Staff & Reader Submitted

BOOK REVIEW: THE TERRA COTTA THEFT (SUCCULENT SLEUTH COZY MYSTERY, #0.5) by Iris March

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:32:35 Z

The Terra Cotta Theft

Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery, #0.5

Iris March

Unique introduction to the series' characters as children.

When money from the register at Patty's Plant Place suddenly goes missing, how will Grandpa Will discover who the thief is among those present in the store? This is the tricky question Will Flores faces when the stack of twenties disappears, and there are plenty of suspects, both employees and customers, to consider and rule out.

The Terra Cotta Theft is a prequel to author Iris March's fun and satisfying Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery series, featuring Will's granddaughters, Molly, May, and Shannon (the twins' cousin), and their families and friends. This story introduces the main characters as children, other characters that will become recurring faces in later books, and the business that will eventually become theirs.

A short story, the plot sets up the series' background and establishes close family relationships and long-held ties with their customers and neighboring business owners. There is a cozy, comfortable hometown-family feel right away, and I was easily drawn into the story. The characters are regular people, engaging and familiar, with no one over the top. My interest was immediately piqued by the prospect of reading about their further adventures as adults.

I recommend TERRA COTTA THEFT to readers of cozy mysteries, especially fans of the SUCCULENT SLEUTH series.

Readers can obtain their own copy of the story by signing up for the author's newsletter on her website at https://irismarchbooks.com/newsletter-sign-up/.

For more reviews, visit my blog at Boys' Mom Reads!

DQ Restaurants In Texas Welcome Back The Drumstick Blizzard Treat This June

Mary Jane Coker — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:17:57 Z

School is out for summer and DQ restaurants in Texas have the perfect reason to add a sweet treat to your summer plans. This June, the fan-favorite Drumstick® Blizzard Treat returns as the June Blizzard of the Month for a limited time through June 30.

This nostalgic summer treat blends choco-covered Drumstick pieces with DQs world-famous soft serve. The sweetness from DQs signature soft serve with the salty crunch of peanuts brings those iconic flavors of a classic Drumstick cone to the next level.

Just one red spoonful of the Drumstick Blizzard Treat will have DQ fans coming back for more. This Blizzard Treat captures the ultimate feeling of summertime nostalgia, bringing back memories of neighborhood bike rides, afternoons at the pool, backyard cookouts, and all the sweet moments that make summertime the best time.

It is always exciting to bring back a fan favorite like the Drumstick Blizzard Treat, said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council. The sweet and salty flavor combination is hard to beat, making it the perfect treat to enjoy with friends and family this month.

For fans wanting an extra taste of nostalgia , DQ restaurants in Texas are also serving up the Breakfast Treat Collection, featuring the Choco Frosted Donut Blizzard Treat, Fruity Pebbles Shake, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch Dipped Cone.

For more than 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, X or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries.

BOOK REVIEW: THE CORPSE BY THE CREEK (SUCCULENT SLEUTH COZY MYSTERY, #3) by Iris March

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 31 May 2026 15:14:44 Z

The Corpse by the Creek

Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery, #3

Iris March

Volunteers on a stream monitoring outing find a dead body.

The Corpse by the Creek is the third book in author Iris March's fun and comfortable Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery series, featuring two twin sisters and their cousin who own and operate a small-town plant nursery they inherited jointly from their grandmother, who started the business. With the nursery's parking lot adjoining that for a trailhead of the Buckeye Trail, the women are often the first to know if there's trouble on the trail, even more so when one of them discovers the body of a murder victim while out learning to monitor the local waterways.

When Molly and her husband, Scott, are walking the route on part of the Buckeye Trail to their next stream monitoring site with their trainer, Heath Reed, they come across the body of a man in a suit lying face down and deceased. Soon, the victim is identified as a much-disliked property developer who has been riding roughshod over tenants' feelings in the commercial buildings he has been acquiring in the area, including those next door to Patty's Plant Place. Feeling somewhat invested in what happened to the man, Molly, May, and the rest of the gang at the nursery begin snooping around. But things become critical when they discover that cousin Shannon was the man's real estate agent for many of his recent acquisitions, and the police detective on the case is looking hard in her direction.

Molly is an interesting and earnest young woman, and though she runs her own business, she still finds the time and dedication to participate in worthwhile, altruistic endeavors, such as volunteering for water monitoring with Scott. They are both inspired and renewed by spending time in the great outdoors and want to make a difference. Her twin sister, May, is the busy mother of two school-age children and manages the administrative side of their business, as well as the deep dives into internet research they need to solve this crime. Although close to her sister, as one imagines, May tended to be critical of Molly's every move in this story, while Molly and Shannon, who is normally the sisters' joint antagonist, finally had a genuine moment to air their thoughts and feelings. Hopefully, this is a turning point in the cousins' relationships, and May is not stepping in as a replacement source of tension.

