Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Murder at a Cape Bookstore review

August 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries by Maddie Day, author of the Country Store Mysteries as well under this writing name and also known as Edith Maxwell. I’ve read this series from the beginning and liked how it has a different job for a main character and a really different pet in Belle the African gray parrot. I’m not a fan of birds in real life, but fiction ones especially ones with Belle’s crazy and fun personality I can handle just fine. I love the Cape Cod setting and hope to go there someday.

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Murder at a Cape Bookstore by Maddie Day
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mac’s sure come a very long way from how she was in the first book. It looks like she’s learned not to obsess too much when she can’t have complete order or at least to accept help from people. Good old Belle the parrot’s still spouting off phrases she learns from conversations and continued to entertain the book club when they met at Mac’s house. I just love Grandma Reba, she’s such an awesome character and we got to meet a friend of hers who learned that anyone truly can get a bike from Mac’s Bikes and be comfortable riding it. That was a cool little side story.

Norland was the secondary character who was in the spotlight this time since he did some research on an old case he thought might have something to do with the current murder of their Chamber of Commerce director—an he’d been minding the shop when the director was killed in the bookstore. The guy had tons of secrets as did lots of other people but there’s usually only one killer, and Mac wasn’t stopping until she found her perp…or as it turned out, they found her. But Mac’s pretty darn kick butt when she needs to be and got the situation under control. I think she had some extra motivation knowing this perp was also after her pal Norland.

Food, friends and fellowship followed once everyone was okay again giving the kind of ending that’s just so fun with everyone hanging out and wrapping up the case. In light of Mac’s future plans and what she noticed about frenemy police officer Victoria, the next book should be pretty interesting!

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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Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman review

August 24, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Salem B&B Mystery series by Traci Wilton, a pen name for authors Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. I’ve been reading it from the beginning and loved it ever since. Jack’s one of the absolute best ghost characters and one of my cozy faves. He’s sure learned a lot in seven books since he’s super proficient at online research. You can just tell the poor guy wishes he could still practice as a doctor and help people, just from how he was so interested in a couple of the characters’ conditions. Now if Avery could just see or hear him, to me that’d be perfect. She’s no stranger to ghosts since her boyfriend Seth’s mom says they have a little girl ghost at their house, so I know the personal side of Avery would be open. Although the future police officer side maybe not so much.

Can’t wait for the next in series that comes out in February, Mrs. Morris and the Mermaid. Amazon’s got it listed as book 3, but someone needs to correct that to book 8. It’s actually correctly listed on Goodreads though and you can see details for it by going to the series link above.

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My Goodreads review:

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

This definitely would make a great Halloween read even though it takes place in June. It was cool how a couple of the guest characters’ lives seemed to take on characteristics of the wolfman kinda mirroring the movie that’d been shown at the newly reopened theater.

Avery’s come such a long way in the short two years she’s been working for Charlene and I know going to college is gonna be hard for both of them. Luckily she’s going in state. Avery’s boyfriend was too cute and they made an adorable couple. I really like Seth’s mom, Dani, and I feel she and Charlene are gonna be close friends.

There was a great twist toward the end that I never saw coming! What a showdown full of excitement and some sadness too. I can’t wait to see how things are going for our fave characters when the book 8 comes out in February. (It’s mistakenly listed as book 3 on Amazon.)

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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Halloween Cupcake Murder review

August 23, 2023 Tari Hann

In this year’s annual Halloween mystery anthology, Kensington’s put together some more of their authors, and they just happened to be ones I’ve not read lately, so it was extra fun for me to catch up in these series. Being a series order nerd, I just had to number each story, so here goes:

Halloween Cupcake Murder-Carlene O’Connor, #2.5 Home to Ireland Mysteries-even though Goodreads is showing this as Irish Village #9.5, I beg to differ because it’s from her newer series, Home to Ireland. Tara Meehan’s the main character here and her boyfriend’s Danny. Tara moved there from New York City, so I’d be calling this one #2.5 in Home to Ireland Mysteries. But oddly enough, in the listing for the upcoming March anthology, this author’s book’s being called #2.5 there. Looks like I’ll need to grab a librarian friend at Goodreads to fix this.

