Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

The Next Deadly Chapter review

February 23, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. (Valerie) Burns, and I’ve enjoyed and laughed out loud with every single one of this series. This one was especially hilarious because Nana Jo and all her sleuthing pals from the retirement village were staying at a fancy resort thanks to some crazy guy who’d heckled Sam during her book presentation in their community center.

It’s the usual resort and casino where Nana Jo and the girls always go playing the slots with Sam. Irma was on her A-game this time and her usual Irma-ness was a hoot as always! And Nana Jo was her usual force to be reckoned with especially where ole Stinky Pitt was concerned LOL! You gotta read the scene they shared at one point in the resort. Probably one of the funniest if not the funniest in the entire series! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book! Oh and the poodles’ faces are priceless as always on this cover! Their eyes always say it all! Lots and lotsa kudos to the artist for making me chuckle before even starting a book in this series! I just wish I could hug both those sweet pups!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #ValerieBurns

My Goodreads review:

The Next Deadly Chapter by V.M. Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this series and how Nana Jo and her friends from the retirement village always end up helping Sam with a case. Jenna even was in on the act this time since the tribal leader of the casino resort they were staying at requested her after a body was found in what was originally Sam’s room. Can you guess who was staying in her room instead of Sam? That might’ve been the start of Sam and her future mom-in-law getting acquainted, lol. Dr. Camilia proved to be quite human and useful to the case as well. And a certain detective found himself attracted to her—let that hilarity begin!

Nana Jo was at her hilarious best and my favorite scene with Det. Pitt getting off the elevator and Nana Jo’s reaction was hysterical! For this and tons of other fun stuff (like one of my favorite returning jokes when Irma almost says something naughty and they all go, “Irma!”—gotta love it!), don’t miss this latest installment! This mystery was truly a group effort when it was solved after a tense showdown. That perp never saw what was coming lol.

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

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Candle with Care review

February 11, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Magic Candle Shop Mysteries by Valona Jones, better known as Maggie Toussaint. I just love twin sisters’ characters, Tabby and Sage. They definitely got into some wild predicaments in this book! Read and enjoy, and just a hint that for maximum enjoyment, this series deserves to be read in order to totally learn and appreciate the relationships and character growth.

#MaggieToussaint #ValonaJones #CandlewithCare

My Goodreads review:

Candle With Care by Valona Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every time I read a book in this series, I like the characters even better than ever. We sure learned a lot about some characters who’d had some deep secrets, maybe not necessarily dark ones but surprising.

Lotsa things were resolved and everything came to a head in an epic magical showdown that Tabby had to be sure and leave out the magic part for her statement, lol. The ending was extremely sweet and now I can’t wait for the next book. I’ve heard it was supposed to be the last book so it’ll be a little bittersweet I’m sure. Knowing this author, all our faves will get the happiness they deserve I’m sure.

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

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A Victim at Valentine’s review

February 10, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in Ellie Alexander’s awesome new series, The Secret Bookcase Mysteries, and I’ve loved every single minute of these books since the very first one. These characters found their way into my heart and they aren’t leaving even though the sixth book is supposed to be the last. I can only hope maybe the author still has plans for the characters in a new series. ::fingers crossed and wishing like crazy::

#NetGalley #StormPublishing #EllieAllexander

My Goodreads review:

A Victim at Valentine’s by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ll be really sad when this series wraps up with the next book since these are some of the most awesome characters I’ve come across in cozy mysteries. They’ve all got the best chemistry among them.

This mystery was a real puzzler as Annie and her pals tried to figure out who killed the nicest guy in town. And she had a side mystery that may just crack the cold murder case she’s worked on since her friend was killed. The showdown was hair raising to say the least but Annie’s a survivor and lived to have a super sweet dinner date with her guy Liam at the end.

