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Four-Alarm Homicide review

April 23, 2024April 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the House-Flipper Mysteries by Diane Kelly which I’ve loved ever since the very first book. This one’s probably my fave so far and I hope there’s many more planned!

#NetGalley #St.MartinPaperbacks #DianeKelly

My Goodreads review:

Four-Alarm Homicide by Diane Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whitney and Buck had quite the adventure going on with two house flips after they ended up with two places to remodel that were neighboring. They met an assortment of neighbors in the process. I liked Gideon’s character a lot and thought it was pretty cool how he and Joanna had both had major loved one losses and started their friendship around that. I never guessed whodunit and my first choice ended up wrong for sure

The showdown was calm and more of a confession—can’t really say much more without giving away details. The books in this series sometimes span a few months and this one did the same. I absolutely loved the ending!

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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Patchwork Quilt Murder review

April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the thirtieth book in the very long-running Lucy Stone Mysteries by Leslie Meier. Can you believe it’s been around since 1993? Miss Tilley has to be at least 110 or more if she was in her 80s when it started, lol. She’s from strong New England stock so it’s not surprising, right?

Some parts of the book were a little bit sad, but I’m not gonna tell why. You’ll have to read that yourself. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the ending almost read like this could be the last book. If anyone’s heard differently, I’d love to know. I know it’s not too unusual for one of these books to span several months.

My Goodreads review:

Patchwork Quilt Murder by Leslie Meier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very twisty, winding case with a bizarre outcome, meaning bizarre for happening in a cozy mystery. But with Lucy on the case as a writer, no criminal’s ever gonna get away, especially when she teams up with the police for an epic sting operation. That was my favorite part! I definitely hadn’t guessed who the killer was, but they were definitely getting sent away for a long time. Lucy, you go, girl! The side story about Pam and Ted’s son was heartbreaking in some ways but did have a happy conclusion.

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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Brie Careful What You Wish For review

April 9, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly, another series I’ve enjoyed from its beginning and since the last book was back in 2021, I was actually wondering and hoping it’d be back. I think I got my wish as did lots of other cozy mystery fans who’d liked this series. I hope in its new home the series has lots more adventures coming.

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so happy to see this series picked back up since I’m sure the author’s got more stories to tell about these characters. I was really pleased with the outcome of this book as far as Carly and Ari’s relationship went. As for the murder, I was totally surprised at the reveal and its why of it as well.

Carly’s got an amazing team working for her and now maybe she won’t have to worry so much when it’s time for Grant to head off for culinary school. I can’t wait to read more in the series!

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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Murder Most Owl review

April 2, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first in an awesome new series, Magical Menagerie Mysteries by another cozy fave author, Sarah Fox who cozy fans know from her Pancake House Mysteries and the Literary Pub Mysteries. I really enjoyed these characters and the critters as well and eagerly look forward to the next book!

#NetGalley #SevernHouse #SarahFox

My Goodreads review:

Murder Most Owl by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was absolutely so good! I didn’t want it to end and loved how everything even the small side mysteries were nicely wrapped up and explained. I really love the dynamics that developed between Georgie and her new love interest. Olivia was an awesome character too, as I’ve found all the characters I’ve read in this author’s various series.

I loved the idea of the animals having special talents rather than the other way around. It was a fun change from the usual witch and talking familiars. Those dogs were just amazing and so lovable. I do love cats but having the dogs being the magical ones was extra fun. I’m not a fan of birds in general, but Euclid was a pretty awesome owl, and I’d sure never turn down his help in ditching bad people lol. I can’t wait for another book in this series! I sure hope the author and publisher have one or more planned!

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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Three Fudges and a Baby review

March 26, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy CoCo and I was happy to see that it’s finally leading to what I’ve hoped would happen since the first book, which is gonna be in the next book. This and another cozy series inspired my love of Mackinac Island and a visit there in 2018.

Meanwhile, besties usually get married and have their babies before main characters, so that’s what Jenn was gearing up for in this installment, a baby. And Allie was juggling about a million things including an unexpected visit from her mom and Allie’s old high school boyfriend along with trying to prove Jenn’s doula’s innocence. Never a dull day at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #NancyCoco

My Goodreads review:

Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has to be one of Allie’s craziest cases yet but hey, at least she didn’t end up stuck in a tunnel or a basement far but near, lol. I actually figured out the killer fairly early on and stuck with my guess while still enjoying the red herrings presented. Glad I stuck by my first choice because I was right. I liked the short and effective showdown, and to yay Allie for getting the evidence she needed as well. After twelve books, she’s getting really good at that!

I absolutely love what happened with Allie and Rex! They’ve been through so much in this series and it really came as no surprise. Carol and her senior book club ladies helped out again, but I believe Carol was happy to stay on the researching end instead of the action end! I always love how there’s a preview chapter for the next book included at the end, so of course I always devour that. I can’t wait for the next book now!

