Tag: close family

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree review

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 (A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, #4)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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In the Wick of Time review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Magic Candle Shop Mysteries by Valona Jones who mystery fans also know as Maggie Toussaint. I’ve enjoyed both books in this series and was intrigued by the idea of Tabby and Sage being energetics as opposed to actual witches. The cool things they can do are similar sometimes though and super useful! A shady character was introduced in this series and while I hope we’ve seen the last of him, something tells me we haven’t since that little side mystery wasn’t really cleared up yet. I’ll definitely be waiting on the next book with that in mind.

#NetGally #CrookedLane #ValonaJones #MaggieToussaint

My Goodreads review:

In the Wick of Time (Magic Candle Shop #2)In the Wick of Time by Valona Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed visiting Savannah, GA again and hanging out with the Winslow sisters. They were different in lots of ways but the girls loved each other fiercely and always and each other’s backs, no matter what or who they were with as far as their boyfriends.

When first Sage then Auntie O’s boyfriend Frankie was accused of murder, Tabby wouldn’t give up until she found the real culprit. And was this person just as powerful and Tabby and her sister? Had that person been the one who spelled Sage’s boyfriend too? I couldn’t read fast enough once everything started coming together and can’t wait for the new book since a side mystery was left hanging for now.

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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Nutcracker Nightmare review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Killer Chocolate Mysteries by Christina Romeril, and I’ve really enjoyed both the first book and this one. It’d probably be helpful to read the first book before reading this or at least I think it makes for the most enjoyment to already know the characters and townspeople by the time the second book rolls around. It was so easy to fall right back in love with this Christmas movie of a town, but cute as it looked there were tons of secrets to be had. Someone was willing to kill to keep their secrets–and what’s up with the mysterious blogger who seemed to know everyone’s business? Were they gonna get caught as well? You’ll need to read to find out!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #ChristinaRomeril

My Goodreads review:

Nutcracker Nightmare (Killer Chocolate, #2)Nutcracker Nightmare by Christina Romeril
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

During a reunion event and dinner, a bunch of high school drama was still still affecting people who were definitely old enough not to act that way or care about old grudges etc. When one murder followed fairly soon by another rocked the peacefulness of the village’s Christmas season, Alex wasn’t about to listen to the sheriff and stay out.

Despite a couple scary things happening to her as well as wondering who the mysterious gossip blogger was who eerily knew things before the police informed people, and wondering what was up with Tom, Alex managed to crack the case and lived to sleuth another day thanks to a clever gift from a friend. I’m happy with how things ended between the twins and their guys and can’t wait to see what happens in next year’s 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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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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Overdue or Die review

Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Haunted Library Mysteries by Allison Brook, better known on social media as Marilyn Levinson, the talent behind the pen name. I’ve enjoyed this series since the beginning and trust me, the haunted library isn’t scary at all. Evelyn’s an awesome ghost who’s become a good friend of Carrie. It’d be so sweet if Evelyn could appear at Carrie and Dylan’s wedding coming up sometime soon. That should be one interesting wedding!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #AllisonBrook

My Goodreads review:

Overdue or Die (The Haunted Library Mysteries, #7)Overdue or Die by Allison Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was definitely a case with a ton of different connections and crazy stuff happening all the time. Even Dylan got pulled into it from an artwork detective standpoint. Who was leaving this pile of bodies and serving as the brains behind a sophisticated forgery operation? Well, if anyone could ferret all that information out, we know our pal Carrie’s the sleuth for the job. She even had two different people asking her to find killers…well three since Evelyn counts as part of ghost people.

Only our Carrie could manage to pull off all the above along with getting ready to be married in around six months. That showdown was pretty exciting and more than one person was proud of how Carrie handled everything and ended up not almost getting killed. The ending was so cool when a new friend had an incredible surprise for Carrie and Dylan. I can’t wait for the next book!

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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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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Hanging by a Thread review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Sewing Studio Mysteries by Dorothy Howell, and I’ve enjoyed both books so far and I’m hoping for a third. I guess it’s pretty relatable since I sew although I don’t sew for humans, just 18″ dolls that don’t move, change or complain, lol. By the end of the book, things were looking up for main character, Abbey, so I’m eager for her next adventure.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DorothyHowell

My Goodreads review:

Hanging by a Thread (Sewing Studio Mystery, #2)Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d forgotten a few things about the first book but it all came back as the characters interacted and the story unfolded. I had quite a few pieces of the puzzle figured out but not quite everything, although I like to believe I was right about the basic why of the murder. Once again, the sewing studio was a crucial place when the showdown started. I was going “Go Abbey!” You just never know what might come in handy in your sewing room if you encounter a killer.

The side mystery that Abbey was investigating for Imogen at the toy store had an unexpected and sweet outcome, and Abbey herself got something unexpected. Now I can’t wait to read more and see how all this works out.

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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Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas review

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 (Year-Round Christmas Mystery #6)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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Death by a Thousand Sips review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Witches’ Brew Mysteries by Gretchen Rue. I really enjoyed the first one and was definitely not disappointed in this second book. Things were looking up for Phoebe, even the town meanie was being nice to her (later in the book), but first you gotta have the murder case. She had her old friend Rich to work on it with since this time she wasn’t suspecting him of murder, lol. I’m happy to see those two were getting closer together, ’cause hey, Bob the cat approves of Rich. And that’s saying a lot! This book releases September 5, 2023.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GretchenRue

My Goodreads review:

Death by a Thousand Sips (Witches' Brew Mystery #2)Death by a Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, this was an awesome second book and I loved that Phoebe and Rich were getting close again. Phoebe’s employees are so awesome and I just love Amy and Honey, her neighboring shop friends. Honey’s really special since she can give Phoebe witchy advice no one else can.

There was one thing in the story that made me suspect something but it went away from my brain and resurfaced later. I had absolutely no idea of whodunit and that was some exciting showdown too! Thanks to Phoebe’s quick thinking, she didn’t have to end up as fish food or worse. The side story of opening a cate adoption center was starting to be a reality and Phoebe was really hoping she could talk their favorite older customer into adopting a nice cat from the shelter. Bob the cat as usual played a great part from when he sniffed out the dead body to when he inspired cat adoption. Ginger cats are pawsome! Don’t miss this book when it releases on September 5, 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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