Tari Hann

Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine review

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Salem B&B Mysteries by Traci Wilton aka the writing team of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. I’ve loved this series from its very first book and continued to enjoy each boo that’s come out since that. Charlene sure had her hands full with a bunch of diva models, both men and women who were there with a famous photographer to shoot a cupid calendar. As always, madness and mayhem followed, but Jack and Sam made it tolerable for Charlene. I was excited to see on the book’s series page from GR that there’s gonna be a book #10 coming in August, Mrs. Morris and the Day of the Dead (this is a Goodreads link). Especially after the epic ending of this book! No reading ahead now LOL!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #TraciWilton

My Goodreads review:

Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine by Traci Wilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can totally see why Charlene could be in love with Jack the ghost as well as her own flesh and blood detective boyfriend Sam. They’re both amazing and Jack sure proved above and beyond in this book just how amazing he could be as far as helping in the showdown.

I loved that Avery was back for a visit and it was sweet how Charlene turned all mama bear when she was home since Avery was the closest thing she ever had to a daughter. The guests this time had been a group of self-centered models but they definitely came together against a common enemy toward the end. All mysteries were solved but the ending has me absolutely on pins and needles until the next book drops! I hope it comes in the spring!

View all my reviews

Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson review

December 16, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series by a new to me cozy author, P.J. Nelson and I sure hope another one is gonna follow! I was a tiny bit gun shy when I’d read some not-so-nice reviews on Goodreads about it, but I really try not to let those kinds of reviews sway my thinking while I read. Well, I didn’t need any help or hindrance because I liked this book a lot all on my own. It’s hard to believe some people were talking about the same book, lol.

Either way, I enjoyed the characters and the unlikely but quirky friend group with main character Madeline, her aunt’s bestie Phil (Philomena) and a crazy, fun lady pastor who’s probably gonna end up as Maddy-girl’s new bestie. Gloria was an awesome friend but she had the pastor skills down pat and could give some of the world’s best advice. And Madeline wasn’t some airhead who blindly interviewed suspects without backup. She only went twice alone, but she’s the gutsy type who really made me think of Kate Beckett on Castle. Even if Kate wasn’t a detective, she totally would’ve done what Madeline did. But all reviews have a place in the world, and I always go with the tired but true old saying of ‘to each his own.’

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #PJNelson

My Goodreads review:

Booked for Murder by P. J. Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Madeline was definitely a different kind of main character, gutsy and brave but then she’d been an actress for quite a few years so she was used to all sorts of situations which might’ve gotten her ready for stuff she’d encounter in real life. I felt the characters were tons of fun, especially Madeline’s wicked sense of humor.

Gloria, her new pastor friend cracked me up at how cool and upbeat she was. I mean who wouldn’t love a friend like her who’s also an ordained Episcopal priest and was capable of other types of guidance as well as just being good bestie material. Phil (aka Philomena) was a really interesting character and had been Aunt Rose’s longtime friend, so she was like another aunt to Madeline. There was lotsa drama and mystery but some good humorous parts too ending up with an epic showdown with the killer. I’m really looking forward to the next book!

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

View all my reviews

Blame It on the Beignets review

December 8, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton, another favorite series of mine, and I’m always eager to read the next book. Dep’s such a cutie and one of the best clue-sniffing cats in mysteries. She didn’t disappoint! Anyone who’s read the series is gonna recognize the name Jolly Cops Cleaning, so we finally got to meet one of those awesome retired officers who have a cleaning business with Deputy Donuts as a client.

There was a lot going on in this book which included Samantha’s baby shower as well as a budding romance for one of Emily’s good business friends. Can’t wait to see what happens with that, it was just too cute! There was a cute little dog that kept popping up in the story, poor Dep wasn’t too sure about her, but both got to be in the showdown. What someone did to that perp was hilarious!

I thought this free photo from Pexels reminded me of Dep sitting on one of her shelves either in Emily’s office or at home.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a visit to Fallingbrook to see what Emily and her sweet kitty Deputy aka Dep are up to. Emily’s new assistant Hannah and her sister Olivia who also worked for Emily were the employees featured. Hannah and a couple friends were indirectly involved in a murder, so I could just imagine how poor Olivia was worrying like crazy.

