Tari Hann

Finished Off in Fondant review

December 26, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Courtney Archer series that came out last year by Rosemarie Ross. I really enjoy the setting that was used in the first two books, an old castle with in the Poconos. The castle had a lot of great creepiness factors when it needed to have them.

I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of cooking shows, but I’m getting a little attached to the key players in the book, so I’m always interested in seeing what they’re up to. I felt bad for poor Skylar this time being the person accused of murder. And as before, Courtney was determined to prove his innocence. She knew from the first book what being accused was like! I just read on Ms. Ross’s bio page on GR that she’s working on the third book–and it’s Christmas themed! I’m definitely going to want to read that! I linked her page above, so you can read about her if you’re not familiar with this author.

My Goodreads review:

Finished Off in Fondant by Rosemarie Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this second book in the Courtney Archer series which answered a few questions that were left standing at the end of the first book… or did it? One of those things could cause issues with Courtney’s TV career, but knowing this crew, they’ll work together and come up with something.

When Skylar, Courtney’s co-host and friend on the bake-off show became a murder suspect, she just couldn’t stay out of it. I started suspecting very early the person who ended up as the killer, although I wasn’t sure of they why and all that. Courtney’s showdown with the killer was pretty exciting and helped wrap up all the murder questions. I loved what she ended up doing to distract the person. It’ll be interesting to see how things go for a new venture that was talked about as well as Courtney’s dating life in the next book.

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

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Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2020 Tari Hann

To you and yours, a very Blessed, peaceful and Merry Christmas despite the trying times.

My daughter added this verse to the cover of the usual family yearbook of pictures she’s made for my mom for going on ten years now. She titled it “Never Alone:

“…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life…” John 8:12

Murder Is a Must review

December 18, 2020 Tari Hann

I enjoy the first book in this newer series, First Edition Library, by Marty Wingate so much that I knew I’d want to read the next book when it came out. This book didn’t disappoint, and I think I like it even better than the first book. I like how the book murders and stories parallel a Golden Age mystery from the First Edition Library. This time it was Dorothy L. Sayers and her book Murder Must Advertise. By the end of the book, Hayley was going to be taking on a huge challenge, but I’m pretty sure she’s up for it.

My Goodreads review:

Murder Is a Must by Marty Wingate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another well plotted installment in an interesting new series. I was glad that Mrs. Woolgar was treating Hayley a lot better in this book. Hayley was doing a good job getting used to her position as curator and actually even got a few compliments from the woman. I was glad to see Hayley and her boyfriend Val were in a good place in their relationship too, and she even met his twins.

The showdown with the killer was a good one, and someone I thought might be a killer turned out to be a big help. I really liked the character of Dom, he kind of cracked me up and reminded me a little of Sheldon on TV with his exactness and how he remembered things. It’ll be interesting to see where Hayley’s adventures take her after the Lady Fowling remembrance exhibition.

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

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Wine Tastings Are Murder review

December 14, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the fifth in what quickly became a beloved series to me by Libby Klein. I just love these characters, the small town and most of all, the author’s sense of humor and voice in writing the series. I can never get through a book unless I’ve laughed more during the book than I did all week (even when things were normal lol). Just reading an account of Poppy talking about getting dressed in an outfit, describing someone or sleuthing from the top of a dumpster made me giggle. It’s genuine ha-ha fun and laughter that makes me feel good for days after reading!

My Goodreads review:

Wine Tastings Are Murder by Libby Klein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, just when you think Aunt Ginny can’t get any funnier or over the top, she never disappoints. She and her posse of biddies (as Poppy lovingly refers to them, she does really love all the ladies) are always so hilarious in this series. Figaro had really amped up his game too, since one of the guests had brought a mini Pom with them. Now Fig had a new victim instead of the humans, wow, what a new concept, torment the dog not Poppy. But the little dog, all four pounds of her, was definitely able to hold her own. Most times I was Team Fig, because I had a feeling this little fuzzy visitor was playing him and making him look bad, lol. Then as if it couldn’t get crazier, Aunt Ginny had bought an Alexa device which kept going off at sometimes very inappropriate times with statements that were, well, appropriate. And somehow, packages from the big box store started showing up on Ginny’s doorstep, a fun little mystery in itself.

