Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Murder by the Seashore review

October 17, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the very first book in a brand new series, the California Bookshop Mysteries by new cozy author, Samara Yew who also has a cozy mystery out under the name Holly Yew. I thought it was a really strong first book and enjoyed Scarlett’s character and the other key players a lot. My Goodreads review pretty much says it all. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #SamaraYew

My Goodreads review:

Murder by the Seashore by Samara Yew
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I probably wouldn’t’ve believed it if I didn’t already know this was only the author’s second cozy mystery—she has one out as Holly Yew. This book pulled me in from the very first few pages and didn’t let go until, well I didn’t really wanna have it let go, but at least there was a cool epilogue to move the timeline along a bit.

I really loved Scarlett as a main character. She was strong, mature acting without being overly that way, and she was a loyal friend. Her friend Lucia was such a hoot, I really loved her character too! And I enjoyed how the author wrote certain characters causing reasonable doubt in people’s minds, or definitely making us either like or outright dislike other characters. All the red herrings were super, and wow what a great twist at the end! Kind of a fun rollercoaster ride of surprises and secrets. I’ve read a couple blog posts featuring the author and was really happy to hear she’s working on book two of this series.

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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Overdue or Die review

October 10, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Haunted Library Mysteries by Allison Brook, better known on social media as Marilyn Levinson, the talent behind the pen name. I’ve enjoyed this series since the beginning and trust me, the haunted library isn’t scary at all. Evelyn’s an awesome ghost who’s become a good friend of Carrie. It’d be so sweet if Evelyn could appear at Carrie and Dylan’s wedding coming up sometime soon. That should be one interesting wedding!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #AllisonBrook

My Goodreads review:

Overdue or Die by Allison Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was definitely a case with a ton of different connections and crazy stuff happening all the time. Even Dylan got pulled into it from an artwork detective standpoint. Who was leaving this pile of bodies and serving as the brains behind a sophisticated forgery operation? Well, if anyone could ferret all that information out, we know our pal Carrie’s the sleuth for the job. She even had two different people asking her to find killers…well three since Evelyn counts as part of ghost people.

Only our Carrie could manage to pull off all the above along with getting ready to be married in around six months. That showdown was pretty exciting and more than one person was proud of how Carrie handled everything and ended up not almost getting killed. The ending was so cool when a new friend had an incredible surprise for Carrie and Dylan. I can’t wait for the next book!

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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Murders of a Feather review

October 4, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Dr. Kate Vet Mysteries by Eileen Brady who happens to be a veterinarian herself. I’ve only read the second and this third book but the characters grabbed hold of my heart and wouldn’t let go, so I really enjoy these key players and Kate’s story of how she came to run Oak Hills and how she relies on her team. This team of ladies is unstoppable.

And her Gramps, I just love that guy! I’m such a sucker for a girl and her grandpa. And I’m pretty sure Gramps is gonna heartily approve of Mike, the large animal vet Kate’s been seeing in this book. I can’t wait for the next book now.

#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #EileenBrady

My Goodreads review:

Murders of a Feather by Eileen Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was absolutely awesome and I really love these key characters! Kate has an amazing team of ladies at her vet clinic that’re more than just coworkers. They’re friends outside if work and they sleuth together sometimes as well.

After three deaths that were connected by various ways, Kate was determined to get some answers especially since the temp employee had cleverly done something hoping to point to her killer just like Kate herself did during a super exciting showdown. I think I was most excited to see just when she’d get to use the pepper spray she kept on her at all times as per her promise to Gramps. (I just love her Gramps!). Kate didn’t disappoint and neither did some furry and feathered friends of hers who did a real number on that killer!

I was so happy for Kate meeting that sweet fellow vet named Dr. Mike too. He was sure a keeper and even helped in the showdown, although he paid a price that slowed him a little but not enough to keep from making some post-Valentine’s Day plans with Kate. Her actual Valentine’s Day date was her favorite man in the entire world. 😉

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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Caught on the Book review

October 3, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Antique Bookshop Mysteries by Laura Gail Black, and I’ve enjoyed each one since the series started, but I especially liked this one. There’s everything a good cozy needs in this series like a strong main character, a sweet and patient boyfriend, the world’s best bestie as well as various good friends and business neighbors. And no one can forget sweet little Eddy the furry pup Jenna inherited from her Uncle Paul along with the store. Who knew she’d ever be such a good doggie mom? I’m always hopeful for more books in a series, but if this one were to end here, I really think the author did a great job of giving the characters an amazing place to be in their lives.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #LauraGailBlack

My Goodreads review:

Caught on the Book by Laura Gail Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my favorite of the series so far! Despite the murder that happened and trying to help a former nemesis, Jenna had a lot of great stuff going on in her life especially where Keith was concerned. There were some good red herrings in the case as well as some threats, but Jenna’s never been known to back down from a case, so she wasn’t gonna start lol. I do think she stumbled a little blindly into the showdown though, but she lived to solve another murder at least.

