect place to open her very own spa. The success of her Aroma Wellness Spa, gift shop, and café has proved her right. But while the business is located in the Courtyard of Peace, Emma finds herself privy to events that are far from serene—like murder . . .
With its soothing décor and tempting treatments, customers are flocking to Aroma Wellness for more than just facials and massages. Lately, Emma has been booking private events, from spa parties to bridal showers and birthdays. Next on her calendar is something really unique: A “Happily Divorced” party.
After eight years of marriage, Addison Lacey is divorcing her husband, whom she claims convinced her he was Mr. Nice Guy when he was really Mr. Controlling Guy. To kick off her journey toward becoming a better version of herself, Addison wants to celebrate, bigtime. Her wealthy mother, Gianna, a former model turned difficult diva, is footing the bill. . . . But when Emma goes to Gianna’s home to pick up the final payment, she and Addison find her dead in her bed amid the aroma of lavender, with an herbal-infused pillow from the party nearby.
Soon, Addison is a prime suspect. But Emma knows there are plenty of others Gianna rubbed the wrong way, including her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law. Once again, with the help of her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma is determined to sniff out a killer—whether the police like it or not . . .
Some Like It Fudgy by Nancy Coco
Candy-Coated Mystery #14
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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Allie McMurphy lives the sweet life running her world-famous fudge shop on Mackinac Island—but when a killer strikes, she has to turn from creating confections to extracting confessions . . .
TAKING A BITE OUT OF CRIME
As a gesture of goodwill, Allie is bringing a tray of assorted fudge to her new husband’s ex-wife, Melonie. But she finds Melonie’s body on the floor of her photography studio—where a remote-controlled camera keeps snapping picture after picture. In one, she’s alive, and in the next, she’s dead.
While Rowan Giles, another visitor to the shop, chatters nervously—and incessantly—Allie dials the police, though she encourages her husband to leave the case to another officer. Several unidentified people were leaving when she arrived on the scene. Nevertheless, Rowan is the top suspect, thanks to one thing she didn’t talk about: her bitter relationship with Melonie. Was Rowan just stirring the pot with all her gossipy gabbing?
Allie’s not so sure. She’s learning about some dark secrets in Melonie’s past. And identifying an obvious suspect is one thing, but finding the truth is a whole other kettle of fudge . . .
Stupid Spellbound Love by Amy Boyles
Stupid Love #2
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy Fantasy
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In this romantic comedy with a spellbinding spark, a young witch is torn between a lie that might save her home and admitting the truth to the infuriatingly handsome man who cares more about profit than preservation.
Secret witch Coco Higginbotham has the perfect cover: magical land preservation in Mystic Meadows, Georgia. Here magic threads through the land and unicorn critters roam free, though human magic is strictly forbidden. But when billionaire developer Stone Maddox threatens the town’s magical flow with his resort construction, what’s a closeted witch to do but cast a spell to make him see reason?
Unfortunately, Coco accidentally wipes out his memory too. Thanks to his uncanny connection with her (and some convenient lies of omission), he soon concludes they’re a couple. And this new Stone? He’s kind, caring, and nothing like the man who threatened everything she loves.
As Coco scrambles to reverse her spell and restore Stone’s memory, she faces an impossible choice. Tell the truth and lose the man she’s falling for―or keep lying and risk exposing the magical secret that could destroy her life.
And what is more dangerous―being discovered as a witch, or discovering she can’t let him go?
The Hometown Cop’s Forever Family by Tara Randel
Golden, Georgia #3
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Sweet Romance
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Solving crimes
And falling in love!Charming, small-town Golden, Georgia, has everything Briana Connelly needs—her four-year-old daughter, her family, and her job as a police officer. When her former best friend, Jackson Walker, returns suddenly and is made her partner at work, she’s forced to face the events that drove them apart. With a mysterious theft to investigate, spending time with Jax is unavoidable…and easier than she’d like. Especially when his effortless warmth wins over her precious daughter. As a deeper connection grows between them, he starts to feel like a part of Briana’s little family. But if overcoming the past means admitting their true feelings—that might be the biggest risk of all.
