Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Game of Bones–review

June 11, 2019 Tari Hann

This is book 20 in the Sarah Booth Delaney series by Carolyn Haines. I read the previous book earlier this year as well as the first book. Now I just need to catch up! I’m not sure when Sweetie Pie and Pluto entered the picture, but I love how they help with the mysteries.

In searching for a licensed to reuse picture of Indian mounds (where the book takes place) I thought it was cool to find that there really is a Winterville Mound in Mississippi (this picture isn’t it–it wasn’t licensed for reuse). It was another one that was mentioned in the book along with the fictional Mound Salla where an archaeological dig was taking place.

My Goodreads review:

Game of Bones by Carolyn Haines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another book with such a good ending that I hated to see it end. After only reading the previous book and the first book, I feel like these characters are old friends. Sarah Booth and Tinkie were working for a professor who was part of an archaeological dig, but who also ended up being suspected of the murder of one of his colleagues. When another person ended up killed the same way as the first one, people were getting spooked by the press into thinking there was a serial killer out there. It didn’t help matters that Sarah and Tinkie’s journalist friend Cece went missing. There were a lot of secrets, but I had an idea early about who was behind it all, and for once, I was right. I enjoyed seeing how it all played out. I really need to hurry up and get caught up in this series before another new one comes out!

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For a Good Paws–review

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Barkery and Biscuits series by Linda O. Johnston who also wrote a series called Pet Rescue. Her bio shows that she’s also a romance writer, and I do like what she wrote for Carrie and her boyfriend Reed in this book, especially the ending. I got to know these main characters from reading the fourth book in this series a year or so ago. I wish that Barkery & Biscuits and Icing were places I could really visit!

My Goodreads review:

For a Good Paws by Linda O. Johnston

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve only read one other book in this series (book 4) but I quickly got acquainted with Carrie and all her very likable friends in Knobcone Heights, so a return there was really enjoyable. This was a good mystery that involved one of Carrie’s own employees and the death of a man she’d argued with, but somehow the detectives have come to expect Carrie to come to bat for people she knows and cares about–even though they enjoy giving her a little grief sometimes about investigating.

The two characters that really grew on me from the last book were Billi, who is a councilwoman and runs the animal rescue in Knobcone, and Arvie, the sweet older vet that Carrie works for at her vet tech job…when she’s not at her bakeries or chasing clues. I definitely didn’t see it coming about who the perp was until the clues started coming together. I like that Carrie is smart about investigating and keeps her phone on her at all times–it could just save her life someday! 😉 I have the best of intentions to start this series from the beginning, but there are so many cozy mysteries out there that distract me. I’ll keep trying though.

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

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The Scent of Murder–review

June 5, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the first release in the new Jazz Ramsey series by longtime cozy mystery writer, Kylie Logan who a lot of readers know from her Literary League Ladies, Button Box or Ethnic Eats series. The cover may look like it’s a darker mystery, but it isn’t. The nature of Jazz volunteering to train cadaver dogs is what I imagine inspired a cover like that instead of the typical happier cover. There are some awesome characters in this book, and now I’m looking forward to the next book.

My Goodreads review:

The Scent of Murder by Kylie Logan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I saw the darker looking cover of this book, I wasn’t really sure if I’d end up liking it, but I knew that I liked other books by this author, so I figured why not. I’m very glad I gave it a chance and didn’t judge this book by its cover–which is well-done, but doesn’t come off as cozy. The mystery wasn’t dark at all and was even a little funny in some places. It was interesting to learn about cadaver dogs and how they’re trained to track. I enjoyed these main characters a lot. They were strong and likable. Jazz was strong too and not only in her personality– and the fact that she’d had two older brothers to contend with at home came in very handy in her showdown with the killer.

I hadn’t guessed the killer until the clues started coming, and it made total sense. I’m glad that Jazz softened just a little toward Nick. He brought her the sweetest surprise at the end. I definitely want to read the next book!

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

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Spirited Away–review

June 4, 2019June 4, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Bay Island Psychic series written by Lena Gregory who is also writes the All-Day Breakfast Cafe series. I had read all three of the Bay Island books last summer and had been anxiously waiting for this one. It sure didn’t disappoint, not one bit! I just love Beast, the adorably huge Leonberger dog that Cass has–and her friend Bee’s reactions to Beast. He’s getting better, however, he still has a healthy respect for Beast, but Beast does actually listen to him…sometimes. I absolutely loved the Beast bath scene and I think you will too!

