A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor review

Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series, Food & Spirits Mysteries by Darci Hannah. If you’ve read either of her other two cozy mystery series, you’ll recognize a few of the team that Bunny MacBride was invited to join on their realty show dealing with food, of course, but the other type of spirits. 😉 I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarciHannah

My Goodreads review:

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford ManorA Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talk about a great book hangover! I wanted it to go on, but the ending was absolutely perfect for it! I love how the author made some of the supporting characters spin-offs from her other books where they were mentioned first. I did really like the Beacon Bakeshop book (Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant) that featured the Ghost Guys and spun off those characters into this story. Bunny was a fun main character and I just love her Granny!

I was totally surprised by whodunit and hadn’t ever suspected that person. What a great showdown which showed Bunny how awesome it was to have a Gran that knew just when she needed her! (I think even non-medium grandmas are a lot like that anyway!) Understatement of the year here, but I 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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Quilty As Charged review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Measure Twice Sewing Mysteries by Maggie Bailey which was somewhat bittersweet since someone very close to Lydia was the murder victim this time. Stuck in an ice storm on a mountain, secrets were eventually revealed, but I was happy that nothing permanently scarred Lydia’s original beliefs about her friend. It was also pretty cool that while one friend was taken from Lydia’s life, a new one appeared (and he sounded super cute lol!).

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #MaggieBailey

My Goodreads review:

Quilty as Charged (A Measure Twice Sewing Mystery #2)Quilty as Charged by Maggie Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a good locked room type murder mystery with an ice storm raging outside. I picked out who I thought was the killer, but that choice became less possible, so I just sleuthed along with Lydia and Auden. I really love that she’s met a nice guy and the good turn her life took in this story.

It’s hard to say much more without spoiling things, so I’ll just say I’m ready for the next book if there’s a third one in the works. I’m eager to see what progress Lydia and Auden might make in their new friendship. It was sad when I read in the description who the person was that got killed first, but there might’ve been things no one knew about this sweet person. Lotsa secrets came out for everyone.

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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In the Event of Murder review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Starlit Bookshop Mysteries by Cynthia Kuhn which seemed like a long time making an appearance since the first book was published in December of 2021, but luckily it did happen. Once the book got moving along, everything came back as far as the characters and why I liked (or in some cases, didn’t like) those people.

In this book the local who stood out to me was Vivi the caterer. She’s such an amazing friend to Emma when she needed different things like a replacement venue. What an awesome lady! Her polar opposite was Tabitha, a a former high school mean girl turned into a mean woman who Emma unfortunately had to work with professionally for the gala. Tune into the book and see how this all comes together! 

If you tap/click on the series link above, you’ll see a third book listed called Save the Date for Murder, but there’s no publication date or cover yet. I’m actually glad to hear a third book’s coming since this book ended on such a happy note, and I just know there’s more to come.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #CynthiaKuhn

My Goodreads review:

 In the Event of Murder (Starlit Bookshop #2)In the Event of Murder by Cynthia Kuhn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’d actually forgotten a lot about this series since it’s been nearly three years since the first book came out, but it didn’t take long at all to remember what I liked about the different characters…or didn’t like as in mean girl Tabitha’s case lol.

I hadn’t guessed whodunit and enjoyed the low key showdown, although there’d been plenty of drama to make up for that throughout the book. I love the relationship Emma and Lucy have with their aunt Nora who lives with them in their childhood home where she raised them. Lucy had an amazing ending and the other two as well.

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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The Jig Is Up review

Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series, Irish Bed & Breakfast Mysteries by Lisa Q. Mathews, a new to me author, but since I really loved this book, I might just explore her other cozy series. I definitely can’t wait till book 2 in this new series comes out!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #LisaQMathews

My Goodreads review:

The Jig Is Up (An Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery)The Jig Is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m crazy about this new series! The key players are all so amazing and as far as kids went, I enjoyed Maeve and little Bliz’s characters a lot—Maeve was like fourteen going on twenty for as mature as she seemed. The Chief aka Kate and Colleen’s dad cracked me up and I could easily picture another Irish dad who happens to be a police commissioner in his TV show. What an awesome family!