I love that Emily and Brent were settled in as a married couple now like her besties Misty and Samantha. They weren’t in the story a whole lot except for their roles as police officer and paramedic. I was glad the DCI detective that came this time was Rex who we know from previous books. Emily’s friend Summer was really glad to see him lol. I see a new romance starting up and Det. Rex may just have to make excuses to come to town more often.

The showdown was both exciting and fun in a comical sorta way. Everything that led up to catching the perp was pretty awesome and it was a group effort too. Heck, don’t bother with prison, just turn Madame Monique loose on a criminal—they’d probably beg for prison instead lol. I was secretly cheering her on because she had an excellent reason for what she was doing to the perp. I really enjoyed the ending and hopefully it’ll turn out amazing for a very special couple Emily and Brent were good friends with. Can’t wait to read the next book!

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

View all my reviews

The Witch Is Back review

December 6, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve enjoyed this series since its start and always look forward to the next book. This book had its main mysteries wrapped up but there’s a side mystery or two that was hinted at might be coming, so I’m really eager for the next book.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

The Witch Is Back by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me a little while to warm up to Josie’s mom, Nora who had her own agenda for visiting spontaneously, but she was a pretty good sleuthing buddy and sounding board for Josie’s theories. Nora’s personal reason for coming worked out at the end, but along with the murder itself another mystery had cropped up, and the town expected Josie to solve it. Which was where Nora came in handy, if she’d embrace her witchy powers.

The showdown was a good one and Nora even got to help a little. Once both mysteries were solved, the town could breathe a sigh of relief and people were friends again. I was kinda disappointed in the actual ending, so that along with another possible side story have me eager to dig into the next book when it’s out.

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

View all my reviews

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery review

December 5, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighteenth book in the Seaside Knitters Society by Sally Goldenbaum, which about seven books ago underwent a slight series name change because it moved to a different publisher. But it’s more accurate to refer to it as book #18 instead of book 7 as GR lists it in the search. (I asked a librarian friend there to put it with its series). Either way, it’s been a very long-running cozy mystery series with an amazing group of knitter friends. Even if you don’t knit, you’ll wanna be friends with these ladies!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #SallyGoldenbaum

My Goodreads review:

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was really sad when a man who was as loved as the murder victim was got killed. He was kind and generous to everyone and there weren’t too many who had anything bad to say about him which made his death even more tragic.

It was so cool to see those who loved him most continuing to do things he would’ve done or wanted to do. Our fabulous four knitters were on the case in their usual subtle way they had of finding out clues and reporting back to their fellow knitters and loved ones over some amazing food and family time.

The showdown was a a surprise as was someone who stepped in to help. I loved how the victim’s sweet pup got his forever home and an amazing tribute was paid to both him and his late owner. Yes, eye leakage can and may occur during certain parts of the book but it’s all good.

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

View all my reviews

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea review

December 3, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by cozy author Darci Hannah, another series I’ve enjoyed since it started. Lindsey’s really grown and changed a lot for the better and she’s in a good relationship with Rory, now if we could just get her pal Kennedy on board with deciding if she’s gonna stay with Tuck or not, that’d be a major accomplishment, lol. Things were actually looking positive though, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens next time we tune into the Beacon Bakeshop.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarciHannah

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what pandemonium came to the Beacon in the form of Kennedy’s family and a filming crew for a segment with Lindsey and a famous pastry chef. When there was a murder that looked a lot like Lindsey did it (if Sgt. Scary Stacy didn’t know better), Lindsey wasn’t taking this and insisted on being involved. Kennedy’s grandma was just so cute, but I wasn’t much of a fan of her mom. But her sister was a hoot when she started acting like a cowboy, lol.

The showdown and what followed was pretty exciting but once the perp was put away, Lindsey knew she was one step closer to everyone leaving the Beacon and getting her Rory back. He cracked me up with his reason for temporarily going to stay with his uncle, lol. As always, everyone put their collective efforts into the case and celebrated with food, fellowship and family afterward. Definitely a summer to remember, maybe not all in a good way though.