The story moves along at a brisk pace, with the murder victim's discovery occurring early on and the sisters deciding right away to investigate. Since May's husband, Detective Joe Sato, is not assigned to the case, they have lost their special connection to what is officially happening. They are warned off, but did a pretty good job of lifting information and clues from legitimately available sources and targeted chats with people they know who had deals with the dead man. They also were pretty good about taking another person with them whenever they went off on one of their investigatory fishing expeditions. With the victim's terrible reputation, there was no shortage of suspects to rule out, and the big reveal, while in a public place, was still a doozy.

Although this is the third book, it works well as a standalone, so readers new to the series can read and enjoy it on its own. I recommend THE CORPSE BY THE CREEK to cozy mystery fans, especially those who enjoy gardening, plants, or advocating for water quality.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry shares 5 things your dentist knows from your mouth

Stephanie Patrick — Sat, 30 May 2026 16:18:00 Z

Mouths tell dentists a lot about peoples oral hygiene habits. Dr. John Safar, clinical faculty in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, shared five things they reveal to dentists.

Whether youre flossing

Flossing right before your dental appointment doesnt fool the dentist. The dentist knows you skipped flossing for months.

Puffy, swollen and bleeding gums are signs you arent flossing, Safar said. Bleeding gums are signs that plaque has been sitting there for a while. Hardened tartar between teeth, bad breath, and even early cavities in those tight spaces are also clues.

Healthy gums are pink and smooth, and they dont bleed with gentle brushing or flossing.

Its never too late to begin a flossing routine to help remove the bacteria your toothbrush cant reach and keep your gums firm, healthy, and comfortable, Safar said.

If you may have cancer

When you go to the dentist for your twice-a-year cleaning, its more than maintaining a healthy mouth. The dentist is looking for signs of cancer.

Swollen lymph nodes and lumps are red flags, he said. Unusual sores that arent healing or lesions or white patches on the inside of the mouth or gums are also concerning.

That you snore

The shape of your tongue can reveal how well you breathe at night. If you snore, you might notice little waves or dents along the sides of your tongue. This is called a scalloped tongue, and it can happen when your tongue presses against your teeth because your airway is slightly restricted during sleep, Safar said.

Treatment could be as easy as fabricating a custom snoring device, he said.

A scalloped tongue can also be caused by teeth grinding, a naturally larger tongue, dehydration, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or sleep apnea.

If sleep apnea is a concern, your dentist can work with your medical doctor or a sleep specialist to decide whether further testingsuch as a sleep studywould be helpful, Safar said.

That youre anemic

Pale gums or a pale, smooth or sore tongue can be signs of anemia, often caused by low iron. Without enough iron or vitamin B12, mouth tissues can look pale, feel tender and become more prone to infection; a severe B12 deficiency may cause a beefy red tongue. If untreated, it can lead to nerve problems such as numbness or tingling in hands and feet. Anemia can also change how things taste, sometimes causing a metallic taste.

A blood test can determine the diagnosis of this easily treatable condition, Safar said.

Nearly 10% of people over the age of 2in the U.S. have anemia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That you have a soda habit

Soft drinks are acidic and can slowly wear away tooth enamel. With repeated exposure, they can start to affect the underlying dentin and even some fillings.

You dont need to give them up completely, but limiting how often you sip them is key, Safar said. Water, milk, and unsweetened tea are the safest everyday choices, while sodas, sports drinks, and citrus juices are best saved for occasional use. If you do have them, drink them with meals, avoid sipping over long periods, and rinse with water afterward.

Early enamel softening can often be strengthened again with fluoride and saliva, he said. Once enamel or dentin is worn away, the loss is permanent and needs dental treatment for repair.

A Local Family Just Launched the App Park Cities Has Been Waiting For

Jen Munoz — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:39:07 Z

It starts with a stomach-drop. You call your dog and he doesnt come. The next hour turns into panic - photos uploaded to Facebook, posts dropped in Nextdoor and every neighborhood group within range - a fear that doesnt ease until your furry family member is back safely at home.

Park Cities residents Jen and Zach Munoz know that feeling, and they set out to fix it. Their app, Furmiliar Faces, launched this spring as a private, hyperlocal pet registry designed specifically for neighborhoods like ours and the project has been a family affair from the start, with the Munoz boys, Cole and Jaxon, knocking on doors across Park Cities to invite neighbors in. The problem the Munoz family is addressing is more common than most pet owners realize.

According to AKC Reunite, roughly 1 in 3 pets go missing at some point in their lifetime and most of the time it isnt dramatic. A lawn crew props the gate. A delivery driver doesnt fully latch the door. A kid runs in from the pool and forgets to close it behind them. Park Cities is luckier than most: local police carry microchip scanners, which can get a chipped pet home in minutes. But the chip is only as good as the registration behind it. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that roughly 40% of microchipped pets arent registered in an active database, and that the leading reason chipped pets dont make it home is an out-of-date phone number on file. AVMA research found that lost dogs with current chips are returned at a rate of 52%, compared with just 22% without and for cats the gap is even more dramatic, 38% versus less than 2%. When the chip fails, the only thing left is whether a neighbor recognizes the face on the loose.

Park Cities is a neighborhood where people actually know their neighbors, said Jen Munoz, who co-founded the company with her husband Zach. They wave on walks. They remember your dogs name. But even here, theres a gap. When a pet slips out, the neighbors who could help have no idea who he belongs to or how to reach you.

