Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Laid Out in Lavender review

April 19, 2021April 19, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third (and to me, so far the best) in the Garlic Farm series by Gin Jones. I’ve really come to enjoy these characters and setting. The way Mabel has grown, changed a little and actually made friends was the biggest thing of all. I like that she now considers Rory and Emily her besties, because I know they’d do anything for her as well. They’ve already done something amazing by changing a girl who seemed like a robot or computer at first into a human who actually cares about others and cute little animals now.

My Goodreads review:

Laid Out in Lavender by Gin Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series just keeps getting better! Mabel is still her very methodical self which I think makes for quite a bit of repeating in the story which iis like she’s turning things over in her mind. She’d teamed up with neighbor Emily who was going into the catering business after her nasty divorce, and the two were going to host weddings on the farm. Easier said than done!

I had an idea early on of someone not to trust, but I wasn’t totally sure about whodunit until the very end. The showdown was great with Pixie and a barn cat getting to have an important part in it. I really liked that Mabel concentrated on the farm this time. She wasn’t interrupted by her tech job boss or having to worry about any deadlines, since I know last time she told him not to send anything her way.

It was sort of refreshing to have that break from her old life. I think she really came to an epiphany in this book about a lot of things (including finally hiring a farm manager) as she became more and more human and less like a machine, at least to me she did. I don’t think Mabel in the first book would have defended her barn cat Jonesy like she did in this. And she definitely wouldn’t have gone to someone deliberately for a comfort hug. I’m so glad I stuck with the series after getting over my original annoyances with Mabel lol. I can say with enthusiasm that I’m very anxious for the next book! (Maybe she’ll finally give Charlie a chance at a real date!)

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Death at the Salon review

April 16, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Daisy Thorne series by Louise R. Innes who actually lives in Surrey, England where she’s set the fictional village of Edgemead. You can read about her in her Goodreads bio I’ve linked. Subscribers to her newsletter can get the prequel for this series sent to them when they sign up. (I have it and keep meaning to read it!)

I’m really getting more into the series now with the second book. Daisy got to interact with more of her work friends/employees, and maybe Paul’s gonna eventually see that she can really be of some use. I liked that the story was village-centered this time which gave a look into some of the other businesses.

My Goodreads review:

Death at the Salon by Louise R. Innes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was even better than the first! By the time it was done, I felt like I knew Daisy and her employees so much better. She got to interact quite a bit more with Penny and Krish one-on-one this time around which always helps to build up more good background for the characters and made me see that Daisy was not only an awesome employer, but she was a good friend to her people she worked with.

I had absolutely no idea whodunit, but I was happy enough to read along and fall down each rabbit hole investigating right along with Daisy-and actually toward the end, Paul let her in on it a little more. I think the two could work really well together, and I’m wondering if he’s caving a little on that. Stay tuned, right? I’m definitely looking forward to the next book which comes out in September, and it’s a Christmas theme!

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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Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer review

April 14, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third (and I think best) in the Desert Flowers series written by one of my favorite authors Lee Hollis, who is actually brother/sister writing team of Rick Copp and Holly Simason. I just love their Hayley Powell series, and this one is quickly becoming a favorite series as well. In this third book, it’s like the characters just clicked into place for me. I liked them all to begin with, but by this book, I’d really wanted to visit more with them after the book was done.

My Goodreads review:

Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the best book in the series yet! The characters are now like old friends to me, and I love that Poppy and Sam were becoming closer. I never thought in the first book that Matt would become a favorite character, but I just love the guy! He’s amazing and so good to Poppy and her friends. It was cool that Wyatt had an even bigger part in this book doing online investigating

What a wild mystery with tons of secrets! I liked that there was a tie-in to a series of murders that Poppy remembered when she was acting in the 80s. It was interesting to read the flashbacks and hear some of my favorite shows mentioned too. After reading this book, I desperately wish I could open YouTube and find Jack Colt reruns lol! It sounds like just the kind of show I would have watched back then.

I absolutely loved the showdown and rescue that followed, it was epic! Everything was explained, and there was a very sweet ending that makes me really anxious now for 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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Mrs. Morris and the Sorceress review

April 12, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in what’s become one of my favorite series, Salem B&B by author Traci Wilton. the pen name for the writing duo of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. My favorite character of course, is the hilarious and lovable ghost Dr. Jack Strathmore. Charlene’s a great character who just wants to help, but her nosiness and impulsive plowing forward with ideas sometimes get her into hot water. The Salem B&B is definitely someplace I’d stay if it was real though (possibly just for Minnie’s amazing food she makes!).

My Goodreads review:

Mrs. Morris and the Sorceress by Traci Wilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every time I read one of the books in this series, I’m more in love with Dr. Jack the ghost, lol. As if he couldn’t get any more awesome or funny, he sure proved it in this book! Then there’s that human cutie named Sam. I can honestly see why Charlene has such a hard time and loves each one of them in their own way. Although Sam believes in tough love and learning things the hard way, as Charlene was going to find out later in the book.

