Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Front Page Murder review

March 7, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the very first in a new series called Hometown News Mysteries by Joyce St. Anthony who’s better known in the cozy world as Joyce Tremel, author of the three-book Brewing Trouble series. I remember I really enjoyed the first book and wanted to get back to that series. But I sure never expected to love this historical cozy like I did! I’d grabbed it from NetGalley thinking it looked interesting. I believe I might’ve researched the Joyce St. Anthony name and realized I wasn’t reading a total newbie. But I hadn’t realized until later it was historical. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it so much! In a way, I’m glad I didn’t read the blurb on NG that time, or I might’ve missed out on a great read by leaving it behind.

The name of book 2 is Death on a Deadline. If you follow that link it’ll take you to Joyce’s website where if you scroll a little, you’ll see the awesome cover and release date of November 8, 2022. I sure hope this series goes over well enough that she can at least make it a trilogy like Brewing Trouble was.

#CrookedLane #JoyceSt.Anthony #JoyceTremel

My Goodreads review:

Front Page Murder by Joyce St. Anthony
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly hadn’t expected to like this since historical cozies aren’t really my thing. But I gotta say, this was absolutely awesome and now ranks up there with the handful of historical cozies I’ve actually enjoyed not just endured. I was really excited at the end when I started poking around online to see if there was another book in the works. I was super happy to find out it comes out November 8.

Irene was a super likable, very strong young character who’d had to mature quickly, but I liked that she was flawed enough not to be completely perfect. Meaning I kinda figured out who the kingpin was before she did, and I don’t think I’m that good. I feel it was planned to show that even strong people can have times of weakness or where they don’t always add everything up. Lily was a sweetheart of a little sister, and I really liked Katherine’s character after a certain point in the book. Peggy was a great bestie to have and made for a good sleuth partner even though she was pretty nervous about it.

There was a lot of good action, and it never felt like the story was dragging. I loved the showdown and who was on hand to help with it! The book releases tomorrow, so if you enjoy reading historical cozies set in WWII, this is for you. Heck, I didn’t even realize it was for me because I’m not a big history nut, but I guess the 1940s are just recent enough that they don’t seem too weird as compared to some 19th century history cozies I’ve tried to read. The key characters were so likable, I’m really hoping that Irene’s dad and fiancé Bill make it home safely. Oh and that crazy Sylvia! I wouldn’t mind seeing her in the next book as well as Katherine.

The language and conversation flowed nicely and wasn’t a bit uppity like I’ve sometimes found with other eras. I shocked my husband by actually asking him a few things about WWII (since he’s the history nut in the family lol!) then explained I’d just read a really good mystery stressing how it was fiction though, haha.

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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Wedding Bell Blues review

March 1, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the thirteenth book in the long-running and beloved Tourist Trap Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon, author of some other cozy series I love as well. Like her other series, this one has always been like visiting old friends again when I start to read. These are characters I’d want to be friends with or hang out with. The books are more than just mysteries. They’re a look into the lives of Jill and her employees which she awesomely treats like part of her family. I like that friends/employees as family theme as seen in all this author’s series.

My Goodreads review:

Wedding Bell Blues by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love a visit to South Cove to see old book friends Jill and her crew. When Jill and her aunt stumbled onto the latest dead body, they had no idea what a twisty case it’d turn out to be. I’m not even close to being caught up in real time for this series, but I did know Jill and Greg were engaged, so when I saw the ARC at NetGalley and the title, I couldn’t resist!

Meanwhile, Jill and Greg were attending the engagement party being thrown for them, besides what a good way to pick up on clues, right? I wanted to like Harper the dress designer, but there was just something off about her which a good twist later on definitely explained.

I just love that feisty Aunt Jackie, and now her new husband Harrold who seems to adore her. Deek makes a great bookstore employee, and I hope he eventually becomes an author like he wants, but I’d love to see him stay on. He was so good with the kids and the crowd at the store’s readathon!

The showdown was exciting and as always, Jill kinda got in the middle of things and could’ve gotten killed…again. But it still ended well, and hopefully between now and the next book, I’ll be able to get even more caught up with the series.

