amateur sleuth – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Give Fudge a Chance review

May 28, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eleventh book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco aka Nancy J. Parra, and I’ve loved and devoured every one of the series so far. Haven’t tried any fudge recipes but they did inspire me and the fam to visit Mackinac Island in 2018. We hope to return again soon because the place really is magical–and without any gimmicks to make it that way. The magic’s in the whole experience of Mackinac, yep gotta go back! I loved Allie and Jenn’s latest adventures but since Jenn’s having a baby, Allie wouldn’t let her physically go sleuthing, so she turned once more to the senior ladies’ “book club” as they called their slightly undercover murder board club, lol. Fun, laughs and of course, fudge recipes are gonna be had when you read this!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #NancyCoco

My Goodreads review:

Give Fudge a Chance by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to escape back to Mackinac Island where life’s fun and carefree…until somebody gets themselves killed, that is. The first murder was at the haunted house attraction for the county fair, and when the second came along, Allie wouldn’t be the dyed-in-the-wool sleuth she’s become if she didn’t believe they were connected. As in true Allie fashion (but hey, I wouldn’t have it any other way!), she sleuthed when she was told not to and had a close call or two…but she always gets her perp.

That was some exciting showdown and events leading up to it! Yay for Carol whose transition from just Mrs. Tunisian walking her dog in the first books to being a full-fledged, kick-butt sleuth in this book, well it’s been an awesome transition. She wasn’t too shabby in the last few books either, since she and the ahem, “book club” love helping Allie with cases. I’ve got a feeling Allie won’t feel so much like she needs to protect these older ladies, ’cause Carol sure proved that!

As always, there’s a preview for the next book at the end of this one and all I can say is, I can’t wait!

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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Cinnamon Twisted review

April 24, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the seventh in the Deputy Donuts Mysteries by Ginger Bolton (aka Janet Bolin), and I’ve devoured every single book since they first came out. I absolutely love these characters and that adorable kitty, Dep aka Deputy Donut. She’s just the sweetest little thing and always helps find a clue or maybe even attack a killer! I was super excited to learn that books 8, 9 and 10 are in the works! Check out Ginger Bolton’s website!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Cinnamon Twisted by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Brent was away and the new police chief seemed determined to pin a murder or any crime on Emily, I was so glad to see Brent was instrumental in getting the cavalry to come in the form of Agent Rex Clobar. I’d enjoyed his character before since he reminds me of a certain agent Gibbs! At least Emily felt more protected from a possibly bad lawman when Rex was in town. I wish Rex could stay and replace that new police chief!

Misty and Scott’s wedding went off like a charm, but after that was when the murder happened. Emily had a new sleuthing buddy but wasn’t sure if she could trust him or not. There was a pretty awesome showdown followed by Brent’s homecoming when he was done teaching the police course. I absolutely loved the very ending! Slight tissue warning, but happy tears, no worries! And Dep’s soooo darn cute! You’ll see what I mean when you read it. Don’t miss this when it releases Tuesday, April 25, 2023 (tomorrow).

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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Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust review

April 14, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley, and the characters quickly became some of my fave cozy characters. I hope the series continues because Dee and her friends seem to have a bunch more stories to tell. One character I got the biggest kick out of was Molly aka Mac who was Delilah’s hostess’s cousin. That girl was so hilarious and charismatic (she got Auntie Biz to smile!)–what’s even more fun is at the end where you find the recipes, you’ll see the first one written in the voice of Mac herself. Auntie Biz’s recipe was pretty funny too!

#NetGalley #St.MartinPaperbacks #MindyQuigley

My Goodreads review:

Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another visit to Geneva Bay around Labor Day was pretty exciting and not just because of the festival and local vendor food tasting contest. The place was rich in mobster history, and Delilah worried that maybe one was back to find something he lost while in prison. Auntie Biz was a little grouchier than usual and it turned out she had a good reason.

Delilah’s a great main character and I admire her strength but dang it, girl, can’t you just let people be nice and do stuff for you? LOL, she might be working on that. Lots of little side mysteries were going on but everything wrapped up nicely at the end. For a while though I was worried there was one part that wasn’t gonna be solved, but no worries! The ending was a little odd but I’m betting Delilah did the best thing for everyone concerned. Can’t let out too much, you’ll just have to grab this when it goes on sale Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

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

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No Small Murder review

April 9, 2023April 9, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series, Mini-Meadows Mysteries by one of my fave cozy mystery authors, Lena Gregory. I’ve devoured the other series she’s written and definitely loved meeting these new characters. Her books always have fun characters you’d like to be friends with or at least have coffee with! Granny Rose is hands-down my fave character, although I do like everyone else in the key players. She’s such a hoot and I can’t wait for more adventures in this series!

