Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

The Enemy You Gnocchi review

October 30, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Italian Chef series by Catherine Bruns who also wrote the Cindy York Mysteries. Catherine also writes the Cookies & Chance series and some of the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries, both of which are published by Gemma Halliday Publishing.

The Italian Chef series is published by @Poisoned Pen, and I have to send kudos to the artist of this latest book cover. It’s my favorite cover so far, and I really hope this style continues. It just embraces the cozy mystery theme so much better! And Christmas cozy mystery book covers with cute pets on them are my weakness, lol. Looking very forward to the next book!

I found the picture of the cat in a Google search and couldn’t help thinking this is probably what Luigi would love to do with Tessa’s presents!

My Goodreads review:

The Enemy You Gnocchi by Catherine Bruns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was Christmastime in Harvest Park with a lights festival going on along with all the festive trimmings, but Tessa had a murder to contend with when the creepiest guy in town was offed at the lights festival. Did he have mob ties…or was it one of his string of exes?

I was happy I’d recently read the second book, so I was totally ready for this one and super pleased with the ending. Sometimes I was ready to headslap Tessa for not wanting to let herself fall for Justin in a more-than-friendship way, but I figured she’d finally come around because I know she’s got an awesome author 😉 There were quite a few suspects, and the whodunit was definitely a surprise for me. It was an exciting showdown that led to a quick brawl in the snow before Tessa got the upper hand.

Tessa did have an epiphany along the way which led to an even better story ending. I’m so eager now to read the next book, but I’m thinking we’ll probably have to wait at least a year since this series hasn’t been releasing more than that. These are some good characters who’ve become friends, and they’re definitely worth the wait.

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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To the Tome of Murder review

October 28, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Beyond the Page Bookshop Mysteries by Lauren Elliott. I really love this cozy little town by the sea with all its awesome shops. Some of the shops we’ve never seen before got mentioned in this book, and there was an antique shop that Serena, Catherine and Addie all went nuts for. I think Paige and Catherine are still my favorite characters. They’re such sweethearts and the most amazing friends anyone could have. Will Addie finally wear Catherine down and get her to agree to officially work at the bookshop and get paid? You’ll have to read and see!

My Goodreads review:

To the Tome of Murder by Lauren Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Quite a bit happened since we visited Greyborne Harbor in June (of their world) when Serena and Zach got married. Now it was time for Thanksgiving, and of course, Addie’s got a murder to solve or watch her cousin Kalea get wrongly charged for killing her boyfriend.

My first guess of whodunit ended up being right, but it was fun to go down all those clever rabbit holes the author provided and see if someone else could’ve done it. I didn’t think Simon would grow on me as the one for Addie, but I was getting on board with that in the last book and a little more in the one before that. I just hope she doesn’t mess it up, as Serena sort of reminded her.

There were lots of secrets and crazy happenings that were connected to the murder investigation, but it was wrapped up nicely before Addie’s big Thanksgiving dinner that included a couple of new friends this time.

I think it ended well and just hope that Addie’s finally coming around and letting herself love someone again. I’m very eager for the next book now!

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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Deck the Donuts review

October 27, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Deputy Donut series that I’ve literally devoured (no donut pun intended, honest!) since the series beginning. It’s written by Ginger Bolton also known as Janet Bolin, author of the older Threadville series. I’ve come to think of this little family of characters as close friends by now, and I’m always eager to see what they’re up to. Christmas in Fallingbrook just seemed magical and just what you’d expect a cozy mystery Christmas to be like. And speaking of magical Christmas, isn’t that just the most awesome book cover? Little Dep is always so cute on these covers!

Oh and on September 23 on her Facebook page, the author announced that @Kensington Publishing signed her for two more Deputy Donut books, seven and eight! Yippeeeeee!!! I dug on FB till I found that info on her page again because I wanted to be completely sure I’d read it right!