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

View all my reviews

Madrigals and Mayhem review

November 30, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries by Elizabeth Penney. I’ve enjoyed this series from its start and actually I like anything I’ve read by this author. She’s just got a really nice way with her characters and situations that keep me coming back for more in this series. Christmas in Cambridge with Molly and the crew was pretty cool and magical picturing how the town looked decked out in Christmas decorations. I can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #St.Martin/Minotaur #Elizabeth Penney

My Goodreads review:

Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked new business owner Charlotte’s character a lot. She seemed to blend right in with Molly and Daisy as far as being friends went. Molly set out to prove Charlotte’s grandfather might’ve not had a natural death and one thing she did was join a local play, with Kieran of course, so she could be closer to what she believed was the source of some trouble. What happened during the play was absolutely hilarious at one point!

Once everything was solved and a super satisfying outcome occurred, Molly and her loved ones could celebrate an amazing Christmas together. With the two people having special announcements in this story, I really can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

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

View all my reviews

A Holiday Homicide review

November 27, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the new-this-year series Secret Bookcase Mysteries by a fave cozy mystery author Ellie Alexander. It’s quickly become one of my favorite cozy series but I gotta admit at the beginning I didn’t like Annie a whole lot. She’s grown so much since that first book and discovered that yeah, it’s okay to rely on other people and let your friends have your back sometimes, so I like her a lot now and have a new respect for her. I didn’t like the conflict early on with Annie and Liam, but it’s gotten a whole lot better and I love where they’re at in their new relationship.

I enjoy how the author has a continuing mystery going on and feeds us just enough about it each time but doesn’t have this horrible cliffhanger going on. There’s just enough there to entice us back for the next book after wrapping up the mystery at hand then dealing with the cold case. But hey, Ms. Ellie had me at the series title of Secret Bookcase! 😉

#NetGalley #StormPublishing #EllieAlexander

My Goodreads review:

A Holiday Homicide by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Annie and her friends had another exciting case to investigate after another murder took place in her beloved bookstore workplace. Hal and Fletcher continue to be the most amazing boss and coworker anyone could ever wanna work with. And that Pri’s the best bestie a girl could ever imagine having. She always has Annie’s back. Dr. Caldwell was such an awesome mentor and we finally get to find out what Annie’s decision’s gonna be as far as working with her former criminology professor.

Last but most definitely not least, I absolutely love how Liam and Annie’s relationship did a complete turnaround for the better. I never like conflict with a couple and now they’re super cute and solid. He surprised even Annie with how she could influence his reading choices now when she actually got him interested in mysteries.

The main case was solved and Annie’s cold case concerning her old friend was getting a little bit warmer so I’m eager to see what happens next. Can’t wait to read the next installment!

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

View all my reviews

You Feta Watch Out review

November 21, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly which I’ve read since the beginning and was really glad it’s been able to continue. Christmas in Balsam Dell, Vermont sounded so awesome and picture-perfect, but Carly was out to nab a wily killer so her friend Gina wouldn’t be blamed. Yup, Carly always gets who she’s going after, with help of course from her friends and mostly her sorta pal, Det. Fred Holloway. Another amazing and mystery-filled Christmas read!

My Goodreads review:

You Feta Watch Out by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Christmas season wouldn’t be same if Carly didn’t get involved trying to solve a murder, but when her friend Gina was a main suspect, she wasn’t about to let her be accused. I got a kick outta Don and how he was always on the trail of information for Carly. Who would’ve known she’d babysat the little twerp when he was a kid lol.

I was completely wrong about whodunit and enjoyed the lower-key showdown and how Carly handled it. She’s definitely learned a thing or two in all the cases she’s helped with. I loved the friends’ Christmas party at the end, everything a great Christmas needs was right in one room.

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

View all my reviews

A Corpse Among the Carolers review

November 12, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Food Blogger Mysteries by Debra Sennefelder and I’ve enjoyed it from the beginning. Hope’s a likable character and she’s got the best sidekick in her bestie Drew. Ethan’s incredibly patient with all her sleuthing but he always worries about her. Maybe if she got a Doberman to take with her, he’d worry less lol. Anyway, this was a fun and festive book full of the mysteries we love along with food, fellowship and family. The ending was especially good! Can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

A Corpse Among the Carolers by Debra Sennefelder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hope always has a way of getting herself into danger when she’s investigating a case. It seems she and the detective at least came to an understanding and this time he wasn’t quite so harsh.
I’d guessed the killer but definitely not the plot twist regarding said killer. The showdown was exciting and let’s just say it’s a good thing Drew’s got such a sweet tooth. The ending was amazing with all Hope’s family and friends gathered for a super memorable Christmas Eve dinner.

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

View all my reviews