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
The Little Bookshop by the Harbor by Jean Stone
Up Island #2
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Sweet Romance
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A new life filled with the celebrated seaside charm and small-town heart of Martha’s Vineyard, a newfound family, romance—and an exciting venture. What more could Maddie Clarke ask for? And why would anyone want to stop her?
It’s been a life-changing year since Maddie moved to the picturesque, historic fishing village of Menemsha on Martha’s Vineyard, where her late mother was born. Maddie has rediscovered her grandmother as well as her own Indigenous roots as half Wampanoag, along with the tribe’s rich history and traditions. She’s also found an unexpected second chance at love with restauranteur Rex Winsted. And then she spots a vacant shop right on the harbor . . .
Maddie boldly decides to end her days as a college journalism professor and open a bookshop that will also serve teas her grandmother makes from island herbs. Maddie’s son, Rafe, a college senior, plans to craft baskets in the ancient Wampanoag way, sell them at the store, and donate the profits to benefit Wampanoag kids. For Maddie, it’s all too good to be true . . . until the threats begin.
Not wanting to spoil the dream, Maddie tells no one. But an unexpected incident makes the situation worse, and just as the shop is about to open, revelations from the past erupt. And another surprise ahead could radically impact not only Maddie’s future, but Rex’s, too. Facing a decision she never saw coming, Maddie learns that even peaceful waters must weather storms . . .
The Ranger Courts the Celtic Witch by Kristen Painter
Nocturne Falls #18
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year.
The tourists think it’s all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.
Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.
When a sticky situation puts Celtic witch Mattie Sharpe on forest ranger Gunnar Briggs’s radar, he expects a quick return to normal. Instead, he finds himself tangled up with Mattie in ways neither of them anticipated.
Gunnar likes his life simple. As a bear shifter, he understands territory, patience, and recognizing what’s worth guarding. What he doesn’t understand is why the fiercely independent witch with the finest honey in the region keeps looking at him like he’s after her hives.
Mattie has built her life with care—her bees, her thriving honey business, her hard-won peace. She doesn’t need a broad-shouldered ranger lingering near her property. And she definitely doesn’t need the distraction of a grumpy shifter who seems far too comfortable buzzing around her business.
Too bad neither of them planned on getting caught in something sweeter—and far more dangerous—than either of them expected.
The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn
Outer Banks #3
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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For readers of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury, the life of a brilliant boy yearning to belong changes forever when he’s sent to North Carolina’s Outer Banks amid the mysteries, loss, and confusion of childhood in this heart-stirring coming-of-age novel by the international bestselling author of the Miramar Bay series.
Being himself is a challenge . . .
When it comes to the bittersweet memories of his late mother, Colin Eames is a relatable boy, recalling her tales of a faraway place called the Sapphire Sea where happiness forever is a way of life. Other than that, Colin is different. To Child Services, he is a prodigy to be nurtured. To his classmates, he’s an outsider. To his father, a man of political ambitions and unchecked rage, Colin is a trial, defying the narrowed path his father demands. When Colin is accepted into the Outer Banks Academy for the Gifted, it’s his chance to slip out from under his father’s control, to chart his own course, and to embark on a quest for the one thing that eludes him: love.
Understanding himself is a wonder . . .
As the years pass and Colin’s freedom offers dream opportunities, his yearning to make a connection grows stronger. It’s a difficult longing for an awkward teenager for whom the simplest interactions are a mystery. Then he meets Mira, an empathic girl weathering tragic losses of her own. She’s there for him, supporting each new step he takes. Even those with Tiana, a history student from Hawaii who ushers Colin into a new world of first kisses, belonging, and trust—far from the confusion and loneliness of his childhood days. For Colin, maybe the promise of the Sapphire Sea wasn’t a bedtime story after all, but rather a true and genuine place in the heart—one worth searching and waiting for.
The Season of Flames by Anna James
Chronicles of Whetherwhy #2
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
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The second adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling Chronicles of Whetherwhy series from acclaimed author Anna James. Perfect for fans of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, Impossible Creatures, and Dragonborn!
At Circus Astra, Elio helps his father look after “tangles”—magical creatures woven together with threads of magic to become miniature tigers, mice with butterfly wings, and a peacock made of ice crystals. Always on the move, the circus puts on incredible performances across the land of Whetherwhy under the stern eye of their ringleader.