My Goodreads review:

Deck the Donuts by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an awesome and festive Christmas mystery! I could easily picture the village square with the ice sculptures (minus the dead body, of course!) This was one tough mystery to even think about picking whodunit, so I just read and enjoyed. The person I was a little worried about being the perp wasn’t, so I was happy about that, lol. I really loved that Ivan the big dog that belonged to the DCI detective and her sons got to be a hero in the showdown. And boy, what an exciting showdown that was! I could picture it playing out as a TV mystery movie.

The whole thing could’ve been a Christmas mystery movie though with Brent having that awesome ski chalet. I got a kick out of the two older ladies in Emily’s neighborhood who remained nameless, like guardian angels in the background. Emily knew the one lady as pruning shears lady, and the other was referred to as snow angel since she helped the bus tour guide staying with Emily.

I was incredbily happy with the ending of this book! All I could think of was wow, it’s about time! I can’t wait for the next book!

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

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Strangers on a Skein review

October 23, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth book in the long-running Black Sheep & Company series by Anne Canadeo. I’m not really caught up in the series and really want to get back to the early books, but I read enough to get a good handle on the characters when I started seeing these new books pop up in NetGalley. Yup, I couldn’t resist. I really love these friends and how they’re really more like sisters with their love and care for each other and each other’s loved ones. I hope it continues for a long time.

My Goodreads review:

Strangers on a Skein by Anne Canadeo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d missed reading about these friends, so I was happy to grab this ARC when it came to NetGalley. I loved the title and kind of based some of my guesses on it. Phoebe, the youngest of the knitting friends was in the spotlight this time. I felt so bad for her having waited a long time for a spot at the farmers’ and crafters’ market then having all kinds of issues. Her sales did great, but her other luck went down the drain. There was a lot of unfriendliness going on at the market, and unfortunately (or maybe not) Phoebe’s only friendly face was her ex-boyfriend Harry in a neighboring stall.

There were tons of secrets and layers to this mystery, and I had a hard time putting it down. Intrigue was everywhere at one point, but we always got a good taste of what this series has always been based on, the friendship of these knitting women. Boy, was the showdown and car chase a good one! I was proud of Phoebe for taking control when she did. I had my suspicions about someone, but I can’t say a whole lot due to it being a more complex mystery. Just enjoy, lol.

I loved the epilogue which was probably long-awaited by fans. A sweet piece of news makes me very eager to read the next book!

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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Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas review

October 22, 2021 Tari Hann

This is book #2.5 of the Kitchen Witch series by Lynn Cahoon who also writes the Tourist Trap Mysteries, Farm-to-Fork Mysteries and Cat Latimer Mysteries, all of which are among my favorite cozy mystery series. I really enjoy the novella idea to sort of tide us over between main books, and since Christmas is my fave season, I was definitely eager to read this and not disappointed at all!

My Goodreads review:

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a sweet Christmas story and mystery! Mia’s ghost friend Dorothy needed her help, and with a deadline attached to it, being the good friend she is to everyone, Mia squeezed time in between her Christmas party/open house and tons of delivery orders. Dorothy might’ve been just a ghost, but she’d always been pretty nice to Mia-and we know our girl can’t resist a puzzle, right?

Lots of secrets came to light, but a happy ending was enjoyed by Dorothy and someone else who was very deserving of a merry Christmas. I had slightly suspected the perp, but it was great how Trent and Mia sleuthed it out together. I love these novellas in between the main stories of the Kitchen Witch series. (The author also does it with some of her other series). Even though we aren’t seeing a full-size Christmas mystery, the author packed it with festive fun, and I never felt like anything was missing. Can’t wait for the next book whether it’s regular or another novella. I’m really loving 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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Mistletoe Cake Murder review

October 17, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe by Lena Gregory who also writes the Bay Island Psychic series. Both of these are two of my very favorite series, and right now I’m caught up in both of them just waiting for more fun adventures to come along. I can’t believe it’s been six books since I first read about Gia and her bestie Savannah helping her get used to life in Florida after living in NYC.