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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Antique Auctions Are Murder review

February 23, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Poppy McAllister Mysteries by Libby Klein, and it’s always the most fun I ever have reading about some characters and enjoying a good laugh or twenty. I absolutely love Aunt Ginny and her group of friends fondly known as the biddies in Poppy’s mind. I’m sure she feels like she’s trying to herd cats while attempting to keep those ladies out of trouble. And speaking of herding cats, Fig had his share of issues this time. If you remember last time, he had little kitty heart broken by a female cat. Now there’re two female cats visiting, and the poor guy’s constantly having to deal with that. Just part of the three-ring circus known as life at the B&B!

#KensingtonCozies #NetGalley

My Goodreads review:

Antique Auctions Are Murder by Libby Klein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, Aunt Ginny and her band of biddies (yes, they don’t mind Poppy thinking of them like that) were in top form in this book. I laughed so many times I lost track of it. The murder of the nephew of one of the ladies, Thelma was the focus of this book. Although it was interesting how the book opened, and how that scene eventually tied back to something in the mystery.

Poppy’s old nemesis Joanne who now works for the B&B hasn’t lost any of her snark and I can’t say or imagine I’ll ever warm up to her (part of her charm, right?), but it did surprise me when she and Poppy did a little sleuthing together. They actually could get along for that long, lol. Poppy’s always the bigger person letting Joanne’s snark slide right off her. After an incident with Victory and a frog, Poppy had some new ammo to use against Joanne if needed. 😉 Speaking of snark, Amber was almost pitiable with her tough new partner. The woman wouldn’t let her have a moment’s peace and was especially interested in how Poppy figured into so many previous murder cases.

I hadn’t guessed the killer since that whole family involved was so dysfunctional and weird, you just never knew who’d do what next. I’m glad the showdown was a bit calmer, and even Joanne was able to help by calling 911.

Oh and I have to mention how Georgina’s stay at the B&B added so much to the comic factor! Ginny just loved making her the butt of jokes, but Georgina gave plenty of reason for that. Lots of laughs to be had at those scenes! And Victory was, well she’s Victory so just imagine her with a sunburn.

While the rest of their world always seemed upside-down during a murder case, at least now Poppy had the stability of knowing Gia was there for her if she needed him. Now if they could only get some alone time! Don’t miss out on the most fun you’ll ever have reading a murder mystery!

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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Batter Off Dead review

February 22, 2022February 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the Country Store series that I’m happy to have read ever since its beginning. Robbie’s come a long way in all those years especially with being smarter and more careful during an investigation. But there’s always something that can’t be prevented when perps are involved, right? If you’re a fan of the series, you’re going to love meeting Buck’s dad, and I sure hope he returns for a visit soon!

My Goodreads review:

Batter Off Dead by Maddie Day
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved meeting Buck Bird’s dad, Grant (yep, the blurb has his name wrong). He cracks me up and always refers to Buck as Buckham, but Robbie loved him the minute they met and visited him several times. He did have a valuable clue even though he couldn’t see what was going on at the murder scene. I really hope Grant stays as an occasional character, and I’d love to see him come have breakfast with his bottomless pit son–wonder if he can still eat as much as Buck? lol

This was a twisty mystery with lots of red herrings and a tie to a cold case. I found myself favoring one suspect then changing my mind to someone else. Wow what a showdown, and go Robbie! She let that perp have it, never mind that Robbie might’ve been shaking in her boots the whole time. She acted brave, and that’s what counts. I love that despite her strong exterior, she can admit that it’s nice having a husband like Abe to hug on when all was said and done. He’s been so sweet in his support of her investigating.

Alana’s call to Robbie has me wondering now if the next book’s gonna have a fun little announcement. I know Robbie wants a kid or two, so when the time comes, I imagine even Aunt Adele might curb her traveling bug to be with the little stinker! I can’t wait to see Samuel whenever Robbie and Abe have kids–he’d be over the moon. I missed those two being physically present in this 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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Caramel Pecan Roll Murder review

February 21, 2022February 21, 2022 Tari Hann

This is book 28 in the very long running Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke who’s no stranger to cozy mystery fans. Moishe in reality should be 22 years old, but I’m glad he’s more of a timeless character and doesn’t seem to age. As always, there was an abundance of scrumptious-sounding dessert recipes included in the book. This one ended in such a way that I’m really hoping the next new book comes out sooner than a year!

My Goodreads review:

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With all the recipes in this book, I was hungrier than ever for the different items, lol. Not only did the caramel pecan rolls sound yummy, but there were some lemon desserts that sounded…killer-yeah, pun intended since this is a mystery book.

