Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Trotting into Trouble review

November 19, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Horse Rescue Mysteries by Amber Camp, who’s an RN herself and definitely knows the subject she’s writing about which is horses and other animals as well as being a nurse to humans. I’ve really enjoyed these two books in the series and hope there’ll be more. A word of advice: unless you don’t plan to read book 1, you’ll be fine jumping in with this book. But if you planned on reading book 1, please read it first or you’ll find spoilers within this book.

Can’t wait for another book in the series because now I’m feeling like these characters are old friends as are the critters like Biscuit the donkey. I just love Tanner, the farm hand who’s like a son to Mallory. Mallory’s dad’s pretty special too and I wish he’d just agree to move in at the rescue.

#NetGalley #CrookedLaneBooks #AmberCamp

My Goodreads review:

Trotting into Trouble by Amber Camp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this installment and the characters started to feel like old friends. I just love Mal’s dad and it’d be awesome if he ever agreed to stay there with her.

I do think I should point out that if anyone hasn’t read the first book, and you want all the details, read it first if you don’t want spoilers because this book does name the killer from the first book quite a few times. This could work as a standalone if you had no intention of reading the first book though. Just a friendly tip there.

I sure hadn’t suspected whodunit until it became obvious, and wow what an exciting showdown running from a crazed killer! But Mal came out not unscathed but as Grady pointed out, she was at least alive. I really hope there’ll be more books in the series since the ending to this book was so sweet!

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 Checks Out review

November 16, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert, and I’ve followed it from the very beginning. I saw on the author’s website that there’ll be one more book coming in Spring 2025. I’d love to see the series get renewed for more books, but I can’t remember if 9 truly is supposed to be the last book.

As far as anyone who might not be caught up or read any of this series, reading from book one’s the best way to go since you’ll get to follow Amy and Richard’s relationship as it progressed. If you’ve read all the books up to here, no you didn’t miss any. It’s written this way on purpose, and with that I’ll let you explore the book on your own now! But it’s no big secret it does start five years after book 7 left off. I personally loved that about it.

#NetGalley #CrookedLaneBooks #VictoriaGilbert

My Goodreads review:

Murder Checks Out by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh wow this was another exciting adventure for Amy and her family/friends. I thought it was such a cool idea to time-jump five years ahead to when Amy’s kids were in kindergarten basically skipping the years where you wouldn’t have much of a story anyway when the twins were babies and smaller. Now they were little kids and sometimes more like five going on fifteen as they followed in Richard’s dancing footsteps by being part of the modern dance Nutcracker he and Karla were presenting.

Every Grinch there ever was has had a change of heart, and it was no different for Amy’s mother-in-law, Fiona. She actually turned out to be a really nice person and since I don’t wanna spill the reason why she’s so nice now, you’ll just have to read that part for yourself! She truly loved the little kids though which was pretty awesome in itself. I’d never have thought of Fiona from the earlier books wanting anything to do with grandkids until they were over the messy stage.

That was some showdown! And since Amy and Fiona had sleuthed together, they were in on this showdown together too. And they handled it like troopers until reinforcements came. Christmas at the Muir house was noisy, fun and amazing! I saw on the author’s website that the next Books’s scheduled for spring 2025 and was happy to remember this series still gets book 9. I’d sure miss that wolfish rascal Kurt! 😉

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

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Spoon to Be Dead review

November 5, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third and final installment in the very enjoyable Shake Shop series by Dana Mentink. I was a little sad it was coming to an end, but you can definitely tell by the ending that it’s wrapping up, so it shouldn’t be a shocker. And the author’s little message afterward was super sweet. I thought she did an amazing job of giving everyone a good ending, including Noodles the Lab and Scooter the parrot Trinidad adopted.

#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #DanaMentink

My Goodreads review:

Spoon to be Dead by Dana Mentink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was definitely the adventure to end all since it did officially end this series of three books. There’s a really nice note from the author at the end of the book. Even if it wasn’t the last, I believe it’d still be my favorite. Secrets came out, but new friends were made as were apologies and new chances were given to those who might be needing them.

The showdown was really something and if you love dogs and how they can be heroes, you’ll have happy leaky eyeballs for a little bit while reading about sweet Noodles and his heroic act—and the cuddles he got afterward too. I really enjoyed this series a lot and while it’s bittersweet for it to end, it ended in the best possible way with some characters making amends where they were needed as well as some characters enjoying their happily ever after.

