I continued to indulge myself this April by looking at lovely knitting pattern books and reading an old favorite author, happily republished, as well as one by a current favorite. Together, these made April a great book month,
The Religious Body by Catherine Aird I first came across Catherine Aird working in a bookstore in the 1980s and 1990s, and while I read several, I don't think I'd ever read the first Inspector Sloan book before. I like her books very much; they have great plots and stories, without the emphasis on gore that many modern police procedurals employ. The intelligent and deliberate investigation by a seasoned police inspector hints all the notes for a golden age mystery despite this being 40-plus years too young. This was an audiobook read by a gentleman with the right plummy English voice for Sloane, and I enjoyed how he acted, not just read, the various characters and incidents. But I disliked his heavy sighing and jaded approach to Sloan, who I don't think is jaded at all, just saddened by all that he's seen over his career. There's lots of audible lip smacking and swallowing and Sloan drawls, as if he's seen it all and investigating is just too much to do, a bore. That is not the Sloan that I hear in my head when I read the books, so I advise anyone wanted to read Aird to avoid the audiobooks and track down the book to read Sloan in her voice, which is vastly superior.
Rest You Merry by Charlotte MacLeod Charlotte MacLeod was one of my favorite authors 40-plus years ago, and her books are being re-released, which makes me happy. While the Gurb-and-Stakers mysteries written as Alisa Craig were my favorite, I was happy to see the first Peter Shandy mystery available at my library. I can't remember ever reading the first book, in which Peter meets Helen, his wife the later books. Academic mysteries are one my favorite subgenres, and these books take place in the college years of old: pre-cell phone and computer technological revolutions. When things, looking back from today, seemed so innocent. The story does not suffer at all from not having the modern techno trappings. And it takes place in the dead of winter, so if it's hot and steamy where you are, dive into this book and slog through snow drifts with Peter. MacLeod was a top notch author, with charming characters and well-plotted mysteries. Highly recommended.
Bubble, Bubble, Tea and Trouble by Vicki Delany The latest Tea by the Sea book, published in July 2026, is not set at Halloween although this would make a good seasonal read. The Victoria Bed and Breakfast Lily's grandmother Rose runs next door to her tea room is full, partly because several woman on a tour of paranormal Cape Cod are checking in. They are waiting for their tour leader to arrive, but she's apparently been delayed, so her sidekick/second in command begins the tour. After a ghostly seance, they find that while the B&B is not haunted, the house next door is. Following the spirits to Matt's house, the group is horrified to find a dead body at the bottom of the cliff. Evil seems to be stalking the group, and things are not as they seem. Stormy nights and unsettled spirits are the least of the problems Lily has to deal with. I really enjoy this series, and it remains strong with this 7th entry in the series.
Stashbuster Knits and Mastering Color Knitting by Melissa Leapman Melissa Leapman is a well-known knitting designer, and int here two books she shows why. It's become quite popular the past two years to offer patterns that use op leftover skeins from other projects, and in Stashbuster Knits, Melissa presents her patterns that will make a dent in your stash: mittens and blankets and sweater and an adorable purse and tote bag, and even some cute thick bracelets. In Mastering Color Knitting, Melissa provides ample instructions on intarsia, stranded, double knitting, and reverse color work in language and with illustrations that are clear and easy to follow. Simple and complicated patterns ensure that there is something for everyone. This book is a great reference that should have a permanent place in a knitter's library.