There was definitely a murder in all the madcap fun. Poppy’s friend Connie wasn’t in this book much. Instead, there was another friend named Kim who worked at the local winery, and she was afraid her boss was going to be arrested for a murder, which was the murder of one of Poppy’s own B&B guests. Lots of digging later, everyone working together (yes, even Amber was a bit better with wanting Poppy’s help this time), the case was solved. During this whole time, Poppy had told herself she’d make her decision between Tim and Gia, which I’m not even going to go into, since everyone can read that for themselves.

Helpful hint for reading this book: If you’re drinking anything, you might spew it from laughing and drench your book or e-reader. Enjoy, ’cause I know you will. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

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The Malt in Our Stars review

November 25, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Literary Pub series by Sarah Fox, who also writes the Pancake House mysteries, which along with this is another favorite series of mine. It seemed like ages since I’d read the last one, so I was happy to revisit Shady Creek especially in the spring!

My Goodreads review:

The Malt in Our Stars by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to return to Shady Creek, Vermont and visit with Sadie and her friends at her literary pub, Inkwell. I was especially happy with how well things were progressing for her and Grayson. I always love the scenes with Aunt Libby and Sadie.

While a murder occurred at the manor recently bought by a couple named Honeywell, Grayson’s brewery had some filming going on for a craft beer show. That was an interesting side mystery, and I wondered if it was connected to the main mystery. The whodunit was a total surprise for me, and the showdown was pretty awesome. I’m really anxious for the next book!

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

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Without a Brew review

November 18, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Sloan Krause series by Ellie Alexander who also writes the long running Bakeshop series as well as books under the name of Kate Dyer-Seeley. I’ve enjoyed that the Sloan Krause series has an ongoing personal mystery for Sloan much like the mystery that ran through the Pacific Northwest series she wrote as Kate. Sloan got hit with quite a bit of information lately about her past, so the next book is going to be interesting to see what she does with it or uncovers.

My Goodreads review:

Without a Brew by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to get back to Leavenworth and the Nitro pub for another visit with Sloan, Garrett, Kat and crew. They sure had a disagreeable guest this time while they were only doing a soft opening of their B&B part of the pub, but with the IceFest coming up, they were the only place in town that had any rooms at all. There were actually two mysteries, but they eventually connected. I would never have guessed part of the one or the why of the killer. I had a feeling about who the killer was and who I wanted it to be lol.

Sloan’s own side mystery was really coming together with a visit from Sally who’d already dropped some disturbing news to her last time. This time she had some concrete notes talking about this subject, something that was very devastating to Sloan. I’m not sure what I would have done in her place, because the news was pretty wild. It didn’t leave with a mini cliffhanger as it’s been doing, although we’re still left to wonder what the truth really is about her past and the people involved in it. It’ll be an interesting ride, since the Sloan we all know and love isn’t going to stop until she’s got the answers she’s looking for.

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

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Puzzling Ink review

November 15, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors Becky Clark who happens to also be a fave author of all things ha-ha funny. I just loved this book and can’t wait for the next!

My Goodreads review:

Puzzling Ink by Becky Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the Mystery Writer’s Mystery series from this writer, and this series is starting off a winner just like that series. It was so funny, and I did find myself laughing out loud in parts. There’s just something so fun about her writing style! Quinn was a great character, and I got a kick out of her wanting to help her boss Jake when he was accused of murder. And boy did she go to some lengths to help him, but I couldn’t blame her for wanting that diner to get back to normal.

Oh her parents especially her mom were so hilarious! That woman had no fear of any ingredient in the kitchen and experimented with the weirdest concoctions which made her cooking for the diner that much more hysterical. I loved Loma’s character and hope that despite their age difference, she and Quinn continue to be good friends in the series. I definitely hadn’t pegged the killer, great twist and a nail biting but still funny in places (“Did you just–staple me?”–I was almost on the floor picturing that! Read it and you’ll see!). Loma got to prove just what an awesome pal she was, Jake got his diner back, well sort of, and I’m super anxious to read the next book!

I was excited to win this copy of the book from Goodreads, but trust me, I would have bought it had I not won! It’s that good.

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Christmas Card Murder review

November 9, 2020 Tari Hann

I’m always anxious every year to read the set of three short Christmas stories usually led off by a Lucy Stone mystery. It was #26.5 for Lucy Stone series by Leslie Meier, #13.5 for the Hayley Powell series by Lee Hollis and #6.5 for Knit and Nibble series by Peggy Ehrhart.