The ending was so sweet in not just one way. Jenna made peace with the former nemesis and came up with a plan that was pretty darn brilliant. I hope there’ll be more in the series, but if there’s not, I’m pretty happy with this ending!

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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New Leash on Life review

October 1, 2023October 1, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the sixth (and I believe final) book in the Gone to the Dogs mystery series and the author this time’s Kathleen Y’Barbo. The series was written alternately by both her and Janice Thompson, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of meeting all the key players of the Lone Star Vet Clinic and their main friends through these books. Every book was written through the first person eyes of someone different, this book being Nora Hernandez’s turn to shine. I’d actually not remembered a whole lot about her but the more I read in this, I realized she was somewhat in book 4 written by this same author. It was a fun way to see various people coupled and married too, which was the sweet part of it. I really loved all the dogs featured too!

#NetGalley #BarbourPublishing #KathleenYBarbo

My Goodreads review:

New Leash on Life by Kathleen Y’Barbo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this books so much and I think it’s my favorite of the series. Pal the dog was just the best addition and I loved reading the mention of the real life dog he was based on listed on the acknowledgment page. I was only a little familiar with Nora’s character and I’m pretty sure Lane wasn’t in it much before if at all, but these two characters were just so awesome and special. The end of this book was the absolute best! Look at me gushing over a book that’s not a murder mystery, lol.

This is the only series I’ve ever read that’s come even close to interesting me that consistently doesn’t have a murder as the case. Maybe it’s because of all the little side mysteries and secrets that’ve been parts of each book. But just like with all cozy mysteries, the good guys win and there’s a happily ever after…or more. I’m pretty sure this was scheduled to be the last book, but I’d happily read more in this series.

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

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Christmas Mittens Murder review

September 27, 2023 Tari Hann

‘Tis the season for Kensington Cozies’ annual murder-filled Christmas mysteries threesome, and this time two new series joined the usual mix. It’s led off by Hayley Powell and Death of a Christmas Knitter (#16.5) by Lee Hollis. Following is a first timer to the threesome, Lynn Cahoon with her story of Two Christmas Mittens from the Kitchen Witch series, #4.5. And finishing out the trio is a regular contributor to this set or the spring anthology, Maddie Day with Murderous Mittens, which is what I’m calling book #0.5 in her new Cece Barton series coming October 24. It introduced Cece and her twin sister, so now I’m really curious to jump on into the ARC I have for the first book but knowing me and trying to get everything done on time, I’ll make it wait its turn lol.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LeeHollis #LynnCahooon #MaddieDay

My Goodreads review:

Christmas Mittens Murder by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a good little collection of murderous mitten Christmas mysteries by some fave cozy mystery authors. The last was brand new and I’ll be reading the ARC of its first in series very soon. I liked Cam’s character a lot and thought she’d make a good sleuthing bestie for Cece if they didn’t live coasts apart.

The first mystery was my longtime fave Hayley Powell and I was pretty excited there were actually three Sergioisms even though it was a short story. Good old Sergio, I just love his character! And Mona’s especially a hoot at Christmas being her Scrooge-y self lol.

I love the Kitchen Witch series too and thought it was cool how Mia worked together with her Grans and Trent’s mom to rid her bestie and employee of a curse caused by what else…a mitten.

Festive small towns, family, friends and awesome food were also part of these stories and happen to be my favorite part of Christmas celebrations 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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Killer Hooks review

September 26, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in the long-running Crochet Mysteries by Betty Hechtman. It looks like the series found a new home at Beyond the Page, and I gotta say I love the new cover look! That little dog’s just precious! It’s not like I didn’t like the more cartoony dog of previous covers which was funny and had great eye expressions, but there’s just something so cute about this one. Maybe it’s ’cause this dog reminds me of Wishbone from the old kids’ PBS series from the 90s.

Either way it was great catching up with Molly and all her friends. She cracks me up how she’s always got a houseful of people and cute pets, and that was even before her little granddaughter came to live there. Oh and Molly even added another cat, adopted from a murder victim. Don’t miss this newest release since it came out today. Another thing about the new publishing company, the price might make it easier for more readers to grab the book. (It’s 4.99).

