christmas cozy mystery – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Madrigals and Mayhem review

November 30, 2024 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 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.

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I’ll Be Home for Mischief review

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by Jacqueline Frost better known to cozy mystery fans as Julie Anne Lindsey (also Bree Baker). I’ve loved this series from the first time I laid eyes on the very first book and it’s never disappointed. It’s really best enjoyed in order so you can see the character and relationship developments better. I hope this series continues!

My Goodreads review:

I’ll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s always a special treat to visit with Holly, Evan, her parents and all their friend and loved ones in Mistletoe, Maine every year. The folks in the town sound like an awesome bunch, well aside from an occasional killer popping up. Holly always had lots on her plate this time of year but she always had time to investigate when murder came to town.

The showdown with the killer was possibly the most danger Holly ever found herself in and it seemed like it’d take a Christmas miracle to get outta this one alive. But no worries, Holly lived to investigate another day and enjoy Christmas with the ones she loves most. There were some fun announcements at the end and good changes coming for some of those loved ones. Can’t wait till the next book comes around next year!

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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Stalking Around the Christmas Tree review

October 18, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the long-awaited fourth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by Jacqueline Frost aka well-known cozy author Julie Anne Lindsey. I’m so glad the publisher decided to go with this book and sure hope there’ll be more coming. The main thing fans have waited for since the first book at least happened, but I’d love to see a couple more happily ever afters (like Libby and Ray and Caroline and her new guy.) This series has always been one of the most fun to read!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #JulieAnneLindsey #JacquelineFrost

My Goodreads review:

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was just so darn good! I’d missed this series so much and was hoping somehow there’d be a fourth book eventually (it’s been 2 years since the last one, but in Mistletoe, Maine, it’s only been a year), and there was! I was over the moon to find out this book was a reality and it definitely didn’t disappoint! Not. one. bit.

Evan and Holly were schedule for their happily ever after on Christmas Eve night, but when a lead ballet dancer was murdered, the couple knew neither would sleep right until the perp was caught. Then there was a good side mystery involving Evan’s younger sister, Libby who’d been living in Mistletoe now and working at the farm’s Hearth café. It appeared she had a stalker of some sort.

The author did a really good job of updating what’d happened since the last book and even hitting the highlights of the first two mysteries too. It’d add to reading enjoyment though if these books were read in order even though nothing’s ever spoiled that I remember.

What an awesome showdown with the killer and dangerous for poor Holly, but her people were right there for her. And Libby’s case got a super satisfying ending as well…wait’ll you see who all helped with that showdown! And the wedding…what can I say? It was awesome!

I really hope more books are planned for this series. I do remember reading the author’s newsletter when she got this one contracted but beyond that, I guess we can only hope! Evan and Holly are a great team and I’d sure love to see things shake out just as well for Libby and Ray…and now that Caroline found a nice guy too. Oh hey another thing I loved about this series–the main character actually got married before her bestie!

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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Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas review

September 19, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Year-Round Christmas Mysteries by one of my fave cozy authors, Vicki Delany. But as fans know, the series was let go from its former publisher, so according to what the acknowledgement page in the book says, it was those same fans who were instrumental in getting this series to make a comeback in the last three years, this time with Crooked Lane. I hope it’s headed for a nice long ride just like the author’s other series, The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy, what a bunch of drama kings and queens in the Rudolph Players group as they got ready for their annul Christmas play, a musical version of A Christmas Carol.! I wouldn’t’ve blamed a couple of the long-timers if they’d made good on their threats to quit because that new artistic director was something else. Merry’s dad’s always been my fave character and he proved that point once again at the end.

I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed Merry’s character—she’s a strong personality and doesn’t take anything from anyone including family. And it’d take a Christmas miracle to change mean old Margie in the store next to Merry, lol. 😉. I’d definitely not guessed whodunit and enjoyed the crazy showdown and arrest that followed.

I was so happy to see this series return! I know it was pretty sad when the author had said it ended but as the acknowledgement page said, it was due largely to reader support and requests that it made a welcome return. I love hearing stories like that!

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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The Enemy You Gnocchi review

October 30, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Italian Chef series by Catherine Bruns who also wrote the Cindy York Mysteries. Catherine also writes the Cookies & Chance series and some of the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries, both of which are published by Gemma Halliday Publishing.