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 Marks the Page review

March 24, 2024 Tari Hann

This first book in a new series was a fun spin-off from the Daisy’s Tea Garden Mysteries featuring Daisy’s daughter, Jazzi running a teashop and bookstore, hence the series name Tomes & Tea Mysteries and written by Karen Rose Smith, the author of Daisy’s series. I enjoyed meeting the new characters in this series and hope to eventually get back to Daisy’s series which I haven’t actually finished yet.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #KarenRoseSmith

My Goodreads review:

Murder Marks the Page by Karen Rose Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While I’m not caught up with the Daisy’s Tea Garden series yet, I’ve definitely read enough to be familiar with Jazzi’s mom Daisy and her stepdad and of course, her mom’s talent for sleuthing which seems to’ve rubbed off on her daughter purely by accident, right? Jazzi must’ve paid more attention when her mom was sleuthing because she was an old pro at it except for a few times, and a crazy showdown she definitely hadn’t planned on.

I hadn’t guessed whodunit and that was definitely an exciting showdown as Jazzi took control and lit into the killer. I like these new characters in Jazzi’s life and definitely plan to read the next book. I hope a clear decision comes regarding a guy interest for her though since I’m definitely not a fan of triangles and can easily see how one could start.

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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Cats, Carats and Killers review

March 17, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries by T.C. LoTempio (known for her fun cat-themed cozies), and I’ve enjoyed this series since it started. I’m always happy to see the latest installment and hope there’ll be many more.

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #TCLoTempio

My Goodreads review:

Cats, Carats and Killers by T.C. LoTempio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These cats just continue to be awesome little helpers (although sometimes mischievous) when Shell’s working on a case she’s been warned off time and again, lol. A cold case tied in with the new murder and Shell found herself diving right into it. She and Gary did the sleuthing thing so well, probably from years of practice on their spy show, but he was never with her when the super exciting (or dangerous) stuff happened. That place was reserved for one of the cats (Purrday’s my fave though!).

That was some showdown! And a really good twist too although I was really happy with whodunit. I get the feeling that Shell’s mom’s idea for the next fundraiser might just be the subject of the next book. I hope so!

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 Midnight Puzzle review

March 15, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Secret Staircase Mysteries by Gigi Pandian. I’ve enjoyed this series since its beginning and hope it continues! It’s always so fun to imagine the staircase creations Tempest and her dad’s company come up with. Although I’d much rather explore said staircase creations in broad daylight!

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #GigiPandian

My Goodreads review:

A Midnight Puzzle by Gigi Pandian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There was so much that happened in this book and lots of action that kept me turning the Kindle pages and reading like crazy. What a wild series of twists at the end! That showdown was frenzied and while it had a sad ending to it, the mystery still ended well with a satisfying catching of the perp.

At the very end, is Tempest being asked to solve yet another mystery? I guess we’ll find out in the next book! She’s definitely good at it and it was great to see Blackburn in the picture as a PI now. Don’t miss this book’s release on March 19.

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

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Ill-Fated Fortune review

February 24, 2024February 24, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series, Magical Fortune Cookie Mysteries by new-to-me author Jennifer J. Chow. From what I’ve read, I really enjoyed the key characters a lot, and I’m ready for more adventures. Kelvin should get a best friend award or something, he’s just an amazing friend to Felicity.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPaperbacks #JenniferJChow

My Goodreads review:

Ill-Fated Fortune: A Magical Fortune Cookie Novel by Jennifer J. Chow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed meeting Felicity, her mom and Kelvin and loved the close relationship she had with her mom. Their type of magic added happiness to their baked goods was pretty cool and even though Kelvin wasn’t magical, he was in on the secret. He was such an awesome friend to Felicity and a great sleuthing buddy.

Eventually I started suspecting someone in the murder and was right about it. That was a really unique method for offing the guy though. The showdown was exciting and Felicity was definitely holding her own and using her brains to get out in one piece. Everything turned out pretty nicely for Felicity and her mom’s bakery. I’m eager to see what adventure they get into next.

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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Five Furry Familiar review

February 21, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries by a fave cozy mystery author, Lynn Cahoon. I’ve enjoyed Mia Malone’s adventures since the prequel that started this series. I’d definitely recommend reading this series in order not due to spoilers but just to get the complete enjoyment from seeing Mia and Trent’s relationship grow as well as her interactions with other people in her life and how they started.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LynnCahoon

My Goodreads review:

Five Furry Familiars by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another awesome adventure with Mia and her crew that’d really test Christina and Levi’s relationship as well as bring a new little life into the world. The houseful of cats along with a puppy someone gave Trent was pretty funny. Poor Mr. Darcy was probably not sure what to think about the invasion lol.

I knew who I wanted to be guilty but eventually I started putting some clues together and figured out one aspect of it. I liked the nice, offscreen arrest so at least there wasn’t a tense showdown although at a couple places I couldn’t read quick enough to make sure someone wasn’t in danger. Can’t wait for the next book!

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

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