amateur sleuth – Page 7 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Christmas Candy Corpse review

December 9, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Courtney Archer series by Rosemarie Ross, and maybe I’m just a Christmas nut, but I think it’s the best book so far. I really enjoyed the side mystery involving a very different version of Shannon than we’ve been used to seeing in this series. She’s usually super sunshiny and sweet, but what’s turned our Southern cook into a Grinch? You’ll just have to read and find out!

My Goodreads review:

Christmas Candy Corpse by Rosemarie Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is really getting better. I have to admit I wasn’t sure about it at the beginning or if I even liked Courtney that much. But after three books of seeing how she interacts with her friends/coworkers, she’s really grown on me, and she’s grown as a character as well. I feel she’s gained some maturity (finding dead bodies does that to ya, I guess), and I was happy to see her and Eric in a good place with their relationship.

I had a little sneaky feeling earlier about the killer in the book, and it ended up being the right whodunit and for the reason I thought as well. It was well-plotted and executed though. That was some exciting showdown too! Once again, Courtney’s kitchen set had something handy! The ending was very sweet and Christmasy.

Shannon had her own side mystery going on and I thought I’d guessed what it was. It was interesting to see that play out into the happy ending everyone in the cast had. I can definitely say I’m looking forward to reading the next book!

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

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Big Trouble in Little Greektown review

December 7, 2021December 7, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Goddess of Greene Street series by Kate Collins who was first known for her Flower Shop series that went on to be the inspiration for a series of Hallmark movies. I’m really enjoying this series featuring Athena and her big Greek family. She even managed to snag a non-Greek boyfriend and still has her mama’s approval. There was a cute side story in this book about Delphi trying to do the very same thing but being afraid to face Mama. Really loving all these characters! Oscar the raccoon sounds pretty adorable, but I know from a relative who owned one once that you really have to be careful, although Niko seemed to have him under control as an outdoor pet.

My Goodreads review:

Big Trouble in Little Greektown by Kate Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love visiting with Athena and her big crazy Greek family (described that way by her and her sisters lol). Case was just about to get his private eye license and open a new office, and I was actually surprised that Lila who I never liked very much at all in the previous book, really came through for them when needed. Lila got a nice surprise toward the end too. She’s actually a good piece of comic relief when they go on an interrogating mission. Athena’s son Nicholas/Niko had a new friend who was part of a side mystery that developed. Niko was quite the sleuth just like his mom!

I hadn’t really figured out whodunit although there was definitely someone I wanted to be the perp, but lots of suspects fit the bill. The showdown was really exciting, and once again the town was rid of a culprit.

I’d only read the first in the Flower Shop series that this author wrote first and really enjoyed it, but I know that series was ended. I was happy to see a little nod to it in this book. I love when authors do that! You’ll have to read it yourself to see just where this little mention is!

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

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A Plus One for Murder review

December 4, 2021December 4, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series that releases this coming Tuesday, December 7, 2021. The series is called Friend for Hire Mysteries, and the author is longtime cozy mystery writer Laura Bradford. She has two other cozy series she’s written as Laura Bradford, The Emergency Dessert Squad and Amish Mysteries.

As Elizabeth Lynn Casey, she wrote one of the most beloved and long-running series among cozy readers, the Southern Sewing Circle. I forgot to mention this in my GR review, but I loved, loved loved the nod she gave to that series in this book! She even mentioned a colleague’s series too, since Dottie, the older lady Emma had weekly tea with was a huge cozy mystery fan. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book in this series and want to give a huge shout-out and thanks to @BerkleyPublishing for approving me to read this early copy. I really hope to be able to do the same with the next book.

My Goodreads review:

A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was excited to see that Laura Bradford was doing another cozy series and even more excited to be approved to read an ARC of it! The book definitely didn’t disappoint. What a cool and different kind of job for main character Emma, being a paid friend to people. I got such a kick out of her clients too especially Big Max, a sweet senior man who was trying to impress a lady by having Emma take him places. I loved how Emma’s friendship with Dottie had grown from what was the start for her new business-except at that time she didn’t realize it. Then eventually, Emma, Stephanie, another client and Dottie made quite the sleuthing trio! And Emma’s sweet dog, Scout always seemed to be pointing out clues to her. I love it when a pet’s just a bit more than a simple pet.

There was a nice assortment of suspects, and I wasn’t expecting the perp to be who it was. The showdown was a good one, and the three sleuths were happy with their work. Deputy Jack, well I don’t think he was too thrilled with their sleuthing, but I could tell he really liked Emma from the beginning especially from his line at the very end. 😉

It was well-written mystery that I’ve always come to expect and know from this author, and now I can’t wait to read more about the characters in the next book! Don’t miss this book which releases Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

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

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A Murder Like No Author review

December 1, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Main Street Book Club by Amy Lillard, and each one keeps getting better! Arlo’s senior friends Helen, Fern and Camille always crack me up! I’m sure Arlo feels like their handler at most times, especially when Mads the police chief specifically calls her to come and control them, lol. But the ladies are so full of life and ideas, they just can’t help themselves. I’m always eager to read the newest book and see what they get into next!

