Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Much Ado About Nauticaling review

July 27, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the new Whit and Whiskers series by Gabby Allan who also writes as Misty Simon, if you’re familiar with the Tallie Graver cozy mysteries. I haven’t personally read them yet, but I do own some. While I’m waiting on the next Whit and Whiskers, I hope to get to the Tallie Graver series.

I really like the dynamics of the characters in this book, especially when Whit decided to sleuth, and her pals Felix and Maribel helped. I’m a sucker for a new series, especially one with a cute animal like Whiskers on the cover!

My Goodreads review:

Much Ado about Nauticaling by Gabby Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first of this new series featuring Whit who runs glass bottom boat tours, her brother Nick who does the same and their very cool grandparents Pops and Goldy. I just love Pops and Goldy! She’s just a hoot how she’s always out in the sun doing her tanning, but she’s totally sweet and helpful to Whit when she needs her. Pops is the voice of reason and steadiness when Whit needs that. And Whiskers is a great comfort cat who got a chance to dig her claws into someone bad!

I just had a little tickly suspicion all along that wouldn’t go away, and I was actually right for once about whodunit. I read one thing farther along that cinched it for me, and that was my guess. The showdown was a good one too.

Maybe Whit’ll figure out that Felix isn’t so bad after all. I actually felt sorry for him, because unlike most stories where the girl is wronged/left at the altar/cheated on, this poor guy to me was the one who got the short end of the deal with Whit leaving and no explanation. Hopefully there’ll be plenty more of this series books for them to get reacquainted! I loved the sleuthing dynamics of Whit, Felix and Whit’s bestie and roommate, Maribel who came in really handy since she worked at the police station

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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Two Wicked Desserts review

July 26, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second full novel in the Kitchen Witch series by Lynn Cahoon who also writes two of my other fave series, Farm-to-Fork and Cat Latimer. I’m enjoying the Kitchen Witch series a lot. I love how Mia ended up being good friends and now employer to her ex-almost-sister-in-law Christina who doesn’t like her brother a whole lot better than Mia did after some of the stunts he pulled. Grams is a great character and another kind of tough-love grandma who loves her granddaughter like crazy but wants her to learn the ways of her magic. I love seeing Mia and Trent together. They have a great dynamic, and he’s learned when to help but not come off as a hero, lol.

The little pre-novella and 1.5 were good fillers and while not necessarily crucial to the plot, I really enjoyed reading them while waiting on the full novels and highly recommend those books too. I’m curious as to whether the next will be a Christmas or Halloween novella or what. Always eager for the next in this series!

My Goodreads review:

Two Wicked Desserts by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The last thing Mia needed was a dead body on her property, but unfortunately that’s what happened, and while Det. Baldwin wasn’t trying to finger her for the crime, he did seem to think Dorian’s daughter had something to do with it. Meanwhile, Grams was still trying to separate Dorian’s ghost from Mr. Darcy cat’s body, Christina and Levi were going through a bit of a rough patch in their little romance, and the elusive John Louis was at it again. The question was whether he’d finally be caught doing something illegal enough to get put away for good. The author sure did a great job creating a character so loathable that he’s another one I wouldn’t mind seeing as the victim, and a lot of Magic Springs residents would probably agree, lol.

It’s always interesting that while the main murder always gets solved in this series, there’s something else out there like a mystery with the school building or someone from Grams’s magical past. Will poor Ghost Dorian ever get separated from the cat? It’s never dull in Magic Springs!

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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The Rocky Road to Ruin review

July 24, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series, Ice Cream Shop Mysteries by Meri Allen who I thought was a newcomer, but I was super happy to find out on Facebook that she’s none other than Shari Randall, another one of my favorite authors who wrote the Lobster Shack series which I absolutely loved. I’ve found I can always rely on her for some awesome and interesting characters no matter which persona she writes under. I felt so at home reading Rocky Road, and now I can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading about Riley’s backstory but moreso liked that she was a good friend who needed a change in her own life, so she came through when her bestie Caroline needed someone the most. I was never quite sure throughout the book whodunit and wavered among a few of the characters. Maybe this dog wasn’t all that likable, but I sure loved that little MacGillicuddy was a dachshund! Hilarious to give a German dog a Scottish name too. I really liked little Rocky the black kitty who sort of adopted Riley as his favorite human. He was awfully intuitive in other things too.

