We may have received complimentary copies and/or review access to any books, products, and/or other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.
Books: Don't Cross Mo Ellery, We Already Dug the Grave, & The Mystic and the Missing Girl
Me - Don't Cross Mo Ellery by Birdie Horne is an entertaining and easy-to-read mystery following chaotic, hypochondriac, adult– but in-age-only– Mo Ellery as a series of strange events results in her getting pulled in to help solve a murder.
Mo was an absolute mess in a way that was somehow vexing and endearing at the same time. She stressed me out and irritated me to no end sometimes, but I couldn't help sympathizing with her and rooting for her anyway.
The plot was all over the place, but in terms of hijinks and wackiness rather than plot holes or poor pacing. At first, it seemed like the mystery was solved so easily that it barely qualified as one, but after a while, it became clear the answers weren't as obvious as they had appeared. I was never on the edge of my seat, and the ending didn't leave me feeling shocked, relieved, or really much of anything in particular. That said, it wasn't an unsatisfying conclusion– I simply wasn't invested enough to care much.
The most lackluster aspect of the story was the relationship development. For one thing, there was a romance subplot involving a love interest who had no personality and no chemistry or connection with Mo. Eventually, their storyline collided with the murder mystery, and I don't want to get into spoiler territory; however, it felt like the romance was thrown in just to move the plot along rather than developing on its own.
Mo's friendship with her best friend Hannah was the other most prominent relationship featured throughout the book. Yet, Hannah was missing from at least half of it. She was there at the beginning, acting somewhat strange and mysterious before disappearing until much later, when tension quickly arose between her and Mo. Eventually, it became clear that these two deeply cared for each other, but their relationship could have been so much more impactful and meaningful if we'd seen that throughout the story and not just in the last few chapters. Instead, so little focus was placed on developing their relationship that I half-suspected Hannah was somehow involved in the murder until nearly the end of the book because I couldn't figure out why else her character was necessary at all.
While this book fell short for me in several ways, it was very entertaining, and I had a good time reading it. I don't think anyone needs to run out and buy it immediately, but if the synopsis appeals to you and/or you love a mystery with a silly vibe and a very quirky protagonist, then it's worth a try.
Mo was an absolute mess in a way that was somehow vexing and endearing at the same time. She stressed me out and irritated me to no end sometimes, but I couldn't help sympathizing with her and rooting for her anyway.
The plot was all over the place, but in terms of hijinks and wackiness rather than plot holes or poor pacing. At first, it seemed like the mystery was solved so easily that it barely qualified as one, but after a while, it became clear the answers weren't as obvious as they had appeared. I was never on the edge of my seat, and the ending didn't leave me feeling shocked, relieved, or really much of anything in particular. That said, it wasn't an unsatisfying conclusion– I simply wasn't invested enough to care much.
The most lackluster aspect of the story was the relationship development. For one thing, there was a romance subplot involving a love interest who had no personality and no chemistry or connection with Mo. Eventually, their storyline collided with the murder mystery, and I don't want to get into spoiler territory; however, it felt like the romance was thrown in just to move the plot along rather than developing on its own.
Mo's friendship with her best friend Hannah was the other most prominent relationship featured throughout the book. Yet, Hannah was missing from at least half of it. She was there at the beginning, acting somewhat strange and mysterious before disappearing until much later, when tension quickly arose between her and Mo. Eventually, it became clear that these two deeply cared for each other, but their relationship could have been so much more impactful and meaningful if we'd seen that throughout the story and not just in the last few chapters. Instead, so little focus was placed on developing their relationship that I half-suspected Hannah was somehow involved in the murder until nearly the end of the book because I couldn't figure out why else her character was necessary at all.
While this book fell short for me in several ways, it was very entertaining, and I had a good time reading it. I don't think anyone needs to run out and buy it immediately, but if the synopsis appeals to you and/or you love a mystery with a silly vibe and a very quirky protagonist, then it's worth a try.
Mom - Today, I am talking about We Already Dug the Grave by Emma C. Wells. After their mother went to prison for killing their father, Milly and her sister, Frances, were raised by their aunts. After Millie is forced into drastic action to protect her sister, she leaves town, and the sisters become estranged. When her reading of the tea leaves and her sister's appearance on TV, allegedly flashing their secret signal, convinces Milly that her sister needs her, she goes rushing to her side, where once again desperate measures are required.
This book is an exciting read, and even if you figure out where it is going before the end, which is highly likely, that doesn't take away the absolute shock, horror, and thrill of the resolution of the mystery. The story is also kind of heartbreaking because several characters, particularly Milly, deserve so much better than what they get. While her loyalty to her sister is admirable, her sister is a spoiled brat from the get-go who doesn't deserve her sympathy or her loyalty. They both had the same trauma, and it is not as if they were put into some abusive foster home; their aunts love them and are good to them. Frances just likes to act as if she has it much worse than she does, even though she, unlike Milly, has the means to change her situation if she wants to.
While Frances does have real trauma at times throughout the novel, it is not her sister's fault, and if anything, her sister is the one who is always there to help her. However, even with family, sometimes you just have to cut your losses. After everything that happens, it is unfathomable how Millie's loyalty to her sister can still be unwavering, making her and the book on the whole a little less likable.
Mom - Today, I am also talking about The Mystic and The Missing Girl by Vikki Vansickle. Years ago, Drew's Aunt Hannah, a TV psychic, became the scapegoat when her involvement in the case of a missing girl didn't lead to a resolution. Although Drew has inherited her aunt's calling, she has tried to ignore it. Instead, she has drifted through life, barely making a living running the metaphysical shop she also inherited from her aunt, until she is drawn into the case of the same missing girl.
This is mostly an enjoyable book. The mystery is intriguing. Drew is a likable, relatable character, and the way her character comes into herself throughout the story is admirable. The side characters are, for the most part, interesting and well developed. However, the resolution to the mystery, while unique, seems kind of arbitrary and is less than satisfying.
Movie: Finding Happy
Today, we recommend Finding Happy. In this heartwarming documentary, a woman finds an injured sparrow and has no idea of the profound effect it will have on her life. She then sets out to explore the bond between humans and animals, and the way they help and heal each other.
Anyone who loves animals will likely enjoy this deeply moving film and may even cry many happy tears while watching it. Anyone who doesn't particularly care about animals or the bond between humans and animals probably won't particularly enjoy this film either.
And that's our view. Don't Cross Mo Ellery was published on August 11, 2026. We Already Dug the Grave and The Mystic and the Missing Girl were published today. Finding Happy is available now digitally for rental or purchase.
Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.
All images other than film images used in this post are our own. Film images were sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or PR firms. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.
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