Mrs. Claus and the Candy Corn Caper-Liz Ireland, #3.5 Mrs. Claus Mysteries-this was a super fun Halloween visit to Christmastown. See how the Christmas folks celebrate Halloween, something they didn’t know about until April came there. Cute and funny at times!

A Triple Layer Halloween Murder-Carol J. Perry, #12.5 Witch City Mysteries-this one kept me reading as a missing guy turned into a murdered guy. When the clues started coming together, I couldn’t read fast enough as Lee and Pete were getting their answers.

Have fun reading and don’t get too hungry with the awesome food and Halloween goodies the characters all enjoy!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #CarleneOConnor #LizIreland #CarolJPerry

My Goodreads review:

Halloween Cupcake Murder by Carlene O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed each of these author’s takes on a Halloween cupcake murder, and it was fun to read stories from some series I hadn’t visited lately. It made me want to go read their latest book or the one I left off with. I quickly did remember who was who, so no worries if anyone’s not read any of these series. The authors did a great job of identifying characters but not giving away surprises from the regular series.

The whodunit in each one was a surprise for me and I loved how even though these were short stories, they had plenty of mystery and details to flesh it out. Always a pleasure reading the Halloween collection from this publisher!

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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Catch Me If You Candy review

August 23, 2023August 23, 2023 Tari Hann

This is book 17 in the long-running Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander who also writes the Sloan Krause Mysteries. Bakeshop Mysteries are set in Ashland, a place she’s very familiar with as you might know if you happen to get the author’s newsletter. She’s also written the Pacific Northwest Mysteries and Rose City Mysteries as Kate Dyer-Seeley. With this author, you’re always guaranteed some great characters and fast friendships as well as a compelling mystery and adventure!

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #EllieAlexander

My Goodreads review:

Catch Me If You Candy by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hadn’t read in this series for a really long time, but it didn’t take me long to catch back up. The author has a really nice way of catching readers up without spoiling anything (like the whodunit) from past books. This was an extra cool time of year to be in Ashland for all the Halloween festivities, but it wasn’t cool for the poor guy who got killed. Of course, Lance was all for sleuthing again with his buddy Jules, so she went along with it since she’s curious like that anyway.

I hadn’t guessed whodunit until the clues started pointing that way, and the showdown was safely conducted with Jules and Carlos in their car and the police taking charge. There was a little side mystery I don’t think we’ll get an answer for until next book concerning Lance who Jules had spotted a few times visiting Richard Lord’s hotel. Then Lance was talking in almost riddles toward the end but left Jules hanging. Ok Lance, you need to tell her what you were about to tell her by the time the next book’s out, lol. This series makes me think it’d be fun to visit Ashland pretty much any time of the year!

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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Nine Lives and Alibis review

August 22, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Cat Café Mysteries by Cate Conte who writes the Full Moon Mysteries and as her alter ego, Liz Mugavero, she writes the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries as you can see from her website bio page that I linked to her name up above. Anything I’ve read by Cate/Liz is always a fun read with some great characters and cute pets. In this book, JJ the cat’s actually quite helpful when it comes to finding a missing cat. This is such a super cute series with the most adorable book covers!

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #CateConte

My Goodreads review:

Nine Lives and Alibis: A Cat Cafe Mystery by Cate Conte
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’d been way too long since I read in this series and even though I’m not totally caught up with the rest of the series, I couldn’t resist requesting this from NetGalley. I quickly remembered who was who and didn’t feel lost. Maddie’s grandpa’s still my fave character and that little JJ couldn’t be cuter! Check out his Sherlock Holmes outfit on the book cover, isn’t that sweet?

