Murder in a Lavender Daze review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the new Aroma Wellness Mysteries, a fun spin-off of the Fairy Garden Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber. If you liked the Fairy Garden series and miss it, some of the characters guest throughout in this book and the first one. No one’s made a series for it on Goodreads, so the link leads to Amazon, but no worries, I’m not an affiliate. 

#NetGalley #DarylWoodGerber #KensingtonCozies

My Goodreads review:

Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery Book 2)Murder in a Lavender Daze by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emma had a client wanting a more unique type of girls’ gathering at the spa, a happily divorced party. Before that could happen though, the client’s mother was murdered and Emma was begged to investigate much to Det. Summers’ dismay. When Emma found herself facing off with a killer, she was thankful for a good security system and a grandma who worried.

I really enjoy Meryl’s character a lot and even the crazy jokes she tells. The side story involved her mom who worked as receptionist when her heart was really more into her standup comic acts. The team got a nice surprise at the end and things worked out for all involved.

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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Some Like It Fudgy review

Tari Hann

This is the fourteenth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco, and I’ve enjoyed all the books to date in this series. It’s really best to read these in order since some relationships build on others and sometimes names might be mentioned. And the Mackinac Island setting really is one of the most awesome places I’ve had the pleasure of vacationing in. This series was what sparked interest in that and I’ve been ready to go back ever since. 

#NetGalley #NancyCoco #KensingtonCozies

My Goodreads review:

Some Like It Fudgy (Candy-Coated Mystery #14)Some Like It Fudgy by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When this author writes a character that makes readers dislike the person so much they just wanna toss that person in the slammer (or worse lol), you know that’s talent. There was definitely a character like that in this book but I won’t elaborate so it doesn’t spoil anything. I’d read the book blurb for this book and knew who the victim was so that in itself created a whole big can of proverbial worms between Allie and Rex.

It was kinda fun to see Allie switch up and sleuth with her girlfriends this time. I love the island seniors, no question about that but for reasons you’ll find out when you read this, she felt she needed a switch-up. There was plenty of comic relief going on in this book, and Allie ran the range of all the emotions she had inside her. Let’s just say I felt sorry for poor Officer Brown, lol.

The showdown and outcome were super satisfying and I really enjoyed the two-chapter preview of a new series being launched by the author. I won’t say more about it so I don’t spoil that either, but I’ll definitely be wanting to read it.

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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Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place review

Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly, and I’ve had the pleasure of reading it from the very beginning. Which is something I highly recommend to get to know the characters better and for maximum enjoyment. After the last book, I’d been hoping for another book in the series and was thrilled to be able to get this from NetGalley.

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place (Grilled Cheese Mysteries #7)Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fun visit to Balsam Dell and Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery along with all her friends and family. Carly’s hubby Ari found out what it was like to be the prime suspect in a murder this time when the contractor he was working with was killed on the job. Carly made a good friend in the older lady who owned the house getting renovated and soon found herself facing off with a killer in that house. I’d sorta suspected that person but wasn’t sure why, so I was on the fence the entire time about it. The showdown could’ve gone seriously sideways but thanks to another new friend, Carly lived to sleuth another day. I can’t wait for the next book!

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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A Death in the Dark review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Novel Detectives Mysteries, a fun spin-off from the Secret Bookcase Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author, Ellie Alexander. I also love her Bakeshop Mysteries and the redone Pacific Northwest Mysteries she previously wrote as Kate Dyer-Seeley. Those are now known as Meg Reed Investigates, and who could forget the Sloane Krause Mysteries? 

While it’s not that necessary to’ve read the Secret Bookcase series before the Novel Detectives, I highly recommend it to get to know all the awesome characters in Redwood Grove. 

