Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

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.

View all my reviews

Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine review

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Salem B&B Mysteries by Traci Wilton aka the writing team of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. I’ve loved this series from its very first book and continued to enjoy each boo that’s come out since that. Charlene sure had her hands full with a bunch of diva models, both men and women who were there with a famous photographer to shoot a cupid calendar. As always, madness and mayhem followed, but Jack and Sam made it tolerable for Charlene. I was excited to see on the book’s series page from GR that there’s gonna be a book #10 coming in August, Mrs. Morris and the Day of the Dead (this is a Goodreads link). Especially after the epic ending of this book! No reading ahead now LOL!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #TraciWilton

My Goodreads review:

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

I can totally see why Charlene could be in love with Jack the ghost as well as her own flesh and blood detective boyfriend Sam. They’re both amazing and Jack sure proved above and beyond in this book just how amazing he could be as far as helping in the showdown.

I loved that Avery was back for a visit and it was sweet how Charlene turned all mama bear when she was home since Avery was the closest thing she ever had to a daughter. The guests this time had been a group of self-centered models but they definitely came together against a common enemy toward the end. All mysteries were solved but the ending has me absolutely on pins and needles until the next book drops! I hope it comes in the spring!

View all my reviews

Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson review

December 16, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series by a new to me cozy author, P.J. Nelson and I sure hope another one is gonna follow! I was a tiny bit gun shy when I’d read some not-so-nice reviews on Goodreads about it, but I really try not to let those kinds of reviews sway my thinking while I read. Well, I didn’t need any help or hindrance because I liked this book a lot all on my own. It’s hard to believe some people were talking about the same book, lol.

Either way, I enjoyed the characters and the unlikely but quirky friend group with main character Madeline, her aunt’s bestie Phil (Philomena) and a crazy, fun lady pastor who’s probably gonna end up as Maddy-girl’s new bestie. Gloria was an awesome friend but she had the pastor skills down pat and could give some of the world’s best advice. And Madeline wasn’t some airhead who blindly interviewed suspects without backup. She only went twice alone, but she’s the gutsy type who really made me think of Kate Beckett on Castle. Even if Kate wasn’t a detective, she totally would’ve done what Madeline did. But all reviews have a place in the world, and I always go with the tired but true old saying of ‘to each his own.’

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #PJNelson

My Goodreads review:

Booked for Murder by P. J. Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Madeline was definitely a different kind of main character, gutsy and brave but then she’d been an actress for quite a few years so she was used to all sorts of situations which might’ve gotten her ready for stuff she’d encounter in real life. I felt the characters were tons of fun, especially Madeline’s wicked sense of humor.

Gloria, her new pastor friend cracked me up at how cool and upbeat she was. I mean who wouldn’t love a friend like her who’s also an ordained Episcopal priest and was capable of other types of guidance as well as just being good bestie material. Phil (aka Philomena) was a really interesting character and had been Aunt Rose’s longtime friend, so she was like another aunt to Madeline. There was lotsa drama and mystery but some good humorous parts too ending up with an epic showdown with the killer. I’m really looking forward to the next book!

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

View all my reviews

Blame It on the Beignets review

December 8, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton, another favorite series of mine, and I’m always eager to read the next book. Dep’s such a cutie and one of the best clue-sniffing cats in mysteries. She didn’t disappoint! Anyone who’s read the series is gonna recognize the name Jolly Cops Cleaning, so we finally got to meet one of those awesome retired officers who have a cleaning business with Deputy Donuts as a client.

There was a lot going on in this book which included Samantha’s baby shower as well as a budding romance for one of Emily’s good business friends. Can’t wait to see what happens with that, it was just too cute! There was a cute little dog that kept popping up in the story, poor Dep wasn’t too sure about her, but both got to be in the showdown. What someone did to that perp was hilarious!

I thought this free photo from Pexels reminded me of Dep sitting on one of her shelves either in Emily’s office or at home.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a visit to Fallingbrook to see what Emily and her sweet kitty Deputy aka Dep are up to. Emily’s new assistant Hannah and her sister Olivia who also worked for Emily were the employees featured. Hannah and a couple friends were indirectly involved in a murder, so I could just imagine how poor Olivia was worrying like crazy.

I love that Emily and Brent were settled in as a married couple now like her besties Misty and Samantha. They weren’t in the story a whole lot except for their roles as police officer and paramedic. I was glad the DCI detective that came this time was Rex who we know from previous books. Emily’s friend Summer was really glad to see him lol. I see a new romance starting up and Det. Rex may just have to make excuses to come to town more often.

The showdown was both exciting and fun in a comical sorta way. Everything that led up to catching the perp was pretty awesome and it was a group effort too. Heck, don’t bother with prison, just turn Madame Monique loose on a criminal—they’d probably beg for prison instead lol. I was secretly cheering her on because she had an excellent reason for what she was doing to the perp. I really enjoyed the ending and hopefully it’ll turn out amazing for a very special couple Emily and Brent were good friends with. Can’t wait to read the next book!

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

View all my reviews

The Witch Is Back review

December 6, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve enjoyed this series since its start and always look forward to the next book. This book had its main mysteries wrapped up but there’s a side mystery or two that was hinted at might be coming, so I’m really eager for the next book.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

The Witch Is Back by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me a little while to warm up to Josie’s mom, Nora who had her own agenda for visiting spontaneously, but she was a pretty good sleuthing buddy and sounding board for Josie’s theories. Nora’s personal reason for coming worked out at the end, but along with the murder itself another mystery had cropped up, and the town expected Josie to solve it. Which was where Nora came in handy, if she’d embrace her witchy powers.

