Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Easier Dead Than Drawn review

May 7, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the long-awaited third book (as opposed to book 1 as shown on the big book site) in the Paint by Murder Mysteries which Goodreads now correctly lists as part of the series. Yay for some GR librarian who fixed that! The author’s Bailee Abbott who also writes cozies under the name Kathryn Long. I was really glad to see this series coming back and happy for the author that she’d found it a new publisher home.

#NetGalley #BaileeAbbott

My Goodreads review:

Easier Dead Than Drawn: A Paint by Murder Mystery by Bailee Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The last book which was the second one was published in October of 2022, so I was glad to see the return of this series. This is book three for anyone reading as a standalone, since it’s not listed that way on the two book platforms I use. I’d very much recommend reading the first two books so you can get to know the characters and their stories. I’m happy I’d started the series from the beginning. Now that the series has a new home, I hope there’ll be more books.

Chloe had her hands full after a woman she recommended for a mural painting job was murdered. Not only did she need to clear her own name but now Whisper Cove had another killer loose. I never knew how to take that new detective since he could be hard core one minute and friendly the next. Maybe he was his own one-man good cop/bad cop act.

The showdown was a bit different since the perp wasn’t the one holding the weapon, but all worked out. I’m pretty happy with where Chloe and Hunter are in their relationship and hope that continues so there’ll be more books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Death by Chocolate Raspberry Scone review

April 24, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the super fun Death by Chocolate Mysteries by Sarah Graves. To me, this one was the most excitement Jake and Ellie ever had. The books always start with some type adventure where they escape from being found out by the skin of their teeth. There were just a lot more times in this book, lol.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #SarahGraves

My Goodreads review:

Death by Chocolate Raspberry Scone by Sarah Graves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has got to be Jake and Ellie’s most epic adventure ever! One word: shark. You can use your imagination or better yet, grab this book and read all about it. To me, this is the most exciting installment of this series. I absolutely enjoyed every single minute and couldn’t read fast enough in some places. It just played out like a non-stop adventure, comedy movie that was cozy mystery based. Kinda like Jaws if it was a comedy and not gory, lol.

And knowing it was such a twisting, turning plot with several characters caught in crime, I really appreciated the extensive explanation at the end over my fave thing of food, family, friends and fellowship. I enjoyed the addition of two new characters a lot too. New police chief Lizzie was an absolute hoot! I know she’ll be around for future books, but I hope her boyfriend stays too. They both went above and beyond protecting and serving, so I hope Dylan sticks around as well. Those two kinda complete each other, like Castle and Beckett (if Castle was a cop lol).

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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A Twinkle of Trouble review

April 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Fairy Garden Mysteries (this is a non-affiliate Amazon link because GR doesn’t have the fifth book listed as part of the series) by Daryl Wood Gerber, and like the others before it, it was so much fun! Fiona really got her chance to shine while she mentored her younger sister. It was just too cute, and the mystery was a good one, of course.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarylWoodGerber

My Goodreads review:

A Twinkle of Trouble by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was happy that Fiona’s time away was spent off-story because I sure would’ve missed her a lot too, she always cracks me up! I wasn’t sure what to think about her sister at first and wondered if she was planning to get Fiona in trouble with the fairy queen or something. But Eveleen was just being a crazy little younger sister. With so many twists and secrets people had, I was never really sure of whodunit, so I just went along for the ride and let Courtney take the wheel.

That was some wild showdown worthy of a tennis match and was just another reason why I love Fiona’s character so much! Some main characters have dogs or cats that help but who else can say they’ve got a fairy running defense on their side, right? The food, fellowship, fairies and fun party at the end was awesome. It was somewhat bittersweet for Fiona, but as a mentor she knew it’d been coming. Now I’d just love for Brady to finally see the sweet fairy that lives at Hideaway Café, maybe next time!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Four-Alarm Homicide review

April 23, 2024April 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the House-Flipper Mysteries by Diane Kelly which I’ve loved ever since the very first book. This one’s probably my fave so far and I hope there’s many more planned!

#NetGalley #St.MartinPaperbacks #DianeKelly

My Goodreads review:

Four-Alarm Homicide by Diane Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whitney and Buck had quite the adventure going on with two house flips after they ended up with two places to remodel that were neighboring. They met an assortment of neighbors in the process. I liked Gideon’s character a lot and thought it was pretty cool how he and Joanna had both had major loved one losses and started their friendship around that. I never guessed whodunit and my first choice ended up wrong for sure

The showdown was calm and more of a confession—can’t really say much more without giving away details. The books in this series sometimes span a few months and this one did the same. I absolutely loved the ending!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin Paperbacks via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Patchwork Quilt Murder review

April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the thirtieth book in the very long-running Lucy Stone Mysteries by Leslie Meier. Can you believe it’s been around since 1993? Miss Tilley has to be at least 110 or more if she was in her 80s when it started, lol. She’s from strong New England stock so it’s not surprising, right?

Some parts of the book were a little bit sad, but I’m not gonna tell why. You’ll have to read that yourself. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the ending almost read like this could be the last book. If anyone’s heard differently, I’d love to know. I know it’s not too unusual for one of these books to span several months.

