Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Murder Is a Piece of Cake review

June 22, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Baker Street Mysteries by Valerie Burns who cozy mystery fan know as V.M. Burns from her Mystery Bookshop series that’s still running and her other two smaller series, Dog Club Mysteries and RJ Franklin Mysteries. I’ve not read any of the RJ ones yet, but I love how in all her other series, the author has the camaraderie of a group of friends solving the mystery. That’s not to say the main sleuth, in this book Maddy, doesn’t go out on her own sometimes and may or may not get into some hot water. 😉 I love how her friends are just an extension of Maddy’s family (she actually calls them family too) and how well they all work together. And who couldn’t just love that big, adorable English Mastiff Maddy has? Baby’s the star of the book at times!

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My Goodreads review:

Murder is a Piece of Cake by Valerie Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maddy and Baby were at it again, except by now Maddy’s gotten pretty good with baking certain items. When a guy showed up then was killed, poor April had to sit out from the investigation since said guy was once her husband or as he claimed, they were will married. Now it was poor Leroy since he had a big crush on her. Even with the good ol’ boy mentality of Trooper Bob, Maddy actually managed to find his weak spot, his daughter, lol. I wasn’t sure about the good trooper for a while, but he proved to be pretty useful and seemed happy to get the heck outta town when the real killer was found, so at least April’s job was safe.

I liked the idea of the tunnel between the stores, it was a little spooky and mysterious–and made for some good sleuthing by listening inside it. The showdown was awesome and even Baby got to help a little. Although Aunt Octavia was right (along with Rapunzel) that a good skillet can work wonders! I’ve got some suspicions now and can’t wait for the next book to see if what I’m thinking might actually be true. And word has it the Admiral might be coming for a visit. Oh, Maddy, I guess you’ll be herding him next time.

A good Spring Festival was had by all, and Baby’s new girlfriend Daisy (a Mastiff who’d belonged to a murder victim and someone unsavory) got a forever home. Maddy was glad because her sweet doggie would be able to visit his girlfriend whenever he wanted, lol. Don’t miss this super fun book when it releases next Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

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How the Murder Crumbles review

June 16, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Cookie Shop Mysteries by Debra Sennefelder who cozy mystery fans should know well from her Food Blogger Mysteries and Resale Boutique Mysteries. Mallory makes me think of Kelly a lot from Resale because they’re both determined and stubborn when they’re sleuthing and won’t let go no matter who tells them to, even a killer! This book comes out next Tuesday, June 20, 2023, so save that date!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #DebraSennefelder

My Goodreads review:

How the Murder Crumbles by Debra Sennefelder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mallory was having a great time selling cookies in her store and enjoying lots of popularity…until she wasn’t because of someone apparently framing her for murder which didn’t sit well with her…at all. All I can say is if I was accused of murder, I’d sure want Mal on my side, lol. I loved her best friend Kip who’s from a police family but followed his dream of “I just wanna bake”—can’t blame him there, well at least up until now, baking was a safer choice. Although with Mal the target of a killer, all bets were off as to how safe it was now. Kip did have lots of police insight after years of hearing crime stories from the fam, but he never tried to weasel info from them. Might as well leave that up to Mal, right? 😉

That was one exciting showdown and good for Mal on how she managed it. During the course of the book, she’d gotten her dream squashed then brought back to life, made friends with the most unlikely person and hopefully was on her way back to a good relationship with her cousin. Oh yeah, and the cutest part was at the end! I’m not gonna give it away, but I betcha say “Awwww!” Don’t miss the start of a brand new series from the author of the Food Blogger series and Resale Boutique.

It’s available Tuesday, June 20, 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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Songs of Wine and Murder review

June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in another favorite long-running series, the Tourist Trap Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon. I’ve loved every one that I read and just wish this was a real place I could visit. The shops are awesome and I could probably get lost in Jill’s bookstore for a long time with a favorite coffee drink or go dog-sit Emma while Jill worked. As with all this author’s books, I love how the main character treats her employees like family and even calls them family. Jill might not work in food herself, but she has a need to feed those she cares about, just like the other awesome leading characters.

#NetGalley #LyricalPress/Kensington #LynnCahoon

My Goodreads review:

Songs of Wine and Murder by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a crazy case where we got to see another town business as sorta the spotlight of the story, Darla from the winery and her boyfriend Matt who was in a band that was competing in the festival that weekend. Toby, Aunt Jackie, and Sadie/Pastor Bill each had their own mini side stories which I was relieved all had good outcomes. Toby’s a great character and I love the bro banter between him and Deek. Aunt Jackie’s changed for the better since she married Harrold (he’s such a sweetie!). Sadie and the good pastor were too adorable as well.

