Can't Wait Wednesday: The Corpse on the Bristol Train by Edward Marston (The Railway Detective Series Book 25)

 For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Corpse on the Bristol Train, by Edward Marston. It says this is the "grand finale" of the series. The cover reminds me of an old fashioned mystery novel like those in the British Classic Crime series. Set in Victorian England with a male detective lead it also sounds a lot like the Anne Perry books I love.

In this story, a young woman is found dead on a train when it stops in Bristol and the detectives must untangle who she is, why she died, and who she was traveling with.

Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery

October 22, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads:

On the last train of the day London Paddington to Bristol, a young woman drifts into what appears to be a peaceful sleep - only to be discovered dead on arrival. With no sign of violence and no clue to her identity, the case threatens scandal for the Great Western Railway. Detective Inspector Robert Colbeck and Sergeant Victor Leeming are sent to uncover the truth behind the silent corpse. 

All witnesses agree on one she travelled with a devoted husband who vanished into the night. As the trail leads through railway stations, theatres and dark deception, Colbeck must expose a killer who hides behind superficial charm.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Princesses of the Later Middle Ages: Royal Daughters of the Plantagenets by Sharon Bennett Connolly

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Princesses of the Later Middle Ages, by Sharon Bennett Connolly. She is one of my favorite history authors and I always look forward to promoting her newest book. I love to listen to her podcast, A Slice of Medieval, where she examines the lives of many important medieval figures. 

It shows this book has already been released in the UK but is set to release here on October 30th. It should be wonderful with meticulous research as all her works are. Check out her amazing blog if you are into history, History....the interesting bits!

History, Medieval History

October 30, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads:

England’s princesses emerge as diplomats who shape alliances through transformative marriages.

‘My daughter wanted me to treat her more like a princess. So, I married her to a stranger to strengthen the alliance with Poland!’

The medieval princess has often been portrayed as a pawn in the political machinations of her father or brother, married off to distant lands for the sake of peace, or land, or both. Never to be seen or thought of again.

But was that really her fate?

Princesses of the Later Middle Ages examines the lives and experiences of England’s princesses, from the treasured daughters of Henry III to the children of Edward IV, whose lives were turned upside down when they were declared illegitimate.

What we see is a very different story, where a foreign marriage does not mean eternal exile, but a purpose in life, where a princess is a diplomat, an ambassador for England in her new country. She is the bond between allies – most of the time.

Princesses of the Later Middle Ages shines a light on the lives and experiences of these remarkable women.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Seeds of War by David Field (The Wars of the Roses Saga Book 3)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Seeds of War, by David Field. I have so many of his books to catch up on and I'm feeling a bit guilty that I was one of the fans who asked him to tackle the "three Edwards" and he did and I'm behind on his books! I have already pre-ordered the next book in this series so I'm all ready when I can get back to them. This is book three in his Wars of the Roses series and follows the reign of Edward III. 

Historical Fiction, Medieval Historical Fiction

October 9, 2026

Book description courtesy of Amazon Books

England goes to war with France…

England, 1327

After years of turmoil, England is once again at peace as Edward III takes the throne.

But warlike Edward has ambitions to finally rule Scotland, in addition to pursuing his claim to the crown of France in right of his mother, Isabella.

He needs men about him he can trust, and no-one answers that description better than Sir Henry Bywater, whose only ambition is to fight for the interests of the nation, declining all offers of advancement in return.

While fighting in both Scotland and France, Henry forms a friendship with Edmund Albrighton, a skilled master of the longbow.

The friendship deepens into a tight family bond when Edmund marries Henry’s sister, Eleanor.

As the Hundred Years War with France grinds on, the nation suffers through the Black Death and it looks like England could once more be thrown into disarray…

But can the Bywater family make it through unscathed?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Harlot of St. Cecilia's by Darcy Graves (Inspector Garrett Book One)

 For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Harlot of St. Cecilia's, by Darcy Graves. This is book one of the series, Inspector Garrett. I have not heard of it or this author which is probably what made me request it. That and the cover which is gorgeous. Yes, it is another cozy, historical mystery set in the 1920's but this time it involves a librarian as the main character. Just my kind of story! It looks like a fun read and with my back to school tired teacher brain I need fun and easy to read. 

Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery

October 1, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

England, 1923. The war is over but not forgotten, and in the cloistered corridors of a university town just outside London, life has resumed its careful performance of normality, with faculty politics, reading circles, and theatre productions.

