Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

No Small Murder review

April 9, 2023April 9, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series, Mini-Meadows Mysteries by one of my fave cozy mystery authors, Lena Gregory. I’ve devoured the other series she’s written and definitely loved meeting these new characters. Her books always have fun characters you’d like to be friends with or at least have coffee with! Granny Rose is hands-down my fave character, although I do like everyone else in the key players. She’s such a hoot and I can’t wait for more adventures in this series!

#NetGalley #LevelBestBooks #LenaGregory

My Goodreads review:

No Small Murder by Lena Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh that Granny Rose! I just love that character! Every time I read a book by this author, I’ve always gotten taken in on the first page or two, so this book definitely followed that same expectation. I loved Emma’s group of friends and now that her Granny was living there, they had an additional sleuth…and someone to keep an eye on since Emma wasn’t super thrilled over her matchmaking lol. The Great Dane pictured on the cover’s name is Butch, and he’s a sweetie!

The mystery was a good one that I definitely didn’t figure out, and that showdown was absolutely priceless! Not gonna spoil anything, but it was epic. I sure hope there’s another book in the series ’cause by the end, I was so glad for everyone’s turnout that I just needed more time with these characters.

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

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Eat, Drink and Drop Dead review

April 6, 2023April 6, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series, Tiffany Austin Food Blogger (sorry, Goodreads doesn’t have a series page up for it so no link for that) by established cozy mystery author, T.C. LoTempio. Her longest running and probably most well-known is the Nick & Nora Mysteries. I still need to start the Nick & Nora series and probably have most of them in some form or another. This lady always writes an awesome mystery with adorable pets!

#NetGalley #SevernHouse #TCLoTempio

My Goodreads review:

Eat, Drink and Drop Dead by T.C. LoTempio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anything I’ve read by this author always has characters you’d like to have as friends and storylines that pull me in right away. And this book didn’t disappoint in either of those things. I really enjoyed meeting Tiffany and her coworkers at the magazine. Hilary was such an awesome bestie. I don’t think there’s anything that girl wouldn’t do for her buddy, Tiff as you’ll read when they go sleuthing. And Hilary was very good when it came to enabling Tiff on dating a certain handsome detective. Dale was the kind of boss anybody would just love to have. He was fair and easy to get along with…and he didn’t mind hybrid employees as long as they came to the staff meetings.

The mystery was a good one and I was stumped until a clue came along toward the end of the book. Then I knew exactly whodunit possibly a little sooner than Tiffany did. That was one good showdown too, and the ending was super sweet. I can’t wait for more in this series!

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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The Bark of Zorro review

April 4, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Gone to the Dogs Mysteries with this one being written by Kathleen Y’Barbo who also wrote the second book in the series and is slated to write the sixth upcoming book. I’ve already requested and received the fifth book to review before it comes out July 1, 2023. I really enjoy these characters and their sense of family and good Christian friendship. It’s so fun that the ladies who work at the vet clinic are also friends outside the workplace. They’d accepted Dr. Cameron recently and now there’s another possible family member who happens to be related to Cameron. And I could tell Cassidy liked him a lot! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

#NetGalley #BarbourPublishing #KathleenYBarbo

My Goodreads review:

The Bark of Zorro by Y’Barbo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another sweet addition to this cute cozy mystery series that so far hasn’t had any murder, but it’s always a good mystery. I’m enjoying how the characters have had turns being the main character and first person narrator of the story. This time it was Cassidy Carter, the vet clinic’s receptionist and Mari Evans’s best friend.

It was a good, twisty mystery as well as super sweet when Cassidy found a nice guy as well as an awesome new home. There was a good side mystery about the building Cassidy and her friend Nora were buying, but that was resolved nicely too. I’m eager to see Cassidy and Jason enjoy a nice relationship. Now she’s got someone to go to Mari’s wedding with!

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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Four Parties and a Funeral review

April 4, 2023April 4, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the hilariously fun Catering Hall Mysteries by Maria DiRico, better known to cozy mystery fans as Ellen Byron. I’ve loved every book in this series, and they just keep getting better! It’s awfully hard to wait for the next one!!

#KensingtonCozies #NetGalley #MariaDiRico #EllenByron

My Goodreads review:

Four Parties and a Funeral by Maria DiRico
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always have the best time reading this series! Mia makes me think of an Italian Fran Fine, well voice-wise anyway, lol. She had her hands full helping to babysit bridesmaids when Madison’s maid of honor went into rehab, then she had to deal with a film crew doing a reality show of what else, wannabe dons of course! And their ladies, but one of the crew or someone had it in for the CEO so now Mia had a murder she couldn’t resist snooping into as well.

There were so many funny scenes, you just gotta read it to appreciate everything! The showdown was a good one, and I hadn’t really suspected the whodunit. The side story of Shane having something to hide was resolved nicely for him and Mia, and now I just have to wait (im)patiently 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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Four Charming Spells review

March 31, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries by one of my fave cozy authors, Lynn Cahoon. Like her other series, this one also has a really nice sense of family and employees/team members being part of said family. Everyone’s got one another’s backs, so it was weird when Mia’s catering company got so busy they had to hire an outsider who seemed to work out fine…

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LynnCahoon

My Goodreads review:

Four Charming Spells by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This mystery definitely kept me guessing on all mysteries involved. Mia was asked to help a friend figure out what her mom really died of…six months ago. Magic was suspected and a recent death was thought to be linked to all this somehow. Meanwhile, Christina finally broke ties with her home and moved to Magic Springs to the school building.

How were some crazy ghosts and two possible murders connected? You’ll have to read and see and hold on, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride! But a good one as always!

