amateur sleuth – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Brie Careful What You Wish For review

April 9, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly, another series I’ve enjoyed from its beginning and since the last book was back in 2021, I was actually wondering and hoping it’d be back. I think I got my wish as did lots of other cozy mystery fans who’d liked this series. I hope in its new home the series has lots more adventures coming.

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so happy to see this series picked back up since I’m sure the author’s got more stories to tell about these characters. I was really pleased with the outcome of this book as far as Carly and Ari’s relationship went. As for the murder, I was totally surprised at the reveal and its why of it as well.

Carly’s got an amazing team working for her and now maybe she won’t have to worry so much when it’s time for Grant to head off for culinary school. I can’t wait to read more in the series!

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

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Crime and Cherry Pits review

February 23, 2024February 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth in the Farm to Table Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower, and main character Shiloh had yet another murder on her hands and tried to prove her disagreeable cousin innocent. Family’s everything to Shiloh and I can admire her for that.

I’ve never seen such a faithful relative as Shiloh, yet her cousin and dad never seem to appreciate her that much, kinda a different twist on a dad and cousin character. Usually I love most main characters’ dads (and cousins are usually cool), but this guy’s been a curmudgeon and not real lovable. Stacey’s been mean to Shiloh since she came back. Sully Bellamy makes no secret that he favors his niece over his daughter. But Shiloh’s friendship with Quinn’s daughter Hazel makes up for all that conflict. Hazel’s an awesome kid and at twelve, and she’s got probably more smarts than many adults! She could seriously be spun off in her own mystery series and I’d definitely read it!

#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

Crime and Cherry Pits by Amanda Flower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was another fun adventure with Shiloh, her quirky family and her good friends but this time most of the action happened in Traverse City for the Cherry Festival where Shiloh had a vendor booth.

Lots happened in Shiloh and others’ lives as this mystery got investigated and somehow I got the feeling this might be the last book in the series. It was a good way to give closure to all. I’ve enjoyed reading this series a lot and can only imagine what Shiloh’s life’s gonna bring her in the future.

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

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A Pie to Die For review

February 6, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series by Gretchen Rue called Lucky Pie Mysteries, and I really enjoyed it a lot. I liked her previous series, Witches’ Brew as well, so I knew I’d want to read this one as well. I just loved Este’s Grampy Chuck, what a character! She’s lucky to have a bestie like Kitty as well and an awesome, laid back chef like Seamus. The setting was really fun and reminded me a little of Mackinac Island. Can’t wait to see how this series develops.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #GretchenRue

My Goodreads review:

A Pie to Die For by Gretchen Rue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book started what seems like it’ll be a fun series with a little touch of magic. I really love the setting and the similarity to another famous Upper Peninsula island with no cars, just horses and this island had golf carts. I liked Este and her best bud Kitty as well as Grampy, once we finally got to meet him that is lol. Tom was a good and fair sheriff, and I really hope he and Este can become an official couple.

I would’ve never guessed what was going on as the reason for an outsider’s murder, and while the showdown was tense, Este was also smart about it so it was pretty short once all the details were told by the killer. Once I was done with this book, I was really wishing for some caramel apple pie lol.

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

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Coconut Drop Dead review

December 26, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries by Olivia Matthews of the Sister Lou and Peach Coast Mysteries. I’ve only read her Peach Coast but I really believe I like this series a lot better, even though all the characters she writes about are fun and likable. Granny’s my fave in this Spice Isle series though. She cracks me up and I know she’d be someone I’d get along with great! I really hope this series continues beyond the third book.

#NetGalley #St.Martin/Minotaur #Olivia Matthews

My Goodreads review:

Coconut Drop Dead by Olivia Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a case and I’m sure Lyndsay and her family were thrilled not to be suspects this time, but she was still up for some sleuthing. I love the camaraderie of this fun-sounding section of Brooklyn and how Lyndsay’s family was ready and willing to help out even if someone was a stranger.