This twisty mystery was filled with secret passageways, an old haunted inn, red herrings and as always, some great characters. It’s a shame the guy who was killed was such a nice person. I’d really come to like his character, but from the blurb I knew not to get too close! 😉 Not only was the current murder solved, but a couple cold cases got answers as well and all took place with a very cool Halloween season event and even a cat costume parade. The showdown was exciting and the most unlikely person saved the day with a kick butt move.

I really loved how Violet and Sydney from the author’s newer Full Moon Mysteries came as vendors for the Halloween event, and Maddie actually liked Violet—she usually wasn’t into paranormal and crystals and stuff. But when she discovered what a crystal could do for her, maybe to her sister Sam’s delight she’d be open to even more. Naw, probably not, lol. If Full Moon would ever happen not to continue, I’d love to see more visits from Violet and Syd!

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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A Clue in the Crumbs review

August 5, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the thirteenth book in the long-running and fun Key West Food Critic Mysteries by Lucy Burdette. You’re always guaranteed a good mystery with some great book character friends and tons of good food with recipes too. I’ve always loved the closeness and family atmosphere Hayley and her houseboat neighbors have too.

I haven’t been to Key West in over forty years but from the descriptions of the different eating places there, I can see it’s changed a lot and I wouldn’t mind going back someday, especially to hit up some of the real places I know the author mentions in these books since she’s from Key West herself.

My Goodreads review:

A Clue in the Crumbs by Lucy Burdette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That Miss Gloria’s something else! She’s always been my fave of Hayley’s friends and in the last few books, she’s gotten even more of a presence which I absolutely love! Put her together with Bettina and Violet from Scotland and you’ve got a pretty awesome senior sleuthing trio. Those ladies even after a long flight from Scotland never stopped going and definitely kept Hayley on the move as well.

I eventually suspected whodunit but none of the exact details. The Scone Sisters’ agent was an odd character but he ended up with quite the tale to tell after he’d vanished right after the murder. The showdown was a crazy one, but everyone ended up back at Hayley’s for food, friendship and a little debriefing about the case. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Scone Sisters visit again, only maybe next time not have a baking contest, just some good old tourism mayhem! I’m sure there’d still be plenty for those ladies to see and do. Don’t miss this latest installment when it releases August 8, 2023.

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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A Sense for Murder review

August 1, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Sally Solari Mysteries by Leslie Karst, and I’ve kept up with the series from the beginning to its return with a different publisher in the previous book. Sally was up to her ears in the new murder since she was at the event when it happened. As always, she wouldn’t give up and or back down to anyone. Go Sally!

Sorry I couldn’t give a link to the series since somehow this was added to Goodreads without adding it to the series, but you can see all the books on Leslie Karst’s bio page.

#NetGalley #SevernHouse #LeslieKarst

My Goodreads review:

A Sense for Murder by Leslie Karst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another murder and Sally was on the case again, this time with Eric who was getting kinda disgruntled with his own job and didn’t seem as anxious to get her away from the case this time. I had someone in mind once the pieces started falling together and I was right about whodunit. It was great to visit a little with Nichole and Mei this time too and while they weren’t in the book for much of the time, the time they did spend was very useful!

The showdown was really awesome! Sally came prepared with backup, so said backup effectively took care of the perp while the police got there. The side story of Sally missing her Aunt Letta was kinda sad and sweet because of what she and Eric were planning as far as moving in together. They’d kept coming to a standstill since Sally absolutely wouldn’t give up Letta’s house, and I can’t say I blame her for that. Leave it to Dad to have an awesome solution that made everyone happy.

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

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Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant

July 31, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah, and I’ve enjoyed this series from its beginning. The location’s amazing and I really like the main characters and how they sleuth together. The next book’s coming out in January, so here’s a peek at the cover and description from Amazon (I’m not an affiliate so go ahead and use the link to pre-order if you want.)

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My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m liking this series more and more as I read it and the characters/relationships all grow and develop. That Teddy that Lindsey hired as her baking assistant’s such a hoot, and I just love his character! He’s what the shop needed, and I’m sure he and Lindsey’s dad had fun baking together and sharing dad jokes, lol.

