Tari Hann

Picking Up the Pieces review

August 12, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Jigsaw Puzzle Mysteries by J.B. Abbott, a pen name for the writing team of Brian Tracey and Jeff Ayers. It appears from the GR bio page to be the team’s first cozy mystery effort and I think they really nailed it! I hope they’ve got a second book in the works because I’ll definitely be reading it.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane

My Goodreads review:

Picking Up the Pieces: A Jigsaw Puzzle Mystery by J.B. Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katie’s friends all cracked me up! They were the most loyal group of people and all so fun and different, from Mildred who was ninety to Hannah who was still in high school. But they made up the puzzle crew who did puzzle testing for the company Katie worked for. And when there was a murder, they sleuthed together like they’d been amateur sleuths all their lives. Everyone’s particular talents came in handy too.

I felt that Katie was being unnecessarily harsh on Connor at times when he was being sweet and supportive. Then when the entire story of their breakup revealed something else, I really thought she owed him an apology. But once the showdown was over and the perp was caught, it seemed like there might be some hope for the two, even if they just start over as friends at least. And you can always tell who’s worth keeping around when the cat approves! 😉

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

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Seven Secret Spellcasters review

July 31, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries by another fave cozy mystery author, Lynn Cahoon. I’ve enjoyed this series since its very beginning and highly recommend anyone wanting to read it should do the same. Like her other series, every book builds or develops relationships or even introduces some new characters. This series like the others never disappoints, and I’m super eager to see what’s in store next for Mia and her favorite people!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LynnCahoon

My Goodreads review:

Seven Secret Spellcasters by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There were quite a few changes going on since the last book, some of which I hadn’t even remembered reading about. When death caused the human and witchy worlds to kinda collide, Mia found herself sleuthing this case with the police chief Mark himself. Even with Trent nearby and the police protection, it was still inevitable Mia was gonna face off with a killer and as always come out victorious—with the help of some reinforcements.

Some of the changes were a little sad, but a new character was introduced and something about a couple characters was found out that was pretty cool. With the main mystery solved, there was something that happened at the end that definitely make me eager to dig into 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.

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Mayhem at a Halloween Wedding review

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Halloween Bookshop Mysteries by Emmaline Duncan, and it’s out in plenty of time for Halloween like last year’s book was. It’s pretty cool this is an annual thing since it just wouldn’t be the same unless it was set at Halloween since it’s in a Halloween-themed town. It’s definitely best to read this series in order too.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #EmmalineDuncan

My Goodreads review:

Mayhem at a Halloween Wedding by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all the spooky names of the different businesses in this town and the idea of a Halloween themed wedding seemed fun, until it wasn’t. Between the bride’s bratty-acting sister who was mad she wasn’t maid of honor to the murder of a wedding party member, Bailey had her hands full since she was in the wedding too, then trying to sleuth out a murder.

Once she had a good idea of whodunit, I liked that the showdown was a planned trap for the killer. It was cool how Bailey figured it out and after that, the wedding was able to go off without any issues. Wonder what’ll happen in the series next Halloween.

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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Solid Gold Murder review

July 30, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Golden Motel Mysteries by a fave cozy mystery author, Ellen Byron. I loved the first book and definitely wasn’t disappointed in this one! I’m really eager for the next book and hope Dee’s dad might decide to hang around longer, he’s such a hoot, just love his character!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #EllenByron

My Goodreads review:

Solid Gold Murder by Ellen Byron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved that Dee’s dad Sam was staying at the motel grounds and helping out. It was hilarious to think of him as the character Prospector Pete and imagine the funny voices he was doing. I liked his character a lot in the first book and hope he’ll stick around closer to Dee. He’s a lotta fun!

When a body was found in one of the mines, there was no shortage of suspects, which was good for anyone who’d made the comment they hoped the person ended up at the bottom of a mine, but it made it hard for law enforcement and nosy amateur sleuths to find the real killer. But Dee came through once again, although she had to face the killer and live to tell about it.

