Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

All That Glitters Isn’t Old review

July 19, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Whit & Whiskers Mysteries by Gabby Allen who also writes the Tallie Graver Mysteries as Misty Simon. I’ve read and enjoyed this series from the beginning and decided Whit’s island seems like a nice place to visit. I wouldn’t mind riding a golf cart around it to see the sights but when the first dead body might drop, I’d be outta there, lol. I’m sure the real place isn’t quite like Whit’s world. 😉 Enjoy this installment when it drops next Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GabbyAllan

My Goodreads review:

All That Glitters Isn’t Old by Gabby Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That Goldy just cracks me up! Whit was up and running as soon as the book started as far as riding herd on her outspoken grandma who’d feed me to the fishes if she heard me refer to her as a grandma lol. Pops, Whit’s grandpa’s probably my fave character. He sure loves his Goldy and despite some disagreements they had during the course of the book, all was well in their world again.

I don’t know that I ever liked Darren’s character mainly because I felt I couldn’t trust him, which was just how Whit felt too. But I definitely didn’t like Elsie since she wouldn’t leave poor Darren alone and be what he really was, not what she wanted him to be. The showdown was really cool and backup was there just when it was needed. Whit was getting a nice surprise from all this as well. This book releases next week on July 25, 2023.

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 Fatal Groove review

July 17, 2023July 17, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the fun newer series, Record Shop Mysteries by Olivia Blacke. I enjoyed the first one a lot and this one didn’t disappoint either. The characters are quirky, crazy (the fun kind) and I love that even though Juni and her sisters could fight like cats and dogs, at the end of the day, they’re each other’s best friends. Don’t miss this installment when it releases July 25, 2023.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #OliviaBlacke

My Goodreads review:

A Fatal Groove by Olivia Blacke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Juni continued to crack me up as I thought about her compared to other main characters around her age. But Juni wasn’t really annoying because her personality was so over the top fun. She even makes a usually loathsome love triangle not such a big deal. Not saying I changed how I don’t like love triangles and the fact I’m still Team Beau lol. Teddy’s adorable but he seems more like a brother type friend. These sisters are all so different but when push came to shove, they had each other. Even though Juni’s definitely young enough to be my daughter, she’s the one I’d choose of the sisters as the most fun to hang out with.

I had someone in mind for the whodunit but was completely wrong about it. I loved how Juni just blurted out what she was thinking about whodunit, and since there were tons of people around, there wasn’t any danger from the killer. I loved how her mom stood up for her too. Bea’s always hit me as either complaining about Juni not doing something or having a guy yet, so I was happy to see she can be a momma bear when she wants.

Even the bank robbery mystery got some closure after the killer was caught and waiting for trial. I thought it was pretty cool that the bank robbery date mentioned just happened to be the exact day my parents got married, except not in Texas. I noticed the next book’s coming out in March and I know I’ll be reading it too. This book releases next Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

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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Take the Honey and Run review

July 16, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the new Bee Keeping Mysteries by Jennie Marts and I had such a good time laughing at the various antics. And sheriff cutie Sawyer who I think Bailey’s still crushing on ever since high school was incredibly patient with Bailey and Evie when they sleuthed and got in his way.

Unrealistic? Sure it is, this is fiction, lol. And it makes for so much better reading than having the sleuth and sheriff always at each other’s throats at least. I’d much rather have these guys getting along than Sawyer threatening to toss the girls in jail every other page. I think he secretly liked them helping but officially couldn’t say so, haha! Evie got the clearance from her grandma to sleuth and be away from their shop because I know Rosa was just as curious as the girls were (if not more) to find out what was going on with the various suspects. I honestly didn’t see the whodunit coming (until it was obvious) and was surprised at who it was. This releases this coming Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #JennieMarts

My Goodreads review:

Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh, this was just so good and so funny in places. I was giggling while picturing Evie and Bailey out on their sleuthing missions, especially the one Sawyer referred to as a Lucy and Ethel scheme. And yep, they were basically a modern-day Lucy and Ethel but either one would probably take a bullet for the other. You couldn’t ask for better friends!

Granny and the Hive book club ladies cracked me up! She and her sisters were something else and it was pretty funny to see them gross out Evie and Bailey when they told about their romance lives.

I never knew whodunit until the reveal. The showdown was the quiet and non-dangerous type which after what Bailey had been through, she needed non-dangerous. Lots of secrets were held by tons of people so I wonder if we’ll ever hear anything more in a future book…like maybe who Daisy’s father was? Lots and lots of recipes at the end that didn’t look terribly complicated. Granny’s cakes sounded amazing.

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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Every Dog Has His Day review

July 1, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Gone to the Dogs cozy mystery/sweet romance series, and this installment’s by Janice Thompson who’s taken turns with Kathleen Y’Barbo writing every other one. I gotta say this one’s my fave so far, and yes I’ll admit it’s mostly because the dog star in it’s none other than a mini red rascally dachshund. Ginger’s very much like my own Mia who you see on the blog’s logo, so I had an extra good time reading it. But there was really so much going on that was awesome, that’s another reason it’s a fave.

If you’ve enjoyed the others, you’ll definitely love this. I’ll say each book could be enjoyed alone, but for the most enjoyment, I recommend reading in order so you get to know the characters and their relationships along with how they grow and change. It’s cool how each book so far was written from a different character’s first person viewpoint. In book 5, it was Lone Star Clinic groomer, Isabel Fuentes.

