Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

A Midnight Puzzle review

March 15, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Secret Staircase Mysteries by Gigi Pandian. I’ve enjoyed this series since its beginning and hope it continues! It’s always so fun to imagine the staircase creations Tempest and her dad’s company come up with. Although I’d much rather explore said staircase creations in broad daylight!

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My Goodreads review:

A Midnight Puzzle by Gigi Pandian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There was so much that happened in this book and lots of action that kept me turning the Kindle pages and reading like crazy. What a wild series of twists at the end! That showdown was frenzied and while it had a sad ending to it, the mystery still ended well with a satisfying catching of the perp.

At the very end, is Tempest being asked to solve yet another mystery? I guess we’ll find out in the next book! She’s definitely good at it and it was great to see Blackburn in the picture as a PI now. Don’t miss this book’s release on March 19.

I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book and my opinions are my own.

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Mrs. Morris and the Mermaid review

February 25, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Salem B&B Mysteries by Traci Wilton, the writing team of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. I’ve read it from the beginning and fell in love with Charlene’s B&B ghost, the awesome Dr. Jack Strathmore. In the last few books, he’s been a real help to Charlene during cases since he’s learned the internet really well and became an ace at research. I like that he’s not this sad ghost sitting around playing computer games all day, lol. His character’s really grown a lot since Charlene discovered him too. Can’t wait to see what the next book brings!

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My Goodreads review:

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

This was so emotional in some parts and really bittersweet, but I absolutely enjoyed this installment of the series. I’d never guessed whodunit at all, what a surprise and and real nail biter of a showdown as well as some ingenuity on Charlene’s part. I was so happy about a decision that’d really been weighing on Sam and Charlene as well, but now they’re still in a good place and someone else might just benefit from having done a good job too.

It was sweet that Avery was able to come home for a few days, I’m sure she’s really missing her work there but that girl was so interested in justice that she’ll make a great cop or whatever she decides in that field someday. A fun ending to a crazy case was had with food, fellowship and some real barbecue fun.

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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Ill-Fated Fortune review

February 24, 2024February 24, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series, Magical Fortune Cookie Mysteries by new-to-me author Jennifer J. Chow. From what I’ve read, I really enjoyed the key characters a lot, and I’m ready for more adventures. Kelvin should get a best friend award or something, he’s just an amazing friend to Felicity.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPaperbacks #JenniferJChow

My Goodreads review:

Ill-Fated Fortune: A Magical Fortune Cookie Novel by Jennifer J. Chow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed meeting Felicity, her mom and Kelvin and loved the close relationship she had with her mom. Their type of magic added happiness to their baked goods was pretty cool and even though Kelvin wasn’t magical, he was in on the secret. He was such an awesome friend to Felicity and a great sleuthing buddy.

Eventually I started suspecting someone in the murder and was right about it. That was a really unique method for offing the guy though. The showdown was exciting and Felicity was definitely holding her own and using her brains to get out in one piece. Everything turned out pretty nicely for Felicity and her mom’s bakery. I’m eager to see what adventure they get into next.

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

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Crime and Cherry Pits review

February 23, 2024February 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth in the Farm to Table Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower, and main character Shiloh had yet another murder on her hands and tried to prove her disagreeable cousin innocent. Family’s everything to Shiloh and I can admire her for that.

I’ve never seen such a faithful relative as Shiloh, yet her cousin and dad never seem to appreciate her that much, kinda a different twist on a dad and cousin character. Usually I love most main characters’ dads (and cousins are usually cool), but this guy’s been a curmudgeon and not real lovable. Stacey’s been mean to Shiloh since she came back. Sully Bellamy makes no secret that he favors his niece over his daughter. But Shiloh’s friendship with Quinn’s daughter Hazel makes up for all that conflict. Hazel’s an awesome kid and at twelve, and she’s got probably more smarts than many adults! She could seriously be spun off in her own mystery series and I’d definitely read it!

#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

Crime and Cherry Pits by Amanda Flower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was another fun adventure with Shiloh, her quirky family and her good friends but this time most of the action happened in Traverse City for the Cherry Festival where Shiloh had a vendor booth.

Lots happened in Shiloh and others’ lives as this mystery got investigated and somehow I got the feeling this might be the last book in the series. It was a good way to give closure to all. I’ve enjoyed reading this series a lot and can only imagine what Shiloh’s life’s gonna bring her in the future.

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

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Gone with the Witch review

February 22, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve really enjoyed this series so much and hope there’ll be more coming! This book focused on Mrs. Garlington who now wanted everyone to call her Helen. During the earlier books, she was pretty much in the background playing the organ in the library or giving lessons, but she got a much larger part in this adventure. And I loved who Josie’s sleuth buddy was this time–only a witch could make something like that happen!

If you haven’t yet read this series, I’d recommend starting at the beginning for full enjoyment as events happen, relationships grow and Josie discovers her witchy powers which eventually grow too.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

Gone with the Witch by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was so darn good! Lots of secrets were revealed and someone from the past made an appearance, or was it really that person? Was the death really a murder? Josie got the coolest sleuthing buddy ever and the two managed to untangle a really twisted-up mystery and long-buried secrets.