That was a very daring thing Kate did when she decided to confront the killer. I enjoyed the side story that involved Colleen and while there was sort of a conclusion, there’s still an issue to be addressed later. I can’t wait till the next book comes along! I sure hope Kate and her girls decide to stay in Shamrock for good, but I’m sure that’ll also be talked about in the next book.

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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Sticks and Scones review

Tari Hann

This is the nineteenth book in the long-running foodie series Bakeshop Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author, Ellie Alexander. I think this could be my favorite book so far in the series and the way it ended (no cliffhanger, I promise, and it was a good ending too), I’m really glad the next one releases in February!

#NetGalley #St.MartinPaperbacks #EllieAlexander

My Goodreads review:

Sticks and Scones (A Bakeshop Mystery, #19)Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was an extra awesome one as readers soon find out toward the end of the book. Meanwhile, one of the actors in Lance’s player company was murdered, and Lance was itching to sleuth with Jules again. Those two always crack me up when they go sleuthing! Lance is such a fun and crazy character, love him to pieces!

The series has lotsa other amazing characters that’ve grown and changed over the course of the series. I really love The Professor’s character and how he’s been such an awesome dad figure for Jules as well as a fair and hard-working police detective. Eye leakage may be experienced toward the end but it’s the happy kind. Can’t wait for the next book which thankfully comes in February!

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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Shock and Paw review

Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Cat Cafe Mysteries by Cate Conte which had quickly become  one of my new favorite series when it started. I love the Christmastime setting in Daybreak Harbor but there was a grinch out there somewhere determined to spoil it for everyone. It released today, so grab it and have a merry little Christmas in the middle of summer.

#NetGalley #StMartinPaperbacks #CateConte

My Goodreads review:

Shock and Paw (Cat Cafe Mystery #8)Shock and Paw by Cate Conte
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another fun book in the series, especially being set at Christmastime. I got such a kick outta Grandpa Leo and how serious he was about the Christmas lights contest, to the point of being injured in the line of duty. But that didn’t stop the former police chief at all, lol. I just love that guy!

The showdown was a crazy one that somehow I just had a feeling Maddie was gonna get involved in. Thanks to a cat, the killer didn’t get far before the police burst in. I love it when cats or other pets help in the showdown—this little guy was pretty amazing. There was a good twist toward the end that explained so much of some earlier issues about a little side mystery going on with the lights.

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


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Booked on Murder review

Tari Hann

This is the eighth and final book in the Haunted Library Mysteries by Allison Brook aka Marilyn Levinson. It quickly became a favorite series because who doesn’t love cute library cats and friendly, helpful library ghosts, right? Evelyn the ghost became as much of a fave to me as the living characters, so while this is the book we all waited for, it’s also the one I kinda dreaded knowing it’d be the final book. But I really loved how the author gave us a nice big dose of our characters and we got to linger as long as possible in this book.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #AllisonBrook #MarilynLevinson

My Goodreads review:

Booked on Murder (The Haunted Library Mysteries, #8)Booked on Murder by Allison Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Knowing this was the last book didn’t really affect me until the end which I was super thankful the author drew out like she did knowing fans would need tons of closure and a way to say goodbye to some amazing favorite characters. I’m getting leaky eyeballs again just writing the review. She did an absolute stellar job of closing out what had become one of my all-time favorite series.

Although I’m sure the characters had their own ideas of how they were gonna spend this last book, so in true Carrie fashion our sleuth found herself taking on something dangerous when it was just hours before her wedding. But her man was right there with her too—Dylan is so perfect for her!

I loved the old house they bought and how special it was too! There was just everything to love and give final hugs to in this book, but do yourself a favor by savoring the first seven books before reading this. There weren’t spoilers but there’s just a vibe you need when you read the last in a series, imho anyway.