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #BettyHechtman

My Goodreads review:

Killer Hooks by Betty Hechtman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It seemed like forever since I’d read in this series last, but apparently it was only about a year ago. It was great catching up with Molly and her friends. Adele had taken me a long while to get used to, but she’s actually pretty funny sometimes, and now who knew Molly’d ever agree to working together with her on something?

Taking her granddaughter to a high-profile Hollywood mommy group sure added unneeded drama to Molly’s life and nearly got her killed in the showdown, but luck happened to be on her side for both a case she was on for her son Peter and the current murder cases. I hated that nothing had come of Molly and Mason’s relationship previously, but maybe they can remain friends and even colleagues. And Molly seems to keep herself so busy I doubt she’d ever have time for another romantic interest, lol. It’ll be interesting to see what the next book brings!

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

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Hanging by a Thread review

September 25, 2023September 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Sewing Studio Mysteries by Dorothy Howell, and I’ve enjoyed both books so far and I’m hoping for a third. I guess it’s pretty relatable since I sew although I don’t sew for humans, just 18″ dolls that don’t move, change or complain, lol. By the end of the book, things were looking up for main character, Abbey, so I’m eager for her next adventure.

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My Goodreads review:

Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d forgotten a few things about the first book but it all came back as the characters interacted and the story unfolded. I had quite a few pieces of the puzzle figured out but not quite everything, although I like to believe I was right about the basic why of the murder. Once again, the sewing studio was a crucial place when the showdown started. I was going “Go Abbey!” You just never know what might come in handy in your sewing room if you encounter a killer.

The side mystery that Abbey was investigating for Imogen at the toy store had an unexpected and sweet outcome, and Abbey herself got something unexpected. Now I can’t wait to read more and see how all this works out.

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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Case of the Bleus-review

September 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss, and I’ve enjoyed this series from its beginning. I hope there’ll be more books since this book left a few things hanging that I’d hope to see eventually cleared up. But no worries, all murder-y things are explained and figured out. I enjoyed figuring out some riddles and little things along the way as well as eventually whodunit. That Baz always cracks me up! He’s so hilarious sometimes but boy did his usual hilarity come in handy at the showdown! He’s such an awesome bestie for Willa, but I’m sure they’d each like to find their happily ever after in someone else.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPaperbacks #Korina Moss

My Goodreads review:

Case of the Bleus by Korina Moss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a long and winding path to finally figure out the secret, but it was great! Max was a true prankster right up to the end. What a stinker—sounds like someone I’d probably like lol! I’d figured out little things along the way a little before Willa did along with whodunit, although I didn’t have those details right at all.

I liked the side story about Archie and Hope—he’s such an awesome boyfriend and it sure didn’t seem like she appreciated him. And I wish it’d ended on a better note for Willa and Heath, but maybe he’ll come around as long as more books are on the way. I loved what Baz did at the showdown! I just love his character who’s been one of my favorite characters since the first book. He just cracks me up all the time, sorta reminds of Deeks from NCIS: LA. I hope there’ll be more books coming!

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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Having a Fudgy Christmas Time review

September 21, 2023September 21, 2023 Tari Hann

Since this is technically a novella, I’m calling it #11.5 of the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy CoCo, another fave cozy mystery author, and this book comes out next Tuesday, September 26, 2023. I loved how it’s from Carol Tunisian’s viewpoint which kinda seemed to be the fun switch the author’s always taken in her Christmas-themed books.

Anyone who’s read from the beginning, knows Carol as Mrs. Tunisian who always saw Allie with Mal and usually about the time when Mal sniffed out a body. Carol’s definitely come a long way from those times and much to Rex’s dismay, Allie’s taught Carol and the seniors on the island (aka Carol’s “book club” and yep, you say it with quotes ’cause that’s basically what it is lol) all she knows about amateur sleuthing, so let the sleuthing begin by picking up this novella when it comes out.

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My Goodreads review:

Having a Fudgy Christmas Time by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve really enjoyed how Carol’s character evolved over the last couple books and how really involved she was with the previous mystery, so I loved reading this novella from her viewpoint. The seniors made a great sleuthing team after one of their own was murdered at the senior center not that long before the Christmas Ball was supposed to happen.

Allie made a great mentor for Carol as Carol consulted with her a couple times. Carol really used her head when her own house was broken into, and I was glad to read the satisfying explanation that eventually came. It was a relief to know certain parties weren’t involved. And who knew Carol and her hubby were such an adorable couple? 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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