Meanwhile, a mysterious bookseller came to town who seemed to have Lalena extremely interested in getting to know him better. And Josie’s sleuthing partner said there was still something out there she needed to be careful about, so now I’m super eager to read the next book and see what’s up with that. I’ve already got some suspicions.

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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Five Furry Familiar review

February 21, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries by a fave cozy mystery author, Lynn Cahoon. I’ve enjoyed Mia Malone’s adventures since the prequel that started this series. I’d definitely recommend reading this series in order not due to spoilers but just to get the complete enjoyment from seeing Mia and Trent’s relationship grow as well as her interactions with other people in her life and how they started.

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My Goodreads review:

Five Furry Familiars by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another awesome adventure with Mia and her crew that’d really test Christina and Levi’s relationship as well as bring a new little life into the world. The houseful of cats along with a puppy someone gave Trent was pretty funny. Poor Mr. Darcy was probably not sure what to think about the invasion lol.

I knew who I wanted to be guilty but eventually I started putting some clues together and figured out one aspect of it. I liked the nice, offscreen arrest so at least there wasn’t a tense showdown although at a couple places I couldn’t read quick enough to make sure someone wasn’t in danger. Can’t wait for the next book!

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

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Revved Up 4 Murder review

February 20, 2024February 20, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth book in the Sophie Kimball Mysteries by husband and wife team J.C. Eaton aka Ann Goldfarb and Jim Clapp. Their characters are always super entertaining no matter which of their series you read, but I guess I’m biased and love this series best because of little Streetman. Isn’t he adorable in his mechanic’s cap on the cover? The cover art for this series is just the best! Streetman might be a stinker and a thorn in Phee’s side, but sometimes he’s really useful! It’s fun how Nate and Marshall’s cases usually have some connection to the murder at hand in which Phee’s trying to wrangle her mother and the book club ladies…and those pinochle guys. They’re all a hoot!

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My Goodreads review:

Revved Up 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when it seems this series can’t get any funnier, Streetman has some stellar aka hilarious, crazy incidents that only that silly little chiweenie could get into. I laughed the hardest at the fishing boat incident, but he was also pretty helpful in digging up clues and running away with other clues.

I was never sure who ultimately was at fault until the showdown and explanation. Rolo was in this one a lot and upped his usual kitchen gadgetry payment to something more than usual lol. In all fairness, he did help tremendously. I’m pretty sure Phee, Marshall and Nate’s rewards are gonna be getting some actual decent sleep now!

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 Suspicious Breed review

February 19, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Low Country Dog Walker Mysteries by Jackie Layton, and I’ve absolutely loved each book in this series. Books could work as standalones, but it’s more fun to start at the beginning and watch the various relationships and families grow. Hoping there’ll be more to come!

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #JackieLayton

My Goodreads review:

A Suspicious Breed by Jackie Layton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve absolutely loved this entire series and hope there’ll be more adventures for Andi, Marc and all their friends and extended family. Ike was such an awesome addition back when he was added, and he got to do a little sleuthing this time. Some new family members and friends joined the flock this time and it was super su-weet, as Marc would say.

Andi had her plate full before she and her bestie had their double wedding to the loves of their lives. I was especially eager to see the rotten perp or perps brought to justice after the murder and a scheme cheating money from donors that helped dogs in need. Some awesome sleuthing followed by a quick but tense showdown, then life was back to the two weddings.

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 Smoking Bun review

February 17, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighteenth book in the long-running Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander who’s no stranger to the Ashland area which is why it’s described so well and vividly in her books. Jules and her friends/family are gonna steal your heart no matter where you start in the series. I always recommend the beginning, but I’ve broken that little guideline by not being able to resist these when they come up on NetGalley, so yeah, I’ve got a little catching up to do but it’s all good!

#NetGalley #StMartinsPaperbacks #EllieAlexander

My Goodreads review:

A Smoking Bun by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wild case and I always love it when Jules and Lance go sleuthing together. If anything, he’s probably the best dressed sleuth around, lol. He’s not all show and stage though since sometimes he did have some valuable intel to share or ideas to sleuth out.

I wasn’t ever really sure until the actual reveal of whodunit and there were some great scenes working up to that. I loved the final scene with everyone who loved the ski lodge gathered together for food and fellowship. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next in Ashland!

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

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A Catered Quilting Bee review

February 16, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighteenth book in the long-running Mysteries with Recipes series by Isis Crawford , a pen name used by Barbara Block. The sisters Bernie and Libby Simmons never fail to make me laugh whenever I read one of these books. And their retired police chief dad, Sean keeps those two in line with his dad/police advice. His friend Clyde is gonna really be ready to retire once his time comes, especially with what the sisters are always asking him to do or ignore in most cases, lol.

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My Goodreads review:

A Catered Quilting Bee by Isis Crawford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really wild mystery with several layers going for it and a decent amount of suspects. Our fave catering duo attacked this case with their usual flair and comedic lines throughout. Sean’s detective friend Clyde must have the patience of a saint for the stuff he always let the girls slip by, lol. All in good fictional fun though!

That was some showdown and impressive escape by the sisters who added a little information to Clyde’s explanation of everything at the end. And what case is complete without a toast, right? Till next time, Simmons sisters!

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

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