Furmiliar Faces closes that gap. Pet owners sign up, register their pets, and the neighborhood quietly learns who they are. If a dog ever pulls a Houdini, the people who spot him already know his name, know his family, and know how to get him home. No frantic posting. No waiting and hoping. Just a faster path back.

Here's how it works: every pet on the block gets a profile - photo, name, breed, color. Spot a loose dog and think you know who it belongs to? Filter the registry by breed and color to find them, and ping the owner directly. Don't recognize the dog? Snap a photo and trigger a stray-pet alert to nearby Furmiliar Faces households. Either way, the owner hears in seconds, not hours.

The Munoz family started Furmiliar Faces in Park Cities, and will be opening Furmiliar Faces up block by block. Households in other neighborhoods can sign up too - theyll be the first to know when the registry reaches their street. Signing up takes about 60 seconds at www.furmiliarfaces.app and is free, always. Even households without pets are encouraged to join. Every set of eyes on the block makes the whole network stronger. For questions or to learn more, contact support@furmiliarfaces.app.

BOOK REVIEW: WEIRD STORIES OF STRANGE WOMEN by Christine Hart

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:56:44 Z

Weird Stories of Strange Women

Christine Hart

A great collection of spooky short stories featuring women at various stages of their lives.

Weird Stories of Strange Women by Christine Hart is an enthralling collection of unusual, spooky tales featuring women at various stages of adulthood: maiden, mother, crone. These bite-sized stories are perfect for reading when you dont have a lot of time to delve into longer works, and are so well written and self-contained, youll still come away satisfied from every entry. Hart provides four stories of varying lengths and plots for each phase of womens adult lives, and each delivers an entertaining reading experience.

While the maiden stories focus on younger protagonists and the mother tales, of course, feature women in their child-rearing era, the crone phase may be something of an oddity or unfamiliar to some readers. These stories tell of women in their middle or later years who have embarked on new independent lives, focused on themselves, having done their time as caretakers. I enjoyed all the stories, no matter the life phase they represented, though elements of some will resonate more with readers going through similar stages of life. The Crystal Miners, the first story in the book, and Her Lunar Bloom really gave me the shivers, though.

I recommend WEIRD STORIES OF STRANGE WOMEN for readers of short stories with a spooky twist.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: DEAD MAN'S GOSPEL by Reno Bachman

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:21:52 Z

Dead Man's Gospel

Reno Bachman

This gritty Western fiction tale absolutely stuns with carefully crafted prose, an eye for vivid mental images, and a compelling plot.

In Dead Man's Gospel by Reno Bachman, Timothy Gospel, a damaged young man who grew up in the orbit of a charismatic and powerful man known as The Preacher, is on the trail of one of his former associates, the outlaw queen, Mad Dog Maggie. Maggie had once shown Timothy and his mother a small but inexplicable kindness when they needed it most, and with vengeance-seeking men hunting him, he hopes to find sanctuary with her one more time. Meanwhile, two Pinkerton men have been commissioned to track down the Black Gunman, who is wanted for murder. As his trail overlaps Timothy's, the Pinkertons are reeled into both cases, but will justice be served when the journeys finally converge?

Once again, author Reno Bachman absolutely stuns with carefully crafted prose and an eye for vivid mental images. You quickly realize Timothy Gospel is wounded beyond the physical marks left by The Preacher's deliberately inflicted burns, punishment meted out for the theft of a loaf of bread. Timothy also carries the voice of the (now) dead Preacher in his head, his constant companion and antagonist. The voice takes over at times, and when Timothy regains awareness, he discovers he's committed terrible acts while declaiming scripture.

On his trail (because Timothy is traveling in the wake of the elusive Black Gunman) are the two Pinkerton men, Bates and Harker. Their initial assignment is to apprehend the gunman, but as they search for his whereabouts, they are encouraged to include Timothy Gospel in their hunt, as he has killed the son of a powerful and influential man with connections to make that happen.

The travels of the pursued and pursuers take them through the post-Civil War West, a landscape with few and far between small towns, many abandoned and derelict or the hidden havens for outlaws, with vast expanses uninhabited by while settlers, yet populated nonetheless by indigenous peoples. The author imbues every step of their journeys with the feeling that they are being watched and tracked, only one wrong move from disaster.

While a satisfied reader, I did have some issues with the story's readability, as the page layout made it difficult to follow conversations at times. Having to re-read passages really slowed the flow of the dialogue and, consequently, the book itself. Additionally, the author doesn't identify some characters by name when they are first introduced, instead using the generic "a man" or "the man." Later, when new names were mentioned without introductory context, I had to backtrack to figure out who he meant, not knowing whether they would prove to be pivotal characters later or not.

This book follows the trail of consequences established by events in the author's previous work set in this universe, The Boy, so readers should read that novella before jumping into this story, and although this book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, a late-hour plot twist guarantees there's more story yet to come.

