Tag: amateur sleuths

Murder by the Seashore review

Tari Hann

This is the very first book in a brand new series, the California Bookshop Mysteries by new cozy author, Samara Yew who also has a cozy mystery out under the name Holly Yew. I thought it was a really strong first book and enjoyed Scarlett’s character and the other key players a lot. My Goodreads review pretty much says it all. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #SamaraYew

My Goodreads review:

Murder by the SeashoreMurder by the Seashore by Samara Yew
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I probably wouldn’t’ve believed it if I didn’t already know this was only the author’s second cozy mystery—she has one out as Holly Yew. This book pulled me in from the very first few pages and didn’t let go until, well I didn’t really wanna have it let go, but at least there was a cool epilogue to move the timeline along a bit.

I really loved Scarlett as a main character. She was strong, mature acting without being overly that way, and she was a loyal friend. Her friend Lucia was such a hoot, I really loved her character too! And I enjoyed how the author wrote certain characters causing reasonable doubt in people’s minds, or definitely making us either like or outright dislike other characters. All the red herrings were super, and wow what a great twist at the end! Kind of a fun rollercoaster ride of surprises and secrets. I’ve read a couple blog posts featuring the author and was really happy to hear she’s working on book two of this series.

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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Caught on the Book review

Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Antique Bookshop Mysteries by Laura Gail Black, and I’ve enjoyed each one since the series started, but I especially liked this one. There’s everything a good cozy needs in this series like a strong main character, a sweet and patient boyfriend, the world’s best bestie as well as various good friends and business neighbors. And no one can forget sweet little Eddy the furry pup Jenna inherited from her Uncle Paul along with the store. Who knew she’d ever be such a good doggie mom? I’m always hopeful for more books in a series, but if this one were to end here, I really think the author did a great job of giving the characters an amazing place to be in their lives.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #LauraGailBlack

My Goodreads review:

Caught on the Book (Antique Bookshop, #4)Caught on the Book by Laura Gail Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my favorite of the series so far! Despite the murder that happened and trying to help a former nemesis, Jenna had a lot of great stuff going on in her life especially where Keith was concerned. There were some good red herrings in the case as well as some threats, but Jenna’s never been known to back down from a case, so she wasn’t gonna start lol. I do think she stumbled a little blindly into the showdown though, but she lived to solve another murder at least.

The ending was so sweet in not just one way. Jenna made peace with the former nemesis and came up with a plan that was pretty darn brilliant. I hope there’ll be more in the series, but if there’s not, I’m pretty happy with this ending!

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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Killer Hooks review

Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in the long-running Crochet Mysteries by Betty Hechtman. It looks like the series found a new home at Beyond the Page, and I gotta say I love the new cover look! That little dog’s just precious! It’s not like I didn’t like the more cartoony dog of previous covers which was funny and had great eye expressions, but there’s just something so cute about this one. Maybe it’s ’cause this dog reminds me of Wishbone from the old kids’ PBS series from the 90s.

Either way it was great catching up with Molly and all her friends. She cracks me up how she’s always got a houseful of people and cute pets, and that was even before her little granddaughter came to live there. Oh and Molly even added another cat, adopted from a murder victim. Don’t miss this newest release since it came out today. Another thing about the new publishing company, the price might make it easier for more readers to grab the book. (It’s 4.99).

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #BettyHechtman

My Goodreads review:

Killer Hooks (Crochet Mysteries Book 15)Killer Hooks by Betty Hechtman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It seemed like forever since I’d read in this series last, but apparently it was only about a year ago. It was great catching up with Molly and her friends. Adele had taken me a long while to get used to, but she’s actually pretty funny sometimes, and now who knew Molly’d ever agree to working together with her on something?

Taking her granddaughter to a high-profile Hollywood mommy group sure added unneeded drama to Molly’s life and nearly got her killed in the showdown, but luck happened to be on her side for both a case she was on for her son Peter and the current murder cases. I hated that nothing had come of Molly and Mason’s relationship previously, but maybe they can remain friends and even colleagues. And Molly seems to keep herself so busy I doubt she’d ever have time for another romantic interest, lol. It’ll be interesting to see what the next book brings!

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

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Case of the Bleus-review

Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss, and I’ve enjoyed this series from its beginning. I hope there’ll be more books since this book left a few things hanging that I’d hope to see eventually cleared up. But no worries, all murder-y things are explained and figured out. I enjoyed figuring out some riddles and little things along the way as well as eventually whodunit. That Baz always cracks me up! He’s so hilarious sometimes but boy did his usual hilarity come in handy at the showdown! He’s such an awesome bestie for Willa, but I’m sure they’d each like to find their happily ever after in someone else.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPaperbacks #Korina Moss

My Goodreads review:

Case of the Bleus (Cheese Shop Mystery, #4)Case of the Bleus by Korina Moss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a long and winding path to finally figure out the secret, but it was great! Max was a true prankster right up to the end. What a stinker—sounds like someone I’d probably like lol! I’d figured out little things along the way a little before Willa did along with whodunit, although I didn’t have those details right at all.

I liked the side story about Archie and Hope—he’s such an awesome boyfriend and it sure didn’t seem like she appreciated him. And I wish it’d ended on a better note for Willa and Heath, but maybe he’ll come around as long as more books are on the way. I loved what Baz did at the showdown! I just love his character who’s been one of my favorite characters since the first book. He just cracks me up all the time, sorta reminds of Deeks from NCIS: LA. I hope there’ll be more books coming!

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 Clue in the Crumbs review

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 (A Key West Food Critic Mystery #13)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

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 (Tea by the Sea. #4)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

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 (Record Shop Mystery #2)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

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 (Gone to the Dogs #5)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

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 (Ice Cream Shop Mystery, #3)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

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 (A Sunflower Café Mystery, #2)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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