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

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Star-Crossed Egg Tarts review

January 21, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the second in this enjoyable newer Magical Fortune Cookie series by Jennifer J. Chow and I liked it just as well as, and maybe even more than the first since something super sweet happened at the end. And as always, Whiskers, Felicity’s pet magical bunny was adorable and helpful. Can’t wait to see what the next book brings!

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #JenniferJChow

My Goodreads review:

Star-Crossed Egg Tarts by Jennifer J. Chow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoy these key characters and had a great time sleuthing along with Felicity and Kelvin as they worked to figure out who was framing him for murder. He definitely hadn’t signed up for that when he agreed to be a substitute groomsman.

The showdown with Felicity and the killer was a good one and I loved how Felicity got the upper hand. Something super sweet happened for her at the end and now I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Haunting and Homicide review

January 20, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series by a cozy author we already know as Amber Camp who wrote some awesome horse mysteries. Haunting and Homicide is the first in the Ghost Tours Mysteries by Ava Burke, Amber Camp’s other pen name, and I really loved it! There’s an adorable dog, some friendly ghosts and tons of great action and suspense. Not to mention a really nice sense of family loyalty and togetherness. I was touch disappointed at the very ending, but maybe by the next book, things may be different, who knows!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #AvaBurke

My Goodreads review:

Haunting and Homicide by Ava Burke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the perfect paranormal cozy mystery with some awesome ghost characters. I loved Mamie and Albert’s ghosts who were always a big help and Mamie even got to help later on in the book in a bigger way. A new ghost on the block was a jerk at first but eventually came around and was nice.

That was one nail-biting showdown but with some good old ghostly help, Lou lived to investigate another day. I really enjoyed these characters a lot but gotta admit, I was disappointed in the very ending. Everything with the mystery being solved worked out great though.

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

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The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime review

January 14, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries by a favorite cozy author, Vicki Delany. I’ve enjoyed this series since its very beginning and definitely believe it’s best enjoyed in order since there’s so much character and relationship development that’s happened since the start. Gemma used to get on my nerves in the beginning, but I’ve decided she’s now like a completely grown up Hermione Granger. I can totally picture Hermione saying of the stuff Gemma does, lol.

I wonder what other adventures might be in store for Gemma and her amazing friends? That Donald just cracks me up sometimes, and he was in rare form in this book! And of course in his element walking the same streets of London he imagined his hero Sherlock Holmes doing. Uncle Arthur sounds like a real hoot too just from some of the reports from back home during this mystery. We’ve always known him to be a little mysterious and most of his appearances are just talked about.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime by Vicki Delany
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While Gemma was supposed to be having fun in England after her sister got married, she ended up sleuthing another case like the last time she was there on a pleasure trip. Her Sherlock fan friend Donald was pretty stoked at just being in London again let alone getting to tag along on a case with Gemma and Jayne. He came in pretty handy when they all visited an exclusive club and things kinda went crazy there.

In her usual way of intelligently observing and not purposely pestering the police, Gemma finally had the answer and who the killer was just when their time in London was ending. I was halfway expecting a special question from Ryan to her but more craziness from home could’ve been what interrupted. And there was definitely mayhem going on at home as well. Uncle Arthur couldn’t make it to the wedding so he hung out at the store. I got the feeling Gemma wished she could’ve swapped places with him and avoided the headaches she was coming home to lol. Always tons of fun with this group of characters!

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

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Dead Men Wag No Tails review

January 5, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Magical Menagerie series by well-known cozy mystery author, Sarah Fox. I loved this series when it started last year and I was super happy to read this second book which definitely didn’t disappoint. I like how Georgie and Callum are growing closer and how the dogs and Euclid the resident owl always seem to help when Georgie’s investigating. I can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #SevernHouse #SarahFox

My Goodreads review:

Dead Men Wag No Tails by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I read the first book last year, it took me no time at all to fall in love with these characters and the setting, so it was like meeting up with old friends again when I read this book. I love that Georgie’s smart and self-assured (in most things) but she’s not afraid to ask anyone when she needs with something. Those sweet dogs are amazing like their owl friend Euclid. And a visiting parrot seemed to hold the key to something important with the murder case.