But after a mysterious visitor arrives at one of their performances, Elio discovers that he has something the queen of Whetherwhy wants; something she will stop at nothing to get. Elio must leave the circus behind and team up with some unexpected friends, as his journey takes him to the very edges of Whetherwhy in search of a way to restore the magical balance of the island.
This Weekend Doesn’t End Well for Anyone by Catherine Mack
Vacation Mysteries #3
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Cozy Mystery
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The third in the witty and captivating series following bestselling author Eleanor Dash, who once again has to swap her sun hat for her detective hat, when a body is found at a murder mystery writing conference in the Bahamas.
Eleanor Dash can never catch a break. Not only has she had to solve two real-life murder plots in the past year, but both times it was when she was meant to be on vacation. Now she’s finally got a ticket to a relaxing weekend―an all-inclusive resort at the Bahamas where she’s speaking at a conference for murder mystery writers―but she arrives to find a body on the floor of her hotel room. Because of course she does.With plenty of familiar faces at the resort, any one of them could have been the intended target or the culprit behind it all. Was it Oliver Forrest, Eleanor’s dashing boyfriend who’s in danger of getting dropped by his publisher because his sales are dwindling? Or Connor Smith, Eleanor’s infuriating ex-lover-turned-bestselling-rom-com-author with a sordid past of his own? Or her sister Harper, whose own stilted writing career has been a sore point for years as Eleanor’s has soared? Perhaps it’s one of the other writers also in attendance, as friends, frenemies and foes from Eleanor’s past all seem to be invited to the island.
Surrounded by mystery writers who know all too well the many ways to craft the perfect crime, Eleanor is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and do whatever it takes to get out of this weekend alive.
The Cowboy’s Accidental Bride by Melinda Curtis
Bennetts of Bentwood Creek #1
Publication Date: April 30, 2026
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Romance
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In Bentwood Creek, a broken vow leads to an unexpected promise.
Verifying About Vampires by Mildred Abbott
Whispering Witch Mysteries #2
Publication Date: April 30, 2026
Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Big Deal by Kirsten Weiss
Big Murder Mystery #4
Publication Date: May 1, 2026
Genre: Cozy Mystery
A glamorous poker tournament, buried secrets…and one very dead player.
Welcome to the glittering farce of Hot Springs, where the bluffs are epic, the tells are transparent, and murder is just another risky wager.
All Alice wants is to resurrect her bodyguarding career and stop running surveillance for a sexy Reno PI who’s one shaky hunch from early retirement. But when one of their ex-clients is murdered, Alice crashes the case—whether her boss wants her to or not.
Problem: Alice’s small-town mayor is hosting a poker game of his own. And wouldn’t you know it, an old enemy from Alice’s past has slithered into the game. The stakes are high, the alibis are low, and one bad bluff could be deadly…
BIG DEAL is book four in the Big Murder Mystery series. Get cozy with this hilarious small-town mystery today!
The Roaring Ridleys by K.M. Colley
Publication Date: May 1, 2026
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense
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In Jazz Age New York, a shocking murder shatters the privileged life of the city’s most elite family in a propulsive mystery-thriller debut from author K.M. Colley that spans from Harlem to Long Island’s Gold Coast and high society’s glittering world of deadly secrets.
In the glittering world of 1920s New York, the seven Ridley heirs seem to have it all: wealth, status, and protection as the city’s most powerful family. But when notorious gossip columnist Dale Caimen is found dead during their family’s renowned summer soiree, their carefully constructed world begins to crack.
Behind the champagne and jazz, each adopted Ridley sibling harbors secrets that could destroy them. There’s Amelia, the responsible eldest trying to hold it all together; Adesua, whose artistic ambitions in the Harlem Renaissance threaten her family’s expectations; and wild child Kavita, whose dangerous nights in speakeasies may have finally caught up with her.
As the murder investigation intensifies, long-buried tensions surface and family loyalties unravel. Someone knows the truth about the Ridleys―and they’re willing to kill to expose it. In a world where appearance is everything and power comes at a deadly price, the siblings must decide what matters more: protecting the family name or each other.
Well, that’s it for the New Books Releasing Week 18 of 2026
Drop a comment if you like one of the books above or if you have one to recommend.
Thank you for stopping by,
Happy Reading!
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