Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Big Trouble in Little Greektown review

December 7, 2021December 7, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Goddess of Greene Street series by Kate Collins who was first known for her Flower Shop series that went on to be the inspiration for a series of Hallmark movies. I’m really enjoying this series featuring Athena and her big Greek family. She even managed to snag a non-Greek boyfriend and still has her mama’s approval. There was a cute side story in this book about Delphi trying to do the very same thing but being afraid to face Mama. Really loving all these characters! Oscar the raccoon sounds pretty adorable, but I know from a relative who owned one once that you really have to be careful, although Niko seemed to have him under control as an outdoor pet.

My Goodreads review:

Big Trouble in Little Greektown by Kate Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love visiting with Athena and her big crazy Greek family (described that way by her and her sisters lol). Case was just about to get his private eye license and open a new office, and I was actually surprised that Lila who I never liked very much at all in the previous book, really came through for them when needed. Lila got a nice surprise toward the end too. She’s actually a good piece of comic relief when they go on an interrogating mission. Athena’s son Nicholas/Niko had a new friend who was part of a side mystery that developed. Niko was quite the sleuth just like his mom!

I hadn’t really figured out whodunit although there was definitely someone I wanted to be the perp, but lots of suspects fit the bill. The showdown was really exciting, and once again the town was rid of a culprit.

I’d only read the first in the Flower Shop series that this author wrote first and really enjoyed it, but I know that series was ended. I was happy to see a little nod to it in this book. I love when authors do that! You’ll have to read it yourself to see just where this little mention is!

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

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A Plus One for Murder review

December 4, 2021December 4, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series that releases this coming Tuesday, December 7, 2021. The series is called Friend for Hire Mysteries, and the author is longtime cozy mystery writer Laura Bradford. She has two other cozy series she’s written as Laura Bradford, The Emergency Dessert Squad and Amish Mysteries.

As Elizabeth Lynn Casey, she wrote one of the most beloved and long-running series among cozy readers, the Southern Sewing Circle. I forgot to mention this in my GR review, but I loved, loved loved the nod she gave to that series in this book! She even mentioned a colleague’s series too, since Dottie, the older lady Emma had weekly tea with was a huge cozy mystery fan. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book in this series and want to give a huge shout-out and thanks to @BerkleyPublishing for approving me to read this early copy. I really hope to be able to do the same with the next book.

My Goodreads review:

A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was excited to see that Laura Bradford was doing another cozy series and even more excited to be approved to read an ARC of it! The book definitely didn’t disappoint. What a cool and different kind of job for main character Emma, being a paid friend to people. I got such a kick out of her clients too especially Big Max, a sweet senior man who was trying to impress a lady by having Emma take him places. I loved how Emma’s friendship with Dottie had grown from what was the start for her new business-except at that time she didn’t realize it. Then eventually, Emma, Stephanie, another client and Dottie made quite the sleuthing trio! And Emma’s sweet dog, Scout always seemed to be pointing out clues to her. I love it when a pet’s just a bit more than a simple pet.

There was a nice assortment of suspects, and I wasn’t expecting the perp to be who it was. The showdown was a good one, and the three sleuths were happy with their work. Deputy Jack, well I don’t think he was too thrilled with their sleuthing, but I could tell he really liked Emma from the beginning especially from his line at the very end. 😉

It was well-written mystery that I’ve always come to expect and know from this author, and now I can’t wait to read more about the characters in the next book! Don’t miss this book which releases Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

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

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Murder at the Lobstah Shack review

December 3, 2021December 3, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Cozy Capers Book Group series by another fave author, Maddie Day aka Edith Maxwell. As Maddie, she also writes the long-running Country Store series featuring Robbie Jordan, one of my favorite main characters. This series is really growing on me, and I love the setting having since I’ve never been to Cape Cod but would love to go someday. I can’t really say more about Lobstah Shack without giving away something, so I’ll just leave you to read my GR review below. Eagerly waiting for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Lobstah Shack by Maddie Day
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun series that keeps getting better. I love that Mac and Tim were getting closer and even Mac’s wrapped her brain around marriage and a family much better than she would’ve in the first book. Mac’s pet parrot Belle cracks me up with how she imitates everyone and picks up catch phrases. She’s definitely a different type of pet for a main character, lol. I enjoyed it whenever Mac would interact with her sweet little niece Cokey. Just reading how she is with Cokey, I have no doubts that Mac’s gonna make a really awesome mom someday.

The mystery was a tough one, and I really thought it was cool how the author put in a little nudge to a friend author of hers, Barb Ross who writes the Maine Clambake series. Yes, I read acknowledgements, lol. As with this author’s Country Store series, I always think I have the perp right, but boom! I’m wrong…and loving it! I’m eager to see what’s happening next in the series!