It was a good twist for once to have the bestie attracted to the detective. I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen that yet. Sometimes the bestie is already attached/married or going with the main detective, but this was a fun switch. There wasn’t quite the typical showdown. It was more of a discovery of a series of events and some crucial evidence. Everything was well-explained at the end and what a sweet surprise Caroline found hidden in an unlikely place. You’ll have to read the book and find out. Now I’m really looking forward to the next book and wondering if some new friends in this book will show up there too.

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

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Murder in a Teacup review

July 22, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second in the Tea by the Sea series, the newest by Vicki Delany who’s also known as Eva Gates, author of the Lighthouse Library series. Under Vicki Delany, she also has Year-Round Christmas and The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop cozy mystery series. I’ve found in any of these series I’ve read (I’m up to date in Tea, Sherlock and Lighthouse) that you get lots of great characters, most being very endearing that you’d like to meet in real life. Then some are like Rose, not a huggy person but still a pretty awesome lady.

My Goodreads review:

Murder in a Teacup by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Never underestimate the power of an eighty-year old, lol! At least Rose Campbell proved it over and over so far in this series, and this book was definitely not a disappointment. I just love Rose’s character and how she’s always getting out of working the breakfast at the tearoom. She loves Lily fiercely, but she just not the soft and cuddly granny we sometimes see in these books. Rose and Bernie always make for a great sleuthing team, but sometimes I feel bad for Lily who usually gets left out due to having to work the tearoom.

The families staying at the B&B this time for a so-called reunion would give the Ewings of Dallas and the Channings of Napa Valley a real run for their money in the drama department, lol. I guess I basically pictured the Ewing clan only upgraded with phones and tablets. I’m glad that Det. Redmond got to play an important part eventually. That Williams, well let’s just say the author’s done a great job creating a character no one likes! On the other hand, Simon’s such a sweetheart that I really hope Lily lets him closer into her life sometime in the future. Matt turned out to be a good person for Bernie to hang with-maybe being a writer, he’ll help her overcome some of her writing issues she always has.

That was some awesome showdown! At least part of Lily’s plan worked out. And they finally got peace from this crazy bickering family when they left. I can’t wait to see what Lily, Rose and Bernie get into in 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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Fatal Family Ties review

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Ancestry Detective series by S.C. Perkins that I was fortunate enough to start from the beginning of the series. Each book just seems to get better, and I love how the characters have developed. Lucy and her two besties always crack me up when they get together, and I think it’s great that Lucy and Ben are officially a couple. I enjoyed meeting Lucy’s parents in this book and think it’s awesome that she has such a good relationship with them as opposed to sometimes a main character having both parents but maybe not such a great rapport with one or the other.

My Goodreads review:

Fatal Family Ties by S.C. Perkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series just keeps getting better! I love the camaraderie of Lucy and her besties, her great relationship with her own parents, the way she keeps in touch with Grandpa George via FaceTime, and last but definitely not least, her growing relationship with Ben Turner. I was drawn in and could hardly put the book down when the action fired up.

I had my susupicions about whodunit but not the twist. There was an interesting side story that appeared to be connected to the murder, so it was fun to watch that play out as well. The showdown was pretty epic, and Lucy’s friend Helen got to play a part in it. Camilla was very surprising at the end too! I liked the theme of various people getting second chances even regarding the historical end of it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book that publishes tomorrow, July 20, 2021, and my opinions are my own.

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A Spirit Seeks Asylum review

July 13, 2021July 13, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Bay Island Psychic series by Lena Gregory who writes another of my favorite series, The All-Day Breakfast Cafe. It’s awesome to have read this series from the very beginning and see how Cass has grown and developed some latent abilities. I just love her relationship with Bee and Stephanie, most especially Bee. He’s one of my most favorite book characters ever. He’s just the type of person I’d like for a friend meaning he’s loyal and protective, but he tells it like it is and doesn’t even hide it when he’s scared himself. I love sweet Beast pup more every time I read about him. He might not have been shaking water all over the tub and Bee this time, but he’s sure learned that Uncle Bee is a pushover when it comes to giving him treats and food, lol.

Luke and Cass are at a comfortable place in their relationship, and I’m always glad when there’s no conflict there. Luke’s most helpful having finally accepted Cass’s abilities even if he doesn’t quite understand them. I’m always eager for the next book in this series!

My Goodreads review:

A Spirit Seeks Asylum by Lena Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d been needing a Bee/Cass/Beast fix for a long time, and this was better than I could have even imagined. This book was a special treat since it was set in the winter when Bee doesn’t get as much design business and actually had the time to hang out and sleuth with Cass. Stephanie was being kept busy with her little adopted boy, so there wasn’t a whole lot with her, but she was in all the parts she usually was especially the group readings.