It didn’t surprise me as to whodunit and with this perp, the arrest action took place behind the scenes which is always a refreshing change for me (especially if I just read a book with a showdown and a crazed killer). Jill and Greg are always an awesome couple, but they were growing even more as they went through a finance class together and Greg actually got Jill to use a planner, amazing right? Those two are gonna be great parents someday! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

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

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Death Knells and Wedding Bells review

June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the long-running Lighthouse Library Mysteries by Eva Gates, better known as Vicki Delany. It’s been one of my fave series ever since I read that first book and fell in love with the idea of a library being in a lighthouse which, as we know only exists in our imaginations when reading this series. It’s awfully cool to picture it though! Lucy and Connor’s long-awaited wedding happened and we join the newlyweds at the reception when the book opens. But hang on, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride. Not as far as newlywed life but yeah, just that thing Lucy’s come to know as investigating a murder but not really investigating lol. It’s available today and if you like beach reads, I think it’d be perfect!

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My Goodreads review:

Death Knells and Wedding Bells by Eva Gates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so happy that Lucy and Connor’s wedding went off without any issues. It was great to join the reception in progress because I always worry at cozy mystery wedding ceremonies that someone’s gonna show up from someone’s past and say something they shouldn’t lol. Instead of a mysterious past showing up for the bride and groom, the dead guy at the reception managed to get the cops unearthing several other people’s pasts. After some clues starting fitting and just from a gut feeling I had, I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was, just not why.

The showdown was nail bitingly exciting (go Charles! I love that cat!) and soon the nasty killer was away while Lucy got the fun not fun job of giving her statement. She got some nice incriminating pictures too! The ending was just sweet and very normal which these two newlyweds need a lot of now for a long time—or until the next book! 😉 This book’s available today!

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 Off the Books review

May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the By the Book Mysteries by cozy mystery author Tamara Berry. I’ve enjoyed this series from its beginning and am really eager for another book to come along. There’s always some comedy and funny antics going on, but Tess’s visiting mom put that way over the top. I really enjoyed her character, kinda reminded me of Castle’s mom, Martha! I wouldn’t mind if she moved closer and was able to hang out with Gertie more often. After an exciting showdown and very satisfying ending, I can only imagine what the next book might bring!

#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #TamaraBerry

My Goodreads review:

Murder Off the Books by Tamara Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fun and wild adventure in Washington state and this time Tess had her mom to contend with along with her usual entourage. I’ve always loved Gertie’s character–she’s like fifteen going on twenty-five, lol. She might’ve had to share the comedy spotlight with her Grandma Bee this time but I’m pretty sure Gert didn’t mind. The two got along pretty well and even Tess managed to put up with her mom’s spontaneous visit, so the last thing Tess needed was for her mom to be the prime suspect in a guy’s murder. And he happened to be the much younger guy Bee was seeing along with being a probable multi-killer.

The showdown was a crazy one and Tess had help from a very unexpected person, but together they defeated Zorg, I mean the perp. 😉 I’ve always known Tess would’ve liked to date the sheriff but she wasn’t real sure how he felt. There was a cute but kinda sad side story that Victor’s sister told Tess, although everything worked out nicely and I was beyond happy with the ending! I’m excited for the next book now!

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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Blueberry Blunder review

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by Amanda Flower, and I’ve loved every single book from the start, but this has to be my fave book yet. Everything I’ve wished for in the series is coming true finally, so if you wanna know what’s going on, you’ll just need to read the book if you haven’t already. I’d sure love to see the next book sooner than a whole year away. Who knows, maybe we’ll be surprised!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think this has to be my favorite book in the series! Not only is sweet little Charlotte marrying Deputy Luke, but some other things that I’ve waited for 8 books to happen finally did! And I’m so super happy about that. Jethro of course, was the star of the show as always. I love that little pig, and the incident at the petting zoo was pretty hilarious! He had no idea what he’d gotten himself into LOL!

Instead of a plateful of problems, Bailey had platters of them spinning at once not to mention her contractor getting killed and the rotten sheriff initially wanting to blame her. It was so good to see Aiden again–I think I might’ve missed his presence in the last couple books as much as Bailey did! I wondered if his PI job might be connected to the murder, so you’ll just have to find out the way I did by reading the book. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book! I hope it comes sooner than a year!

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Give Fudge a Chance review

May 28, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eleventh book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco aka Nancy J. Parra, and I’ve loved and devoured every one of the series so far. Haven’t tried any fudge recipes but they did inspire me and the fam to visit Mackinac Island in 2018. We hope to return again soon because the place really is magical–and without any gimmicks to make it that way. The magic’s in the whole experience of Mackinac, yep gotta go back! I loved Allie and Jenn’s latest adventures but since Jenn’s having a baby, Allie wouldn’t let her physically go sleuthing, so she turned once more to the senior ladies’ “book club” as they called their slightly undercover murder board club, lol. Fun, laughs and of course, fudge recipes are gonna be had when you read this!