#NetGalley #LevelBestBooks #LenaGregory

My Goodreads review:

No Small Murder by Lena Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh that Granny Rose! I just love that character! Every time I read a book by this author, I’ve always gotten taken in on the first page or two, so this book definitely followed that same expectation. I loved Emma’s group of friends and now that her Granny was living there, they had an additional sleuth…and someone to keep an eye on since Emma wasn’t super thrilled over her matchmaking lol. The Great Dane pictured on the cover’s name is Butch, and he’s a sweetie!

The mystery was a good one that I definitely didn’t figure out, and that showdown was absolutely priceless! Not gonna spoil anything, but it was epic. I sure hope there’s another book in the series ’cause by the end, I was so glad for everyone’s turnout that I just needed more time with these characters.

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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Strike Out 4 Murder review

March 21, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eleventh book in the Sophie Kimball Mysteries by husband and wife team J.C. Eaton aka Ann Goldfarb and Jim Clapp. They always do such a great job of entertaining with this series and others they’ve written, and this book definitely didn’t disappoint! Enjoy it now because it’s available today!

My Goodreads review:

Strike Out 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh, this series is constantly so much fun! I’m always laughing as I read the hilarious antics of Phee’s mom and her friends…and who could forget their sidekicks, the pinochle guys? And little Streetman’s a fave of mine, but I’m little biased because I love dachsies and dachsie mixes. My dog’s behavior’s not a whole lot different from Streetman’s, except she doesn’t bite.

Shirley got the spotlight this time around since she was the target. I just love that lady and she always cracks me up with the stuff she says. It was so sweet her friend lent her a Great Dane for protection. Once again, the case eventually was connected up nice and neat with the case that Nate and Marshall were on. The perps sure went to lotsa trouble for what they were into, but the dead guy was even into something worse. Take an afternoon and treat yourself to another fun visit to Sun City West! And Phee’s the voice of sanity there if you need a little bit of that too! 😉

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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In Farm’s Way review

February 20, 2023February 20, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Farm to Table Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower. I’m so crazy about that adorable pug (Huck) that Shiloh’s got. I just want to kiss his smooshy little face! My friend has Pugs and they’re too adorable–and that’s high praise from a dachshundaholic like me LOL! Just kidding, I love all dogs and kitties-dachsies just happen to be my fave 😉 Of course, I had to use a picture to represent sweet little Huck!

#PoisonedPenPress #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

In Farm’s Way: An Organic Cozy Mystery by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect winter read with the ice fishing tournament going on. I got a kick out of Sully and Hazel and how she stuck by his side determined to learn how to ice fish and eventually be the best in her age group. I really wish Quinn could get over it about not wanting Shiloh as anything but a friend–he’s really gonna be sorry if he doesn’t because a new interest was brought on board for her. I’m not a fan of triangles at all, so I hope this gets resolved quickly in the next book.

Wow that showdown was crazy and I have no idea what I’d have done if I was in Shiloh’s boots, but luckily backup came and she wasn’t in too terrible of shape. I hadn’t seen that person as the killer at all, a definite surprise. Shiloh got another surprise from her grandma when Hazel found something as she broke through the old porch. That’ll be interesting to see what happens next. I wasn’t a fan of the ending, so as I said, hopefully things get resolved in the next book.

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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Sleuthing in Stilettos review

December 3, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Resale Boutique Mysteries by a fave cozy author of mine, Debra Sennefelder. I’ve followed Kelly’s adventures since the first book and even read the in-between one. I hope Kelly’s got many more stories to tell because the girl does deserve some happiness (as long as she’s not accusing someone of murder!). The friendships and characters in this series always make me feel like I’m returning to some good book pals.

My Goodreads review:

Sleuthing in Stilettos by Debra Sennefelder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And just like that, Kelly seemed to grow up after this mystery was solved. Just when it appeared she’d never be anything but a kind-hearted, question-spouting, self-centered fashionista, the last couple weeks in her life really caused her to seem more mature by the end of the book. Kelly’s definitely someone you’d want for a friend even though she’s got this unbelievable way of making people mad by accusing them of murder. But her heart’s always in the right place and somehow she ends up forgiven. Nothing mattered more to Kelly than her family and friends as you’ll see when you read about their Thanksgiving.