I had a feeling about midway or more toward the end of whodunit, but boy was I wrong! The showdown was pretty epic, and a happy ending was had by all…except for the perp and dead woman that is. I really love Avery’s character and how she’s changed and grown. I’m willing to bet that Charlene wishes she could have adopted the girl had she known her when she was younger, but at least they got some good quality time together outside B&B working hours. It was fun to see Charlene kick back and actually go somewhere with her girlfriends too for a change. I always hate for books in this series to end, because it means I have to wait patiently on the next one!

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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Fresh Brewed Murder review

April 10, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series, Ground Rules by Emmaline Duncan who also writes YA as Kelly Garrett. From what I can see, this is her first cozy mystery venture, and I do like what I’ve read. Being from Portland, the author really painted a good picture with descriptions of the area, so for someone like me who’s only ever been to California (briefly) on the west coast, I was still able to visualize these food carts and the different people, crowds and bands. It made a big city seem more like the little communities I’m used to in cozy mysteries.

My Goodreads review:

Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This seemed like a nice solid start for a new series. It was very easy to picture this little area of a larger city, and the camaraderie among the different cart owners (or tension as it was with some) was well-established as the story progressed–and I’ve never even been to Portland or seen an area with food carts as opposed to food trucks. The key characters were likable, and I just loved Sage’s dad! He had the boundaries of dad and cop clearly defined and didn’t hesitate to always be a good dad and be there for Sage. Her mom was sure a piece of work, and I’m actually glad she wasn’t physically in the story. I enjoyed Uncle Jimmy, Jackson (Sage’s brother) and Miles’s (Sage’s cousin) characters a lot too! This was one bunch of guys I’d be proud to call my family.

I was surprised by who the killer was and enjoyed the showdown. It was great how there were some of the other cart owners around to help. Sage now has her pick between two guys who really seem to care for her, but I can’t blame her for just having fun and casually going out with each of them at different times. She’s young and has plenty of time! It’ll be interesting to see what Sage’s next adventure brings.

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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Under the Cover of Murder review

April 6, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore series by Lauren Elliott which has quickly made its way to one of my favorite series. Maybe it helped that I felt the need to binge books 4 and 5 to be ready for this one? I don’t know, but I know these characters have worked their way into my heart, and I don’t want to let them go at the end of the book! Luckily for all of us fans, the next book in the series comes out in October, so unlike some other of my favorite series, we don’t have to wait a whole year.

My Goodreads review:

Under the Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when you think a series can’t possibly get better, it manages to do that thanks to a talented writer. Addie has grown and changed so much over the series, but her same annoyingly endearing snooping hasn’t changed, or the police would be in trouble without her insight, lol. I seem to really be liking her a lot better now that she’s with Simon. Maybe they just go together better than she and Marc did, since all they ever did was bicker.

This was one mystery that I had no clue whodunit, so I just read and cruised along on the yacht (well it didn’t actually cruise-it was docked for Serena’s wedding and reception…and an unexpected murder.) I loved how Catherine and Paige were Addie’s sleuth buddies this time. They really got into using the makeshift murder board that Addie came up with. There were literally tons of suspects and great red herrings. I knew who I wanted to be guilty, but unfortunately that didn’t happen.

Secrets were everywhere and changes were in store for some of the staff, guests and even law enforcement. But the absolute sweetest thing happened toward the end after the cruise was finished, and everything was explained/wrapped up. You’ll just have to read the book to find out, but I have to say I couldn’t have agreed more with the outcome! I’m just happy to only have to wait until October for the next book!

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Bodies and Bows review

March 31, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Apron Shop series by Elizabeth Penney, and I always love the newest one best! It’s just a picture-perfect cozy mystery with a cute little coastal town and some of the best characters I’ve come to know and always want to go back to see what they’re up to. It was cool how Grammie and Iris’s shop was doing well enough to have them looking for a part-time worker and seamstress. The search was um, interesting lol. I can always picture this series as a Hallmark mystery movie!

My Goodreads review:

Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The series just keeps getting better! And it was very good to begin with! Iris and her friends were defending one of their own again when Bella was the prime suspect for the murder of a guy she’d been dating. The problem was, a number of the women in town had dated this player, so any one of them could have run him down. There were also plenty of guys who didn’t like him!

After a couple of murder attempts on another friend happened, Iris knew they were getting close. I loved how she got the upper hand in the showdown, and another friend of Iris’s was getting a chance at a happily ever after. The last chapter was the sweetest ever! I don’t want to give away any of this awesome side story, but maybe have a tissue or two handy!

