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

A Suspicious Breed review

February 19, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Low Country Dog Walker Mysteries by Jackie Layton, and I’ve absolutely loved each book in this series. Books could work as standalones, but it’s more fun to start at the beginning and watch the various relationships and families grow. Hoping there’ll be more to come!

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #JackieLayton

My Goodreads review:

A Suspicious Breed by Jackie Layton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve absolutely loved this entire series and hope there’ll be more adventures for Andi, Marc and all their friends and extended family. Ike was such an awesome addition back when he was added, and he got to do a little sleuthing this time. Some new family members and friends joined the flock this time and it was super su-weet, as Marc would say.

Andi had her plate full before she and her bestie had their double wedding to the loves of their lives. I was especially eager to see the rotten perp or perps brought to justice after the murder and a scheme cheating money from donors that helped dogs in need. Some awesome sleuthing followed by a quick but tense showdown, then life was back to the two weddings.

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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A Killer Romance review

February 4, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third and what sounds like last book in the Beach Reads Mysteries by Maggie Blackburn, a pen name of Mollie Cox Bryan who wrote the Cora Crafts Mysteries as well as Cumberland Creek Mysteries and the Buttermilk Creek Mysteries. I was sorry to see that this book appears to be the last one in this series, but the epilogue was amazing and the author definitely wrapped it up in a super nice bow.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #Maggie Blackburn

My Goodreads review:

A Killer Romance by Maggie Blackburn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s been a long almost-three years since the second book was published, so it was good to return to Summer and all her friends and family on the island. I always loved Mia as a character and she didn’t disappoint at all and neither did Glads. Summer’s got an awesome family, but she also has friends that’re like family.
Wow this was one tangled case and admittedly at times I thought it went a bit slow, but when something happened, at least they got on with it pretty quickly. There were lots of secrets and I was never sure who to trust except the main players. The whodunit was a big surprise.

Since there was an epilogue with a very sweet ending taking place a year later, I’m assuming this series isn’t continuing, but I’m really satisfied with how the author perfectly wrapped it up.

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

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Murder at the Blarney Bash review

January 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Series Mysteries by Darci Hannah and we got introduced to a couple new characters opening a shop in Beacon Harbor. I’m sure Rory’s poor uncle didn’t know what he’d be getting involved in when he came to the states only to be accused of murder. You’ll have to read all the action and see what happens!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarciHannah

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Blarney Bash by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rory’s Uncle Finn was quite a character, a real hoot who cracked me up quite a bit while reading. Since he’s part of Beacon Harbor now I’m sure he’ll make another appearance or so in future books.

I was totally wrong on whodunit, maybe because I wanted a particular person to be guilty, who knows. It was fun getting the gang back together to sleuth this one out, a perfect reunion for Lindsey and her bestie. I just love sweet Welly and how that big pup always ends up helping with the case by either sniffing something out, looking intimidating, or both! It’ll be interesting to see what Lindsey and her crew gets into next!

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

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Easter Basket Murder review

January 22, 2024 Tari Hann

This is another fun holiday compilation of short Easter basket themed murder mysteries from some favorite cozy mystery authors. Not gonna lie, I’m still not ready to give up Christmas yet, so I wasn’t super eager to read about Easter. But reading a Hayley Powell story no matter what the length always puts me in a great mood and gives me something to laugh about. All three were the fun you’ve come to expect from the various series.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies

My Goodreads review:

Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed these Easter basket themed mini murder mysteries by three of my fave cozy mystery authors. It’s always fun to visit Tinker’s Cove with Lucy, Bill and all their friends. I’d actually guessed the killer in that one. Boy was that an exciting showdown and Lucy got an amazing story from it to report.

When I got to the Hayley Powell story, it wasn’t so easy to guess that, and there was an awesome plot twist toward the end. We got to catch up with Mona, crazy as ever and now chasing a grandkid around who seemed oblivious of her. Hard to think of Hayley as a grandma as well but Mona was really cracking me up. We even got a really good Sergioism!

Julia Snowden in the third story was celebrating Easter on the island where they always had clambakes. The murder turned into a super twisty puzzle that seemed impossible to unravel, but Julia and Tom managed to figure it out. Once the perp was found, the ending jumped to Memorial Day which meant opening the clambakes was just a month away.

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

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Hammers and Homicide review

January 15, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series, Hometown Hardware (sorry, no link for the series is given on GR) by Paula Charles who seems well-acquainted with writing a cozy mystery. I really enjoyed her first book as a new cozy author, at least I haven’t been able to find that her name’s a pen name for someone already established. I loved how this book has a mother/daughter duo working together and can’t wait for the next book.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #PaulaCharles

My Goodreads review:

Hammers and Homicide by Paula Charles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought it was cool that Dawna could sense her late husband’s presence but it wasn’t in a creepy or scary way. Bob definitely came in handy at one point and Dawna’s special ability (that her daughter kinda sorta embraced as far as her dad was concerned) made for the sweetest scene toward the end and even helped her with a clue in the case.

I love the mother/daughter relationship these two have! Their dynamics are great and the banter was so funny sometimes especially with Dawna being such a klutz but the kind who was easily able to laugh at herself. My kinda people. 🤣

What a crazy showdown this one was! I loved how it played out and hearing Dawna and April’s future plans for the store was pretty exciting. I’m sure Bob heartily approved! Can’t wait for the next book—maybe April and JT can get together.

