About this episode

Laura R Yamin shares her best and worst reads from the first quarter of 2026, highlighting cozy mysteries, thrillers, and romances.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I read 32 books in Q1 2026 —and I’m breaking down the cozy mysteries, thrillers, romances, and standout 5-star reads you need on your radar. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest reading recap from the first quarter of the year, including what worked, what didn’t, and the books I’m still thinking about. From bingeing cozy mysteries in Puerto Rico to discovering new favorite romances and thrillers, this is your inside look at what’s worth adding to your TBR. 📚 Books Mentioned Cozy Mysteries: Death al Dente by Leslie Budewitz The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen Catch Me If You Candy by Ellie Alexander Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander Killing Me Soufflé by Ellie Alexander The Diva Takes the Cake by Krista Davis Death of a Country Fried Redneck by Lee Hollis Death of the Kitchen Diva by Lee Hollis Thrillers: We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda The Storm by Rachel Hawkins Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston Romance: The Grumpiest Billionaire by Pippa Grant Still Into You by Erin Connor It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely In Her Spotlight by Amy Spalding Picnics and…

Topics covered

• book recommendations
• reading recap
• cozy mysteries
• thrillers
• romances

Keywords

• 2026
• reading
• TBR
• book review

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Death al Dente, The Rocky Road to Ruin, Catch Me If You Candy

Books & works: Death al Dente, The Rocky Road to Ruin, Catch Me If You Candy, Killing Me Soufflé, The Diva Takes the Cake, Death of a Country Fried Redneck, Death of the Kitchen Diva, The Storm, Anatomy of an Alibi, Romance: The Grumpiest Billionaire

Places: Puerto Rico

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