Tag: amateur sleuths

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin review

Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Death by Chocolate Mysteries that I’ve been enjoying since the first book. It’s by cozy mystery author Sarah Graves who first wrote about Jake Tiptree in her Home Repair is Homicide series, but I still haven’t gotten around to starting that one–I just looked at the series on GR and wasn’t aware it had so many books!

Even newish Eastport police chief Lizzie Snow had a 2-book series way prior to this series, but I’m not a fan of thrillers and their dark subject matter, so I probably am gonna pass on that one. It’s still cool she was a character before coming to Jake’s neck of the woods in Eastport, ME. I really enjoy her and Dylan’s characters a lot in the Death by Chocolate series.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #SarahGraves

My Goodreads review:

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin (A Death by Chocolate Mystery)Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin by Sarah Graves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every adventure of Jake and her pal Ellie’s seems to be even more intense and full of mystery than the previous one. This book definitely fit that bill and had me on the edge of the seat at times and laughing at other times. Jake’s first person narrative is always good for some giggles along the way. That woman’s life is seriously chaotic at home but I don’t think she’d have it any other way.

The most epic adventure of this book came toward the end and was definitely nail-biting as Jake (who even rescued a dog in the process), Ellie and Dylan fought for their lives and a teen friend of Lee’s. Of course the good guys came out the winners and the baddies were dealt with. At the end, some friends had a fun thing happen for them, something that surprised everyone. Life’s sure never dull around Jake and Ellie!

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

View all my reviews

Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson review

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 (An Old Juniper Bookstore Mystery, #1)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

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea review

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 (A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery, #6)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

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 (Cambridge Bookshop #4)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

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 (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #4)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

Gingerbread Danger review

Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in another favorite cozy mystery series, Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by well-known cozy author, Amanda Flower. I’m hoping for a book 10 and can’t quite remember if I read that she’s currently working on it or what. I get tons of author newsletters so yeah, it’s a little hard to keep the info sorted sometimes, lol. Jethro the adorable spotted pig was at his mischievous best, actually he hit the ground running on the mischief factor as soon the book started. Fun, festive and full of surprises!

My Goodreads review:

Gingerbread Danger (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery, #9)Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That little pig Jethro was once again the star of the show as he started off the book having gotten into something already, lol. He just cracks me up but by now, I’m pretty sure Bailey loves that little stinker as much as she loves her rabbit, Puff. He was definitely a little stinker at the end but it caused a perp to get caught so in a way, Jethro was a hero.

It was so cool that Bailey was finally realizing her dream of the candy factory coming true, but with a murder to solve it kinda took a back seat at times. That showdown and what followed was a real comedy of errors but the killer was caught and the solution to the robberies was found too. Can’t wait for the next book which I hope is gonna have a wedding in it with a certain pig as ring bearer! 😉

View all my reviews

Sleep in Heavenly Pizza review

Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the super fun Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley which I’ve read and enjoyed from the beginning. The characters really changed and developed quite a bit, for good of course and I’ve enjoyed spending time time in Geneva Bay, WI with them. If you read this book while hungry, you might just start craving pizza, just sayin’.

My Goodreads review:

Sleep in Heavenly Pizza (Deep Dish Mysteries, #4)Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow Auntie Biz sure went through a nice transformation during the Christmas season. She was actually nice lol and didn’t even complain about Butterball the cat. There were so many secrets and little side stories but they all sorta contributed or were related to the main murder case.

In a surprising reveal of some of those secrets, a satisfying showdown followed. Now Delilah and her team could gather in their favorite thing to do: feed people and be with those they loved on Christmas Day which was an awesome gathering of family, friends and of course, great food.

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

View all my reviews

Murder by the Page review

Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Literary Dining Mysteries, a brand new series by a longtime fave cozy author, Daryl Wood Gerber. The characters were interesting and likable. I got a big kick outta Tegan, Allie’s bestie. She could be such a ball of energy and sometimes really cracked me up! It did take me a little bit to warm up to Allie and get into the story more, but once I did, I was off to the races reading.

I gotta say the only thing I didn’t like about this book was its cover, lol. Seriously, Ms. Gerber’s other books have such amazing and vibrantly done covers (meaning they look like what I’ve always felt a cozy mystery should look like), that had I not noticed her name on the cover first, I would’ve passed it right up on NetGalley and missed out on a good story.

Just my opinion here, but I feel there’re entirely too many mysteries out there right now that use similar covers to this and I usually pass those up because they just look boring, so I hope people pick this book on its author merit and knowing they like her first and foremost. Backhanded compliment maybe, but I just know what I enjoy looking at as far as book covers go.

My Goodreads review:

Murder on the PageMurder on the Page by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t too crazy about this book at first since Allie, the main character was just different from most cozy mystery main characters and it took me a while to warm up to her. I did like her wicked sense of humor and how she could cleverly get in the last word with someone. Tegan was an awesome best friend.

While the Pride and Prejudice quotes and storyline were lost on me, I still enjoyed how they kinda incorporated some of the book’s ideas into figuring out the mystery. The ending was really good and I’m looking forward to seeing how Zach and Allie move forward as hopefully more than friends while another awesome partnership starts and takes off.

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

Fondue or Die review

Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss, a series I’ve really enjoyed since it started. I was happy to see book 6’s slated to publish next April, Bait and Swiss. The link goes to the Amazon page, but it’s not an affiliate link since I’m not an Amazon affiliate. There’s no cover yet but the name sounds cool anyway.

The fifth book dealt with the Dairy Festival and pageant drama, need I say more? LOL. Still, who knew it’d lead to murder, right? If you’re a fan of the series, I think you’ll enjoy this latest offering. My personal recommendation is to read from the beginning so relationships make more sense and to avoid any accidental spoilers. I have no idea if there really are any, but that’s one reason I like reading in order.

My Goodreads review:

Fondue or Die (Cheese Shop Mystery, #5)Fondue or Die by Korina Moss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Willa had her hands full at the annual Dairy Festival with running a booth there as well as trying to figure out who murdered the pageant director. With no shortage of suspect, Willa and Team Cheese definitely had a challenging case. And Willa was really happy to spend it investigating with an unexpected guest member of the sleuths, especially when that town’s police were pointing the finger at Willa’s beloved employee. Plenty of pageant and overall festival drama with an exciting showdown.

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

View all my reviews

The Grim Steeper review

Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Witches Brew Mysteries by Gretchen Rue, a series I’ve enjoyed since it started. Ya just gotta love a crazy orange cat named Bob! Who’s a good boy, Bob? I love the camaraderie of the town and how they’ve accepted Phoebe into their small business family.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #GretchenRue

My Goodreads review:

The Grim Steeper (Witches' Brew Mystery #3)The Grim Steeper by Gretchen Rue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve loved this series from its beginning two books ago and now I’m loving it even more. Along with some murders and other shenanigans going on with some of a visiting bird guy’s staff, Phoebe found out a lot about her own witchy powers and things started looking a lot better for her everywhere.

That showdown was epic and I do believe Det. Patsy thought so too. Phoebe was shocked at what others already knew about her when she was just learning some of this stuff herself. A favorite ending theme, food and fellowship was enjoyed by Phoebe and all her friends which were really her little family she’d acquired when she moved to Raven Creek. I can’t wait for the next book!

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

View all my reviews