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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The Sign of Four Spirits review

January 8, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries by well-known Canadian cozy author, Vicki Delany who also writes as Eva Gates (The Lighthouse Library Mysteries). I’ve loved every one of this series and always get a kick out of very precise Gemma and her methods of investigation. Was this spooky mystery even gonna rattle stoic Gemma who doesn’t believe in that stuff? You’ll have to read and find out!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

The Sign of Four Spirits by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This mystery absolutely grabbed from the very get-go and wouldn’t let loose! It was hard to put it down at all and I couldn’t read fast enough at some points. I had a feeling I knew whodunit but of course none of the why or other details that Gemma so awesomely managed to figure out again. I just love when she always gives her rundown at the end after the perp’s been caught and some of the comments made by those listening are usually just priceless, lol.

Once I knew who could be trusted, I enjoyed a couple of new characters and as always, Donald Morris is such a hoot! He’s such a sweetie and so willing to always help. It cracked me up he let Bunny get away with calling him a nickname too. Can’t wait to see what’s in store next time!

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

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Public Anchovy #1 review

December 28, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley and just as I was leaving the review on Amazon, I noticed a fourth book’s coming in October 2024, yay! This book was just the right level of creepiness that you can expect in an old mansion where the power went out and a storm was raging outside. Not to mention a murder or two…

#NetGalley #St.MartinPaperbacks #MindyQuigley

My Goodreads review:

Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This mystery mirrored the noir films Dee’s pal Sonya liked so much and what a better setting too, a spooky old house, a storm—the perfect proverbial “dark and stormy night”. Add in the murders and it was movie-worthy. Oh yeah and various other unsettling things that happened along the way. Pretty sure I would’ve just curled up in a corner and told them to tell me when it was over, lol.

The showdown was pretty awesome and Dee was actually glad her cat ended up there. Who’s a good boy, Butterball? High paw! I really loved the ending and hope there’ll be more books in the series.

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

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Irish Mocha Murder review

December 22, 2023 Tari Hann

In another fun little anthology, three fave cozy mystery writers have their St. Paddy’s Day offerings for their series. The first, Irish Milkshake Murder is #2.5 in the Home to Ireland series by Carlene O’Connor; the second, Murder Most Irish is #9.5 in the Knit and Nibble Mysteries by Peggy Ehrhart, and last but definitely not least is Mrs. Claus and the Luckless Leprechaun, #4.5 in the Mrs. Claus Mysteries by Liz Ireland. These were all really good and even though it’s Christmastime right now, it was still a super fun book.

My Goodreads review:

Irish Milkshake Murder by Carlene O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cool trio of St. Patrick’s Day themed mysteries from three fun series. I liked how the Irish milkshake theme was incorporated into each one, but a little different in each one. In the Christmastown offering that was third, Wobbler the reindeer was cracking me up! But he turned out not to be as big of a coward as he claimed. Now we know how elves and Santa’s people spend St. Paddy’s day! Along with two other fave cozy series.

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

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Death by Demo review

December 5, 2023 Tari Hann

This was the fun first book in the new Home Renovation Mysteries by Callie Carpenter, a new cozy mystery author, at least from what I’ve researched. Since her GR page sorta lacks info, the link for her name’s the Crooked Lane short bio. The GR page might lack info, but the book sure doesn’t want for fun, humor and plenty of excitement. I’m really eager now to read the next book!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #CallieCarpenter

My Goodreads review:

Death by Demo by Callie Carpenter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jaime definitely redeemed herself when she started being nice to and feeding the resident cat she kept meeting at the house renovation site. I loved how she and Lara were like sisters and could talk through anything that came along even though Lara’s head was all spreadsheets and finance and Jaime was tools and construction. Jaime seemed like she’d gotten the raw end of a divorce but she was determined to make it work and be a success.

That showdown and what followed was pretty exciting, and I was really proud of Jaime how she got the upper hand on the perp…and what she could’ve done to them. The very ending was just awesome and the perfect solution for Jaime’s new life. And there was someone else I’d been rooting for to get to know her better too, and I believe that might just happen. 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.

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Snow Place for Murder review

October 24, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Mountain Lodge Mysteries by Diane Kelly, one of my fave cozy authors who writes a few other cozy series as well. I’ve currently enjoyed her House-Flipper and Southern Homebrew mystery series having read all three of these series from their first books. I love the characters in this book and how well Misty’s team at the lodge works together. Yeti the diva Persian cat even gets her own short chapters once in a while.

#NetGalley #St.MartinsPaperbacks @MinotaurPress #DianeKelly

My Goodreads review:

Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an awesome trip to Mountain Lodge just in time for Thanksgiving, but the story lasted through Christmas and New Year’s as well. Just when you think the mystery’s never gonna be solved, Misty does it again! It’s no wonder Deputy Highcloud values her input so much—I really like that deputy! She never downplays whatever information Misty relays to her.

It was fun to have Misty’s sons JJ and Mitch there working since Brynn was on vacation. They had a pal to hang out with on the slopes since Rocky’s youngest daughter came after her finals too. I sure wouldn’t’ve guessed whodunit, but Misty probably never thought something in her mail would help her solve the case. At a fairly remorseful showdown, everything was revealed about the murder and wrapped up nicely. And that left Rocky, Misty and their families free to enjoy the next two holidays.

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

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