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

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2022 NetGalley and Edelweiss Challenge

December 1, 2021January 7, 2023 Tari Hann

UPDATED and WRAP-UP POST: In 2022, I did reach the diamond level I was after with 110 books read.

For the second year, Yvonne at Socrates Book Reviews is hosting the NetGalley and Edelweiss Challenge for 2022, and you can sign up at her site that I’ve linked. I’m going for Diamond this time, and if you want to see why, here’s my 2021 NetGalley Challenge as far as the end of November.

I’ll do the same thing as in 2021 and post the list when I’m finished or nearly finished. Have fun if you join in! I’ve had some good success with this challenge and don’t feel as out of control with ARCs as I did a year ago.

January—9

A Fatal Family Feast—Lynn Cahoon
2. Crimes and Covers—Amanda Flower
3. A Three Book Problem—Vicki Delany
4. Tailing Trouble—Laura Scott
5. Up to No Gouda—Linda Reilly
6. Honey Roasted—Cleo Coyle
7. Easter Bonnet Murder—Leslie Meier
8. Wasted Thyme—Karen C. Whalen
9. A Dash of Death—Michelle Hillen Klump

February—8
1. Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library—Holly Danvers
2. Caught and Collared—Jackie Layton
3. Put Out to Pasture—Amanda Flower
4. A Fatal Glow—Valerie Wilson Wesley
5. Batten Down the Belfry—Diane Kelly
6. Caramel Pecan Roll Murder—Joanne Fluke
7. Batter Off Dead—Maddie Day
8. Antique Auctions Are Murder—Libby Klein

March—7
1. Wedding Bell Blues—Lynn Cahoon
2. Front Page Murder—Joyce St. Anthony
3. Saddled Up 4 Murder—J.C. Eaton
4. Under Lock and Skeleton Key—Gigi Pandian
5. Pleading the Fish—Bree Baker
6. Three Shots to the Wind—Sherry Harris
7. A Matter of Hive and Death—Nancy Coco

April—9
1. Cheddar Off Dead—Korina Moss
2. Death by Chocolate Chip Cupcake—Sarah Graves
3. Mining for Murder—Mary Angela
4. The Vanishing Type—Ellery Adams
5. A Margin for Murder—Lauren Elliott
6. Three Tainted Teas—Lynn Cahoon
7. Double Shot Death—Emmaline Duncan
8. Poppy Harmon and the Backstabbing Bachelor—Lee Hollis
9. Simmering with Resentment—Daryl Wood Gerber

May—7
1. Bear Witness—Lark O. Jensen
2. A Midsummer Night’s Fudge—Nancy Coco
3. A Sprinkle in Time—Dana Mentink
4. Buried in a Good Book—Tamara Berry
5. Fatal Flowers—Jess Dylan
6. The Diva Says Cheesecake!—Krista Davis
7. The Proof Is in the Poison—Diane Kelly

June—11
1. Bayou Book Thief—Ellen Byron
2. Murder Is No Picnic—Amy Pershing
3. Death by Beach Read—Eva Gates
4. Peril at Pennington Manor—Tracy Gardner
5. A Fatal Booking—Victoria Gilbert
6. Killers of a Feather—T.C. LoTempio
7. Five Belles Too Many—Debra H. Goldstein
8. Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary—Amy Lillard
9. A Hint of Murder—Daryl Wood Gerber
10. A Catered Doggie Wedding—Isis Crawford
11. A Perilous Pal—Laura Bradford

July—9
1. A Poisonous Page—Kitt Crowe
2. Murder at the Blueberry Festival—Darci Hannah
3. Death of an Ice Cream Scooper—Lee Hollis
4. Something Fishy This Way Comes—Gabby Allan
5. Death a Sketch—Cheryl Hollon
6. Mint Chocolate Murder—Meri Allen
7. No Parm No Foul—Linda Reilly
8. Witch and Famous—Angela M. Sanders
9. Murder Spills the Tea—Vicki Delany

August—12
1. Off the Chain—Janice Thompson
2. The Fragrance of Death—Leslie Karst
3. In Too Steep—Kate Kingsbury
4. A Dish to Die For—Lucy Burdette
5. Mrs. Morris & the Pot of Gold—Traci Wilton
6. Peanut Butter Panic—Amanda Flower
7. A Treacherous Tale—Elizabeth Penney
8. Six Feet Deep Dish—Mindy Quigley
9. A Colorful Scheme—Krista Davis
10. Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder—Valerie Burns
11. Peg and Rose Solve a Murder—Laurien Berenson
12. Death on the Argyle—Anne Canadeo