I was glad to see Georgie and Callum growing closer and that she was feeling more confident that he was actually happy with her. The ending was really sweet and since they talked about a Halloween themed event coming up, I hope that’s the theme of the next book! It should be tons of fun!

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

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Schooled in Murder review

January 2, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series called Campus Sleuth Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert who cozy mystery fans know from her Blue Ridge Library mysteries. In fact, anyone who knows that series is gonna absolutely love this book. The nerd in me was having an awesome time reading this and coming across all the references to the other series! Which by the way still has a couple books to go yet, the next one book 9 Death and the Librarian comes out July 8 this year. This is a great way to tide readers over until the next Blue Ridge. I wonder if any of these new characters are gonna get mentioned or referred to in the July book? I can’t wait to find out!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #VictoriaGilbert

My Goodreads review:

Schooled in Murder by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a fan of the author’s other cozy series Blue Ridge Library mysteries which I believe has two more books coming, I was pretty excited to realize this was set at the same college where Richard Muir, Amy’s husband from that series was a dance instructor. And Jenn, the main character was living in Taylorsford. I loved all the name dropping and even the good sheriff Tucker got a mention. A character that was kinda minor and recurring ended up being a more featured character in this book as Jenn’s landlady. When she was talking to Jenn about an information source, I just had a feeling I knew who she meant and now I can’t wait to see if Jenn ever gets to meet the person.

This book drew me in from the first page and wouldn’t let go until the very last page. What an awesome book hangover too! The showdown was tense and exciting with Jenn definitely getting the upper hand. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

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

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2025 NetGalley/Edelweiss Challenge

December 24, 2024December 30, 2025 Tari Hann

UPDATED 12/30/25–I made my 75 goal with these 77 titles. Copy/pasting from the doc I keep track in:

JANUARY—6 read
1 Schooled in Murder—Victoria Gilbert
2 Dead Men Wag No Tails—Sarah Fox
3 Death Among the Stitches—Betty Hechtman
4 The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime—Vicki Delany
5 Haunting and Homicide—Ava Burke
6 Star-Crossed Egg Tarts—Jennifer J. Chow

FEBRUARY—5 read
1 A Victim at Valentine’s—Ellie Alexander
2 The Next Deadly Chapter—VM Burns
3 Killing Me Soufflé—Ellie Alexander
4 A Side Dish of Death—TC LoTempio
5 Puzzled for Murder—JC Eaton

MARCH—6 read, 17 running total
1 The Library Game—Gigi Pandian
2 Scone Cold Dead—Maddie Day
3 A Spirited Blend—Lauren Elliott
4 Essence of Foul Play—Daryl Wood Gerber
5 One Sharp Stitch—Allie Pleiter
6 Bridal Shower Murder—Leslie Meier

APRIL—7 read, 24 running total
1 Dead Post Society—Diane Kelly
2 Fudge and Marriage—Nancy Coco
3 Murder by the Hook—Betty Hechtman
4 Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin—Sarah Graves
5 Bait & Swiss—Korina Moss
6 Booked for Revenge—Karen Rose Smith
7. A Whale of a Crime—Mona Marple

MAY—7 read, 31 running total
1 Hounding a Killer—Kallie E. Benjamin
2 Diamond in the Ruff—Cindy Goyette
3 Shot Through the Book—Eva Gates
4 The Spirit Moves—Carol J. Perry
5 Doggone Bones—Carolyn Haines
6 Bodies and Battlements—Elizabeth Penney
7 The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg—Krista Davis

JUNE—4 read, 35 running total
1 Grave Words—Gerri Lewis
2 A Body at the Book Fair—Ellie Alexander
3 A Purrfect Date—Alex Erickson
4 An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder—Lynn Cahoon