For the COYER Summer Treasure Hunt, this falls under the red item on the cover prompt.

My Goodreads review:

Spirited Away by Lena Gregory

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when I thought that this series couldn’t get any better, I find myself wishing that this book didn’t have to end! I remember doing that with the others too. I just love these characters, especially Bee. He’s such a sweetheart and a faithful friend who would do anything for Cass or Stephanie. Because of a case he was working and the murder that followed, Luke wasn’t able to spend much time with Cass, but when he did, it was nice, quality time. At least for me, the reader! They’re so cute together! I think my favorite scene though featured Bee, Beast and Cass while Cass was trying to give Beast a bath. I laughed so much while reading that part!

This book could be enjoyed as a standalone, but I really recommend reading the first three to get the maximum fun out of this series. You might just fall in love with Bay Island and its characters!

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Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches review

May 30, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Daisy’s Tea Garden series by Karen Rose Smith. I loved this series from the beginning and was lucky enough to be in a book club that had gotten to discuss both of the first two books in the series. Big changes are coming for Daisy and her family, and this book has her dealing with those as well as her relationship with Jonas, which I think is in a good place (I hope it stays there lol).

My Goodreads review:

Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches by Karen Rose Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this trip to Willow Creek PA and to Daisy’s Tea Garden. Spring was just beginning to peek out when there was another murder that Daisy felt like she needed to investigate, or her shop’s reputation would suffer as well as the shop would experience financial losses. I like where she and Jonas are in their relationship. It’s really sweet and right when they’re together. By the end of this book, they’d both grown a lot as individuals as well as a couple. As a side story, Daisy knew that one of her employees was keeping something from both her and the police. That wasn’t the only secret being kept. There were a number of suspects, and I didn’t guess who the murderer was. The showdown was fairly quick, but it was a good one. After the surprises in this book, I’m really anxious now to read the next one!

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Summer Semester 2019 Challenge

May 30, 2019August 18, 2019 Tari Hann

UPDATE: Finished on 8/18/19

I saw this challenge on a blog too. Here is where you can sign up and from that link, there’s a link to see the original post with how it’s done. I’ve never done this particular challenge, and thought it sounded easy enough to do just the summer semester.

I’m choosing Professor AuthorLuv’s Beginner Class for one credit and will commit to reading three books by Tonya Kappes over the three months of the challenge. I have lots of fave authors, but this will help me catch up a little in one or two of her many series. If this works for me, I might just do the fall semester challenge with a different author.

June–A Killer Latte, #6 Killer Coffee–read 6/23/19

July–Christmas, Criminals and Campers–#4 Campers and Criminals–read 7/11/19

August–Motorhomes, Maps and Murder–#5 Campers and Criminals–read 8/18/19

Sconed to Death–review

May 29, 2019 Tari Hann

Sconed to Death is the fifth book in the Cat Latimer series by well-known cozy author Lynn Cahoon, and it has definitely become one of my favorite series. I’m actually up to date in reading it. I liked that this book was as Ms. Cahoon had described, more Shauna-centered, since Shauna has finally gotten interested in publishing a cookbook, and she’s planning a trip to meet up with her estranged brother. Shauna is an awesome character and with Cat and Seth, they really make the best working team.

My Goodreads review:

Sconed to Death by Lynn Cahoon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love visiting the Warm Springs Writers’ Retreat in this series! Cat always gets involved somehow in a murder, but this time she was lucky enough not to have found the body. However, her natural curiosity and wanting to help people took over and she did end up stopping a killer in their tracks.

I liked that this group of writers were cozy mystery authors. It was fun to hear them toss around their ideas and enjoy being at the retreat. The side story about Shauna planning to go visit her estranged brother in NYC was good. I wasn’t sure if she’d be able to pull it off, since she does enjoy cooking for Cat even when there’s not a retreat. It was cute to see her being a mother hen and wanting to make sure that both Cat and Seth had enough food in their houses and food made ahead for the week after the retreat. I wasn’t totally sure about who the killer was, and I didn’t have the reason down, but the showdown was pretty good. Cat seems to be getting a little cleverer and more careful with each case. It was pretty awesome when she took down the killer. I saw that the next book is scheduled for February and I’m happy that at least this is one series that I’m caught up in.