It appeared the good Captain Riggs wasn’t too crazy about having his lightroom overrun with ghost hunters, but he still helped out in the end. I’ve always enjoyed this little touch of ghostiness, just enough for a cozy creep factor but nothing ever scary! Capt. Willy does seem like a protector ghost. While I hadn’t guessed the perp, it didn’t come as a huge surprise since that person was one of the perps on my list.

The showdown was tense and a little long but that made it super exciting–I couldn’t read fast enough to see how Lindsey and Kennedy were gonna get themselves out from this situation alive! Thanks to them, some others were also gonna live who might not have made it. There was some bittersweet news at the end, but I’m sure by the next book, it’ll be back to normal. Can’t really say anything without spoiling it.

My fave type ending always happens in this series with food, family and fellowship. Ellie and Lindsey definitely know how to throw parties! All that food sounded amazing especially anything pumpkin. Can’t wait to read the next book that comes out early 2024!

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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Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft review

July 27, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Book Retreat Mysteries by Ellery Adams who cozy mystery fans know has a whole arsenal of series under her belt. This book was particularly fun because she brought in Olivia, her main character (who’s already visited Storyton but mostly in cameo appearances) from the Books by the Bay series, and Olivia wasn’t just a walk-on or cameo this time. Jane was actually on Olivia’s home ground. Wait’ll you read the scenes during Pink-o-Ween during Edwin and Jane’s vacation to Oyster Bay!

I hope there’ll be many more books even though at times this reads like it could be the last. I could get used to Olivia living in Storyton actually…think of the mysteries she and Jane could solve together! And the book signings Eloise could have for her!

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My Goodreads review:

Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by Ellery Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, so many emotions all wrapped up in this book, which was to me the absolute best of them all. I’m not sure if the series is ending, but it easily could with this book, although I’ve not heard anything official. Everything awesome that readers have wanted came to happen. It was kinda cool how it started off in North Carolina with Olivia Limoges and giving a nod to that ended series, so if this series is really ending, it was pretty fitting that Olivia had a nice part in it. Although I think it’d be really awesome if Olivia and Captain Haviland stayed in Storyton and started a whole new chapter of mystery solving along with Jane and the Fins. And I’d love to know if Merry and Pippin ever benefit from having a well-trained standard poodle as their leader for a while!

There were some super funny moments in North Carolina when Butterworth showed up feeling like he was needed after everything that’d gone down. That Pink-o-Ween sounded so cool and his part in it was priceless! Uncle Aloysius was getting help with his dementia we learned about previously, and that little stinker had a pretty awesome scene in the book himself! A tissue alert for happy tears is recommended toward the end, and while I really hope there’ll be more books in the series, I’m happy with how this book ended.

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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Death of a Clam Digger review

July 26, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the sixteenth book still going strong in the long-running Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mystery series by Lee Hollis, aka brother/sister team of Rick Copp and Holly Simason. You can always expects tons of laughs and crazy antics in a Hayley Powell book, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint! I’m always eager to see what the next book brings!

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My Goodreads review:

Death of a Clam Digger by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There’s never, ever a dull moment in a Hayley Powell mystery! Mona, my fave of Hayley’s two besties, got a great spotlight in this installment since her ongoing feud with a rival seafood business was ramped up when her son and the rival’s daughter decided to pull a Romeo and Juliet (the good parts, not their death). But the rival himself was killed and secrets were eventually revealed as Hayley sleuthed this one out. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much at Mona’s antics as in this book! She was absolutely in rare form and being the Mama Bear she’s always been, that made it even funnier. We finally found out how many kids her brood ended up with too! Oh and I was happy to see a few new Sergio-isms as well! Gotta love that guy!

I was sure of who I’d picked for killer but boy was I wrong! The showdown/reveal was a really good one and Mona got in one last good scene for the book too. As I always love in a book about food, this one ended in food, family and fellowship with a barbecue at Mona’s house. A good solution was given to the side story that’d been going on.

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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