My Goodreads review:

A Murder Like No Author by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s always an interesting trip to Sugar Springs, MS to visit with Arlo and her friends. If you ever wondered what it was like to herd cats or toddlers, follow Arlo around town as she tries to ride herd on her three favorite older ladies. I can tell she loves them all like surrogate grandmas, but sometimes they do try her patience, lol. But always in a good way. They’re sharp as can be and can be quite intimidating with their smartphones, cookies and “the look” that only a grandma-like lady can give! I just love those ladies and as a collective unit, they’re such a hoot, especially that Fern!

This time they were all over the murder that took place at the theater where the movie was premiering. I won’t rehash the plot, since you can read that in the blurb. There was a side mystery along with the murder which became solved in a twist toward the end. I hadn’t guessed the killer, and the showdown was a good one.

You can definitely read this book by itself since the author does a very good job of recapping the previous stories. But you might want to start from the first book because sometimes things are mentioned that might be a little confusing otherwise…and you’ll understand more about why there’s a movie premiere and what that book was all about.

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

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Fatal Solutions review

November 11, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Crossword Puzzle Mysteries by Becky Clark. Her writing is so funny and good and sometimes just the way she describes either what a person says or does can literally make you laugh out loud. This book did appear a bit more serious in nature as far as Quinn’s battle with her OCD went and the nature of the old death she was curious about. But the fun moments were all still there including my favorites, the Retireds, those wild and crazy senior men who hung out at the diner most of the day.

My Goodreads review:

Fatal Solutions by Becky Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a little different from the other two books in the series since it dealt with finding bones from a death in the 70s. Poor Quinn seemed to be able to get herself into a mess even if she wasn’t trying. I just love the banter she always enjoyed with the group of older men who hung out in the diner and call themselves the Retireds. They loved teasing her mercilessly but all in good fun.

Oh and that crazy Loma! Although at one point, she did something just typically a Loma thing that really upset Quinn and actually for a good reason, but good friends never stayed mad too long. Quinn always did the right thing when she felt like she’d wronged someone too. She did find out the answer to the long-ago death which was a little surprising but not under the circumstances.

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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Murder Outside the Lines review

September 30, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Pen & Ink Mysteries by one of my favorite cozy authors, Krista Davis. She also writes the Paws and Claws series as well as the long-running Domestic Diva Mysteries, two of my favorite series, but Pen & Ink’s becoming a favorite as well the more books I read in it. This one was especially good because I’m already a fan of Krista Davis’s Halloween storytelling abilities from the other two series. Murder Outside the Lines was right up there with her The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer and The Diva Haunts a House. All are fabulous Halloween reading with just the right amount of creep factor! PS: I loved the side story with Harry, the skull with personality!

My Goodreads review:

Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh this was such a fun and awesome Halloween read! I already knew this author was a champ when it came to telling Halloween stories with just the right amount of creepiness, so this mystery definitely didn’t disappoint! One of the side stories that was pretty hilarious at times involved a human skull named Harry that was sent to Prof. Maxwell. There were a couple other side stories, and it seemed like everyone had some type of secret, but was it worth killing over it?

The showdown was exciting and very Halloween appropriate. I loved how things were explained yet some left just a teensy bit of doubt. The murders and any attempts were all cleared up though. And yes, Harry lived happily ever after too! 😉

I won a copy of the paperback of this book, and also voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC of the book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

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The Corpse in the Gazebo review

September 26, 2021September 26, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Food Blogger series by Debra Sennefelder, and it releases in just a couple days on September 28, 2021. I made a point this summer to read the previous book so I’d be caught up for this one, and I’m glad I did read it. It’s possible to read these books as a standalone, but it’s more enjoyable to get to know Hope and her friends from the beginning. The author also writes the Resale Boutique series, which I’m a little behind in, but I like it a lot too. I’m definitely looking forward to the next Food Blogger though after reading this one!

My Goodreads review:

The Corpse in the Gazebo by Debra Sennefelder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m so glad I was caught up in the series and ready to read this one because it was another good sleuthing session for Hope, Drew and Jane. I loved how those three worked together in the previous book, and they were together again. Hope and Drew did most of the chase or driving work, but Jane definitely did her share. I just love her character and think of Jessica Fletcher since Jane was also a mystery author. The side mystery with Jane’s sister-in-law Sally ended up being kinda cute considering how curmudgeonly Sally could get especially when Jane and the crew were sleuthing.

I’ve learned that in this series (and a lot of mysteries) not everything’s what it appears to be, but even keeping that in mind, I was completely surprised by whodunit. Without saying too much, Drew was very happy with the stories he got from this whole case, and I think for once he was feeling some victory where nemesis (and unfair, not-completely-truthful writer) Norrie was concerned.