The showdown was a good one and Nora even got to help a little. Once both mysteries were solved, the town could breathe a sigh of relief and people were friends again. I was kinda disappointed in the actual ending, so that along with another possible side story have me eager to dig into the next book when it’s out.

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

View all my reviews

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery review

December 5, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighteenth book in the Seaside Knitters Society by Sally Goldenbaum, which about seven books ago underwent a slight series name change because it moved to a different publisher. But it’s more accurate to refer to it as book #18 instead of book 7 as GR lists it in the search. (I asked a librarian friend there to put it with its series). Either way, it’s been a very long-running cozy mystery series with an amazing group of knitter friends. Even if you don’t knit, you’ll wanna be friends with these ladies!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #SallyGoldenbaum

My Goodreads review:

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was really sad when a man who was as loved as the murder victim was got killed. He was kind and generous to everyone and there weren’t too many who had anything bad to say about him which made his death even more tragic.

It was so cool to see those who loved him most continuing to do things he would’ve done or wanted to do. Our fabulous four knitters were on the case in their usual subtle way they had of finding out clues and reporting back to their fellow knitters and loved ones over some amazing food and family time.

The showdown was a a surprise as was someone who stepped in to help. I loved how the victim’s sweet pup got his forever home and an amazing tribute was paid to both him and his late owner. Yes, eye leakage can and may occur during certain parts of the book but it’s all good.

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

View all my reviews

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea review

December 3, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by cozy author Darci Hannah, another series I’ve enjoyed since it started. Lindsey’s really grown and changed a lot for the better and she’s in a good relationship with Rory, now if we could just get her pal Kennedy on board with deciding if she’s gonna stay with Tuck or not, that’d be a major accomplishment, lol. Things were actually looking positive though, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens next time we tune into the Beacon Bakeshop.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarciHannah

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what pandemonium came to the Beacon in the form of Kennedy’s family and a filming crew for a segment with Lindsey and a famous pastry chef. When there was a murder that looked a lot like Lindsey did it (if Sgt. Scary Stacy didn’t know better), Lindsey wasn’t taking this and insisted on being involved. Kennedy’s grandma was just so cute, but I wasn’t much of a fan of her mom. But her sister was a hoot when she started acting like a cowboy, lol.

The showdown and what followed was pretty exciting but once the perp was put away, Lindsey knew she was one step closer to everyone leaving the Beacon and getting her Rory back. He cracked me up with his reason for temporarily going to stay with his uncle, lol. As always, everyone put their collective efforts into the case and celebrated with food, fellowship and family afterward. Definitely a summer to remember, maybe not all in a good way though.

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

View all my reviews

Madrigals and Mayhem review

November 30, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries by Elizabeth Penney. I’ve enjoyed this series from its start and actually I like anything I’ve read by this author. She’s just got a really nice way with her characters and situations that keep me coming back for more in this series. Christmas in Cambridge with Molly and the crew was pretty cool and magical picturing how the town looked decked out in Christmas decorations. I can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #St.Martin/Minotaur #Elizabeth Penney

My Goodreads review:

Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked new business owner Charlotte’s character a lot. She seemed to blend right in with Molly and Daisy as far as being friends went. Molly set out to prove Charlotte’s grandfather might’ve not had a natural death and one thing she did was join a local play, with Kieran of course, so she could be closer to what she believed was the source of some trouble. What happened during the play was absolutely hilarious at one point!

Once everything was solved and a super satisfying outcome occurred, Molly and her loved ones could celebrate an amazing Christmas together. With the two people having special announcements in this story, I really can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

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

View all my reviews

A Holiday Homicide review

November 27, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the new-this-year series Secret Bookcase Mysteries by a fave cozy mystery author Ellie Alexander. It’s quickly become one of my favorite cozy series but I gotta admit at the beginning I didn’t like Annie a whole lot. She’s grown so much since that first book and discovered that yeah, it’s okay to rely on other people and let your friends have your back sometimes, so I like her a lot now and have a new respect for her. I didn’t like the conflict early on with Annie and Liam, but it’s gotten a whole lot better and I love where they’re at in their new relationship.

I enjoy how the author has a continuing mystery going on and feeds us just enough about it each time but doesn’t have this horrible cliffhanger going on. There’s just enough there to entice us back for the next book after wrapping up the mystery at hand then dealing with the cold case. But hey, Ms. Ellie had me at the series title of Secret Bookcase! 😉

#NetGalley #StormPublishing #EllieAlexander

My Goodreads review:

A Holiday Homicide by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Annie and her friends had another exciting case to investigate after another murder took place in her beloved bookstore workplace. Hal and Fletcher continue to be the most amazing boss and coworker anyone could ever wanna work with. And that Pri’s the best bestie a girl could ever imagine having. She always has Annie’s back. Dr. Caldwell was such an awesome mentor and we finally get to find out what Annie’s decision’s gonna be as far as working with her former criminology professor.

Last but most definitely not least, I absolutely love how Liam and Annie’s relationship did a complete turnaround for the better. I never like conflict with a couple and now they’re super cute and solid. He surprised even Annie with how she could influence his reading choices now when she actually got him interested in mysteries.

The main case was solved and Annie’s cold case concerning her old friend was getting a little bit warmer so I’m eager to see what happens next. Can’t wait to read the next installment!

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

View all my reviews