My Goodreads review:

Christmas Card Murder by Leslie Meier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These compiled short stories are always so much fun in getting a sampling from some fave authors. They always focus on a central theme, this one being of course, Christmas cards. There wasn’t an actual murder in this book, but there was a death. Lucy’s always like a dog with a bone when she’s on a case, and it’s always sweet when Miss Tilley can get involved and help out with her wide knowledge of people, since she’s the town’s oldest resident.

In the Hayley Powell short story, we got to know Sal’s wife a little bit better. I’m pretty sure she’s never been in the story this much. There was definitely a murder, and Hayley, Money and Rosana were each worried their sweeties might be the killer. I was a touch suspicious of someone but still a little surprised at the ending which was a really good showdown.

It was really fun reading about a craft show in the Knit and Nibble short story, since I’m not doing any for the foreseeable future. The next best thing of course, is to read about them. Pamela’s daughter’s favorite high school teacher was killed, and in her sleuthing, Pamela found out secrets that could be worth killing for. I loved how the showdown was set up in this short story.

Some great Christmas season reading, and I always look forward to this compilation usually led by a Lucy Stone mystery.

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

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A Waffle Lot of Murder review

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe series by Lena Gregory, and it quickly became one of my favorite series just like her Bay Island Psychic series. The characters are so awesome, and I just love Gia’s big dog Thor! Since Halloween is my second favorite holiday (Christmas being first), I really extra enjoy any book set around Halloween where I can picture decorations and fun spooky community haunted houses.

My Goodreads review:

A Waffle Lot of Murder by Lena Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved the whole Halloween in Boggy Creek event! What a cool idea to have individual haunted houses for people to tour and businesses to decorate and make spooky! Except the woods had become complete with a real dead person found by none other than Gia and Savannah. Even though she’s an awesome main character, sometimes Gia seriously gets on my nerves with how darn persistent she is, but she’ll turn around and do something incredibly unselfish for her bestie or another friend, and I always get reminded that she’s very driven and passionate about the people she has in her life. All I can say is Hunt is the most patient man in this entire universe! lol

There were so many good distractions and things to throw readers off the track that I wasn’t sure until the reveal who the killer was. I was so set on it being someone else for most of the book. I just love Earl and Cole! They’ve always stepped it up a notch to help Gia whenever they could with Earl being the most faithful customer ever since day one. Cole was the best thing that ever happened to the cafe cooking scene too. It’ll be interesting to see if he adopts a dog and if Gia ever lets Savannah talk her into being a multi-dog mom! I’m already anxious for the next one which I’m hearing comes out in the spring.

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On Borrowed Crime review

October 22, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series by Kate Young called The Jane Doe Book Club, and it looks like it’s off to a really nice start. I enjoyed the book club ladies for the most part. Patsy was a bit of a downer at times, but I guess since she’d just become a mom, she was losing interest in murder mysteries. I liked the excitement of when Lyla was sleuthing and would actually get away with something–usually sleuths are stopped in their tracks. I’m really anxious to read the next book.

My Goodreads review:

On Borrowed Crime by Kate Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the beginning of this new series and the idea of a book club. It was super creepy (but not overly) in some places like the texting perp who killed one of their members had inside intel somewhere in town, but where were they getting it? Uncle Calvin was pretty cool, and I really hope he stays around town long enough in the next book to get to know him and maybe find out a little more about his background with his sister, Lyla’s mom Francis. I just loved Gran, what a hoot! She added the fun touch when Francis was going off on some social tangent or harping at Lyla that she’d make them look bad by being interested in solving crimes.

I was completely surprised by who the perp was, as I’d been leaning toward someone else for most of the last part of the book, but I was glad it wasn’t who I thought it was. I hope that Lyla grows on me just a little more. She seemed level-headed enough most of the time, but sometimes she came off as immature and stubborn just for stubbornness’ sake. I did have some issues with the ARC’s formatting which I hope got fixed in the final copy. And at times, I was rereading dialogue to figure out which character was speaking–I can’t say the formatting was totally responsible for that. I can appreciate the idea of not repeating the same old “he said, she said, I replied” type of thing, but sometimes I just needed more of a clue as to which person was speaking. Again, maybe that was taken care of in the final copy. I’ll definitely be interested in reading the next book.

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

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