amateur sleuths – Page 12 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

A Clue in the Crumbs review

August 5, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the thirteenth book in the long-running and fun Key West Food Critic Mysteries by Lucy Burdette. You’re always guaranteed a good mystery with some great book character friends and tons of good food with recipes too. I’ve always loved the closeness and family atmosphere Hayley and her houseboat neighbors have too.

I haven’t been to Key West in over forty years but from the descriptions of the different eating places there, I can see it’s changed a lot and I wouldn’t mind going back someday, especially to hit up some of the real places I know the author mentions in these books since she’s from Key West herself.

My Goodreads review:

A Clue in the Crumbs by Lucy Burdette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That Miss Gloria’s something else! She’s always been my fave of Hayley’s friends and in the last few books, she’s gotten even more of a presence which I absolutely love! Put her together with Bettina and Violet from Scotland and you’ve got a pretty awesome senior sleuthing trio. Those ladies even after a long flight from Scotland never stopped going and definitely kept Hayley on the move as well.

I eventually suspected whodunit but none of the exact details. The Scone Sisters’ agent was an odd character but he ended up with quite the tale to tell after he’d vanished right after the murder. The showdown was a crazy one, but everyone ended up back at Hayley’s for food, friendship and a little debriefing about the case. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Scone Sisters visit again, only maybe next time not have a baking contest, just some good old tourism mayhem! I’m sure there’d still be plenty for those ladies to see and do. Don’t miss this latest installment when it releases August 8, 2023.

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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Steeped in Malice review

July 26, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries written by Vicki Delany, one of my personal fave cozy mystery authors. I’ve followed this from the beginning and while book 1 had me wondering if I could ever warm up to Rose, Lily’s grandma even though I did like her a lot right away, by this book, I’m cheering her on and feel like we’re old friends, well as friendly as a person can get with Rose. Bernie always cracks me up, so she, Lily and Rose always make for some good sleuthing adventures.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

Steeped in Malice by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rose rocks! After someone was killed at her B&B, she did something kinda courageous and very cool to help the police catch the killer. I’ve always loved her character and knew she’d just take a little getting used to since she’d not a huggy-type grandma we usually see in cozy mysteries. But her cool level’s pretty much through the roof, lol. Bernie’s an awesome best friend and I think sometimes she figures she (Bernie) gets along better with Rose than Lily does as Rose’s granddaughter. I really enjoy it when those three go sleuthing! Rose just instinctively knows when the girls are up to something, so it’s never a good idea to actually plan to ditch Rose and works out much better if she goes along, as she proved.

I love how the ending was centered around food and friends while the detectives debriefed everyone and answered questions. I couldn’t stand that ex-boyfriend of Lily’s who had the nerve to think she’d still be interested in him, so it was awesome to see him deflated. And the very ending was pretty cute for Simon and Lily.

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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A Fatal Groove review

July 17, 2023July 17, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the fun newer series, Record Shop Mysteries by Olivia Blacke. I enjoyed the first one a lot and this one didn’t disappoint either. The characters are quirky, crazy (the fun kind) and I love that even though Juni and her sisters could fight like cats and dogs, at the end of the day, they’re each other’s best friends. Don’t miss this installment when it releases July 25, 2023.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #OliviaBlacke

My Goodreads review:

A Fatal Groove by Olivia Blacke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Juni continued to crack me up as I thought about her compared to other main characters around her age. But Juni wasn’t really annoying because her personality was so over the top fun. She even makes a usually loathsome love triangle not such a big deal. Not saying I changed how I don’t like love triangles and the fact I’m still Team Beau lol. Teddy’s adorable but he seems more like a brother type friend. These sisters are all so different but when push came to shove, they had each other. Even though Juni’s definitely young enough to be my daughter, she’s the one I’d choose of the sisters as the most fun to hang out with.

I had someone in mind for the whodunit but was completely wrong about it. I loved how Juni just blurted out what she was thinking about whodunit, and since there were tons of people around, there wasn’t any danger from the killer. I loved how her mom stood up for her too. Bea’s always hit me as either complaining about Juni not doing something or having a guy yet, so I was happy to see she can be a momma bear when she wants.

Even the bank robbery mystery got some closure after the killer was caught and waiting for trial. I thought it was pretty cool that the bank robbery date mentioned just happened to be the exact day my parents got married, except not in Texas. I noticed the next book’s coming out in March and I know I’ll be reading it too. This book releases next Tuesday, July 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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Every Dog Has His Day review

July 1, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Gone to the Dogs cozy mystery/sweet romance series, and this installment’s by Janice Thompson who’s taken turns with Kathleen Y’Barbo writing every other one. I gotta say this one’s my fave so far, and yes I’ll admit it’s mostly because the dog star in it’s none other than a mini red rascally dachshund. Ginger’s very much like my own Mia who you see on the blog’s logo, so I had an extra good time reading it. But there was really so much going on that was awesome, that’s another reason it’s a fave.