September—12
1. A Good Dog’s Guide to Murder—Krista Davis
2. Dewey Decimated—Allison Brook
3. A Vacation to Die For—Lynn Cahoon
4. Last But Not Leashed—Eileen Brady
5. Bound by Murder—Laura Gail Black
6. Steeped to Death—Gretchen Rue
7. Murder Out of Character—Olivia Matthews
8. Murder on the Poet’s Walk—Ellery Adams
9. Murder in a Cape Cottage—Maddie Day
10. A Dark and Snowy Night—Sally Goldenbaum
11. Seams Like Murder—Dorothy Howell
12. Gone for Gouda—Korina Moss

October—10
1. Christmas Scarf Murder—Carlene O’Connor
2. A Christmas Candy Killing—Christina Romeril
3. Kill Them with Canvas—Bailee Abbott
4. Live and Let Grind—Tara Lush
5. Crime for the Books—Kate Young
6. Canter With a Killer—Amber Camp
7. Calypso, Corpses and Cooking—Raquel V. Reyes
8. A Doomful of Sugar—Catherine Bruns
9. A Trip With Trouble—Diane Kelly
10. High Spirits—Carol J. Perry

November—9
1. A Book Club to Die For—Dorothy St. James
2. Death on a Deadline—Joyce St. Anthony
3. Dead Men Don’t Decorate—Cordy Abbott
4. Grilled 4 Murder—J.C. Eaton
5. Murder on the Class Trip—Lee Hollis
6. Steeped in Secrets—Lauren Elliott
7. Bake Offed—Maya Corrigan
8. On Spine of Death—Tamara Berry
9. Through the Liquor Glass—Sarah Fox

December—7
1. Death in the Margins—Victoria Gilbert
2. A Streetcar Named Murder—T.G. Herren
3. Sleuthing in Stilettos—Debra Sennefelder
4. Barking Up the Wrong Tree—Janice Thompson
5. Bookclubbed to Death—V.M. Burns
6. Vinyl Resting Place—Olivia Blacke
7. Rum and Choke—Sherry Harris

A Murder Like No Author review

December 1, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Main Street Book Club by Amy Lillard, and each one keeps getting better! Arlo’s senior friends Helen, Fern and Camille always crack me up! I’m sure Arlo feels like their handler at most times, especially when Mads the police chief specifically calls her to come and control them, lol. But the ladies are so full of life and ideas, they just can’t help themselves. I’m always eager to read the newest book and see what they get into next!

My Goodreads review:

A Murder Like No Author by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s always an interesting trip to Sugar Springs, MS to visit with Arlo and her friends. If you ever wondered what it was like to herd cats or toddlers, follow Arlo around town as she tries to ride herd on her three favorite older ladies. I can tell she loves them all like surrogate grandmas, but sometimes they do try her patience, lol. But always in a good way. They’re sharp as can be and can be quite intimidating with their smartphones, cookies and “the look” that only a grandma-like lady can give! I just love those ladies and as a collective unit, they’re such a hoot, especially that Fern!

This time they were all over the murder that took place at the theater where the movie was premiering. I won’t rehash the plot, since you can read that in the blurb. There was a side mystery along with the murder which became solved in a twist toward the end. I hadn’t guessed the killer, and the showdown was a good one.

You can definitely read this book by itself since the author does a very good job of recapping the previous stories. But you might want to start from the first book because sometimes things are mentioned that might be a little confusing otherwise…and you’ll understand more about why there’s a movie premiere and what that book was all about.

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

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Killer Words review

November 27, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the awesome Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. Burns (aka Valerie), another of my fave authors. I’ve loved this series since the first book, and each book makes me love it even more. These are some of the funniest and best characters in the cozy mystery world. How ’bout that Irma? She’s such a hoot! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

PS: If you’re wondering why I used a koala image, you’ll just need to read the book!

My Goodreads review:

Killer Words by V.M. Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy, was this a good one! Poor old Stinky Pitt who was always a thorn in Nana Jo and Sam’s sides needed someone to prove he didn’t kill a guy. That was a pretty tall order as the evidence started rolling in, but the ladies were all convinced someone was pulling a frame job on their frenemy.

I really like how things were progressing between Sam and her sweetie Frank. And I just love all these regular characters! They’re like coming home to old friends. No book would be complete without the whole group going, “Irma!” when Irma was always about to say something a little raunchy, well maybe a lot sometimes, lol. The ladies all crack me up, and I think sweet Ruby Mae is related to half the state of Michigan. There was a side mystery with some internal corruption going on in either the town or police department…maybe both! I won’t spoil it and let you read for yourselves.

Everyone we love and care about in the series seemed to be in a really good place at the book’s end, but I’m hoping this isn’t really the end end, and that Sam, Nana Jo and the others are gonna return in a new book very soon! Or whenever the usual time is for releasing this series. Don’t miss this book! It releases this coming Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

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

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Claret and Present Danger review

November 25, 2021November 25, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Literary Pub series by another fave author of mine, Sarah Fox. She also writes the Pancake House Mysteries which I love. I enjoy the play on book titles she’s been using for the Literary Pub Mysteries along with the awesome characters who feel like old friends now. I can’t wait for the next Literary Pub book to come out and only wish it didn’t have to be a whole year!