The action took place mostly around the Lake Eden Inn and lake where Hannah and Andrea were filling in for Sally’s pastry/dessert chef during a fishing tournament. Andrea’s become quite the kitchen helper and was even able by now to make some simple recipes. I think it’s kinda cool how she wanted to start learning more about baking, and I really like it when the sisters sleuth together. Hannah can be very blunt with her questions or blurts, but Andrea’s the type everyone wants to talk to. Maybe they just sense she’s a real estate seller and used to talking a lot. Although, Hannah had a couple of sessions where her questioning method would’ve made Mike proud.

I was so sure I knew whodunit because of what I realize now was a clever red herring, but wasn’t super surprised at the real perp once who I thought was cleared. Hannah again had a close call, but thanks to Andrea paying attention while boating/fishing with Bill, well she got a good part in the take down. Someone dropped a real bombshell at the very end, and now I’m so curious and eager for the next book to come out! Gonna be a long year or however long it takes! I just hope the next book is just that, an actual new book and not another compilation of already published books like we’ve seen before.

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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Batten Down the Belfry review

February 20, 2022February 20, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the House-Flipper Mysteries by Diane Kelly who has other cozy mystery series under her belt as well as a couple of new ones. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read so far by her even though I haven’t dipped into the older series yet. I just love the characters in the House-Flipper series and hope she continues writing it at least as long as she did Paw Enforcement. Little Sawdust is so cute on all these book covers in this series, and he even gets featured in several short chapters giving a cat’s-eye-view of what’s going on.

My Goodreads review:

Batten Down the Belfry by Diane Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It looked like Whit and Buck had scored themselves another nice property, and with all the ideas they collectively had for it, it promised to be a good profit and future moneymaker for them. Only the one little problem of the body in the bell tower needed to be addressed first. And if that wasn’t bad enough, there was another death on the property after that.

I loved the idea Collette came up with for having a cafe to go along with the theater venue building. It was cute how she and Buck were getting closer. I like where Whitney and Collin are in their relationship. He finally realized she’s useful to investigations, and it doesn’t do any good to tell her to keep away anyhow.

The showdown was crazy exciting! Sawdust got to play a part, and that old bell in the church definitely came in handy! The very ending was so sweet and now I can’t wait for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by St. Martin’s via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. This book comes out March 1, 2022.

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A Fatal Glow review

February 19, 2022February 19, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Odessa Jones Mysteries by Valerie Wilson Wesley, and I like it even better than the first book. Dessa’s one of the most likable main characters I’ve met, and I just love her Aunt Phoenix, what a hoot! I thought it was sweet how Dessa let Loella’s little girl come over and bake with her. She even took the murdered guy’s teen boy under her wing for a while.

#KensingtonCozies #NetGalley

My Goodreads review:

A Fatal Glow by Valerie Wilson Wesley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Dessa’s character in the first book, and this book was even better. Dessa’s one character who’d be the most awesome friend a person could have. She’s taken the coworkers from a job she doesn’t like and turned them into her family which is probably why she feels like she can’t leave that job even though she’s not doing that great selling properties and enjoys catering much more.

What a crazy dysfunctional bunch of people Dessa got mixed up with when she agreed to take on a catering job as a favor to boss Tanya. But as always, she made the most of it, and with Harley and Louella’s help was able to pull it off…until the host died. I was never sure who to trust except for Dessa and her friends. I hadn’t guessed the killer but it made total sense once the reveal happened.

I really like it when Dessa can spend time with Lennox at the restaurant and can totally see those two being happy together someday. Until she’s ready though, I’m just glad she’s got someone like him to hang out with. Don’t miss this book when it releases next Tuesday, February 22.

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

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Put Out to Pasture review

February 17, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Farm to Table Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower who’s written quite a few successful cozy series. I always enjoy her characters for being unforgettable but real people. Some are quirky, hilarious and just plain amazing. Usually there’s a funny and/or cuddly animal involved (think Jethro from the Amish Candy Shop), but I know when I start one of her books, I usually get lost reading and don’t want to stop till the story’s done.

My Goodreads review:

Put Out to Pasture by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was good to catch up with Shiloh and her dad again especially during the fall season. Her dad’s quickly become my favorite character with Hazel being a close second. That kid is like 11 going on 19 or 20 lol. But boy is her grandma a piece of work. It’s just a shame that deliciously handsome Quinn comes with such a cantankerous mom, although Shi always got along well with Quinn’s dad, Chief Randy of the Cherry Glen PD.