Into this world comes Eden Brior: an American librarian, sharp-eyed and perpetually out of step, who came to England looking for her lost brother but has made her quiet life among the stacks of St. Cecelia's.

A trying evening becomes considerably worse when she and the charming, impossible Simon Cross are accidentally locked in the bookvault, and a French actress turns up dead in the nave upstairs.

Eden is a witness. She may also be a suspect. And Inspector William Garrett, who has seen everything, has not quite seen anything like her.

Witty, vivid, and steeped in the textures of postwar English life, The Harlot of St. Cecelia's is a mystery that earns its place on your shelf through character: the people who loved the victim, the ones who didn't, and the ones who aren't quite sure.

A cozy mystery in the tradition of Dorothy Sayers, Jacqueline Winspear and Kerry Greenwood, this book is for readers who like: historical mysteries, intrepid heroines, morally grey charmers, and the golden age of detective fiction.

The first novel in the Garrett Mystery series.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Case of the Christie Honeymoon Murder by Kelly Oliver (A Detection Club Mystery Book Five)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Case of the Christie Honeymoon Murder, by Kelly Oliver. I haven't started this series yet because I have one more mystery to finish from her Fiona Figg series. I think this book will be a lot of fun as Agatha Christie and her new husband, Max travel down the Nile amid politics and murder. 

Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery

September 26, 2026

Book description courtesy of Net Galley

Agatha Christie’s latest book, The Seven Dials, has set the literary world alight. With a new marriage to Max Mallowan and a honeymoon cruise down the Nile ahead, she’s looking forward to the trip of a lifetime. But the publication has also drawn the attention of the Secret Service, who have spotted strange coincidences within its pages.

When Eliza Baker, assistant to the secretary of the Detection Club, is asked to accompany Agatha Christie and her husband, she reluctantly agrees, determined to help clear her friend’s name. Yet her attention soon shifts to fellow passengers, the Hardwicke family, who are celebrating a daughter’s birthday aboard. And when a guest is found dead in his cabin, the idyllic voyage takes a deadly turn.

As the steamer drifts upriver, Eliza and Theo must sift through polite smiles and private grievances to find the truth. Can Eliza and Theo uncover the truth before the Nile claims its next victim?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Castles: A Fortified History by Dan Jones

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Castles: A Fortified History, by Dan Jones. He doesn't need introducing to us medieval history buffs as Jones is one of my favorite authors and podcasters on all things middle ages. This book traces the history of the world's most famous castles and includes drawings and photographs. Known for wonderful research, I'm sure Jones won't disappoint with a unique story about each fortress. 

History, Medieval History

November 3, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Castles have been built to defend humanity for millennia—from the walls of Troy in the Bronze Age and the desert bastion of Krak des Chevaliers in Syria; to Windsor Castle and the Tower of London; to Himeji in Japan and Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. They have inspired terror and passion, foiled conquering forces, and been deployed as the ultimate expression of wealth, status, and supremacy.

In Castles, Jones leads readers on a journey through the many eras of castle-building and across continents as each stronghold tells a unique story of power, politics, and survival, revealing the shifting tides of warfare, the rise and fall of empires, the resilience of people under siege, and the flourishing of new ideas.

Blending rich storytelling, deep research, and beautiful original illustrations, Castles is an epic story of why humans build fortifications and how they powerfully capture our imagination. With Jones's trademark scholarship and flair, he shows how defiance, endurance, and ambition have been carved into the landscapes we've inherited.

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Time Traveler's Guide to the 13th Century by W.B.J. Williams

 For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, A Time Traveler's Guide to the 13th Century, by W.B.J. Williams. This caught my eye on Net Galley because it specifically features the 1200's, a time I used to find boring and pointless to study but now I love. 

So much happened that we don't realize and when I delved into the reigns of King John, King Henry III, and Edward I, I started to wonder why it is overlooked. This book covers history during the same time period but includes the world at the time, not just England.

If you love medieval history this book is for you!

History, Medieval History

October 15, 2026

Book description courtesy of Net Galley

Step into the world where Europe's first great universities flourished, philosophers and poets reshaped the medieval imagination, caravans carried silk and spices from China to Cairo, and mighty cities like Venice and Hangzhou dazzled travelers with wonders now lost to time. Journey through the bustling streets of Paris, Budapest, Constantinople, Baghdad, Timbuktu, Lalibela, Mayapan, and Cahokia, and visit the legendary courts of emperors, sultans, and kings. This richly researched guide by the author of the historical fantasy The Garden at the Roof of the World takes the traveler on an unforgettable tour of the sights, beliefs, dangers, and marvels of a world known today mostly through ruins and chronicles, bringing the 13th century to life with the excitement of a grand adventure.