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Murder by Page One review

March 23, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series called Peach Coast Library by Olivia Matthews who also writes the cozy mystery Sister Lou series. I really enjoyed meeting Marvey and all her friends and library co-workers. What a great setting and fun groups of people. I’ll definitely be watching for when the next book comes out!

My Goodreads review:

Murder by Page One by Olivia Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this start of a new series and the idea of the main character having two strong sets of friends. She had her bestie Jo of course, and their other good friend Spence. What was so cool about Spence was that despite the fact he was super rich, he didn’t flaunt it or act all stuffy about it. He dug in and investigated with his friends like any regular guy who might have had an in with the coroner’s office, and he kept a presence and job at the local paper his family owned. It was great that he had the means it took to get people together for questioning purposes aka dinner party too. Jo was very blessed to have a determined friend like Marvey trying to keep her from going to prison for a murder she didn’t commit. Marvey was someone I could quickly become friends with.

The other group of friends was Marvey’s library co-workers. I really liked all of them, especially the ol’ curmudgeon Floyd who wasn’t really such a crusty guy after all. And Corrinne was such a nice boss which was really refreshing. I read so many books where the boss is a jerk, but Corrinne was genuinely a good person to her employees. I got the feeling that she’d never ask them to do anything she wouldn’t do. They did a good job presenting a united front for their budget increase request as well as helping Marvey with her sleuthing.

I had sort of guessed the killer once the clues fell into place. It was a great showdown with Jo and Marvey working together on it. The detective and his sidekick weren’t painted in too bad of a light. Kind of a good balance where I could picture the conversations between them as not too heavy or light if it was done as a Hallmark mystery movie.

Great setting for a mystery series, and it was interesting to have a New York transplant come into town. I got a kick out of Marvey’s notebook on Southernisms and their translations, lol. I thought the Cobbler Crawl sounded pretty cool and was glad to see Marvey as Spence’s partner in it. Gotta admit, I’d be there for the cobbler not the race part! I’m anxious to see what this fun group gets into in the next book! The key players were definitely people I came to care about and would like to visit with again!

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 Deadly Chapter review

March 9, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Castle Bookshop series by Essie Lang, who might be better known as Linda Wiken (Dinner Club series) or Erika Chase (Ashton Corner 5-book series) depending on which of her cozy series you’ve read. I’ve read one book in each of her other series and liked them very much, but anything having to do with books always appeals just a little bit more to me! 😉 I definitely love this castle bookshop setting and think the area would be an interesting vacation spot.

My Goodreads review:

A Deadly Chapter: A Castle Bookshop Mystery by Essie Lang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was another fun visit to the Alex Bay area which I think would be interesting to go visit someday. I just love Aunt Edie and Matthew, they’re so darn cute together, and Matthew is just the most amazing and loyal friend anyone could have. Shelby and Zack were at a point in their relationship where she found she cared so much for him, it was a real dilemma for her when he announced he got a promotion that would put him in Boston.

There’s a lot more than just a mystery going on in one of these books like dinner with good friends and Aunt Edie, as well as a lot of going over the case between Shelby and various friends. In some places, it did tend to drag a bit, and I started wondering if anyone would figure out who killed the guy Shelby found in the water by her houseboat. The side mystery which involved his search for a mystery woman also had Shelby intrigued and asking the usual too many questions.

The showdown was a little tense, but Shelby got things under control to save herself. It was a good little twist toward the end too. Then the actual ending was very sweet and made me happy to read it.

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 by Chocolate Snickerdoodle review

March 6, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fourth in the Death by Chocolate series by Sarah Graves. A lot of people have had the fun of knowing Jake and Ellie’s characters from the Home Repair is Homicide series, but I only just started reading about them when this series came out. I keep saying I want to start on that other series sometime…then sometime always gets filled up! I do enjoy this series a lot and didn’t really feel like I’d missed out when I first started it, but there were a few things I remember being implied or carried over from the other series although nothing major.

My Goodreads review:

Death by Chocolate Snickerdoodle by Sarah Graves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s always a fun and suspense-filled roller coaster ride when Jake and Ellie are on a case! I’m always sitting there reading as fast as I can as they get into one investigating scrape after the other, but most of the time they get away without being seen. Although their friend and police officer Bob’s watchful eyeballs usually do see them or had a report of them doing something, and they have to answer to his lecture later. At least he’s never gone through with his arrest threat…yet lol.

I know who I desperately wanted to be the killer, but things don’t usually work that way. At least I had the real killer in my radar. The showdown was quite the hair-raising experience for the girls, followed by everything being explained with a nice wrapped-up ending.

I liked that they addressed Mika’s issues after having her second child. I’ve heard it ‘s a very real thing to have brain fog trying to take care of a toddler and an infant. The solution couldn’t have been better though, and it helped several people by ending up that way. I liked Helen and Anna’s side story too, and that ended well for all involved. I’m always looking forward to the next book and what adventure one of my favorite bestie sleuth pairs will get into next!

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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