There were some good comic relief moments that may or may not’ve included Bud the Bear (formerly known as Stoney the Bear). Dee and Jeff’s senses of humor and banter was always good for a laugh or two as well. Can’t wait for the next book!

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

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Tea with Jam and Dread review

July 30, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Tea by the Sea Mystery series by another favorite cozy mystery author, Vicki Delany whose other series I also love. I’ve enjoyed Tea by the Sea since its beginning and I’ve loved seeing the relationships develop. This book found our pals at the B&B and tea room in England, Rose’s old stomping grounds of Frockmorton Castle which now had a hotel. Some good mysterious fun and adventure!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

Tea with Jam & Dread by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From all the times Rose had ever talked about working Lady Frockmorton, I wasn’t sure I’d ever like that woman. But when we actually got to meet her, she seemed even more down to earth sometimes than Rose herself did. It was more like two old friends reuniting instead of former employer/employee. Lily got to help out in the hotel kitchen and got a taste of how massive their prep was for afternoon tea at the hotel.

Of course no adventure with Lily would be complete without the requisite murder—although I’m pretty sure Lily wouldn’t agree with that statement because this time the police seemed to believe she was involved. It was sleuth or be accused. In true Lily and Bernie style, the friends did their sleuthing together, had a near miss and ended with Lily confronting the killer. It was a fairly non-eventful showdown but it could’ve gone sideways. I thought the ending was really sweet. I can’t honestly say this was one of my favorites in the series, but it was still a good mystery with some quirky and interesting characters.

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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Icing on the Murder review

July 29, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Baker Street Mystery series by one of my fave cozy authors, Valerie Burns, She also writes the Mystery Bookshop series as V.M. Burns, and it’s another favorite cozy mystery series.

I’ve enjoyed this series from its beginning and definitely fell in love with the drool-monster known as Baby the Mastiff. He’s soo adorable! And a great bodyguard whenever Maddy needs one. As with any of this author’s series I’ve read, she just comes up with some of the best, funniest and most memorable characters. I can’t wait for the next book now!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #ValerieBurns

My Goodreads review:

Icing on the Murder by Valerie Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh that Baby’s such a big, drooling Mastiff of a sweetheart most of the times, but boy if you need a bodyguard or someone to help with a killer, he’s your man, er dog. I loved how Miss Hannah got a really much better part in this book and actively helped with the investigation. She cracks me up and I just know I’d love her if I met her, what a cool lady!

The Baker Street sleuths were at it again when murder hit the bridal expo and Maddy was trying to clear herself along with an unlikely ally who said she needed cleared of the crime too. The showdown was tense and I was actually wondering what Maddy had up her sleeve for this. But no worries, Baby’s always got something up his sleeve, er paw. I absolutely can’t wait for 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.

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Edam and Weep review

July 22, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly which I’ve enjoyed since its very beginning. The sixth book might just be the best one yet! Here’s hoping there’ll be lots more to come after it. With the introduction of two new characters, I can definitely see some good possibilities for more stories. I sensed a finality about this book, but I’m hoping that’s not the case.

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

Edam and Weep by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was so awesome what Carly and Ari did for Ari’s sister and the little girl she was trying to adopt by taking them in when they were a little down on their luck. Little Quinne was wise beyond her age and really grew on me as a character. I was definitely pulling for the adoption to go through and that they’d get to come live in Vermont—the kid was seriously over the moon about Carly’s little dog Havarti. They were best buds!

The murder mystery hit close to home for Carly who found herself investigating since her mom was a suspect. She did try to make good choices and take someone along with her when she’d sleuth, but there’s always that one time…and of course she found herself in a showdown with the killer. I’d guessed part of who was guilty and as always, Carly alway amazes me with her guts and bravery to plow into any situation, lol.

The book had the most amazing ending and I just wanted it to keep going, definitely a great book hangover! I’m not totally sure, but this almost seemed like it could be the last book, although I could think of more adventures I’d like to hear about now there’s two new characters.

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

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Death and the Librarian review

July 8, 2025July 8, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by cozy author Victoria Gilbert, and I’ve enjoyed the series since the beginning. These characters quickly found a way into my book world with book 1 and became old friends.