This is the first Christmas that Gia’s acctually counting as having in Florida since she’s feeling way more at home with tons of great friends who are probably better to her than some family would be. Gia does still get creeped out by the thought of creatures in her woods near her house–can’t say I blame her for that at all because we both share an intense dislike of snakes, bugs and stuff like that as well as that eww factor! (We’re in good company though, think of Indy Jones!) Oh, I found a picture that made me think of inside Trevor’s mansion and how he’d have decorated.

My Goodreads review:

Mistletoe Cake Murder by Lena Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my favorite book in the series yet! The mystery leading up to Savannah and Leo’s wedding was a good one and if anything, it kept Savannah busy instead of worrying about details which their awesome friend Trevor had covered anyway. I’m with Gia, I hope we see wedding bells between him and Zoe sometime soon! He’s one of my favorite characters and needs a happily ever after.

I kind of had a feeling all along of whodunit, but falling for the red herrings was still fun and seeing Gia and Savannah in sleuthing action’s always worth it. The showdown was great and featured our two fave couples.

I loved how nearly the whole town was gathered in Trevor’s magical setting for Savannah and Leo’s wedding. All our favorites were there like Earl and his family, Cole and Cybil as well as Willow and her mom Skyla. Trevor had gone all out, and with the author’s gift of just the right amount of description, it was so easy to picture this amazing Christmas Eve wedding. Get a tissue ready, because the ending is sweet, funny and absolutely perfect!

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

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In Hot Water review

October 16, 2021October 16, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series called Misty Bay Tearoom by Kate Kingsbury who some might know from her Pennyfoot Hotel House or Merry Ghost Inn series. She was a new-to-read author to me since I do have some of those series but just haven’t had a chance to dig in yet. After reading this book, what am I waiting for? She’s got a good blend of sweet cozy, tense moments, snarky characters (when needed), a li’l romance, humor and just an overall good mystery and fun characters. I’m eager to read the next book in this new series.

My Goodreads review:

In Hot Water by Kate Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an awesome mystery featuring three otherwise unlikely friends who were coworkers to begin with at Vivian’s tearoom. Vivian was settled into life as a widow but still missed her husband a lot. Jenna was divorced and somewhat jaded, but she was overall an awesome friend and worker for Vivian. And Gracie was like the bubbling-over, super happy little sister, who I guessed was about twenty-something. (and Jenna maybe thirty-something with Vivian around ten years older than Jenna.) I loved Gracie’s character, and when they started investigating the murder, she reminded me of Scrappy Doo with her enthusiasm lol! All three ladies had each others’ backs and would’ve done anything for the others.

I really enjoyed Vivian’s friendship with Hal, a super sweet, somewhat-older-than-her, man who had the pet store. He was so kind to her and gave her friendship and platonic companionship when she needed it. I have a feeling they’d both like to explore a more serious relationship though, so it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out in the next book. The usual trope switch-up was Jenna and the detective seeming to like each other. And Gracie was cheerleader for both of them. She had a fun little side story going on that turned out very sweet.

It was easy to be torn between some good suspect candidates as the threats ramped up and the ladies got closer to the answer. When Vivian had the answer, it was a race to the showdown. I enjoyed this book so much and can’t wait now for the next to come along.

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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A Brush with Murder review

October 14, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the brand new series Paint by Murder by Bailee Abbott, a new-to-me author even in her other persona of Kathryn Long who started a cozy series called Sierra Pines B&B. I have the first book and now that I’ve read her work as Bailee, I want to read Boarding with Murder she wrote as Kathryn.

I loved how the sisters, Chloe and Izzie in this book had such an awesome relationship as well as fairly normal parents who loved them to the moon and back. Katy their mom was a great cook who loved experimenting with all kinds of fads and trendy food, but she knew what her kids and friends liked. I’m really looking forward to the next book. I might already be Team Hunter. 😉

My Goodreads review:

A Brush with Murder by Bailee Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome new mystery by a new-to-me author with a great sense of humor that shines through to her characters. Her main character Chloe isn’t as funny or snarky as Chloe’s sister Izzie or some of the others, but Chloe did have some great one-liners and knew just what to say.