My Goodreads review:

Claret and Present Danger by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to visit Shady Creek, VT in the summer during the Renaissance Faire. While working on clearing her employee of the latest murder, Sadie and Grayson got even closer. I loved that he gets her and her need to be nosy, but he’s still sweet and protective while giving her space. I love how things had developed between them by the end of the book! And they both had enough employees now that they could take off for little bits of time together without feeling too guilty about it.

I had a feeling I knew whodunit when the book was fairly close to being done, but I didn’t really have the why. The showdown was exciting with an even better takedown. I only wish these books came out more than once a year, because now I’m excited to read the next book. I know Sadie’s mom is planning a visit. All I can say is she’d better like Grayson as much as everyone else does, lol.

This book releases next Tuesday, November 30. I really think this one was the best so far. All the characters now seem like old friends to me even though I’m sure we’ll continue learning new stuff about them throughout the series.

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

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But Knot for Me review

November 20, 2021November 20, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Yarn Retreat Mysteries series by Betty Hechtman who also writes the Crochet Mysteries series. I love how each of these series deals with a group of usually ladies, but in the retreats there’s an occasional guy participating. The retreat series is unique since it’s usually a group who doesn’t already know each other unless like in this book, sisters come together for it. There’s always a very cool camaraderie, and the people at the retreat always seem to end up helping each other.

My Goodreads review:

But Knot for Me by Betty Hechtman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d only ever read the first book in this series, so I had a basic idea of the main characters. I quickly got caught up on Casey and her life in Cadbury by the Sea. There’s enough information that anyone could easily read this book without having read the first or any others. There were also no spoilers which was good, because I still want to read books 2-7, lol.

The mystery was really intriguing, and just when I thought I suspected one person, another suspect turned up. I was completely surprised by the outcome having suspected someone else all together. The showdown was a good one and the kind I like where it’s police-controlled. I’m eager now to go back and read the books in the series I’ve missed. I really like these key 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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Death on the Shelf review

November 17, 2021November 17, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Haunted Library series by Allison Brook, the pen name of Marilyn Levinson who’s on Facebook under her own name and posts regularly about her books. I found out recently she’s definitely contracted to do at least two more books in this series, yay!

If anyone’s on the fence about reading a paranormal book, no worries here. There’s absolutely no magic or anything weird going on if that type thing bothers anyone. Evelyn isn’t a scary ghost at all. In fact, she just pops in and talks to Carrie like anyone else would. And it’s so cute how Carrie’s little cousin can see her too. Tacey asks about Miss Evelyn all the time, adorable! After the epic ending of this book, I can’t wait for the next! According to Marilyn’s Facebook page, it’s called Dewey Decimated and releases in September 2022.

My Goodreads review:

Death on the Shelf by Allison Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another visit to Clover Ridge, CT with Carrie and all her friends was an especially good one. Angela got married and got a new husband, but all Carrie got out of it was a new murder case and an assignment from Evelyn her ghost friend.

Despite a couple of dead bodies throughout the book, there were plenty of amazing things going on that involved the assignment from Evelyn and Carrie’s dad (separately though.) I kept wondering if Evelyn’s request and what Carrie found out for her might eventually be connected to the murder. You’ll just have to read it yourself and find out, I don’t want to spoil it. The showdown was good, and I was proud of Carrie for being resourceful.

The very ending was so perfect and semi-expected but still just about the sweetest thing ever! I can’t wait to read the next book!

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

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Fatal Solutions review

November 11, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Crossword Puzzle Mysteries by Becky Clark. Her writing is so funny and good and sometimes just the way she describes either what a person says or does can literally make you laugh out loud. This book did appear a bit more serious in nature as far as Quinn’s battle with her OCD went and the nature of the old death she was curious about. But the fun moments were all still there including my favorites, the Retireds, those wild and crazy senior men who hung out at the diner most of the day.

My Goodreads review:

Fatal Solutions by Becky Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a little different from the other two books in the series since it dealt with finding bones from a death in the 70s. Poor Quinn seemed to be able to get herself into a mess even if she wasn’t trying. I just love the banter she always enjoyed with the group of older men who hung out in the diner and call themselves the Retireds. They loved teasing her mercilessly but all in good fun.

Oh and that crazy Loma! Although at one point, she did something just typically a Loma thing that really upset Quinn and actually for a good reason, but good friends never stayed mad too long. Quinn always did the right thing when she felt like she’d wronged someone too. She did find out the answer to the long-ago death which was a little surprising but not under the circumstances.

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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