Unlike traditional medieval histories focused primarily on Europe or Asia, this immersive guide spans the entire world, from Europe and the Middle East to Africa, Asia, and the Americas, to reveal the interconnected global web of the 13th century's diversity and splendor. A blend of history, travel, and forgotten chronicles, it invites readers to discover a medieval age far larger, richer, and more fascinating than most people imagine. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Rivals at Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles (Ashmore Castle Book Five)

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Rivals at Ashmore Castle, by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. I've read the first book in this series, The Secrets of Ashmore Castle, and enjoyed it and she has written another more famous series detailing British history from medieval times to World War II. This book set at the beginning of the 20th century looks like the perfect read for Downton Abbey fans like me! I need to continue with the series soon.

Historical Fiction

August 13, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

England, 1905

At Ashmore Castle, scandal is never far away...

When a train crash rocks Ashmore, unlikely heroes emerge - and old secrets begin to stir. Kitty is still finding her feet at the castle, though her sharp-tongued mother-in-law and the old earl's dark secret threaten her newfound confidence. Richard is certain he'll never love again now that Molly has sailed for America - until a new arrival catches his eye.

Downstairs, hearts and tempers are just as tested. Mr Moss nurses a quiet heartbreak, new footman Frederick isn't all he seems, and someone from Afton's past returns with unfinished business.

Meanwhile, Nina is facing motherhood and marriage with mixed feelings, Rachel's love life is teetering on disaster, and Alice's artistic ambitions lead her into dangerous territory.

From whispered secrets to forbidden passions, life at Ashmore Castle is full of surprises - but as rivalries flare and loyalties shift, the harmony of the castle is more fragile than ever.

 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Murder at Rosecliff by Alyssa Maxwell (A Gilded Newport Mystery Book Fourteen)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Murder at Rosecliff, by Alyssa Maxwell. It's book fourteen in a series I've only read three books from but I have enjoyed them. In this installment, now married newspaper owners, Emma and Derrick, must clear the name of one of their reporters, accused of murdering a blackmailer during a high society party. 

The fun of these books is that each is set in a mansion during the Gilded Age and the author does a fabulous job of describing the era and homes. It makes you want to go there and see them all for yourself. 

Historical Mysteries, Historical Fiction

August 25, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

When a troublemaking party crasher is found dead in a fountain during an elegant soiree in Newport, Rhode Island, newspaper editor Emma Cross Andrews must clear her own society reporter from suspicion of murder…

August 1903. Emma and her husband Derrick are among the men in white tie and tails and the women wearing white gowns from the House of Worth at Tessie Oelrichs’s Bal Blanc, or White Ball, at Rosecliff, her grand cottage on Bellevue Avenue. There to cover the event of the season is young Ethan Merriman, society reporter for the Newport Messenger, the newspaper owned by Emma and Derrick.

It’s an utterly charming affair until a stranger intrudes flaunting a green-striped necktie and matching vest in defiance of their hostess’s theme. But his fashion crime is a mere misdemeanor compared to his intention to blackmail Mrs. Oelrichs by producing a compromising document supposedly signed by Tessie over a decade ago.

Insisting it’s a forgery but terrified of scandal, she agrees to his terms, but the blackmailer will not live to see payday. His body is found face down in a fountain before the party’s end. Beside him stands a very wet Ethan, who was seen being confronted by the man earlier in the evening. Coming to the aid of their luckless cub reporter, Emma and Derrick must sort through the white lies and blackened reputations to discover the identity of the true killer.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Castle in the Glen by Rhys Bowen

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Castle in the Glen, by Rhys Bowen. This is a stand alone novel in which a writer travels to Scotland's Isle of Skye to solve a decades old mystery. Emma Callander agrees to help finish a novel for an older writer who is unable to complete it, but when Emma begins to dig for the book's research she finds the dark crime to actually be true. The setting description sounds beautiful and the mystery's story haunting and intriguing. It should be a good one!

Historical Mysteries, Historical Fiction

August 4, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Australian writer Emma Callander has been recruited to complete the final historical mystery in a series by celebrated author Iris Blackburn. It’s 1964, and Iris’s memory is fading. She’s certain that only Emma can do justice to her novel about a murder on the Isle of Skye. When Emma ventures to Scotland for research, she discovers it isn’t fiction at all, but rather a true crime unsolved for more than fifty years.