This was so well-plotted and hard to figure out that I just eventually sat back and enjoyed the ride. Bee was definitely at his shining best being first and foremost awesomest friend and protector in the universe and there’s always his so-scared-of-ghosts-he-passes-out thing which is always hilarious! He’s kinda like a human version of Scooby Doo when he does that.

There were a lot of secrets held and layers to the people involved in the mystery. I was glad to see Simone being the voice of reason and pretty much making Cass have a police presence there for what ended up being the showdown. I always hate for these books to end, but they always end in such a way that you do get a happy family feeling and definitely a good book hangover!

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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Midnight Spells Murder review

July 12, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Happy Camper series by Mary Angela, who also writes the Professor Prather series (one I’ve been meaning to get to). I had and read the first book in this new series, so when I had the chance to get the second one a little early from NetGalley, I jumped on it. I really love this setting and wouldn’t mind taking a road trip to South Dakota sometime. The scenery just sounds awesome. Eagerly waiting on the third book now!

When I first found the Happy Camper series, I thought it was another series about camping, but it’s just the name of Zo Jones’s store. She sells things that turn customers into (wait for it)…happy campers. Whether it’s seasonal decor or hosting a book signing for a popular book, Zo is all about bringing happiness into her customers’ lives. She does host nature walks followed by a scrapbooking session and probably sells some outdoorsy type things for that. The second book goes a little more into her off-and-on search for her birth mom, since she was left at the police station thirty-odd years ago.

My Goodreads review:

Midnight Spells Murder by Mary Angela
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved how they celebrated Halloween in Spirit Canyon with everyone decorating and all the costumes and the parade. Last time, the book was mostly focused on Zo’s friend Beth. This time we got to meet Jules another fun and crazy friend of Zo’s. I loved how she and Duncan bantered back and forth about her being close to firing him. Personally, I think she’s falling for him. And speaking of that, I was happy to see Zo and Max getting closer. She might be developing a little more patience for his by-the-book ranger rules, or maybe he’s lightening up a bit. Whichever it is, I like them together and getting along, lol.

Justin the news guy was his annoying self again, but he sure had a surprise coming to him. I hadn’t completely guessed the killer, but about the time Zo was realizing who it was, that was when I was getting to it. The showdown was great, and there might have been a little otherworldly help from a recently deceased friend helping them get her some justice. I love the little addition to Max’s family too. George cat isn’t a fan though lol.

I’m really enjoying this series for the mystery, a little bit of romance, and I actually like hearing about the people in the town and the little side stories like Max helping remove a tick from George or going on one of Zo’s hikes. It’s just those little things that endear the characters to readers even more. I’m really looking forward to 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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A Hex for Danger review

July 10, 2021July 10, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Enchanted Bay series, one of my personal fave new series out there, and it’s by Esme Addison. I loved this series when I first read it last year, and now I can’t wait for the third book. As you’ll see in my review, I highly recommend that if you haven’t read the first book, it’s best to start with that book before moving to this book. I just love Alex’s sweet German Shepherd, Athena and wish she was in the book just a little more. What a cutie, as you can see from both this book cover and the first.

I liked that everything was well-explained for the mysteries going on in the book too. There may be a character carryover which is always why I recommend reading book one first. Thanks to Kensington Books for providing the ARC to NetGalley!

My Goodreads review:

A Hex for Danger by Esme Addison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so happy to get to read this second book in the Enchanted Bay series before it comes out next Tuesday. I really enjoyed the first book, and this book was definitely not a disappointment. We got to learn even more about the key characters. I’ll caution anyone who hasn’t read the first book though: do yourself a favor and read it before reading this one, because there are a few mentions of things that happened in the first book that you may not want to know before you read said first book. This is a series that I can see will be building on each book as far as the history of the families involved, so starting from the beginning is a very good thing!

There were a couple of different cases, and it was interesting to see if they’d be related. Without giving too much away, let’s just say I didn’t guess anything all that well. Lots of surprises and secrets were kept and shared. Alex was left with the sense of family though that she’d longed for all the years she was without, and we did get to find out the particulars behind her memory being erased as she was talking about in the first book. I really enjoy Alex’s character and her amazing aunt and cousins too. This book publishes July 13, 2021.