Boy was that an exciting showdown! I was so happy Kelly had reconciled with her buddy Ariel and I’ll just say it was a good thing she came along! I liked where this ended with Kelly and Nate in a very nice place in a relationship as well as Kelly being completely happy now that she was where she belonged. Don’t miss this latest installment when it releases Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

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

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A Streetcar Named Murder review

December 1, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series called A New Orleans Mystery by T.G. Herren, a new-to-me author. I enjoyed meeting Valerie and her two besties, one of which was crazy, the fun kinda crazy though. That was Lorna who’d pretty much say or do anything to help someone out, and boy was she good at telling people how it was gonna be, lol. But in a nice way, of course. I think Valerie would’ve loved her friend’s gift of schmooze!

My Goodreads review:

A Streetcar Named Murder by T.G. Herren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked the whole premise of Valerie inheriting a business and not having known her husband’s uncle and I liked the key characters a lot. Her friend Lorna cracked me up! Who wouldn’t love a bestie like her, right? Dee was a good character too and she made for a nice workplace companion for Valerie. Val’s sons were such characters, they were so funny in places.

I did feel in parts of the book that it got overly wordy and maybe a bit too descriptive of past events to the point that I had to hunt for the dialogue that was presently going on. Then I found a few name discrepancies and minor plot discrepancies, none of which I made a note of and none of which terribly affected the outcome or my enjoyment. But it’s something I felt I needed to point out. Maybe it was just to set the tone for this first book and give tons of backstory. The description of the town and shops was just about right, and I could almost feel like I was right there in NOLA. And that’s my favorite way to travel, by reading. 🙂

I was right about something that turned out to be a good plot twist. There were a few people I didn’t want to be the killer, so I was happy at that outcome but the person I guessed wasn’t right. That was one hairy showdown with Lorna right there in the thick of it with Val, so they both succeeded in outsmarting the perp. The book releases Dec. 6, 2022.

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

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Through the Liquor Glass review

November 29, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Literary Pub Mysteries by cozy author Sarah Fox. I’ve been reading this series since the beginning and each one’s always made me eager for the next, so this book was no exception to that. If anything, I’m more eager for another book. You might need to start this early in the day ’cause you won’t wanna put it down!

My Goodreads review:

Through the Liquor Glass by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really had a hard time putting this down, and the sleuthing Grayson and Sadie did was definitely page-turning! I think I was as worried about Grayson as Sadie was when he went into hiding after the murder of a woman he had some bad history with when he was a private investigator. It was cool that some of the characters that in the past hadn’t had all that much page time got their little moments to shine, especially during the showdown! Jason, Joey and Cordelia were characters I hadn’t remembered reading much about but they got quite a bit of mentioning in this case.

I never guessed whodunit and it was a great showdown. The whole mystery was well-explained in great detail after the perp was hauled away. I love that Sadie’s mom finally got to come see Sadie’s new town and eventually got to meet Grayson…and who wouldn’t love that guy, right? 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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Canter With a Killer review

October 15, 2022October 15, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series, A Horse Rescue Mystery by new cozy mystery author Amber Camp who as you can see from her Amazon page (which I linked because it’s way more interesting than the one GR has for her– she’s in a picture with her horse) loves horses and all kinds of creatures just like her main character and works as a nurse like Mal did as well. She’s definitely writing what she knows about and loves, which is evident when you read this book. After the very sweet ending of this book, I’m eager for the next one!

Since Biscuit the donkey was a hero of sorts, I just had to search out a cute donkey image for this post.

#CrookedLaneBooks #AmberCamp

My Goodreads review:

Canter With a Killer by Amber Camp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a fun start for a new series by a new cozy author! I loved the idea of a horse farm and rescue. I’ve never actually been around horses but I sure like them a lot (especially my niece’s awesome horse,) so to me, it’s a unique job for a main character for a little change-up. Mal was a good main character and seems to have come a long way since her divorce. I was proud of how she didn’t take any lip from one of the business owners who’d been said to be spreading rumors that she was who killed her grouchy neighbor.

I really liked Mallory’s bestie Lanie a lot, what a hoot! She and hubby Bill were two of the nicest people, and anyone would be proud to call those two friends! Bill was such a big ole teddy bear and so sweet to back Mal in her quest for doing business with someone who didn’t think she was a killer. Mal’s two college-age volunteers were just the best in what they did. I can totally see how Ashley and Tanner filled the void in Mal’s life that her daughter occupied when she was home. It’ll be interesting to see Mal and Ginny work together when Ginny completes her vet degree.

I hadn’t honestly suspected whodunit but it was a different twist for sure. What a great showdown, go Biscuit, you cute li’l bodyguard donkey! I loved the very ending and now I’m eager for more in the series.

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

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