I recommend DEAD MAN'S GOSPEL to readers of Western fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

BOOK REVIEW: THE VIVALDI CIPHER (VATICAN SECRET ARCHIVE THRILLERS, #1) by Gary McAvoy

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:27:38 Z

The Vivaldi Cipher

Vatican Secret Archives Thrillers, #1

Gary McAvoy

A centuries-old art theft and forgery operation is uncovered at the Vatican.

The Vivaldi Cipher is the first book in author Gary McAvoys riveting new series, the Vatican Secret Archives Thrillers, and reunites two sleuthing partners from his earlier Magdalene Chronicles, Father Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair. While on a working holiday in Venice with his good friend, investigative reporter Hana Sinclair, Jesuit priest Father Michael Dominic is consulted by his old seminary friend on a tricky matter regarding the sanctity of the confessional and the devastating information he received during a dying mans last confession.

Father Carol Rinaldi had been called to the bedside of the capo of the Veneta Camorra (Venetian Mafia), whose regular confessor was unavailable. With fear in his eyes, he revealed the details of a centuries-old art theft and forgery operation that had been swapping valuable works from the Vatican Museums collection for forgeries right under the nose of the Holy See. His last request is that his confessor put an end to it all. But if the mans story is true, and how could it not, how could this have been going on undiscovered for so long without insider help? The answers may come from an unexpected source, hidden within the musical works of the famed Venetian composer and priest, Antonio Vivaldi himself. But as Michael, Hana, and their friends begin to ask questions, they soon discover someone will do anything to keep this operation a secret, including committing murder.

Father Michael and Hana are both such engaging characters, long-time friends whove been through a lot together, and it was interesting watching them navigate their strictly friends relationship amid the suspense and danger that ensued. A warning: the author is not afraid to sacrifice high-profile characters for his story, and that really ups the stakes in an already high-stakes affair.

The plot escalates quickly, and the action keeps going nonstop. The authors vivid descriptions of the iconic settings around Venice and during Carnival really brought the mental images I constructed to life (while also providing important tips for those considering a visit to the ancient city). As the reader knows from the start what the crime is, who at the Vatican is actually involved in this old, established scam becomes the important question.

Although this book continues a partnership from an earlier trilogy, it works well as a standalone, and readers new to the characters should be able to read and enjoy this new adventure without having to hunt down the previous books first. However, it sure did make me want to when I was done!

I recommend THE VIVALDI CIPHER to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoy stories involving the clergy or the Catholic Church.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: SINNER'S PRAYER (DAN RANDOLPH/GREG ZHU MYSTERY, #2) by Dwain Lee

KAREN SIDDALL — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:54:21 Z

Sinner's Prayer

Dan Randolph/Greg Zhu Mystery, #2

Dwain Lee

An unresolved 40-year-old disappearance becomes a case of murder.

Sinner's Prayer is the second book in author Dwain Lee's Dan Randolph/Greg Zhu Mysteries and takes the series in a more serious, grittier direction than the debut, as a 40-year-old disappearance becomes a murder case. When Parkvale Presbyterian Church must make repairs to the plumbing under a mid-1980s renovation, workers find more than a water leak; they also uncover human remains buried under the foundation. Working on the theory that the victim is someone associated with the church, the police turn to Pastor Dan Randolph for information that might lead to the corpse's identification. They soon discovered the victim was a very active former parishioner but a divisive figure among the rest of the church family at that time: some of whom weren't shedding any tears over his demise.

Told via a dual timeline, the events leading up to the actual murder are set in 1985, with the eventual discovery of the body occurring in the fall of 2024, in the days leading up to the presidential election. In the 1985 storyline, readers are introduced to the figures involved in the traumatic circumstances of ongoing sexual abuse of kids in the youth group by a trusted leader. This earlier timeframe paints a picture of what the LGBT community faced at that time. AIDS was an epidemic, with rampant misinformation, fear, and death everywhere, and many gays and lesbians remained closeted rather than being able to live their lives authentically.

In 2024, Dan is neck-deep in shepherding the church family through the discovery of what was going on right under everyone's noses and the feared ramifications of a second Trump term for the LGBT community. Just as the nation was divided, so were the members of Parkvale Presbyterian, and emotions are high. Within days of the discovery under the church flooring, a long-time, much-beloved church member loses her adult son, a young man fondly remembered by the parishioners but with a traumatic history with the dead man, to suicide. Dan becomes a target of some of the frustration, and he wonders whether he's helping anyone at all as his second career as a minister approaches retirement. Peeks into Dan and Greg's daily life reinforces what a strong, loving partnership they've found and nurtured. Along with Greg's business and craft as a luthier, a musical thread is woven throughout the story, with a curated playlist of songs to introduce each chapter as well as musical numbers that were featured in the events of the plot.

This second outing is built on tough, possibly triggering topics for sensitive readers: sexual abuse, spousal abuse, religious institutions' historical responses to allegations of such, acceptance of LGBT parishioners, and the religious beliefs regarding suicide. While the plot involves a complex cold-case murder, most of the story's suspense and tension center on these issues. Their impacts are pivotal, with paralyzing moral and ethical struggles that prevented much-needed action.