#NetGalley #EllieAlexander #St.MartinPaperbacks #MinotaurBooks

A Death in the Dark (Novel Detectives Mystery, #2)A Death in the Dark by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fletcher always makes me smile with his sometimes over-the-top antics either regarding Sherlock or fun spy gadgets. When a head track coach asked him and Annie to take on his case, they had to determine again if their client was actually giving them the whole story or what—most clients didn’t come to them in the shape this guy was in. Meanwhile, there was more to the high school booster club than just bake sales and car wash fundraisers and possibly something hinky going on with academics.

At one point, I thought it was (or was hoping it was) getting clearer as to which suspect killed the assistant track coach. I loved how Annie went about gathering her info, but the showdown was a bit tense until reinforcements arrived. There was a lot more going on at that school than met the eye but at the end, the parties did the right thing about it. And sweet Hal eventually got the tea party he’d always dreamed of since he’d bought the bookshop so long ago. I can’t wait for the next book, just the title seems awesome. There’s a preview at the end of this book I still need to read too…or maybe I’ll make myself wait until I can read the entire book.

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


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Two Purloined Pillows review

Tari Hann

This is the second in the latest series, Nimble Needle, by Allie Pleiter whose other cozy mystery series was also fiber crafts related, Riverbank Knitting Mysteries. I’ve always wanted to get to that series so maybe I should do that while waiting on the next book in this series which I’m super eager for now. Check out her biography page on Goodreads (linked above to her name) if you’re interested in her other non-mystery series.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AlliePleiter

My Goodreads review:

 

Two Purloined Pillows (A Nimble Needle Mystery, #2)Two Purloined Pillows by Allie Pleiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed returning to Gwen Lake and hanging out with Shelby, her mom and the NYAG ladies (Not Your Average Grannies) who remind me a lot of the Golden Girls, lol. When one of the needlepoint artists for the festival was murdered, Shelby took it personally and set out to find the killer. She had a little help from her pals Deb and Jake (with Jake, I hope she becomes a lot more than pals eventually!).

I enjoyed the side story of Shelby’s sweet nephew who just wanted to be an artist and not mess around trying to play sports. I loved what she did for him using the help of one of the festival artists. Meanwhile that wily killer had totally fooled everyone. I never even had a suspicion! I can’t wait for the next book now that some fun changes are coming to the Nimble Needle’s needlepoint groups.

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 Blue Ribbon Murder review

Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop series by cat-loving cozy mystery author, Toni T.C. LoTempio. Just a note, the incorrect author page and no series page were given for this book’s listing on Goodreads. The author page I linked is the one with Ms. Toni’s picture of her with Rocco which is the only official GR page for her that I know of and the same one I’ve always used for blog links. The series link leads to the Amazon page, but I’m not an affiliate, so click without worry.

As always, the Urban Tails Pet Shop mystery never lets me down as far as a good and intriguing mystery along with plenty of kitties to pretend I can pet and love on, especially sweet Purrday! Such is the life of someone with cat allergies lol. Purrday usually gets to be the hero but he’s always been a hero in  my book! Sorry Purrday, I couldn’t find a picture online of a noble one-eyed cat so we’ll just say this was you before whatever happened. 

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #TCLoTempio

My Goodreads review:

A Blue Ribbon Murder (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries Book 6)A Blue Ribbon Murder by T. C. LoTempio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shell and her former TV co-star Gary were at their sleuthing best again and it was kinda like they never left their show. Except for this was real life with real perps and weapons. Gary always cracks me up with his sometimes-goofiness, but he’s a true friend and I love how he can remain a good pal to Shell but be a boyfriend to Shell’s bestie, Olivia.

Pet shows can always be a hotbed of drama and mystery, at least in cozy mysteries lol, so this cat show was no exception when the director of the show was murdered. Any number of people could’ve wanted the woman dead, so Shell and Gary put on their A-game of sleuthing again, and once more sweet Purrday was the hero. He probably liked sleuthing a lot better than having to compete in the show anyway! A one-eyed cat might not be show worthy, but Purrday always gets his perp!