Except I wasn’t crazy with the Amy portrayed in this book. She did a lot better in the previous book (which was a flash forward five years from the wedding) about reining in her boots on the ground sleuthing since she’s mom to Ella and Nicky, her twins. But she really put herself in a bad situation this time after, well like another review I read on Goodreads, “putting her kids on the back burner” basically. Sure, they were safe but was she?

All turned out well though with one more secret revealed at the end. I’m not sure if this was supposed to be the last book in the series. I get the author’s newsletters and know the series is ending soon, but I saw on her website there was a book 10 slated for 2027. Now I’m not sure if that’s a go or what. Guess we’ll just have to stay tuned. If this was the last book, I wasn’t really a fan about how it wrapped up. Yes, a secret someone had held for a long time was revealed, but it just didn’t feel like the last book. Keeping fingers and toes crossed that there’s actually a book 10 coming.

My Goodreads review:

Death and the Librarian by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s still a little odd to be reading about Amy and Richard being parents since the previous book had done a little time jump after their wedding. The kids are supposed to be around five or six in this. They’re definitely a handful and it seems like Amy was a lot better in the last book at not physically taking part in the mystery since she was mom to twins. She did take lots more chances in this book, but one thing in her defense was that she sent the kids home with her parents when things got hairy and threatening.

That was some crazy showdown and I loved what Amy ended up doing to survive. Luckily reinforcements showed in time so Amy could live to celebrate with her friends and family. Kurt still had a secret which he did share with her at the end and yep, it’s a biggie.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane via NetGalley and my opinions are my own.

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Murder at the High School Reunion review

July 3, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the fun Maya & Sandra Mysteries by popular cozy mystery author Lee Hollis aka the brother/sister writing team of Rick Copp and Holly Simason. If you look carefully, you might find one of those two as a character in this book! Not telling which one though. 😉 It’s always a fun and crazy rollercoaster ride with Maya & Sandra!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LeeHollis

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the High School Reunion by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maya and Sandra definitely had differences that worked in their favors during a case, but this case wasn’t like their usual ones at all and stemmed from a murder at their high school reunion. One classmate was now a Hollywood actress who enlisted their help. Who knew what a trail of deception and lies it’d lead to?

I loved how once the case was being worked on by multiple law enforcement agencies, good old Oscar the IT guru was in the thick of it helping as always. He cracks me up acting like he’s pining away for Maya, but he sure knows his tech stuff! The showdown was long and tense, but the takedown was sweet justice. Another successful case and happy client!

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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Murder on the Books review

July 2, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series shown on Amazon as A Cozy Bookshop Mystery (no series shown on GR yet and the Amazon link isn’t an affiliate), and the author’s cozy mystery writer and cat lover, T.C. LoTempio aka Toni in her newsletters. I’ve loved all the cats I’ve read about in her series, and Poe in this series was definitely not a disappointment. In fact he was a hero just like Purrday in the Urban Pet Shop mysteries. Since the incorrect author was linked on GR, I looked up Ms. LoTempio’s GR page from her other books for her link above. I’m having a GR librarian friend look into it.

#NetGalley #SevernHouse #TCLoTempio

My Goodreads review:

Murder on the Books by T.C, LoTempio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this new setting and the key characters of Charley and Zane a lot. Charley was just what Zane had needed coming back to her hometown since Zane’s business partner basically ghosted her. Charley soon found out why and the hunt for a killer began. I loved that cat Poe that Charley adopted who quickly became an amazing little buddy for her, and big asset in the showdown! It’s awesome how any cat this author has in her various series is both a great buddy for the sleuth and helps tremendously with the showdown.

Charley was used to following clues but they were always clues she was in charge of writing, so this amateur sleuthing thing was pretty new for both her and Zane. She definitely held her own with the killer in the showdown, with a certain kitty’s help, of course. The ending was too fun since a certain female police officer who Zane and Charley went to school with was nearly throwing herself at the detective in charge. But he seemed to only have eyes for Charley—and the woman’s reaction was pretty funny. Can’t wait to read the next book!

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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