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 Way Out review

March 30, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the fun, magical Full Moon Mysteries series by Cate Conte who wrote the Cat Café series under this pen name and the Pawsitively Organic cozy mysteries under her Liz Mugavero identity. I’ve enjoyed some books from all the series and am up to date with Full Moon. Always some good characters and engaging plots whether you read her as Cate or Liz!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #CateConte

My Goodreads review:

Witch Way Out by Cate Conte
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Violet had enough witchy world issues to worry about, so she definitely didn’t need the murder of a mortal who was running the spring equinox festival. At least the police didn’t seem too interested in her as a suspect. With another genieing in her witch world, Violet couldn’t help worrying she might be next since the battle seemed never to end.

The showdowns for both the murder and the magical issue were good ones and finally there seemed to be peace in both worlds. Some secrets had come out and explanations were made. And finally Violet seemed to have a good man in her life as well. I’m not sure if this is supposed to be the last in the series, but if it does end here, it’s all in a really good place.

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 Flicker of a Doubt review

March 29, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Fairy Garden Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber, and it’s just too much fun getting to visit with Courtney and her adorable garden fairy, Fiona. It was another enjoyable mystery with secrets, surprises and everything you could ask for in a magical cozy!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarylWoodGerber

My Goodreads review:

A Flicker of a Doubt by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Always an enchanting visit to Carmel to hang out with Courtney and all her friends/family and garden fairies like Fiona. I just love Fiona! She’s really learning a lot and she’s come sooo far from that first book and the stuff she tried to pull! There were some cool new things Fiona found out about too.

I was never really sure whodunit until Courtney found out. I loved how Fiona was able to help, but Courtney wasn’t too shabby herself as she kept the perp talking and remembered a karate move Ziggy taught her. Brady and Courtney were still in a good relationship place with really too much going on as far as the murder went to even interact a whole lot. They need to take a relaxing trip between books lol. With everything wrapped up neatly at the end, there was still somewhat of a shocker and now I’m beyond eager to see what happens next!

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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Curds of Prey review

March 28, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss and it’s quickly become one of my “don’t wanna miss this” series. I love the camaraderie Willa has both at work and outside the job with her employees now friends, Archie and Mrs. Schultz (who we learned does have a first name lol). Baz has been and keeps on being an amazing friend to Willa who like her seems to be looking for just the right companion of the opposite sex. But at least they can commiserate together when or if they’re neither one successful. I think it’s cool how he reminds Willa of her late brother.

#NetGalley #St.MartinPaperbacks #KorinaMoss

My Goodreads review:

Curds of Prey by Korina Moss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love a visit to this cute little California town to see what Willa and her friends are up to. Leave it to Willa to have one of the most dysfunctional but important families commission her catering services that ended up having a murder connected with it. Meanwhile, since her sorta-boyfriend Roman was sorta involved-ish, Willa had to sort out her feelings for him and if her future wanted to include him at all.

We met some interesting but suspicious characters, and all the investigating led to a good showdown where Willa did at least have some friends as backup. The Valentine’s Day party had been the reveal for the town pickpocket, so that side mystery was cleared up as well. Instead of sweating whether she had a date or not, Willa just enjoyed some good times with her amazing friends.

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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Strike Out 4 Murder review

March 21, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eleventh book in the Sophie Kimball Mysteries by husband and wife team J.C. Eaton aka Ann Goldfarb and Jim Clapp. They always do such a great job of entertaining with this series and others they’ve written, and this book definitely didn’t disappoint! Enjoy it now because it’s available today!

My Goodreads review:

Strike Out 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh, this series is constantly so much fun! I’m always laughing as I read the hilarious antics of Phee’s mom and her friends…and who could forget their sidekicks, the pinochle guys? And little Streetman’s a fave of mine, but I’m little biased because I love dachsies and dachsie mixes. My dog’s behavior’s not a whole lot different from Streetman’s, except she doesn’t bite.

Shirley got the spotlight this time around since she was the target. I just love that lady and she always cracks me up with the stuff she says. It was so sweet her friend lent her a Great Dane for protection. Once again, the case eventually was connected up nice and neat with the case that Nate and Marshall were on. The perps sure went to lotsa trouble for what they were into, but the dead guy was even into something worse. Take an afternoon and treat yourself to another fun visit to Sun City West! And Phee’s the voice of sanity there if you need a little bit of that too! 😉

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

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The Raven Thief review

March 20, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the super fun Secret Staircase Mysteries by Gigi Pandian who also writes the series The Accidental Alchemist and Jaya Jones. I’d always been a fan of Nancy Drew and her never-ending times she’d find secret stairways or hidden panels, so this series is right up my alley. The characters are pretty amazing and I quickly felt like they were friends back when I read the first book. This book releases tomorrow, March 21, 2023, so don’t miss it if you read the first one! I’d honestly recommend reading in order for the most enjoyment.

My Goodreads review:

The Raven Thief by Gigi Pandian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second in series was just as good as the first and in some ways even better. I liked the creepiness factor of the mysterious ravens hanging around and the descriptions of all the cool secret passageways and panels that Tempest’s dad put in all the construction he did. I’d love to have a secret room like hers!

There were quite a few suspects but eventually got suspicious of someone and it ended up being right. Although I still went down all the rabbit holes and enjoyed the ride to find out for sure if I was right. I love how misdirection always plays a part in these books, and it’s pretty awesome how Tempest figured everything out. She had her good pal Samjay helping along with bestie Ivy. Gideon got in on helping as well, so the four made a good team. It’ll be interesting to see what adventure they get into next!

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

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