JULY—11 read, 46 running total
1 Murder on the Books—TC LoTempio
2 Murder at the High School Reunion—Lee Hollis
3 Death and the Librarian—Victoria Gilbert
4 A Murder on the Mountain—Ellie Alexander
5 Edam and Weep—Linda Reilly
6 Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crime—Sandra Jackson-Opoku
7 Icing on the Murder—Valerie Burns
8 Tea with Jam & Dread—Vicki Delany
9 Solid Gold Murder—Ellen Byron
10 Mayhem at a Halloween Wedding—Emmaline Duncan
11 Seven Secret Spellcasters—Lynn Cahoon

AUGUST—9 read, 55 running total
1 A Dish Best Served Dead—TC LoTempio
2 Picking Up the Pieces—JB Abbott
3 The Mango Murders—Lucy Burdette
4 Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library—Amanda Chapman aka Amy Pershing
5 Halloween Night Murder—Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis and Liz Ireland
6 Sour Crime Donuts—Ginger Bolton
7 Claws Out—Cate Conte
8 Laying Down the Latte—Ellie Alexander
9 Mrs. Morris and the Day of the Dead—Traci Wilton

SEPTEMBER—7, running total 62
1 A Brew for Chaos—Esme Addison
2 Tails from the Crypt—Sarah Fox
3 Murder Pays a Call—Nancy Cohen
4 Home Fries and Alibis—Lena Gregory
5 Murder at Blackwood Inn—Penny Warner
6 Death of a Tom Turkey—Lee Hollis
7 Epilogue to a Christmas Murder—Lauren Elliott

OCTOBER—9, running total 71
1 Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop—Jackie Baldwin
2 O Deadly Night—Vicki Delany
3 Death at the Door—Olivia Blacke
4 Death on Dickens Island—Allison Brook
5 A Wonderful Christmas Crime—Jacqueline Frost
6 Witch and Tell—Angela M. Sanders
7 The Tattered Cover—Ellery Adams
8 At Death’s Dough—Mindy Quigley
9 Planted 4 Murder—JC Eaton

NOVEMBER—4, running total 75
1 Crescent City Christmas Chaos—Ellen Byron
2 All Spooked Up—E.J. Copperman
3 Vows & Villainy—Elizabeth Penney
4 Gull and Bones—Sally Goldenbaum

DECEMBER—2, running total 77—MADE GOAL 🙂
1 All My Bones—PJ Nelson
2 The Cold Case and the Corpse—Debra Sennefelder

I’m happy to participate in the 2025 version of this challenge since it tends to keep me accountable by posting on Yvonne’s Socrates Book Reviews blog. The link goes to the sign-up page for 2025 in case anyone wants to try this challenge.

I’m going for the Platinum level of 75 again since I can’t quite get that 100. (But if I did, I’d probably not have time for regular books as much lol.) I’ll post a list at the end of 2025 like I did today for 2024. Here’s my 2024 NetGalley/Edelweiss Challenge list. Have fun if anyone else decides to try this. Thanks again to Yvonne for hosting!

Irish Soda Bread Murder review

December 24, 2024 Tari Hann

This is another fun St. Patrick’s Day themed three-book anthology from some favorite cozy mystery authors Carlene O’Connor, Peggy Ehrhart and Liz Ireland. It’s St. Paddy’s day in all their towns and Irish soda bread’s the central storyline theme. It was fun catching back up with some fave characters and see what they’ve been up to.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies

My Goodreads review:

Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always look forward to these seasonal three-story anthologies especially when the Home to Ireland characters are in one of the stories. Uncle Johnny always cracked me up in the regular series and I really enjoy how the series has been able to continue through these short stories.

I’ve read a couple of the Knit and Nibble series so far even though I own them all, it’s the so many books so little time thing. And I always kept meaning to start the Mrs. Claus series since I’ve gotten to know April, Nick and some of the elves through these short stories as well. Lots of St. Patrick’s day mischief, murder and mystery going on in this book, so don’t miss it!

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

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