While not a cozy mystery nor a typical cold-case investigation, SINNER'S PRAYER has elements of both and will appeal to mystery readers looking for a serious, grittier tale, especially those interested in historical settings and church- or LGBT community-based stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: THE LAST FATAL HOUR by Jan Matthews

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:24:30 Z

The Last Fatal Hour

Jan Matthews

A newlywed society matrons secret investigation into the mysterious death of an old friend uncovers more than she ever imagined.

The Last Fatal Hour is an excellent new historical mystery by author Jan Matthews and follows the efforts of newlywed Leona Gladney to discover what caused the death of her elderly, longtime friend, society matron Daphne Van Wyn, who died suddenly one night under suspicious circumstances, and her jewelry was stolen. Warned away from involving herself in the police investigation by both the lead detective and her husband, Leona is unable to leave it alone when Daphnes grandson and heir accuses her of taking the jewelry. Shunned by all of Brooklyn society, her determination to find out what happened the night of Daphnes death is further cemented when the grandsons wife approaches her with suspicions that her husband is somehow involved in his grandmothers death.

Leona Gladney is one of the most intriguing main characters Ive encountered in forever. The granddaughter of a renowned poet, abolitionist, and Transcendentalist, Leona, at age 17, ran away from her boarding school, disguised herself as a young man, joined the Union Army, and fought alongside regular soldiers until she was discovered after being wounded at Gettysburg. She struggles with what is now called PTSD, suffering moments where she believes shes back on the battlefield. Her mothers family comes from the social elite of Boston, who covered for her absence from school and home by claiming she was serving as a nurse for the battlefield wounded. She met, married, and eventually lost her beloved husband, Jack, and their only child. After a period of mourning, she has recently remarried. Her new husband, Brooklyn businessman and widower, Gil Gladney, is charming and quite taken with his wifes social status. She adds to her household budget by writing essays and reviews for a local paper, but secretly pens a military-adventure series featuring two young soldiers, Ned and Zed, based on boys she served with who come home. She is interested in publishing her wartime memoirs, but anonymously, as she has never revealed that part of her past to her new husband.

Gil is a traditionalist in their marriage and does not share his burdens with his new wife easily, such as how bad their current financial situation is since his business partner absconded with all their liquid assets. He does not understand Leonas strengths or determination to uncover the truth behind Daphnes death, and spends too much time away from home, working in the city. Throughout the book, I wondered what secrets Gil was keeping from Leona, but I enjoyed their early but infrequent cozy evenings at home together.

Once compelled to take up her own inquiries, Leona makes some major headway in discovering who was behind Daphnes death, answers seemingly denied to the professional police investigator, Detective Gideon Day. I enjoyed how her friend, Ruth Appelman, insisted on accompanying her on her more questionable forays when she could. But her going alone into the house of the spiritualists had me on the edge of my seat every moment. Major plot twists elevate this historical mystery to a 5-star reading experience for me.

I recommend THE LAST FATAL HOUR to readers of historical mysteries.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

PHOTOS: Rare Footage and Cultural Legacy Take Center Stage at Bergman in Dallas Documentary Event

Dana Cobb — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:02:59 Z

An influential cross-section of Dallas arts patrons, filmmakers, alumni, and cultural supporters gathered on May 20 for an exclusive first-look presentation of the upcoming Ingmar Bergman documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Keith Maitland, celebrating both the legendary Swedish directors cinematic legacy and Dallas unique role in preserving a remarkable chapter of film history.

Held at the historic U.S. Post Office & Courthouse in downtown Dallas, the invitation-only evening served as both an intimate preview of the documentary and a successful fundraiser supporting the films continued production. Funds raised during the event will help support Maitlands upcoming fact-finding and research trip this summer to Bergmans estate in Sweden, where the creative team will continue gathering historical insight and contextual material for the film.

Guests included alumni and supporters connected to Southern Methodist University, The University of Texas at Austin, the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Texas, and a broad network of North Texas cultural advocates and film supporters.

The documentary draws from rare archival footage captured during legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergmans historic 1981 visit to SMU as the inaugural recipient of the Meadows Award. The footage includes nearly four hours of intimate conversations and master classes with students, believed to represent the longest filmed interview Bergman ever participated in.

The evening featured select clips from the documentary, followed by a live conversation between Maitland, Bergman in Dallas producer Daniel Laabs, and Swedish producer André Persson discussing Bergmans artistic influence, the significance of the archival footage, and the global cultural impact of the iconic director.

Bergmans influence reaches far beyond cinema, said Maitland during the event. His storytelling shaped generations of filmmakers, artists, writers, and even modern Swedish pop culture. To uncover this remarkable footage in Dallas and share it with audiences today feels both surreal and incredibly meaningful.

The event also highlighted the enduring place Bergman holds within Swedish cultural identity. Widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in cinematic history, Bergmans work helped define Swedens global artistic reputation throughout the 20th century. His films, including The Seventh Seal, Persona, and Fanny and Alexander, continue to influence contemporary directors, television creators, theater artists, and broader Scandinavian popular culture.