The Italian Chef series is published by @Poisoned Pen, and I have to send kudos to the artist of this latest book cover. It’s my favorite cover so far, and I really hope this style continues. It just embraces the cozy mystery theme so much better! And Christmas cozy mystery book covers with cute pets on them are my weakness, lol. Looking very forward to the next book!

I found the picture of the cat in a Google search and couldn’t help thinking this is probably what Luigi would love to do with Tessa’s presents!

My Goodreads review:

The Enemy You Gnocchi by Catherine Bruns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was Christmastime in Harvest Park with a lights festival going on along with all the festive trimmings, but Tessa had a murder to contend with when the creepiest guy in town was offed at the lights festival. Did he have mob ties…or was it one of his string of exes?

I was happy I’d recently read the second book, so I was totally ready for this one and super pleased with the ending. Sometimes I was ready to headslap Tessa for not wanting to let herself fall for Justin in a more-than-friendship way, but I figured she’d finally come around because I know she’s got an awesome author 😉 There were quite a few suspects, and the whodunit was definitely a surprise for me. It was an exciting showdown that led to a quick brawl in the snow before Tessa got the upper hand.

Tessa did have an epiphany along the way which led to an even better story ending. I’m so eager now to read the next book, but I’m thinking we’ll probably have to wait at least a year since this series hasn’t been releasing more than that. These are some good characters who’ve become friends, and they’re definitely worth the wait.

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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Deck the Donuts review

October 27, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Deputy Donut series that I’ve literally devoured (no donut pun intended, honest!) since the series beginning. It’s written by Ginger Bolton also known as Janet Bolin, author of the older Threadville series. I’ve come to think of this little family of characters as close friends by now, and I’m always eager to see what they’re up to. Christmas in Fallingbrook just seemed magical and just what you’d expect a cozy mystery Christmas to be like. And speaking of magical Christmas, isn’t that just the most awesome book cover? Little Dep is always so cute on these covers!

Oh and on September 23 on her Facebook page, the author announced that @Kensington Publishing signed her for two more Deputy Donut books, seven and eight! Yippeeeeee!!! I dug on FB till I found that info on her page again because I wanted to be completely sure I’d read it right!

My Goodreads review:

Deck the Donuts by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an awesome and festive Christmas mystery! I could easily picture the village square with the ice sculptures (minus the dead body, of course!) This was one tough mystery to even think about picking whodunit, so I just read and enjoyed. The person I was a little worried about being the perp wasn’t, so I was happy about that, lol. I really loved that Ivan the big dog that belonged to the DCI detective and her sons got to be a hero in the showdown. And boy, what an exciting showdown that was! I could picture it playing out as a TV mystery movie.

The whole thing could’ve been a Christmas mystery movie though with Brent having that awesome ski chalet. I got a kick out of the two older ladies in Emily’s neighborhood who remained nameless, like guardian angels in the background. Emily knew the one lady as pruning shears lady, and the other was referred to as snow angel since she helped the bus tour guide staying with Emily.

I was incredbily happy with the ending of this book! All I could think of was wow, it’s about time! I can’t wait for the next book!

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

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Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off review

September 25, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Beacon Bakeshop series by Darci Hannah, and I absolutely loved how it embraced the spirit of the Christmas season. Poor Lindsey had never really accomplished her dream type of Christmas, but I had to hand it to her for not giving up. Maybe this year would be better…

It was a lot of fun imagining what a town like this with a lighthouse would look like decorated for Christmas. I just love the book’s cover and think the artist couldn’t have captured it better! Three days and counting, then this book goes live September 28, 2021

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what an awesome Christmas mystery! If you don’t count the murder, lol. But the whole magicalness surrounding the lighthouse bakery sometimes was just the perfect Christmas spirit from the lights and decorations to the spirit of everyone working there. I can’t say too much, but I had my suspicions about something else (not the killer) and was super happy to find out I was right. Now the killer was another story, and I changed my mind as much as Lindsey and Crew changed theirs.

I loved the sleuthing dynamic that Lindsey, Rory, Kennedy…and get this, even Ellie Montague, ex-super model and mom to Lindsey wanted to join in. She did have a good idea that was right up her fashionista alley, and it started chipping away at the answer.