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

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A Poisonous Palate review

Tari Hann

This is the fourteenth book in the long-running deliciously-full-of-awesome-food series, the Key West Food Critic Mysteries by Lucy Burdette. This book hasn’t been put on its series page yet, but you can find the rest of the series on that Goodreads link above or the author’s page. I love it when Miss Gloria goes sleuthing with Hayley. I wanna be her when I’m 80-something, lol, well minus the murder sleuthing part.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #LucyBurdette

My Goodreads review:

A Poisonous Palate (Key West Food Critic Mystery #14)A Poisonous Palate by Lucy Burdette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a more complicated case at least it seemed that way but once again Hayley and Miss Gloria made a really good sleuthing team. And Miss G did something so awesome it ended up saving Hayley’s life from a killer in a wild ‘n crazy showdown. I was definitely surprised at who the killer was.

Everything was wrapped up and explained then of course what does a foodie do when she’s finished with an amateur sleuthing case? She celebrates with food and some awesome friends and family too.

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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Trouble Is Brewing review

Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author, Vicki Delany aka Eva Gates of the Lighthouse Library Mysteries. I’ve enjoyed this series as much as her other ones. She’s always known for clever, fun characters and some cute pets like Eclair the Labradoodle and Robbie, Rose’s lap cat. Lily and her grandma really had their work cut out for them this time, what a crazy bunch of guests!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

Trouble Is Brewing (Tea by the Sea Mysteries Book 5)Trouble Is Brewing by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What’s even worse than a bridezilla? A groom’s Momzilla, that’s what and Sophia filled that role like a champ. I didn’t care for her at all but her own mother-in-law Regina who was pretty insufferable as it was stood up to Sophia’s insults and petty comments about her. I agreed with Bernie, I kinda liked the old lady! Such is the life of B&B and tearoom owners Rose and Lily.

I’m pretty sure I’d never have the patience for doing their jobs but they were awfully good at it. And wouldn’t life be boring without a bestie like Bernie? She always cracks me up but somehow she and her total opposite Lily work out great as besties and bring out the best in each other.

I’d actually guessed the killer but not any of the reasons behind it and loved how Rose helped get a somewhat confession from the person. Nice and safe and working with Detective Amy too. I loved that Amy was taking the lead on this case since especially in the first book or two, Det. Williams was just jerk who wanted to solve a case fast and close it out. Maybe he was afraid of Amy, lol. He’s actually acting pretty decent in this book, but it was using Amy’s ideas that closed this case out.

The end brought a fun thing coming up for Rose, Simon and Lily so it’ll be interesting to see if the next book tells all about that. It’s sure got some possibilities but I won’t spoil what’s happening.

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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Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop review

Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series, Halloween Bookshop Mysteries by Emmaline Duncan who cozy mystery readers know from her Ground Rules Mysteries which I’ve read from the beginning and really enjoy as well. This series might take another book or two to totally convince me, but I did like the setting and the 24/7/365 idea of Halloween.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #EmmalineDuncan

My Goodreads review:

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop (Halloween Bookshop Mystery, #1)Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the concept of an all-Halloween town 24/7/365 and did like the key players. But somehow the book just didn’t speak to me like the author’s other series did at the very beginning. The addition of a possible guy for Bailey was cool, but I wished it could’ve been a little sooner in the book. The murder seemed to drag on forever without any action or that something that usually compels me to keep reading. I took a few breaks from the book but not because I didn’t like it, it just wasn’t moving at the usual cozy mystery pace I’m used to.

Since it’s the very first book, I’m definitely willing to give it a chance and read the next book when it comes out. I liked the side mystery of finding out who Bailey’s bio dad was—I was actually right in my guess and from sheer dumb luck I guessed the killer correctly too.

As far as characters went, I really wished we could’ve had more of Bailey’s grandpa around and in the picture. He apparently lives with her but aside from a couple scenes, he just wasn’t in it like half of the couple who’d ended up raising her. I hope he’s in the next book a little more. On the other hand, I didn’t like her brother at all and was just as happy he wasn’t in it much, lol. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the truth comes out about the bookshop, so maybe that’ll be touched on more in the next book too.

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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