It was 1904 when a couple’s suspicious drowning led to the disappearance of a mysterious young woman the locals called the Wild Girl. To this day the mystery is unforgettable, especially among the descendants of an aristocratic family who’ll do anything to keep their secrets buried. From the misty Highlands to a medieval castle, Emma and Tony Gordon, Iris’s handsome lawyer, work ever more closely to uncover them.

But while Iris may be known for her fiendishly clever twists, there’s one not even Emma could have seen coming.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Cherkley Court Conundrum by Benedict Brown (A Marius Quin Mystery Book 7)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Cherkley Court Conundrum, by Benedict Brown. I love this author and this series. Brown's characters are endearing and the mysteries are fun. This book in the Marius Quin series has the main character and his love interest, Lady Bella investigating a murdered maid and stolen jewelry in a country house in the 1920's. While this scene is not new to the cozy mystery world, I think Benedict has an entertaining style that stands out from some of the others. 

Cozy Mysteries, Historical Mysteries

July 17, 2026

Book description courtesy of Amazon Books

A maid found bludgeoned, a priceless treasure stolen, and the likely suspect gone without a trace…

When an old flame from Marius Quin’s past turns up at his door with knowledge of a shocking crime, he is drawn into a new case. A devoted maid has been brutally attacked, a valuable jewellery box stolen, and the head gardener has fled from the grand estate where they work.

With his sleuthing partner, Lady Bella, alongside him, Marius descends on Cherkley Court, the home of the domineering business magnate Lord Sheridan. But conflicting accounts from the man, his glamorous wife, a trio of young artists, and the troubled staff only lead to more questions. Although plenty of evidence points to the missing gardener, Marius isn’t convinced, and his hunch is proven right when the killer strikes again.

Faced with a conspiracy that reaches into the heart of the household itself, can Marius and Bella unravel a devious plot or will the killer get away with murder twice over?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Frontier by Griff Hosker (The Road To Empire Book One)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Frontier, by Griff Hosker. I recently discovered his books and website, griffhosker.com, and was greatly impressed by the series of books he has written. They span from the early Ancient period to this book, to World War II. He started this series to go back and focus more specifically on the American Revolution. 

His books focus more on the military side and might appeal more to men, but I appreciate them for the historical accuracy he puts into them. It's my favorite way to learn history. I admit I'm not a huge fan of fictional characters and prefer to focus on the real people featured, here George Washington, but the story can still be compelling told through the eyes of the made up character. 

Historical Fiction, Military Historical Fiction

June 26, 2026

Book description courtesy of Amazon Books

The seeds of world war are sown.

In the year 1754, as the American frontier becomes a canvas for a brewing global conflict, two mighty kingdoms - England and France - clash for dominion over a land brimming with untold riches. Amidst this delicate dance of power, a young Major George Washington, under the direction of Governor Dinwiddie, embarks on a perilous journey through the Ohio Valley. Tasked with persuading the French to vacate the territory, Washington, with his lack of success, will unknowingly ignite the flames of the world’s first great war.

At the heart of this tumultuous landscape is Robbie Coulter, a 20-year-old baker with a restless spirit and dreams as boundless as the wilderness itself. Disillusioned with the routine of kneading dough and the expectations of a mundane life at the family bakery, Robbie finds himself captivated by a bold recruitment poster calling brave souls to join the newly formed Virginia Regiment, destined for the Ohio wilderness. In an impulsive leap into the unknown he trades his rolling pin for a musket, ready to forge his destiny.

As Robbie marches alongside legendary figures like Major George Washington and Christopher Gist, he bears witness to the brutal reality of battle; the camaraderie and courage of his fellow soldiers shine bright against the backdrop of pain and loss. Through his eyes, we experience the heart-stopping moments of ambushes, the thrill of the hunt, and the heart-wrenching decisions that define a soldier’s spirit.

From clandestine meetings with native tribes to the pulse-pounding battles that ignite the first flames of a global war, "The Frontier" immerses readers in the raw, visceral tapestry of 18th-century America, where every choice echoes through time, and where every man’s destiny intertwines with the fate of nations. Perfect for fans of James Fenimore Cooper, Bernard Cornwell and Cormac McCarthy.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair by Kelly Oliver (A Detection Club Mystery Book Four)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair, by Kelly Oliver. I'm still finishing her other series, Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mysteries, but want to start on these eventually. 

This series imagines the life of Agatha Christie as a sleuth herself and is all in good fun. In this book, Christie goes to the Isle of Skye in Scotland for a hunting vacation and gets mixed up in a murder. 