Sometimes I just felt like knocking some sense into Shi with gorgeous Quinn right there who may or may not be hinting he wants more than friendship. Then another nice looking guy arrived, so she’s got a smorgasbord. In all fairness, I’ve never lost a spouse or fiance, so I can’t know the pain or how long it’d take to get to a dating point again, but for fiction’s sake, I really hope she picks one soon! And for the record I’m #TeamQuinn. He’s cute and he has a kid who’s pretty amazing too.

Poor Kristy was the suspect this time, and Shiloh was doing her best to get her bestie out of the limelight and find a real suspect. The showdown was definitely exciting and I absolutely loved what Sully did to help! Funny and awesome at the same time! I hadn’t quite seen the whodunit coming although it made total sense and I’d thought about that person at one point. Don’t miss this second book in the Farm to Table Mysteries coming out next Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

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

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Caught and Collared review

February 15, 2022April 5, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Lowcountry Dog Walker series by Jackie Layton, a series I recently rediscovered after seeing and getting this ARC on NetGalley. I already had the first book and knew I’d be able to binge through the first three before reading this. In fact, now that I’ve read all four, I strongly suggest reading from the beginning. The series is more like a serial story that has characters, relationships and even a new dog or two in each story that all build on each other. Sometimes a person or dogs are just randomly mentioned, but it’s really cool to be able to think back and know you’ve already met those or read about them. And some of the people you might not’ve thought would be important when you met them turn out to be pretty important to a book’s storyline.

I just love the series so much that if I had time and not a gazillion other books on my WTR, it’d be one of those series I could easily reread. I hope the author keeps on writing in it as I feel some of the main characters and side characters still have lots of great stories to tell!

I found a picture of a beagle that made me think of poor sweet Peanut in the story who lost his human but eventually gained a new dad to love and take care of him.

My Goodreads review:

Caught and Collared A Low County Dog Walker Mystery #4 by Jackie Layton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love how the character and their relationships have built in this series. It’s definitely a series I’d recommend starting from the beginning. Leroy, for example actually became a pretty important character in this book, but a couple books ago, he was just that guy out there fishing. Same for Jeremiah and Frank, two veterans that I’ve liked since I met them. And Ike’s another veteran and a sweetheart, but you really need to get his backstory before reading this book, if you want full enjoyment. The series is more like a serial story without cliffhangers, if that makes any sense.

Marc and Andi have such an awesome relationship that isn’t too mooshy or unbelievable. They’ve learned mutual trust and I thought it was sweet how they had some plans for gifting that included her siblings. Andi’s whole posse of friends and family are so amazing with how they help each other out in the community. And again, it’s told in a believable way and not bigger than life and not outrageously flaunting how good they are. It’s just normal nice people doing everyday nice things for each other expecting nothing in return except the love and friendship they all enjoy.

This was one crazy mystery that had everyone puzzled until Andi’s research led her to something big. It all built up to an exciting showdown where both Marc and Andi along with two very cool veteran characters managed to survive a killer.

If Heyward Beach with its characters and places was real, I’d visit in a heartbeat and rent part of the renovated old kitchen building–or maybe I’d wanna stay on the beach. Now I’m so eager for the next book. I’d gotten and read this book as an ARC but liked it so much, I went ahead and bought the Kindle file. I just want the author to keep writing this series!

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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Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library review

February 7, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Lakeside Library Mysteries by Holly Danvers who also wrote the Handcrafted Mysteries under the name Holly Quinn. A lakeside library makes a great setting for a cozy mystery! It’s such a cool-sounding place to vacation even in the winter!

My Goodreads review:

Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a more enjoyable book than the first one was, and I wasn’t nearly as confused with the mystery like last time. I do like Marge and her dog a lot and wished they’d been in this book a little more. I don’t know why, but I just can’t get into the key characters. While I love how the author writes very realistically worded dialogue, I feel like these characters aren’t people in their thirties but much, much younger by some of the stuff they say to each other. Sometimes Jace doesn’t come off quite as professional-sounding as he should. Maybe it’s just me.

The mystery was good, and I didn’t quite guess whodunit. The showdown was exciting. There was a slight possibility of a new man in Rain’s life, and I hope I guessed right at the very end! #TeamJace

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. Release date is February 8, 2022 (tomorrow).

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