If you’ve enjoyed the others, you’ll definitely love this. I’ll say each book could be enjoyed alone, but for the most enjoyment, I recommend reading in order so you get to know the characters and their relationships along with how they grow and change. It’s cool how each book so far was written from a different character’s first person viewpoint. In book 5, it was Lone Star Clinic groomer, Isabel Fuentes.

Book 6 for the series is coming October 1, 2023 and it’ll be by Kathleen Y’Barbo.

My Goodreads review:

Every Dog Has His Day by Janice Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was just so darn cute. Of course it had me with the adorable dachshund on the cover and in the story. Ginger was such a stinker but what a cutie! I love the humor, family moment and the close friendship the clinic employees have. They might work together, but they choose to hang out on their own time whether it’s helping Mari move her stuff from her cottage to her and Parker’s new house or working together at the animal shelter.

I had a feeling of whodunit as far as the possible dog theft went, and that ending was just the absolute sweetest ever! For a few sad tears (just a few I promise) and lots of happy tears, don’t miss this installment of the series, my personal fave so far.

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Fatal Fudge Swirl review

June 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries by Meri Allen who most cozy mystery readers also know is Shari Randall who wrote the Lobster Shack Mysteries. I really love the key characters in this series. The sisters who work at the ice cream shop, Flo and Gerri, always crack me up with how different they are from each other. Riley’s got some good people working with her and bestie Caroline comes home for the weekends from Boston. Penniman sounds like a fun place and if you get the author’s newsletter you get little tidbits about what she’s writing and areas in Connecticut she’s based it on.

#NetGalley #StMartinPaperbacks #MeriAllen-ShariRandall

My Goodreads review:

Fatal Fudge Swirl by Meri Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who wouldn’t love to visit Penniman at Halloween? It sounded pretty awesome with all the decorations and cool pumpkin carvings. Riley had her hands full with having to wrangle Sprinkles, the very-much-not-an-angel cat onto a film set because she was wanted for filming. Too hilarious how the cat from you know where took a liking to the lead actor but sure didn’t like the main actress, lol. And she had to keep up that America’s sweetheart image too, now that was pretty funny! Good ole Sprinkles can always produce a laugh from somewhere! But she couldn’t prevent murder.

The ending had a search going on for a young girl who might’ve witnessed the murder or heard something, so luckily she was found and the perp was named. Lots of family and friends time was enjoyed in the book as well. I thought Riley’s dad and stepmom were just too cute how they ran that bookstore together and now were part of the movie being made. Nice nod to one of everyone’s favorite cute romance/mystery channels too! The book releases on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 and I hope you’ll find like I did it’s nice little escape.

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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A Murder of Aspic Proportions review

June 23, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Sunflower Café Mysteries by Amy Lillard who also wrote the fairly recent cozy mystery Main Street Book Club Mysteries. These are the only two series of hers that I’m familiar with, but I’m interested in reading her Amish Mysteries as well. I’d really enjoyed the book club series and its characters, and I’m finding this series lotsa fun too as I’m getting more familiar with the various characters. Sissy’s little dog Rocky cracks me up! He’s tiny (Bethel also cracks me up calling him a rat dog but I can tell she means it fondly) but like all small dogs, he seems to believe he’s a giant and needs to live up to his name lol.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AmyLillard

My Goodreads review:

A Murder of Aspic Proportions by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sissy had a super unlikely sleuthing buddy in this case where her Amish cousin had confessed to a murder everyone knew she didn’t commit. She and Aunt Bethel set out to find the real killer knowing there’s no way Emma did this. Bethel surprised me by initiating trips to either visit Emma in jail or talking to possible suspects. And that little stinker Bethel’s secretly a fan of Agent Gibbs, who knew? I’m betting there’s lots of secrets we don’t know about this mysterious little woman who I’m pretty sure Sissy wishes was a teeny bit more loving.

The showdown was almost funny in parts, you’ll see when you read it. Sissy had a side story going on concerning a new hot guy in town, but I’m pretty sure nothing’s gonna come of that. She’s not even sure if she thinks of Gavin in that way. At least he’s a good friend to her which is what she needed still being fairly new to the town. I think it’s pretty cool though how Sissy found all these people she’s related to and really took to them and enjoyed their get-togethers. I’m definitely hoping another book comes out! It’s available Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

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 Off the Books review

May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the By the Book Mysteries by cozy mystery author Tamara Berry. I’ve enjoyed this series from its beginning and am really eager for another book to come along. There’s always some comedy and funny antics going on, but Tess’s visiting mom put that way over the top. I really enjoyed her character, kinda reminded me of Castle’s mom, Martha! I wouldn’t mind if she moved closer and was able to hang out with Gertie more often. After an exciting showdown and very satisfying ending, I can only imagine what the next book might bring!