Special recognition was given to longtime Dallas arts advocate Pat Porter for her connection to the original Meadows Award programming and her ongoing support of arts and cultural preservation in North Texas. Organizers noted that the rediscovery and restoration of the SMU archival footage would not have been possible without decades of stewardship by individuals connected to the university and Dallas arts community.

Presented in partnership with the Honorary Consulate of Sweden Dallas and the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Texas, the evening reinforced the strong cultural ties between Sweden and North Texas while celebrating Dallas often overlooked contributions to film history and documentary preservation.

The upcoming documentary continues production and is expected to further explore Bergmans creative philosophy, his influence on generations of filmmakers, and the extraordinary archival discovery housed for decades within SMUs film archive

Texas and the American Revolution - USA 250

Tom Keener — Mon, 25 May 2026 19:00:00 Z

Texas State Historian Dr. Richard McCaslin discusses how Spanish Coahuila y Tejas played a pivotal role in helping American patriots secure independence from Great Britian at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at 300 N. Allen Drive.

A former Texas State Historical Association professor of Texas history at the University of North Texas, McCaslin has written or edited twenty-two books, including Tullis Award-winner Tainted Breeze: The Great Hanging at Gainesville, Texas, October 1862 and Pulitzer nominee Lee in the Shadow of Washington.

Dr. McCaslin observes, Without the support of several nationsmost notably France, Spain, and the Netherlandsthe United States would never have won its independence from Great Britain. Gov. Bernardo de Gálvez of Spanish Louisiana, an officer with experience in and support from Texas, contributed to the patriot cause with a successful military campaign on the Gulf Coast that led the British to return Florida to Spain, reversing a territorial loss of twenty years earlier.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, DAR Bernardo de Gálvez and Allen Quilters Guild, the program is free. Call 214-509-4911 for more information.

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: FIRST WOMAN by Aren Cappella

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 25 May 2026 05:03:02 Z

First Woman

Aren Cappella

Gentle, harmonious, and beautiful origin story.

First Woman by the late Aren Cappella is a lovely picture book with a gentle story of humankinds origin. It is told in the style of a Native American fable and illustrated with beautiful and vivid images of animals and pristine natural spaces. A prologue introduces the tale and tells of the source of the story and the circumstances of the author. This heartfelt tribute is poignant and precious, and the intimate knowledge conveyed by the authors spouse will speak to adult readers.

The plot is simple and straightforward, with intentional repetitions, which slowly builds the tale toward its finale. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the narrative, with my favorite being the clever use of shadows to reveal the animal that each of Mother Wolfs pups will eventually become.

I recommend FIRST WOMAN for reading aloud to children of all ages.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

Texas A&M University College of Dentistrys orthodontics leader receives the Brophy Award

Stephanie Patrick — Sun, 24 May 2026 12:53:00 Z

Dr. Larry P. Tadlock, head of orthodontics at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, received the James E. Brophy Award April 30 at the American Association of Orthodontists annual session in Orlando, Florida. The award is given annually to an orthodontist who renders distinguished service to orthodontics and the AAO.

Tadlock, a graduate of the then-Baylor College of Dentistry Class of 1984, served as general chair of the 2022 AAO Annual Session. He also served as director of the American Board of Orthodontics from 2011 to 2020 and was ABO president from 2018 to 2019.

Serving as a director of the ABO is one of the greatest privileges of my professional life, he said. Serving as general chair of the 2022 AAO Annual Session was challenging but successful because of the herculean efforts of the AAO staff and other AAO leaders, especially then-AAO President Ken Dilleay.

Tadlock joined A&M Dentistrys faculty in 2000 at the urging of Dr. Rolf G. Buzz Behrents, who was the orthodontics departments chairman. Behrents was scheduled to receive the AAO Lifetime Achievement Award in Orthodontic Research on May 3 at the annual session, but he passed away April 24.

Tadlock, who received both his masters and an orthodontic specialty certificate from whats now UTHealth Houston, was in private practice in Keller and North Richland Hills for more than 30 years. Hes received numerous awards, including ABOs Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics in 2025; its presented to a senior clinician and board-certified orthodontist who demonstrates exceptional dedication to orthodontics.

This national recognition reflects Dr. Tadlocks long-standing commitment to excellence in orthodontic education and service to the profession, said Dr. Lily T. García, dean of A&M College of Dentistry. As one of my dental school classmates, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand his dedication and leadership, and I am proud to see him receive the prestigious James E. Brophy Award from the American Association of Orthodontists.

Orthodontics is the most prevalent dental specialty, the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute reported in 2025. About 5% of U.S. dentists are orthodontists.

Keller Volunteers Spend Saturday Preparing Veterans Memorials for Memorial Day

Ashley Hernandez — Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 Z

Most people driving through Keller on Saturday morning probably didn't notice the work happening behind the scenes.

While many residents were starting their holiday weekend, a group of volunteers from the Keller Lions Club gathered at the Keller Veterans Memorial and Mt. Gilead Cemetery with gloves, tools, and a shared purpose: making sure Keller's veterans memorials are ready for Memorial Day.