I loved the celebration with family and friends at the end. Hope definitely went through a lot of issues in this mystery, since as a murder suspect for one thing, she was losing sponsors. Then she was playing part-time mommy to Ethan’s girls, although that was something she really liked. But everything turned out great, and the ending was a good one. I can’t wait for the next book! This one releases on September 28, 2021, so don’t miss out on it!

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

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Death at Holly Lodge review

September 24, 2021September 24, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Daisy Thorne series by Louise R. Innes. I’ve followed the series from the first book and have come to really enjoy these characters. From Daisy’s coworkers at the hair salon to DCI Paul McGuiness and Daisy’s bestie Floria, they’re a great crew. Krish at the salon always cracks me up! It was fun to picture Christmas in this little English village, minus any dead bodies, of course! After Daisy babysat her neighbor’s cat, I started thinking how she could really use a cat or a dog. It could be the hair salon mascot!

My Goodreads review:

Death at Holly Lodge by Louise R. Innes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a perfect Christmas mystery and even though I’ve never been to England, I could still picture the little town businesses all decorated and getting ready for the Christmas Market. I loved that Daisy and DCI McGuiness aka Paul were getting closer and closer in their personal relationship. He got a lot less mad when she’d go ahead and do something, and she knew to just ‘fess up and tell him what she did while pointing out the good that came of it. They’re taking it slowly which is alway s a good sign.

The showdown was a good one, and I hadn’t figured out whodunit, so I just went along with whatever Daisy thought. It took several people to take down this perp, and fortunately Daisy was trained well enough now that she’d called the police before going to where she was going. There was a good surprise toward the end which wrapped up the whole case. Looks like Daisy and Paul were going to have a Merry Christmas after all! This book releases September 28, 2021.

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

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Murder, She Edited review

August 1, 2021August 1, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Deadly Edits series by Kaitlyn Dunnett who also writes the Liss MacCrimmon series. I haven’t read any of that series, but I’ve been following this one from the beginning reading the ARCs. I really like Mikki Lincoln’s character. She can be a tough softie, lol. At one point in this book she said she didn’t know if she should be flattered or insulted by the Jessica Fletcher comment Luke made. But I always tend to think of her in the persona of Jess who was a real fave with how tough but sweet she could be, kinda like Mikki! 😉 I’m always eager for the next book to see what Mikki gets herself into.

My Goodreads review:

Murder, She Edited by Kaitlyn Dunnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mikki’s always getting into the most interesting predicaments or jobs. When she was told she’d have to find and publish some diaries as specified, it did look like she wasn’t going to have any luck finding them. Fortunately, Mikki has never been anyone’s victim or patsy if she has anything to say about it. I love how her relationship with her cousin Luke has grown, and Luke’s own relationship with Officer Ellen has really been coming along.

The murder in the book was an old one that was unsolved, but leave it to Mikki to dig around until she found out the truth. I was a little surprised to even get that killer fingered after all this time. There was also the problem with her new property being used to store stolen goods and recently burned down. She sniffed out the arsonist as well then celebrated with Luke and Ellen. There’d been a side story of a very annoying woman who kept bugging Mikki after she admitted she was friends with the woman’s favorite author who in reality was Mikki’s friend Lenora. Her crazy stalker problem was taken care of at the end as well. Life with Mikki Lincoln is, well definitely never dull!

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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A Time to Swill review

July 31, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon series by Sherry Harris who also writes the well-established series Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries. I enjoyed getting to know the characters even a little better this time around and watching as Rhett and Chloe started what I hope will be the proverbial beautiful friendship 😉 There are a lot of quirky and fun locals, but you never know where a killer might be lurking. Are they a local everyone knows and thought they loved? Or is it some stranger to the island? These people have families that go way back, and some have tons of secrets. I’m really looking forward now to reading the next book!

My Goodreads review:

A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great follow up to the first book in the series! Chloe was officially back and adjusting to life on the Panhandle when things turned kind of upside down. From escaping a boat fire to smugglers and possibly someone having a claim on Sea Glass, it was a real rollercoaster adventure mystery. I think Joaquin remains my favorite character. He’s just awesome and always really upbeat. I think Chloe and Rhett (you’ve gotta read how he gets a new nickname, it’s pretty hilarious but I’m not gonna spill!) make a great couple although they’re smart for taking it slow. I think she’s still beating herself up that she never realized her late bestie Boone had loved her romantically as she’d found he did.

Vivi was well, Vivi. But she seemed to be coming around and being kinder to Chloe along with even dare I say, having a little fun doing a drink contest with Joaquin? The disappearance of an old boat that reappeared was really mysterious to read about. And speaking of mysterious, Ann Wilson (I also really like her character) was right in the center of this doing her investigating/fixing type of thing. The adventure Chloe went on with her was pretty nail biting!

In the end, all baddies were taken care of though, and I absolutely loved the very end! That Ann is such a stinker! I’m super eager for the next book to come out now!

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

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