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Read on Arrival–review

May 28, 2019May 28, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Bookmobile Mystery series by Nora Page. I just love the idea of an old school bus refurbished into a bookmobile and had read the first book last year. I loved both of the books and can definitely say that Cleo and Henry are two of my favorite cozy couples. Mary-Rose is a great bestie. She’s not quite the ride-along type of sidekick some besties are, but she keeps Cleo informed. Gabby the deputy and Cleo’s favorite neighbor is a sweetheart, who wouldn’t love her for a neighbor? I had a great time reading this one and just like before, I’m really looking forward to the next book!

My Goodreads review:

Read on Arrival by Nora Page

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just loved this book! Cleo and Henry have got to be the most adorable couple, and Cleo is the most loyal and brave friend that anyone could want. The library’s grand opening was coming soon when the library board president brought in a lady named Belle with crazy and outrageous ideas–like that books were clutter (this woman really bugged me, I was hoping she’d be offed or the perp lol). I’d say the author did her job well, because I could not stand Belle and her Airstream flashing-lights bookless-mobile. When the town diva and the patron with the longest overdue book was found dead in her home by Cleo and Henry, Cleo was one of the suspects. She did manage to get to the bottom of everything and restore her good name. I guessed the killer because of cleverly-placed clues by the author, but it was a lot of fun to see Cleo track the perp down. I have to hand it to Cleo, because she doesn’t do anything alone, and she’s very good about alerting the local deputy, who happens to be her neighbor, Gabby. I can’t wait for the next book!

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Dead with the Wind–review

May 26, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Southern Ladies series written by Miranda James, the pen name for Dean James. He also writes the Cat in the Stacks series, and sometimes the two overlap with Diesel visiting the sisters (like he did in the first book, Bless Her Dead Little Heart which one of my online book clubs will be discussing soon.) I love these sassy Southern sisters who took in young Benjy who is like a grandson to them now. His pets, Peanut the Goldendoodle and Endora the Abyssinian cat, are pretty awesome too. My favorite part of this book was the showdown and what happened right before it.

My Goodreads review:

Dead with the Wind by Miranda James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had read the first book in this series last year and had been wanting to continue the series, because I’d enjoyed my first trip to Athena MS so much. This book took place mostly in Louisiana with the sisters An’gel and Dickce traveling with Benjy and the pets to a wedding of An’gel’s cousin’s daughter. When the bride died under suspicious circumstances, An’gel and her sister started investigating. There was an a really cool and unexpected twist toward the end which led to an even better and more satisfying showdown with a killer.

I just love these two ladies! And Benjy their ward is the sweetest guy ever. Peanut and Endora are pretty special too. Endora was good at warning people and Peanut was always good for a hug or doggie snuggle when a little girl who just lost her mama needed it. I’ll look forward to when I can read the next in the series.

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Pies and Prejudice–review

May 23, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the first in the Charmed Pie Shoppe series by well-known author Ellery Adams and was one of her older series that I wanted to work on and try to finish, maybe even this year yet. I love the whole idea of a pie shop, but pies that give people just the perfect joy or hope that they need are even more awesome. Then if the pie maker channels her own feelings, sometimes the results can be pretty funny depending on what her feelings were when she made the pie. 😉 I had read the fourth book last year sometime, but I had definitely wanted to come back and start at the beginning.

My Goodreads review:

Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d been wanting to start this series from the beginning ever since one of the book clubs I’m in had a discussion on the fourth book in the series. I love anything by this author to begin with, and I wanted to know every character’s story from the beginning. I love how her books are not just mystery driven, but they’re also character and family-driven. Sometimes the characters are a little broken and help each other heal, and sometimes they’re family in the togetherness sense, maybe not related. In this series, the family is all related. Ella Mae had come back to Havenwood, Georgia to open a pie shop and be with all her beloved aunts, mom and long-time friend, Reba (who is such a hoot and by far my favorite character! She reminds me of the actual singer/actress Reba from her TV show).

I wasn’t sure of the killer, but once the reveal came, it made a lot of sense. Ella and Reba were both at the showdown, and it was amazing. I always enjoy that the author doesn’t just stop when the murder is solved. We always get to learn more about the characters and see every little thing neatly finished. Ella learned something about herself and now I’m anxious to read more just to see how she works through all this new knowledge.

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