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

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Syrup to No Good review

November 1, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries by a fave cozy author of mine, Catherine Bruns. I’ve always enjoyed any series I’ve read by her and this one is definitely no exception. I loved the key characters from the get-go in book 1 and the development of Leila and Noah’s relationship’s coming along nicely. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!

#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #CatherineBruns

My Goodreads review:

Syrup to No Good by Catherine Bruns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was so awesome! A early hidden clue led me to the killer and I ended up being right, but I enjoyed everything about this story especially how much closer Noah and Leila got after she’d been faced with her romantic past. I loved that she held onto the fact that Noah’s a great guy.

After another attempt on her life, it sure didn’t seem like Leila was gonna get out from the showdown alive, but never underestimate a loving mom! Leila had gotten involved sleuthing because of her bestie’s wedding plans being threatened to be cancelled, but everything worked out great in the end, which was super sweet!

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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A Parfait Crime review

October 30, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the long-running Five-Ingredient Mysteries by Maya Corrigan, and while I’m not really caught up yet in the series, I’ve loved each of the books in it I’ve read. Val’s Granddad just cracks me up with his recipes and his love for sleuthing. It was pretty cool how parts of this book were like parts of the Readers’ Theater play that Granddad and his friends were performing, “The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie. Lots of secrets in this town!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #MayaCorrigan

My Goodreads review:

A Parfait Crime by Maya Corrigan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome mystery in this series that’s also packed with some great-sounding food. I’m so proud of how far Granddad’s come with his cooking and his column. The name Codger Cook always cracks me up! I love his character and his crazy way of sleuthing, but hey sometimes he might be right. I guess Val figured there’s a fifty-fifty chance one of the two of them might be right about whodunit.

The showdown was really cool especially when more about it was revealed. Never underestimate the power of these seniors! They knew exactly what they needed to do to solve this case, and they did. I thought the ending was super sweet and now I’m eager to see what happens next in the series!

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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Snow Place for Murder review

October 24, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Mountain Lodge Mysteries by Diane Kelly, one of my fave cozy authors who writes a few other cozy series as well. I’ve currently enjoyed her House-Flipper and Southern Homebrew mystery series having read all three of these series from their first books. I love the characters in this book and how well Misty’s team at the lodge works together. Yeti the diva Persian cat even gets her own short chapters once in a while.

#NetGalley #St.MartinsPaperbacks @MinotaurPress #DianeKelly

My Goodreads review:

Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an awesome trip to Mountain Lodge just in time for Thanksgiving, but the story lasted through Christmas and New Year’s as well. Just when you think the mystery’s never gonna be solved, Misty does it again! It’s no wonder Deputy Highcloud values her input so much—I really like that deputy! She never downplays whatever information Misty relays to her.

It was fun to have Misty’s sons JJ and Mitch there working since Brynn was on vacation. They had a pal to hang out with on the slopes since Rocky’s youngest daughter came after her finals too. I sure wouldn’t’ve guessed whodunit, but Misty probably never thought something in her mail would help her solve the case. At a fairly remorseful showdown, everything was revealed about the murder and wrapped up nicely. And that left Rocky, Misty and their families free to enjoy the next two holidays.

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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The Fatal Folio

October 24, 2023October 24, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in The Cambridge Bookshop series by Elizabeth Penney, a series I’ve enjoyed since the first book. The books could be enjoyed as standalones, but for more enjoyment I recommend reading from the first book to get to know Molly, her aunt, mom and of course her sweetie, Kieran, along with Daisy and Tim too! Some really good, solid characters that I liked from the get-go. My intro to this author was her Apron Shop Mysteries which I really enjoyed too, so I hope this series continues.

#NetGalley #St.Martin’sPaperbacks @MinotaurPress #ElizabethPenney

My Goodreads review:

The Fatal Folio by Elizabeth Penney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great getting back to Cambridge, England to sleuth out some more bookish mysteries and murder with Molly and her friends. I enjoyed how Molly and Kieran sleuthed together (along with his cousin this time) and sometimes Molly had Daisy with her especially when Daisy didn’t want Molly doing something alone. At one point, I started suspecting someone but was never completely sure due to some great red herrings.

I just love Sir Jon’s character and was glad to see him back in action, this time on assignment from Scotland Yard. He wasn’t in the book a whole lot, but he did get to stop in and see Aunt Violet. I like where Molly and Kieran are in their relationship. They’re a great couple and so are Daisy and Tim. Who wouldn’t love a set of friends like that to hang out with?