#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #TamaraBerry

My Goodreads review:

Murder Off the Books by Tamara Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fun and wild adventure in Washington state and this time Tess had her mom to contend with along with her usual entourage. I’ve always loved Gertie’s character–she’s like fifteen going on twenty-five, lol. She might’ve had to share the comedy spotlight with her Grandma Bee this time but I’m pretty sure Gert didn’t mind. The two got along pretty well and even Tess managed to put up with her mom’s spontaneous visit, so the last thing Tess needed was for her mom to be the prime suspect in a guy’s murder. And he happened to be the much younger guy Bee was seeing along with being a probable multi-killer.

The showdown was a crazy one and Tess had help from a very unexpected person, but together they defeated Zorg, I mean the perp. 😉 I’ve always known Tess would’ve liked to date the sheriff but she wasn’t real sure how he felt. There was a cute but kinda sad side story that Victor’s sister told Tess, although everything worked out nicely and I was beyond happy with the ending! I’m excited for the next book now!

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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Hard Dough Homicide review

May 25, 2023May 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries by Olivia Matthews, and I’ve loved both of the first books. What’s not to love about this amazing family that loves each other so much and just wants to be a contributing and thriving part of the Little Caribbean community? Their bakery sounds pretty darn delicious too! From its great characters and location to its family camaraderie, I’m hoping this series sticks around for a good long time.

UPDATE: I just spied with my little eyes that the third book’s coming out in December, and it’s called Coconut Drop Dead. (not an affiliate link.) And it’s listed on Goodreads, but it’s not under its series name.

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPaperback #OliviaMatthews

My Goodreads review:

Hard Dough Homicide by Olivia Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love Lyndsay and her awesome family! Granny just cracks me up with how she wants to help sleuth, and Lyndsay’s always having to worry about keeping her feisty little granny out of trouble, lol. I really like how this family loves one another unconditionally and always has each others’ backs. Even any bickering done is always good-naturedly, and I also think it’s pretty awesome how Lyndsay and her family start each day at the bakery with a prayer.

This was a really baffling mystery, but with the help of her family going over motives and possible means, Lyndsay and Granny set off to solve this once and for all. Lyndsay’s always been super gracious and again credited her entire family with solving the case (her kickboxing training came in handy again too!). And to top off being declared completely innocent, the fam got a nice surprise at the end of the book. I can’t wait to see what mystery adventures Lyndsay and crew get into in the next book!

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

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The Diva Delivers on a Promise review

May 24, 2023 Tari Hann

It’s hard to believe this is the sixteenth book in this long-running and fun Domestic Diva Mystery series by one of my fave cozy authors, Krista Davis. I love visiting with Sophie and all her friends who act as her support team whether she’s sleuthing out a mystery with her bestie Nina or just needing a plus-one for an event. I enjoyed the side mystery centered around ghost kitchens and how Sophie and Nina sleuthed that out. As always, I can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #KristaDavis

My Goodreads review:

The Diva Delivers on a Promise by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sophie and Nina got in a lot of sleuthing together in this mystery because there was plenty to sleuth out. I liked the side mystery of the ghost kitchen scammer, and we got to learn more about Officer Wong and her disastrous marriage. I liked Gerrie and her granddaughter a lot—it’d be fun if they showed up in a future book especially now they’ve got a furry companion. Nina always cracks me up with her love of food which is always a good way to get her to do something, like maybe a stakeout or two?

The showdown was a really good one with the perp finally being caught and hauled away. The ending was typical cozy Sophie style—friends, food and a warm fireplace. And pups, of course!

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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Eat, Drink and Drop Dead review

April 6, 2023April 6, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series, Tiffany Austin Food Blogger (sorry, Goodreads doesn’t have a series page up for it so no link for that) by established cozy mystery author, T.C. LoTempio. Her longest running and probably most well-known is the Nick & Nora Mysteries. I still need to start the Nick & Nora series and probably have most of them in some form or another. This lady always writes an awesome mystery with adorable pets!

#NetGalley #SevernHouse #TCLoTempio

My Goodreads review:

Eat, Drink and Drop Dead by T.C. LoTempio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anything I’ve read by this author always has characters you’d like to have as friends and storylines that pull me in right away. And this book didn’t disappoint in either of those things. I really enjoyed meeting Tiffany and her coworkers at the magazine. Hilary was such an awesome bestie. I don’t think there’s anything that girl wouldn’t do for her buddy, Tiff as you’ll read when they go sleuthing. And Hilary was very good when it came to enabling Tiff on dating a certain handsome detective. Dale was the kind of boss anybody would just love to have. He was fair and easy to get along with…and he didn’t mind hybrid employees as long as they came to the staff meetings.

The mystery was a good one and I was stumped until a clue came along toward the end of the book. Then I knew exactly whodunit possibly a little sooner than Tiffany did. That was one good showdown too, and the ending was super sweet. I can’t wait for more in this series!

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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