Dev’s little side story turned out well and that was one exciting showdown. Did Lyndsay use her kickboxing skills in this killer showdown? You’ll have to read and see! I hope there’ll be more in the series!

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

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Deep Fried Death review

December 22, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth book in this long-running Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day otherwise known as Edith Maxwell. I’ve enjoyed it from the beginning and feel like Robbie, her hubby Abe and all the cast of regulars are old friends. It’s like going home again to a family reunion complete with awesome food.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #MaddieDay

My Goodreads review:

Deep Fried Death by Maddie Day
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All my fave characters made an appearance in this book and Buck was on fire with his usual funny Buckisms, lol. I really enjoy his character! It was pretty cool that he, Wanda and state detective Octavia were in this book, and we finally got to meet Buck’s wife who was super nice (wouldn’t’ve expected any less) as well as another law enforcement officer who turned out being actually friendly after Robbie was worried the woman had suspected her.

Who knew it’d take being a mommy soon that’d make Robbie back off from her dangerous adventures she usually had during an investigation. I was super proud of her during the finale and loved that outcome. She’s got some of the best people on her team and they came up with just the perfect reward for the case being over.

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

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Murder in a Cup review

November 29, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mysteries by Lauren Elliott who’s become another fave cozy author of mine. I really enjoyed the first book and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. The only thing I’d change is getting Shay and Liam together, lol, like now. But I trust this author to do what she knows is gonna work, so hopefully Gran’s wish might come true someday for those two. From the way this book ended (no worries, all main mysteries were taken care of) with its continuing thread and a new one introduced, I absolutely can’t wait for the next book! Oh and the introduction of Liam’s Gran to the series was just the best! I LOVE her character! You’ll see what I mean when you read it.

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My Goodreads review:

Murder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh this was so good and had so many awesome twists and possibilities. I absolutely adore Gran’s character, what a great addition to an already stellar cast. I was so happy that Shay finally and someone who could explain things to her about her abilities and actually had memories of Shay’s family.

The author cleverly created a loathable character in Tassi’s father who was trying to get custody of her. I wanted to send that guy to the moon, one way lol. But all worked out well for the sweet teen. I’d partially figured out whodunit as clues started coming together and wow, that was one heck of a showdown! I loved how Shay’s dog Spirit rushed in and helped save the day too.

There was a fun, family type ending and a continuing thread was brought back in so I’m eager to see how that plays out. And a new business to thr then showed up…was this gonna cause Shay any harm? Guess we’ll just have to be patient and wait on 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.

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Spoon to Be Dead review

November 5, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third and final installment in the very enjoyable Shake Shop series by Dana Mentink. I was a little sad it was coming to an end, but you can definitely tell by the ending that it’s wrapping up, so it shouldn’t be a shocker. And the author’s little message afterward was super sweet. I thought she did an amazing job of giving everyone a good ending, including Noodles the Lab and Scooter the parrot Trinidad adopted.

#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #DanaMentink

My Goodreads review:

Spoon to be Dead by Dana Mentink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was definitely the adventure to end all since it did officially end this series of three books. There’s a really nice note from the author at the end of the book. Even if it wasn’t the last, I believe it’d still be my favorite. Secrets came out, but new friends were made as were apologies and new chances were given to those who might be needing them.

The showdown was really something and if you love dogs and how they can be heroes, you’ll have happy leaky eyeballs for a little bit while reading about sweet Noodles and his heroic act—and the cuddles he got afterward too. I really enjoyed this series a lot and while it’s bittersweet for it to end, it ended in the best possible way with some characters making amends where they were needed as well as some characters enjoying their happily ever after.

I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book provided by Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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A Parfait Crime review

October 30, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the long-running Five-Ingredient Mysteries by Maya Corrigan, and while I’m not really caught up yet in the series, I’ve loved each of the books in it I’ve read. Val’s Granddad just cracks me up with his recipes and his love for sleuthing. It was pretty cool how parts of this book were like parts of the Readers’ Theater play that Granddad and his friends were performing, “The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie. Lots of secrets in this town!

