A Living Example Of “If It Sells”. This is yet another solid entry into this now long-ish series, but again one that you really need to read at minimum the book immediately prior to it, as some of the situations we find ourselves in within these pages were set up in that prior book. (And if I remember correctly, I said the same thing about *that* book…) Best advice… if you are new to this series, just start at the beginning. If you like that one, know that the entire series (to date, at minimum) is very much like it in overall style and tone, so if you like that one… congratulations, you’ve now got 12 more books (and counting, but we’ll get to that) to read!
Long time fans… well, it is already official on the book trackers: Book 14 is in fact coming, and is in fact set up in *this* book. (So the next review will *also* note “well, some of the things here were set up there…” 😉 )
And that gets to the title of the review, which I do want to briefly discuss here. This is a series that Bratt outright said she only intended to go for a few books or so. I don’t remember the exact number, but it was around half or less of what we now have. Then at least once and maybe twice, she also noted she was thinking of ending the series. But damn it, the books keep selling, and Bratt has a lot of very good uses for the money, including her growing family (her youngest daughter being about to give her a new grandbaby any day now as I write this review) and her long time animal rescue work.
I for one am in no way complaining, as this series in particular *just works*. The crimes are all too real, mostly because they’re all based on actual, real world crimes that Bratt has heard of and fictionalized. The family at the heart of the series is all too real, particularly for its region, and is in a near perfect sweet spot such that it is relatable for nearly everyone. The romance is that softly understated nature that works so comfortably, the cursing is rare if ever, the “spice” is about as hot as a warm glass of milk (sorry, carolina reaper lovers), and even the parts where you begin to go “did she *really* have to add *that* in” work out to be pretty evenly balanced. *Everyone* has flaws, and most everyone are just trying to live their lives as best they can. This isn’t Mayberry… but it could easily be a slightly more real, 2020s era facsimile. And hell, sometimes we need Mayberry. I’ve long said I would prefer Sheriff Andy to Judge Dredd any day. 😉
Very much recommended.
This review of Now And Then by Kay Bratt was originally written on July 24, 2025.