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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Dogged by Death review

July 7, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first cozy mystery I can see in author Laura Scott’s works as well as being the first book I’ve read by her. I’m loving what I read in this new series called Furry Friends Mysteries, named after main character Ally Winter’s veterinary clinic. Ms. Scott’s written mysteries and romance books, and I think she’s done an amazing job of combining those talents and creating this cozy series. It’s got just the right elements a cozy needs along with a little bit of suspense but not the super scary kind. I just love Ally’s Gramps! He’s such a great character, and I can’t wait to read more about all these characters in the next book. Yep, I have the ARC already for the next book and might be tempted to dig in when I get a little bit better caught up on ARCs.

PS: The various little entries about Ally’s clients bringing their pets in were a lot of fun. I was especially happy that the little dachshund named Lola wasn’t one of the dogs who misbehaved, lol.

My Goodreads review:

Dogged by Death by Laura Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! It pulled me in from the first page and kept my attention until the very end. Gramps is the most awesome character, and I got such a kick out of how he managed to investigate and get information out of people, especially the women in town, since anyone over 60 was usually swept off their feet by him. Gramps wasn’t a player though and said no one would ever replace his Amelia. The three ladies in the assisted living house with him were such a hoot! They always heard the gossip almost before the police knew about it.

I loved how the story was so smooth and easy to read with natural-sounding conversations and very likable characters. That sweet Boxer Roxy had my heart from the first time she was mentioned! And she played a big part in the showdown (I love it when a pet can do that!). I actually enjoyed hearing about some of the cases Ally took care of. There were quite a few of them, and that made the story flow nicely with mixing those along with Gramps and Ally investigating.

I’m sure Noah and Ally will become lots more than friends eventually, but it’s sweet to see them reconnecting, and he only teased her a couple of times about her old high school nickname, lol. I really was happy about how Ally’s vet practice grew just from a few things she did herself like followup calls. It’ll be interesting to see if Lydia ever gets to work as receptionist in the next book. And I can’t wait to see what Gramps gets into with the next case.

The showdown was awesome, short and effective. I enjoy it a lot more when help or reinforcements come quickly! (less nerve-wracking haha) I’d started suspecting whodunit after the clues started falling in place, so it was just a matter of time as to when Ally had the same person in mind.

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

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Death of an Italian Chef review

June 27, 2021June 27, 2021 Tari Hann

Can you believe this is the fourteenth book in the Hayley Powell series? I hope it goes on for a long time because I’m having such a good time reading it. I’m keeping up with new releases via ARCs from NetGalley while still having some of the previous books to read. With this fun series, I’m surprisingly okay with that though. This clever series is the brainchild of brother/sister writing team Lee Hollis aka Rick Copp and Holly Simason. Guys, please keep writing about Hayley! Just a weird thought I had. I wonder if some of the awesome Hayley/Randy or Gemma/Dustin moments came from things they remembered doing as kids.

This book was just as hilarious as I’ve come to expect from some of my most favorite cozy mystery characters. The guy who died was in the book just long enough that I actually felt bad about someone killing him. I guess I was picturing him as a favorite old Italian comic actor. I’m sure most everyone is too young to remember Dom DeLuise, but Chef Romeo made me think of him which was why I hated to see the chef get murdered. But there were tons of secrets that a lot of people had, including the chef, so you’ll just have to dig into this book when it’s published next week and find out what was up with all those great side stories in the book as well as the main mystery. You won’t be disappointed! And if you like Italian food, you’re going to be hungry for that too.

My Goodreads review:

Death of an Italian Chef by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy, the trouble a brother and sister can get into when their loved ones are out of town, lol. Hayley and Randy were on their own, and since crazy stuff always follows our awesome Hayley, she found herself involved in a murder investigation of a chef who she’d been helping with his restaurant while he was in the hospital. The worst part was that Sergio was in Brazil, and a no-nonsense skeptical-of- anything-Hayley-told-her sergeant was in charge.

One hilarious part was Donnie and Earl following her around like lovesick puppies. Bruce was on a story in New York, but he still helped with the investigation by researching for Hayley, while she saw herself coming and going with the restaurant and a very demanding Randy recovering from surgery. That led to another funny scene when Mona babysat him. Mona was also a hoot as a waitress at the Italian restaurant, kind of a similar performance to when she subbed in a play last Christmas.

I love this series so much because we’re always presented with a fun rollercoaster of an investigation with so many madcap situations Hayley and crew find themselves in. From wild side stories about the mob and someone’s affair to the actual heart and reason of the murder, I know I’m always guaranteed a good exciting showdown. And there was a pretty awesome twist to this one which led to a great ending and new adventure coming for Hayley and her friends and family. Don’t miss this when it comes out next Tuesday!

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

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