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My Goodreads review:

Give Fudge a Chance by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to escape back to Mackinac Island where life’s fun and carefree…until somebody gets themselves killed, that is. The first murder was at the haunted house attraction for the county fair, and when the second came along, Allie wouldn’t be the dyed-in-the-wool sleuth she’s become if she didn’t believe they were connected. As in true Allie fashion (but hey, I wouldn’t have it any other way!), she sleuthed when she was told not to and had a close call or two…but she always gets her perp.

That was some exciting showdown and events leading up to it! Yay for Carol whose transition from just Mrs. Tunisian walking her dog in the first books to being a full-fledged, kick-butt sleuth in this book, well it’s been an awesome transition. She wasn’t too shabby in the last few books either, since she and the ahem, “book club” love helping Allie with cases. I’ve got a feeling Allie won’t feel so much like she needs to protect these older ladies, ’cause Carol sure proved that!

As always, there’s a preview for the next book at the end of this one and all I can say is, I can’t wait!

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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Hard Dough Homicide review

May 25, 2023May 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries by Olivia Matthews, and I’ve loved both of the first books. What’s not to love about this amazing family that loves each other so much and just wants to be a contributing and thriving part of the Little Caribbean community? Their bakery sounds pretty darn delicious too! From its great characters and location to its family camaraderie, I’m hoping this series sticks around for a good long time.

UPDATE: I just spied with my little eyes that the third book’s coming out in December, and it’s called Coconut Drop Dead. (not an affiliate link.) And it’s listed on Goodreads, but it’s not under its series name.

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPaperback #OliviaMatthews

My Goodreads review:

Hard Dough Homicide by Olivia Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love Lyndsay and her awesome family! Granny just cracks me up with how she wants to help sleuth, and Lyndsay’s always having to worry about keeping her feisty little granny out of trouble, lol. I really like how this family loves one another unconditionally and always has each others’ backs. Even any bickering done is always good-naturedly, and I also think it’s pretty awesome how Lyndsay and her family start each day at the bakery with a prayer.

This was a really baffling mystery, but with the help of her family going over motives and possible means, Lyndsay and Granny set off to solve this once and for all. Lyndsay’s always been super gracious and again credited her entire family with solving the case (her kickboxing training came in handy again too!). And to top off being declared completely innocent, the fam got a nice surprise at the end of the book. I can’t wait to see what mystery adventures Lyndsay and crew get into in the next book!

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

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The Diva Delivers on a Promise review

May 24, 2023 Tari Hann

It’s hard to believe this is the sixteenth book in this long-running and fun Domestic Diva Mystery series by one of my fave cozy authors, Krista Davis. I love visiting with Sophie and all her friends who act as her support team whether she’s sleuthing out a mystery with her bestie Nina or just needing a plus-one for an event. I enjoyed the side mystery centered around ghost kitchens and how Sophie and Nina sleuthed that out. As always, I can’t wait for the next book!

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My Goodreads review:

The Diva Delivers on a Promise by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sophie and Nina got in a lot of sleuthing together in this mystery because there was plenty to sleuth out. I liked the side mystery of the ghost kitchen scammer, and we got to learn more about Officer Wong and her disastrous marriage. I liked Gerrie and her granddaughter a lot—it’d be fun if they showed up in a future book especially now they’ve got a furry companion. Nina always cracks me up with her love of food which is always a good way to get her to do something, like maybe a stakeout or two?

The showdown was a really good one with the perp finally being caught and hauled away. The ending was typical cozy Sophie style—friends, food and a warm fireplace. And pups, of course!

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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Witch Upon a Star review

May 23, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve followed the series since its beginning, and each book just gets better and better. I’ve really come to love these key characters and now that Josie’s sister’s had a visit, it’d be kinda nice to have her in on the action more often. The two did pretty well sleuthing together. I can’t wait to see what adventures Josie and her friends get into next!

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My Goodreads review:

Witch Upon a Star by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was fun to meet Josie’s younger sister, Jean but not so fun for Jean when the workshop she was attending became a scene for murder. For some parts, Sam let the sisters work with him in figuring things out, but there were only limited things he could disclose, so of course two sleuths are better than just Josie winging it on her own, right? Would Josie be able to tell Jean about her witchy powers? Or was Jean tuned in pretty well? You’ll have to read and see!

The showdown after the quiet was a good one and with Jean (along with Josie’s trusty books) helping, the perp was caught. Josie finally got the nerve to say something to Sam she’d been wanting to say for a while now…but did he feel the same? Another thing you’ll find out if you read this book. It’s just out today!

I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies, and my opinions are my own.

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