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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Stalking Around the Christmas Tree review

October 18, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the long-awaited fourth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by Jacqueline Frost aka well-known cozy author Julie Anne Lindsey. I’m so glad the publisher decided to go with this book and sure hope there’ll be more coming. The main thing fans have waited for since the first book at least happened, but I’d love to see a couple more happily ever afters (like Libby and Ray and Caroline and her new guy.) This series has always been one of the most fun to read!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #JulieAnneLindsey #JacquelineFrost

My Goodreads review:

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was just so darn good! I’d missed this series so much and was hoping somehow there’d be a fourth book eventually (it’s been 2 years since the last one, but in Mistletoe, Maine, it’s only been a year), and there was! I was over the moon to find out this book was a reality and it definitely didn’t disappoint! Not. one. bit.

Evan and Holly were schedule for their happily ever after on Christmas Eve night, but when a lead ballet dancer was murdered, the couple knew neither would sleep right until the perp was caught. Then there was a good side mystery involving Evan’s younger sister, Libby who’d been living in Mistletoe now and working at the farm’s Hearth café. It appeared she had a stalker of some sort.

The author did a really good job of updating what’d happened since the last book and even hitting the highlights of the first two mysteries too. It’d add to reading enjoyment though if these books were read in order even though nothing’s ever spoiled that I remember.

What an awesome showdown with the killer and dangerous for poor Holly, but her people were right there for her. And Libby’s case got a super satisfying ending as well…wait’ll you see who all helped with that showdown! And the wedding…what can I say? It was awesome!

I really hope more books are planned for this series. I do remember reading the author’s newsletter when she got this one contracted but beyond that, I guess we can only hope! Evan and Holly are a great team and I’d sure love to see things shake out just as well for Libby and Ray…and now that Caroline found a nice guy too. Oh hey another thing I loved about this series–the main character actually got married before her bestie!

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 Wick of Time review

October 17, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Magic Candle Shop Mysteries by Valona Jones who mystery fans also know as Maggie Toussaint. I’ve enjoyed both books in this series and was intrigued by the idea of Tabby and Sage being energetics as opposed to actual witches. The cool things they can do are similar sometimes though and super useful! A shady character was introduced in this series and while I hope we’ve seen the last of him, something tells me we haven’t since that little side mystery wasn’t really cleared up yet. I’ll definitely be waiting on the next book with that in mind.

#NetGally #CrookedLane #ValonaJones #MaggieToussaint

My Goodreads review:

In the Wick of Time by Valona Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed visiting Savannah, GA again and hanging out with the Winslow sisters. They were different in lots of ways but the girls loved each other fiercely and always and each other’s backs, no matter what or who they were with as far as their boyfriends.

When first Sage then Auntie O’s boyfriend Frankie was accused of murder, Tabby wouldn’t give up until she found the real culprit. And was this person just as powerful and Tabby and her sister? Had that person been the one who spelled Sage’s boyfriend too? I couldn’t read fast enough once everything started coming together and can’t wait for the new book since a side mystery was left hanging for now.

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

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Nutcracker Nightmare review

October 17, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Killer Chocolate Mysteries by Christina Romeril, and I’ve really enjoyed both the first book and this one. It’d probably be helpful to read the first book before reading this or at least I think it makes for the most enjoyment to already know the characters and townspeople by the time the second book rolls around. It was so easy to fall right back in love with this Christmas movie of a town, but cute as it looked there were tons of secrets to be had. Someone was willing to kill to keep their secrets–and what’s up with the mysterious blogger who seemed to know everyone’s business? Were they gonna get caught as well? You’ll need to read to find out!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #ChristinaRomeril

My Goodreads review:

Nutcracker Nightmare by Christina Romeril
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

During a reunion event and dinner, a bunch of high school drama was still still affecting people who were definitely old enough not to act that way or care about old grudges etc. When one murder followed fairly soon by another rocked the peacefulness of the village’s Christmas season, Alex wasn’t about to listen to the sheriff and stay out.

Despite a couple scary things happening to her as well as wondering who the mysterious gossip blogger was who eerily knew things before the police informed people, and wondering what was up with Tom, Alex managed to crack the case and lived to sleuth another day thanks to a clever gift from a friend. I’m happy with how things ended between the twins and their guys and can’t wait to see what happens in next year’s 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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