Here are some of my favorite books read during January 2025! I use books as my escape and I really needed all the escapes…still do! 

Under the Cocoon Moon by Kathleen Bailey

Olivia Penn Mysteries #3. This is the perfect series for grown-up Nancy Drew fans. While this entry is set around Christmas time, it’s not overwhelmingly Christmas-ish, so feel free to read it at any time of the year. This is such a charming series – wonderful cozy details balanced perfectly with solid mysteries.

Schooled in Murder by Victoria Gilbert

Campus Sleuth Mysteries #1. This was such a fun read. Solid mystery with not just one murder, but two and ending had me sitting straight up in bed! I love the sleuthing team, especially that they all come from different areas of the university. There’s also a romance subplot that is entertaining and just the perfect amount to balance the mystery. Wonderful cozy details bring the story to life. I also enjoyed the campus setting. I was sad when I finished!

Family Ties on Beamer Street by Shelia Riley

The third book in the Beamer Street series, but certainly reads well as a standalone. This is exactly the kind of historical fiction that I love and can’t put down. I was lucky enough to grab this on audio, and I will admit that I ignored everyone around me so I could get as much listening in as possible.