The showdown was wild, full of confession, and reinforcement arrived just in the nick of time. Honest, that wasn’t a Christmas pun! I loved how the book ended with the magic of Christmas, good friends, family and of course where Lindsey and her dad were involved, good food! One caution: Make sure you’re not hungry when you’re reading, ’cause you’ll want to eat your book or drool on your Kindle! There were so many yummies mentioned and not just dessert. The main dishes sounded awesome too.

At the end of the book, you’ll find everyone’s bake-off recipes, but there’s a link to the author’s website for more recipes. Hmm I should go there, ’cause maybe some of those main courses that Lindsey and her dad made are there!

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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Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past review

September 30, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the third book in what quickly became a favorite newer series for me. It’s called Salem B&B and written by Traci Wilton, a pen name for the writing team of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. I fell in love with the ghost of Dr. Jack from the get-go and love how he and Charlene interact and research cases together. Salem at Christmas sounded awesome!

My Goodreads review:

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past by Traci Wilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an awesome Christmas mystery! I just love the cover of this book and could really picture the B&B all decked out for Christmas. I felt sad for Jack knowing how much he’s always liked Charlene that he couldn’t give her a Christmas hug, but he seemed fairly happy. He always came in handy for helping to research during a case, and he made a good silent sleuthing partner for Charlene. This case was dealing with the murder of one of the locals, and it was actually someone who was a good benefactor, so it was a little sad to have them killed.

Charlene was dealing with her parents staying till after Christmas, and her mom wasn’t the most likable person, but I have to admit, she grew on me after a while especially what she helped with toward the end. I wasn’t right about the killer this time, but finding the real one was a good little adventure and showdown. I’m hoping that Charlene is getting a little closer to opening her heart to Sam after this book, at least they seemed to be in a decent place for now. I really liked Charlene’s dad a lot! That man was a saint to put up with her mom lol. And I liked the character of Avery who Charlene hired to help Minnie with housekeeping chores. I hope she sticks around. I’m always anxious for the next book in this series!

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A Midwinter’s Tail–review

January 11, 2019January 11, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in Bethany Blake’s Lucky Paws Petsitting series. It’s one series I’ve been able to keep up with, and I have to say, it’s definitely one of my favorites! From the scholarly basset hound Socrates to hyper one-eared Artie the chihuahua, we met a couple of new friends in this book, one of which was Tiny Tim, an adorable but mischievous pug who is a Houdini-pup. He always wears a “Bah, Hum-pug” Christmas sweater, but like the other dogs, he proved to be quite important in this story. I hope he stays around, he’s just so cute! (The picture I found for free use is the only cute one I could find of a pug in a sweater.)

My Goodreads review:

A Midwinter’s Tail by Bethany Blake

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I guess I just can’t let go of Christmas stories just yet, and I’m really glad I didn’t let this one wait to read at the end of this year! It was a perfect Christmas cozy mystery!

Sylvan Creek was getting ready for Christmas and the annual Bark the Halls ball. When a former resident and now CEO of a chain of pet supply and service stores arrived in town and was killed, Moxie became the prime suspect. It was no secret that she hated the woman who was killed, but so did a lot of others in town. Daphne hoped that her detective friend Jonathan would at least realize how many others wanted that woman out of the way. When a second body was found the night of the ball, Moxie’s friend Mike seemed to be a good candidate for that murder, but Daph and Jonathan had a feeling he was being framed. I hadn’t suspected the killer, at first, but the more the clues were leaked, it was hard to ignore them. The showdown was excellent! Socrates the basset hound and his new girlfriend got to help save the day.

I loved that there were so many happy endings going on in this book, it was like a Christmas bonus. As always, my visit to Sylvan Creek was much too short. It’s always so cute when Artie the one-eared chihuahua that Jonathan has adopted gets dressed up and prances around. And just when I thought that Daphne’s mom was being a little harsh on her because of the second murder, she turned around and did something so nice for Daph at the end. I really enjoyed newcomer dog Tiny Tim, a sweet but mischievous pug who was always seen wearing a “Bah, Hum-pug” sweater. His owner has a funny explanation for that! I hope that Tim and his owner stay around Sylvan Creek.

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