My Goodreads review:

Patchwork Quilt Murder by Leslie Meier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very twisty, winding case with a bizarre outcome, meaning bizarre for happening in a cozy mystery. But with Lucy on the case as a writer, no criminal’s ever gonna get away, especially when she teams up with the police for an epic sting operation. That was my favorite part! I definitely hadn’t guessed who the killer was, but they were definitely getting sent away for a long time. Lucy, you go, girl! The side story about Pam and Ted’s son was heartbreaking in some ways but did have a happy conclusion.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Brie Careful What You Wish For review

April 9, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly, another series I’ve enjoyed from its beginning and since the last book was back in 2021, I was actually wondering and hoping it’d be back. I think I got my wish as did lots of other cozy mystery fans who’d liked this series. I hope in its new home the series has lots more adventures coming.

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so happy to see this series picked back up since I’m sure the author’s got more stories to tell about these characters. I was really pleased with the outcome of this book as far as Carly and Ari’s relationship went. As for the murder, I was totally surprised at the reveal and its why of it as well.

Carly’s got an amazing team working for her and now maybe she won’t have to worry so much when it’s time for Grant to head off for culinary school. I can’t wait to read more in the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Murder Most Owl review

April 2, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first in an awesome new series, Magical Menagerie Mysteries by another cozy fave author, Sarah Fox who cozy fans know from her Pancake House Mysteries and the Literary Pub Mysteries. I really enjoyed these characters and the critters as well and eagerly look forward to the next book!

#NetGalley #SevernHouse #SarahFox

My Goodreads review:

Murder Most Owl by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was absolutely so good! I didn’t want it to end and loved how everything even the small side mysteries were nicely wrapped up and explained. I really love the dynamics that developed between Georgie and her new love interest. Olivia was an awesome character too, as I’ve found all the characters I’ve read in this author’s various series.

I loved the idea of the animals having special talents rather than the other way around. It was a fun change from the usual witch and talking familiars. Those dogs were just amazing and so lovable. I do love cats but having the dogs being the magical ones was extra fun. I’m not a fan of birds in general, but Euclid was a pretty awesome owl, and I’d sure never turn down his help in ditching bad people lol. I can’t wait for another book in this series! I sure hope the author and publisher have one or more planned!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Severn House via NetGalley , and my opinions are my own.

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Three Fudges and a Baby review

March 26, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy CoCo and I was happy to see that it’s finally leading to what I’ve hoped would happen since the first book, which is gonna be in the next book. This and another cozy series inspired my love of Mackinac Island and a visit there in 2018.

Meanwhile, besties usually get married and have their babies before main characters, so that’s what Jenn was gearing up for in this installment, a baby. And Allie was juggling about a million things including an unexpected visit from her mom and Allie’s old high school boyfriend along with trying to prove Jenn’s doula’s innocence. Never a dull day at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #NancyCoco

My Goodreads review:

Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has to be one of Allie’s craziest cases yet but hey, at least she didn’t end up stuck in a tunnel or a basement far but near, lol. I actually figured out the killer fairly early on and stuck with my guess while still enjoying the red herrings presented. Glad I stuck by my first choice because I was right. I liked the short and effective showdown, and to yay Allie for getting the evidence she needed as well. After twelve books, she’s getting really good at that!

I absolutely love what happened with Allie and Rex! They’ve been through so much in this series and it really came as no surprise. Carol and her senior book club ladies helped out again, but I believe Carol was happy to stay on the researching end instead of the action end! I always love how there’s a preview chapter for the next book included at the end, so of course I always devour that. I can’t wait for the next book now!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Rhythm and Clues review

March 26, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Record Shop Mysteries by Olivia Blacke, and I’ve enjoyed this series as well from its beginning. I hope there’ll be more, but somehow got a weird feeling this might be it. I guess time’ll tell on that!

#NetGalley #St.MartinPaperbacks #OliviaBlacke

My Goodreads review:

Rhythm and Clues by Olivia Blacke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love visiting with Juni and her sisters—Juni cracks me up with her crazy sense of humor. I definitely hadn’t guessed right on the perp, that was a total surprise twist. The lengthy but interesting author note at the end made me sorta believe this could be the last book in the series. While I’d always wish for more books, it seemed to end in a good place for all the key players.

I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book provided by St. Martin Paperbacks via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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The Witless Protection Program review

March 25, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Catering Hall Mysteries by Maria DiRico, better known as Ellen Byron to cozy mystery fans. I’ve absolutely loved every book in this series so far. They’re fun, hilarious and sometimes even cause a little eye leakage, mostly the happy kind like you might get when reading this book.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #MariaDiRico #EllenByron

My Goodreads review:

The Witless Protection Program by Maria DiRico
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this installment! It was kinda the pulling together of everything and a sorta reunion of some of the past characters Mia had met up with. Something just made me think it’s sounding like it’s the end of the series but I haven’t heard anything official. If it’s the end, everyone went out with a great ending well, maybe not everyone but the key players all seemed happy.

And only Mia Carina could have all this craziness happen before and even at her wedding, lol. Tons of fun, suspense and even more hilarity to be had, so definitely don’t miss out on this book. I totally recommend reading the series from the start to get the complete character experience.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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