More than a dozen volunteers spent the morning cleaning, landscaping, and performing maintenance at the memorial sites where families, veterans, and community members will gather to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The effort is part of an ongoing partnership between the Keller Lions Club and the City of Keller. According to organizers, the city provides materials while Lions Club members volunteer their time throughout the year to maintain the memorials.

What started as a grassroots effort several years ago has grown into a recurring community project that reflects something Keller has long been known for: neighbors working together to preserve the things that matter.

Among those volunteering Saturday morning were local business owners, veterans, civic leaders, and residents who simply wanted to give back to the community.

For Keller Lions Club President Larry Lodge, a veteran himself, the work carries a deeper meaning.

"Memorial Day is personal for those of us who served," Lodge said. "These memorials represent the lives and sacrifices of men and women who served our country, including those who never made it home. Taking care of them is one small way we can honor their legacy and ensure future generations understand the value of service, sacrifice, and freedom."

The volunteers focused their efforts on both the Keller Veterans Memorial located near Keller Parkway and Highway 377 and Mt. Gilead Cemetery, which will host Keller's annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday.

As the morning wrapped up, freshly cleaned memorials, trimmed landscaping, and American flags stood ready for the families and community members who will visit over Memorial Day weekend.

In a time when community can sometimes feel divided, Saturday's effort served as a simple reminder that honoring those who served is something that still brings people together.

Keller's Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony will be held Monday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Gilead Cemetery.

Keller Volunteers Spend Saturday Preparing Veterans Memorials for Memorial Day

Ashley Hernandez — Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 Z

Most people driving through Keller on Saturday morning probably didn't notice the work happening behind the scenes.

Among those volunteering Saturday morning were local business owners, veterans, civic leaders, and residents who simply wanted to give back to the community.

For Keller Lions Club President Larry Lodge, a veteran himself, the work carries a deeper meaning.

As the morning wrapped up, freshly cleaned memorials, trimmed landscaping, and American flags stood ready for the families and community members who will visit over Memorial Day weekend.

In a time when community can sometimes feel divided, Saturday's effort served as a simple reminder that honoring those who served is something that still brings people together.

Keller's Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony will be held Monday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Gilead Cemetery.

BOOK REVIEW: MIGRANT CRISIS by John Steel

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:21:34 Z

Migrant Crisis

John Steel

Riveting behind-the-scenes political thriller about illegal migration and the deadly actions taken to halt it.

Migrant Crisis is the riveting new political thriller by John Steel that shines a spotlight on illegal migration into the UK and France and imagines the desperate actions some are willing to take to halt it. The author takes readers behind the scenes at Whitehall as the fictional leadership puts all their cards in play to stem the flow of illegals attempting the treacherous Channel crossing, not realizing they are about to disappear into even worse living conditions than those they were trying to escape in their country of origin. Government officials take unprecedented, morally unfathomable steps in their plan to regain control of their shoreline, actions that, if uncovered, would bring down those at the highest levels.

What an awesome and complex tale this turned out to be! The story unfolds from multiple points of view, including those in leadership roles of government, the criminals taking advantage of the desperate migrants, and the migrants themselves: some legitimately seeking safety but others aiming to game the social systems or preparing to infiltrate and destroy the UK from within. As the story progressed, I found my sympathies for individual characters changing. Although I did not care for her at first, my favorite character turned out to be Maya Linford, the morally off-kilter mastermind behind the British government's response to the flood of migrants. On the other hand, Charlotte Dale, the PM's wife, was my favorite for most of the story, and I really wanted to know more about her and her life in the intelligence service before voluntarily stepping back after marrying Kamran. However, there is a whole plethora of interesting characters throughout. I initially questioned the sudden focus on several individuals in one boatload of immigrants, but I was nonetheless glued to their stories. However, while we learn the disposition of the group of young men deemed "problems" in the UK, we don't find out if the others find their hearts' desires after release from the Border Force lockup or if they get snapped up by the criminal organizations waiting for them outside the gates.

As an American unfamiliar with the UK government or political parties, I thoroughly enjoyed the fictional inner workings of the Prime Minister's Office, its staff, senior Cabinet members, and assets who operate from the shadows. The recreation of a volatile Prime Minister's Questions session in the House of Commons was frightening and chaotic. However, it is clear that the problems, impacts, and best responses to illegal immigration are universal.

With its riveting plot and complex characters, I recommend MIGRANT CRISIS to readers of political thrillers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

Hawaiian Falls Waterparks Open Daily for Summer

Carolyn Alvey — Fri, 22 May 2026 14:34:02 Z

Hawaiian Falls is making a splash this Memorial Day weekend as its Mansfield, Roanoke and Waco waterparks open daily for the summer season. Families can pack the sunscreen, grab the beach towels and celebrate the start of summer with slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.

To honor those who serve, Hawaiian Falls will offer free admission to all active-duty and retired military personnel with a valid military ID during Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25. The parks will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday and from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Memorial Day. Season passholders receive early entry 30 minutes before the parks open.

As a thank you to the men and women who are currently serving and those retired from our armed forces, we want to offer these honored guests free admission, said Hawaiian Falls Marketing Director Ron Mckenzie. Because of their service, families can enjoy quality time with friends and families.