Book 6 for the series is coming October 1, 2023 and it’ll be by Kathleen Y’Barbo.

My Goodreads review:

Every Dog Has His Day by Janice Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was just so darn cute. Of course it had me with the adorable dachshund on the cover and in the story. Ginger was such a stinker but what a cutie! I love the humor, family moment and the close friendship the clinic employees have. They might work together, but they choose to hang out on their own time whether it’s helping Mari move her stuff from her cottage to her and Parker’s new house or working together at the animal shelter.

I had a feeling of whodunit as far as the possible dog theft went, and that ending was just the absolute sweetest ever! For a few sad tears (just a few I promise) and lots of happy tears, don’t miss this installment of the series, my personal fave so far.

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Death Steals the Spotlight review

June 26, 2023 Tari Hann

This is actually the third book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries –but you won’t see this book on that page because it wasn’t correctly set up. The author’s T.C. LoTempio of the Nick and Nora and Cat Rescue Mysteries, Nick and Nora being the longer-running series. I’m linking to her original author page which shows her and her sweet cat. (I’ve got no clue why someone made another author page for her for this book, but I could probably have a GR librarian friend look into it.) I’ve enjoyed this series a lot and was happy to learn it’s getting a fourth book!

#NetGalley #BeyondthePagePublishing #TCLoTempio

My Goodreads review:

Death Steals the Spotlight by T C Lotempio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shell’s mom was trying to save the local play by using her connections and getting in a director and some cast members to replace some locals who’d quit. When the director was murdered, Shell and Gary started sleuthing again. While I do like her with Josh for a boyfriend, I love the sleuthing chemistry Shell and Gary have. Kinda like Castle and Beckett!

Meanwhile, Purrday was in love with a gorgeous Maine Coon he’d found and Shell rescued from a tangled vine. I felt sorry for poor Kahlua who was probably wondering why her brother was acting so loony. And she didn’t seem fond of the houseguest who’s probably gonna be a fixture from now, lol.

The showdown was really exciting but as always Shell used her brain as well as her awesome cats once more showing Gary and Josh where to find her and the perp. She had things under control by the time they arrived, but it’s cool how the kitties always know where to find their mom! I’m pretty sure I saw in the author’s newsletter that there’s definitely a book 4 coming!

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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Fatal Fudge Swirl review

June 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries by Meri Allen who most cozy mystery readers also know is Shari Randall who wrote the Lobster Shack Mysteries. I really love the key characters in this series. The sisters who work at the ice cream shop, Flo and Gerri, always crack me up with how different they are from each other. Riley’s got some good people working with her and bestie Caroline comes home for the weekends from Boston. Penniman sounds like a fun place and if you get the author’s newsletter you get little tidbits about what she’s writing and areas in Connecticut she’s based it on.

#NetGalley #StMartinPaperbacks #MeriAllen-ShariRandall

My Goodreads review:

Fatal Fudge Swirl by Meri Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who wouldn’t love to visit Penniman at Halloween? It sounded pretty awesome with all the decorations and cool pumpkin carvings. Riley had her hands full with having to wrangle Sprinkles, the very-much-not-an-angel cat onto a film set because she was wanted for filming. Too hilarious how the cat from you know where took a liking to the lead actor but sure didn’t like the main actress, lol. And she had to keep up that America’s sweetheart image too, now that was pretty funny! Good ole Sprinkles can always produce a laugh from somewhere! But she couldn’t prevent murder.

The ending had a search going on for a young girl who might’ve witnessed the murder or heard something, so luckily she was found and the perp was named. Lots of family and friends time was enjoyed in the book as well. I thought Riley’s dad and stepmom were just too cute how they ran that bookstore together and now were part of the movie being made. Nice nod to one of everyone’s favorite cute romance/mystery channels too! The book releases on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 and I hope you’ll find like I did it’s nice little escape.

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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A Murder of Aspic Proportions review

June 23, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Sunflower Café Mysteries by Amy Lillard who also wrote the fairly recent cozy mystery Main Street Book Club Mysteries. These are the only two series of hers that I’m familiar with, but I’m interested in reading her Amish Mysteries as well. I’d really enjoyed the book club series and its characters, and I’m finding this series lotsa fun too as I’m getting more familiar with the various characters. Sissy’s little dog Rocky cracks me up! He’s tiny (Bethel also cracks me up calling him a rat dog but I can tell she means it fondly) but like all small dogs, he seems to believe he’s a giant and needs to live up to his name lol.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AmyLillard

My Goodreads review:

A Murder of Aspic Proportions by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sissy had a super unlikely sleuthing buddy in this case where her Amish cousin had confessed to a murder everyone knew she didn’t commit. She and Aunt Bethel set out to find the real killer knowing there’s no way Emma did this. Bethel surprised me by initiating trips to either visit Emma in jail or talking to possible suspects. And that little stinker Bethel’s secretly a fan of Agent Gibbs, who knew? I’m betting there’s lots of secrets we don’t know about this mysterious little woman who I’m pretty sure Sissy wishes was a teeny bit more loving.

The showdown was almost funny in parts, you’ll see when you read it. Sissy had a side story going on concerning a new hot guy in town, but I’m pretty sure nothing’s gonna come of that. She’s not even sure if she thinks of Gavin in that way. At least he’s a good friend to her which is what she needed still being fairly new to the town. I think it’s pretty cool though how Sissy found all these people she’s related to and really took to them and enjoyed their get-togethers. I’m definitely hoping another book comes out! It’s available Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

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 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!

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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.

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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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