Gotta say, I was really ready to loathe Ross’s character being that he was the ex-boyfriend, and everyone knows how those guys are usually jerks in books, am I right? But Ross turned out to be a decent and likable character. I’m not sure I’d want Chloe back with him (I’m Team Hunter already, lol), but he’s a super good friend to have and promised he’d always be there for her. That cute ball of fluff on the book cover is Max who’s just a good little friend to Chloe and not a crime fighter, yet anyway. The sisters had a great relationship, and their parents, while sometimes a little flaky and out there, were good people who loved both their kids unconditionally.

At one point in the book, I started suspecting the person who ended up as the killer, but this clever author eventually steered me off course. The showdown was a good nail biter one. There were a couple of side mysteries that got cleared up as well, so there are no hanging storylines in this series. I’m awfully eager now to read the next book and am hoping it comes out more than once a year like some 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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Digging Up Trouble review

October 13, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series by a new-to-me author named Kitt Crowe who has a great sense of humor in her writing, right up my alley! At least we don’t have to wait a whole year for a book because the next is scheduled for June of 2022, and I’ve been approved by #CrookedLane Publishing to read it. I loved some of the TV and pop culture references these friends tossed around along with their crazy and fun banter.

My Goodreads review:

Digging Up Trouble by Kitt Crowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this author’s wicked and fun sense of humor! It comes out in the form of her main character Lexi of course, and that girl cracked me up so many times! I loved it when she got together with besties Cat, Teri and two members of their bookclub for sleuthing. Stefanie was such a hoot, and her bestie Alison was a quiet but super knowledgeable lady having been an librarian before she retired. I liked that the run-ins Lexi had with Det. Berg were never to the point where he actually yelled or got overly angry. I thought the man was really pretty darn patient with Lexi and her snooping, lol.

There were so many possible suspects and just as I thought one person did it, I changed my mind. Lots of great red herrings and boy, what a showdown! Cookie, Lexi’s adorable dog (with klepto tendancies) ended up being a hero–I always love when the pet saves the day! There was a good twist I’d definitely not guessed although I wasn’t terribly surprised by something else. I did like this so much I requested the next book as an ARC that comes out June of 2022. Now that the book club has one case under their belt, I’m eager to see what they do with another.

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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Slashing Through the Snow review

October 12, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the long-awaited third book in what’d quickly become a favorite series of mine, The Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by another fave author, Julie Anne Lindsey writing as Jacqueline Frost (aka Julie Chase, Bree Baker). All the fun stuff we’d come to know in the previous two books was there including Reindeer Games (that now Libby was determined to beat Ray at!), and sweet little goat Theodore was getting his pictures taken for another year’s worth of calendar pages. Then along came a killer, and we pretty much know how that always goes! I’m really going to miss this series if this is definitely the last book, but the author did such an amazing job, I feel like it’s a series I could read over and over (if I had that kind of time lol!).

My Goodreads review:

Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was absolutely the best Christmas mystery! No one can beat Mistletoe, Maine for their festive Christmas spirit, awesome decorations and…who could forget Reindeer Games! I was happy to see that Evan’s sister Libby was officially dating reporter Ray (yeah, he was a real nuisance in the first book lol), and Ray’s mom was getting married.

With the latest murder evidence pointing to everyone’s favorite friend Cookie, Holly was letting nothing get in the way of proving her friend innocent. I love, love what the author did in this book with some of the characters! Let’s just say if you’re a cozy mystery fan and are on Facebook, you’ll probably recognize a few names!

I’d heard a while back that this book was the last which would wrap up the series, and while I’m always hopeful for more books in a favorite series, the author did an outstanding job of making this the most memorable book yet! Don’t miss this book, but definitely do yourself a favor and read the other two first to get to know everyone better. Hint: You might experience a little happy eye leakage at the end of the book, so be ready with a tissue. 😉

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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