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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The Barn Identity review

Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the House-Flipper Mysteries by Diane Kelly, and I’ve enjoyed every book since the very beginning. I’m hoping this series continues because I can only picture the awesome adventures Whitney could have as a mom and carpenter. Little Sawdust is gonna be the bestest big brother! 

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #DianeKelly

My Goodreads review:

The Barn Identity (House-Flipper Mystery #8)The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sawdust was getting a human sibling soon and I’m betting he’ll be the sweetest kitty brother ever. But first Whitney had to get through a remodel with her cousin while helping the detective in charge of a murder at said remodel find the killer. I knew which of the possible suspects I wanted to see as the guilty party, so I was pretty pleased with the outcome.

The very ending was super sweet and let’s just say Sawdust is now a proud cat brother to a sweet little baby. It was so funny to hear various people Whitney would run into who wanted to tell her just how she could determine if she was having a boy or a girl. I can’t wait to see what kinds of adventures follow.

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


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Truffle Trouble review

Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the long-running Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by Amanda Flower, and I’ve enjoyed every book, some more than others, but one thing’s always consistent: Jethro the pig and his adorable but mischievous antics. Wait’ll you see what the little oinker got up to in this book! 

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

Truffle Trouble (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery)Truffle Trouble by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a good Jethro the pig escapade and this time he had several moments of fame. Needless to say, he was the star of the wedding reception, but I don’t think Bailey minded at all. It wouldn’t’ve been weirder if he didn’t get into something, the li’l cutie!

When someone was killed during the reception and all eyes were on the local café owner, Bailey knew she needed to find the real killer to save her friend’s good name. I always get a big kick outta Lois and how she and Millie are good friends. She was a hoot especially when Bailey’s mentor Jean Pierre was in town and they seemed to be growing closer. More wedding bells? It’ll be interesting to see!

Good old JP was cracking me up with his investigation and being Bailey’s sidekick. I hadn’t guessed the killer and I enjoyed the showdown where once more Jethro had a hand, er hoof in it. 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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If Books Could Kill review

Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Tomes & Tea Mysteries by Karen Rose Smith, an awesome spin-off of her Daisy’s Tea Garden Mysteries with the MC Jazzi being none other than Daisy’s now-grown daughter. Of course Jazzi practically grew up with her mom amateur sleuthing, so this li’l apple doesn’t fall far from her momma’s tree! 

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #KarenRoseSmith

My Goodreads review:

 

If Books Could Kill (Tomes & Tea Mysteries #3)If Books Could Kill by Karen Rose Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve really enjoyed this spin-off series from Daisy’s Tea Garden and was happy to see a very special guest as a brief part of this book. Jazzi had her work cut out for her both at the bookstore and trying to find who killed her librarian friend. She managed to make a new friend in the process and help said new friend find someone she hadn’t seen in a long time. After a scary showdown with a killer where Jazzi definitely held her own, I’m sure she’s totally ready to take a nice long vacation.

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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The Bark Before the Dawn review

Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Magical Menagerie mystery series by Sarah Fox whose Pancake House series is one of her other cozy mystery series. I’ve loved this series from its beginning and it’s gotten only better with each addition. I highly recommend reading the series in order for the best and most fun experience.

#NetGalley #SarahFox #SevernHouse

My Goodreads review:

The Bark Before the Dawn (A Magical Menagerie Mystery, 4)The Bark Before the Dawn by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Something about the ending almost made it sound like the final book, but I sure hope that’s not the case. If it really is, it was wrapped up just perfectly, although I think Georgie and Callum along with two amazing spaniels still have lotsa mysteries to solve.

This was a stumper of a mystery and seemed multi-layered in some ways. There were definitely plenty of suspects to pick from but only one had killed someone, and as always, the spaniels along with awesome Euclid got to help with the takedown. I absolutely loved the ending and really, really hope there’s more books being planned!

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


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