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My Goodreads review:

A Parfait Crime by Maya Corrigan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome mystery in this series that’s also packed with some great-sounding food. I’m so proud of how far Granddad’s come with his cooking and his column. The name Codger Cook always cracks me up! I love his character and his crazy way of sleuthing, but hey sometimes he might be right. I guess Val figured there’s a fifty-fifty chance one of the two of them might be right about whodunit.

The showdown was really cool especially when more about it was revealed. Never underestimate the power of these seniors! They knew exactly what they needed to do to solve this case, and they did. I thought the ending was super sweet and now I’m eager to see what happens next in the series!

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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Having a Fudgy Christmas Time review

September 21, 2023September 21, 2023 Tari Hann

Since this is technically a novella, I’m calling it #11.5 of the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy CoCo, another fave cozy mystery author, and this book comes out next Tuesday, September 26, 2023. I loved how it’s from Carol Tunisian’s viewpoint which kinda seemed to be the fun switch the author’s always taken in her Christmas-themed books.

Anyone who’s read from the beginning, knows Carol as Mrs. Tunisian who always saw Allie with Mal and usually about the time when Mal sniffed out a body. Carol’s definitely come a long way from those times and much to Rex’s dismay, Allie’s taught Carol and the seniors on the island (aka Carol’s “book club” and yep, you say it with quotes ’cause that’s basically what it is lol) all she knows about amateur sleuthing, so let the sleuthing begin by picking up this novella when it comes out.

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My Goodreads review:

Having a Fudgy Christmas Time by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve really enjoyed how Carol’s character evolved over the last couple books and how really involved she was with the previous mystery, so I loved reading this novella from her viewpoint. The seniors made a great sleuthing team after one of their own was murdered at the senior center not that long before the Christmas Ball was supposed to happen.

Allie made a great mentor for Carol as Carol consulted with her a couple times. Carol really used her head when her own house was broken into, and I was glad to read the satisfying explanation that eventually came. It was a relief to know certain parties weren’t involved. And who knew Carol and her hubby were such an adorable couple? Can’t wait for 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.

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Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft review

July 27, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Book Retreat Mysteries by Ellery Adams who cozy mystery fans know has a whole arsenal of series under her belt. This book was particularly fun because she brought in Olivia, her main character (who’s already visited Storyton but mostly in cameo appearances) from the Books by the Bay series, and Olivia wasn’t just a walk-on or cameo this time. Jane was actually on Olivia’s home ground. Wait’ll you read the scenes during Pink-o-Ween during Edwin and Jane’s vacation to Oyster Bay!

I hope there’ll be many more books even though at times this reads like it could be the last. I could get used to Olivia living in Storyton actually…think of the mysteries she and Jane could solve together! And the book signings Eloise could have for her!

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My Goodreads review:

Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by Ellery Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, so many emotions all wrapped up in this book, which was to me the absolute best of them all. I’m not sure if the series is ending, but it easily could with this book, although I’ve not heard anything official. Everything awesome that readers have wanted came to happen. It was kinda cool how it started off in North Carolina with Olivia Limoges and giving a nod to that ended series, so if this series is really ending, it was pretty fitting that Olivia had a nice part in it. Although I think it’d be really awesome if Olivia and Captain Haviland stayed in Storyton and started a whole new chapter of mystery solving along with Jane and the Fins. And I’d love to know if Merry and Pippin ever benefit from having a well-trained standard poodle as their leader for a while!

There were some super funny moments in North Carolina when Butterworth showed up feeling like he was needed after everything that’d gone down. That Pink-o-Ween sounded so cool and his part in it was priceless! Uncle Aloysius was getting help with his dementia we learned about previously, and that little stinker had a pretty awesome scene in the book himself! A tissue alert for happy tears is recommended toward the end, and while I really hope there’ll be more books in the series, I’m happy with how this book ended.

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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