Historical Mysteries, Cozy Mysteries

June 24, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Scotland, 1930: Agatha Christie is getting married. She invites fellow members of the Detection Club to the windswept Isle of Skye for a quiet break while the banns are read. But tranquility proves elusive when the formidable Lord Blackwood, leader of a hunting party sharing their lodge, vanishes from the moors.

Sharp-eyed assistant to the Detection Club secretary, Eliza Baker, suspects foul play as the strange occurrences pile up: a mysterious grave in the churchyard, a missing rifle, and late-night excursions across the rugged island. There may be no body—yet—but someone at Dunmara Lodge is hiding a deadly secret.

As a storm cuts them off from the mainland, Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate lies, half-truths, and a treacherous landscape... but can they uncover the killer in the stalking grounds… or will the moors keep their secrets forever?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Murder On the Jurassic Coast by Andrea Hicks (A Camille Divine Murder Mystery Book 14)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Murder On the Jurassic Coast, by Andrea Hicks. She has written a series of books, Camille Devine Mysteries, and they are my favorite type, taking place in unusual, exotic locations: Sicily, Edinburgh, Cairo, and Paris to name a few. These are my favorite type of escape, cozy mysteries. The Jurassic Coast is an original as I've not seen another one set there. It looks interesting!

Historical Mysteries, Cozy Mysteries

June 30, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

SUMMER 1925
A windswept coast. A fatal fall. A truth buried deeper than the cliffs themselves…

When Knolly receives a devastating letter from an old friend’s husband, the news is Jill, a vibrant woman despite her disability, has been found dead at the foot of a cliff on the hauntingly beautiful Jurassic Coast. Her wheelchair lies shattered on the rocks...but something doesn’t sit right.

As Knolly and Aaron retreat to the coast to grieve in their newly purchased cottage, Camille and Richard arrive to offer comfort… and ask questions. Why was Jill near the cliff edge at all? Why was her wheelchair damaged in a way no fall could explain? And why are the locals so tight-lipped?

With the police baffled and no arrests made, Camille and her circle are once again drawn into a tangle of secrets, lies, and long-held grudges. Among ancient fossils and crashing waves, a very modern killer is hiding in plain sight.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club, and elegant, character-driven whodunnits, this latest installment in the bestselling Camille Divine Mysteries is layered with intrigue, emotional depth, and deadly deception.

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Bitter Cut by Anna Lee Huber (A Lady Darby Mystery Book 14)

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, A Bitter Cut, by Anna Lee Huber. This is yet another series on my list to eventually read. I have featured other books by this author and I don't know if it's the beautiful covers or interesting summaries that draw me in but I always stop when I see her books. 

She has another series, Verity Kent mysteries, and I've read book seven, The Cold Light of Day. The time period for that one really interested me so I just jumped in but I found it hard to understand due to not having read them in order.

In this story, it is 1833 and the heroine, Lady Darby and her husband Sebastian, find themselves caught up in trying to clear the name of her brother's father-in-law to be of murder. 

Historical Mysteries

June 23, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Lady Kiera Darby plans to spend the summer reconnecting with friends and family in anticipation of the betrothal of her beloved brother. But when a future in-law is implicated in a murder, the party takes a deadly turn. . . .

July 1833. Lady Darby and her dashing husband, Sebastian Gage, are settling into their newly renovated home at Bevington Park in Warkwickshire with their young daughter. With the breach between them and Sebastian’s father recently healed, they've agreed to help host a country house party for friends and family to share in their joy. Kiera is also anxious to help promote a match between her brother, Trevor, and the woman he’s fallen in love with, inviting her family to join them. However, Kiera swiftly discovers that the would-be bride’s family is not without their detractions. Her brother is unpleasant. Her mother is abrasive. And her father—the prosperous industrialist Jeremiah Birnam—is brusque, discourteous, and, at times, downright rude. 

So when Mr. Birnam’s secretary is found murdered with Birnam standing over her body, many are content to allow him to take the blame. But neither Kiera nor Sebastian believes he did it, and in spite of his bluster and boorish behavior, they can’t let an innocent man be hung for another’s crime. Unfortunately, Birnam had his fair share of enemies at the house party, and any one of them might have struck out at his secretary in order to get to him. It's up to Kiera and Sebastian to uncover the truth and salvage Birnam’s reputation. As the couple slowly inches their way closer to the truth and threats emerge against their loved ones, Kiera begins to fear that the price of solving the crime may mean sacrificing her brother’s future happiness.