Each of the waterparks feature a wave pool and lazy river in addition to slides and attractions of varying height and age requirements. Season passes in 2026 for individuals start at $49.99 for unlimited visits at their home park with early entry every operating day or $59.99 for unlimited visits at all three Hawaiian Falls waterparks with early entry every operating day, as well as 20 percent savings on all food and beverage, and 20 percent off on cabana rentals and 25 percent off weekday tickets for additional guests.

Hawaiian Falls 2026 special events include:

Fathers Day weekend Dads get in free June 21
Champions Day June 13 and July 25 Champions (individuals with special needs) and their families will have exclusive access to the parks from 9 am -10 am. Champions tickets are FREE and family companion tickets are only $10 (limit 4) for the whole day.
Summer Sing-Along Dive in Movie Series June 5 (Waco); June 12 (Mansfield) and June 19 (Roanoke)
Worlds Largest Swimming Lesson June 25 in Mansfield Roanoke, and Waco
Independence Day weekend Active duty and retired military personnel as well as first responders receive free admission.
Dive in Movie July 10, 17 & 24 in Mansfield, Roanoke, and
in Waco.
Drop the Puck and Make a Splash July 14 (Waco only)
Aloha Back to School Supply Drive July 27 August 9

Hawaiian Falls Waterparks has been serving Texas families for more than 20 years, with locations in Roanoke, Mansfield, and Waco, Texas. Hawaiian Falls has been named among the Top 20 Best Waterparks in the United States. The parks feature a wide variety of attractions, slides, and amenities designed to create lasting memories for the families and communities they serve. For more information about Hawaiian Falls, including operating hours and details for the Mansfield, Roanoke, and Waco locations, visit hfalls.com.

In 2025, Hawaiian Falls was acquired by Orlandobased Ripleys Believe It or Not! World Entertainment, reinforcing a shared commitment to continued investment and long-term growth.

Built on the foundation of a daily newspaper cartoon in 1918 still in print today Ripleys Believe It or Not! World Entertainment has grown to be a global leader in family entertainment with more than 100 attractions across nine countries. Along with Ripleys Believe It or Not! Ripleys Aquariums, Great Wolf Lodge (Niagara Falls), Guinness World Records attractions, wax museums, traveling shows, miniature golf courses, mirror mazes, and more, the world of Ripleys continues to grow through exciting new experiences, and online content.

Ripleys Believe It or Not! World Entertainment is a proud member of The Jim Pattison Group, Canadas largest private company.

Learn more about Ripleys Believe It or Not! World Entertainment by visiting Ripleys.com and following on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Wingman Open in Fort Worth Raises Money to Fund Educational Scholarships

Culver Public Relations — Wed, 20 May 2026 12:31:16 Z

Folds of Honor North Texas brought together supporters, community leaders, and golf enthusiasts for a meaningful day of connection and impact at the 2026 Wingman Open, held April 13 at Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth.

Hosted by the organizations Fort Worth Board of Directors, the event combined a full day of golf with opportunities for attendees to support the mission of providing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of Americas fallen and disabled service members and first responders.

Participants enjoyed 18 holes of golf followed by an evening program featuring dinner, live music, an auction, and remarks highlighting the life-changing impact of Folds of Honor scholarships across North Texas. Throughout the day, the event served as both a celebration of community and a reminder of the sacrifices made by military and first responder families.

The Wingman Open reflected the strong support Folds of Honor North Texas continues to receive from the local community, with attendees, sponsors, and volunteers coming together to help expand educational opportunities for deserving families.

From the first tee shot to the closing program, the event underscored the organizations mission to honor sacrifice by investing in education and creating lasting impact for the families of those who have served.

BOOK REVIEW: FIRST DAUGHTER by Marlie Parker Wasserman

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:10:17 Z

First Daughter

Marlie Parker Wasserman

Compelling fictional story of an imagined kidnapping of Grover and Frances Clevelands eldest daughter, Ruth.

First Daughter by Marlie Parker Wasserman is a compelling fictional account of the imagined kidnapping of President Grover Clevelands eldest daughter, three-year-old Ruth. Occurring during Frances Clevelands confinement in the aftermath of the birth of her third child, daughter Marion, Frances feels immense helplessness as the woman who had briefly but successfully removed Ruth from their summer home remained at large and unidentified; while her husband, the President, seemingly moved on, his thoughts returning to issues of state.

Told from multiple viewpoints, especially those of the frantic Frances Cleveland and a distant domestic, Mary Brinski, the story is rich in the details of the time and thick with the rising tension that the unknown kidnapper would soon try again. Frances is the frightened mother, helpless to pursue her own ideas of who is behind the crime, as she slowly recuperates from her recent and difficult childbirth. The constant dismissal of her ideas was hard to stomach in this day and age.

Mary Brinski, a domestic in the service of a wealthy Pontiac, Michigan, family, has entirely different struggles: a missing common-law husband and the lack of funds and opportunity to search for him. Their converging stories make for compelling, tense, and ultimately satisfying reading.

I recommend FIRST DAUGHTER to readers of historical fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.