close family – Page 17 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

The Bark of Zorro review

April 4, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Gone to the Dogs Mysteries with this one being written by Kathleen Y’Barbo who also wrote the second book in the series and is slated to write the sixth upcoming book. I’ve already requested and received the fifth book to review before it comes out July 1, 2023. I really enjoy these characters and their sense of family and good Christian friendship. It’s so fun that the ladies who work at the vet clinic are also friends outside the workplace. They’d accepted Dr. Cameron recently and now there’s another possible family member who happens to be related to Cameron. And I could tell Cassidy liked him a lot! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

#NetGalley #BarbourPublishing #KathleenYBarbo

My Goodreads review:

The Bark of Zorro by Y’Barbo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another sweet addition to this cute cozy mystery series that so far hasn’t had any murder, but it’s always a good mystery. I’m enjoying how the characters have had turns being the main character and first person narrator of the story. This time it was Cassidy Carter, the vet clinic’s receptionist and Mari Evans’s best friend.

It was a good, twisty mystery as well as super sweet when Cassidy found a nice guy as well as an awesome new home. There was a good side mystery about the building Cassidy and her friend Nora were buying, but that was resolved nicely too. I’m eager to see Cassidy and Jason enjoy a nice relationship. Now she’s got someone to go to Mari’s wedding with!

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

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Four Parties and a Funeral review

April 4, 2023April 4, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the hilariously fun Catering Hall Mysteries by Maria DiRico, better known to cozy mystery fans as Ellen Byron. I’ve loved every book in this series, and they just keep getting better! It’s awfully hard to wait for the next one!!

#KensingtonCozies #NetGalley #MariaDiRico #EllenByron

My Goodreads review:

Four Parties and a Funeral by Maria DiRico
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always have the best time reading this series! Mia makes me think of an Italian Fran Fine, well voice-wise anyway, lol. She had her hands full helping to babysit bridesmaids when Madison’s maid of honor went into rehab, then she had to deal with a film crew doing a reality show of what else, wannabe dons of course! And their ladies, but one of the crew or someone had it in for the CEO so now Mia had a murder she couldn’t resist snooping into as well.

There were so many funny scenes, you just gotta read it to appreciate everything! The showdown was a good one, and I hadn’t really suspected the whodunit. The side story of Shane having something to hide was resolved nicely for him and Mia, and now I just have to wait (im)patiently for the next book!

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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Witch Way Out review

March 30, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the fun, magical Full Moon Mysteries series by Cate Conte who wrote the Cat Café series under this pen name and the Pawsitively Organic cozy mysteries under her Liz Mugavero identity. I’ve enjoyed some books from all the series and am up to date with Full Moon. Always some good characters and engaging plots whether you read her as Cate or Liz!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #CateConte

My Goodreads review:

Witch Way Out by Cate Conte
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Violet had enough witchy world issues to worry about, so she definitely didn’t need the murder of a mortal who was running the spring equinox festival. At least the police didn’t seem too interested in her as a suspect. With another genieing in her witch world, Violet couldn’t help worrying she might be next since the battle seemed never to end.

The showdowns for both the murder and the magical issue were good ones and finally there seemed to be peace in both worlds. Some secrets had come out and explanations were made. And finally Violet seemed to have a good man in her life as well. I’m not sure if this is supposed to be the last in the series, but if it does end here, it’s all in a really good place.

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 Flicker of a Doubt review

March 29, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Fairy Garden Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber, and it’s just too much fun getting to visit with Courtney and her adorable garden fairy, Fiona. It was another enjoyable mystery with secrets, surprises and everything you could ask for in a magical cozy!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarylWoodGerber

My Goodreads review:

A Flicker of a Doubt by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Always an enchanting visit to Carmel to hang out with Courtney and all her friends/family and garden fairies like Fiona. I just love Fiona! She’s really learning a lot and she’s come sooo far from that first book and the stuff she tried to pull! There were some cool new things Fiona found out about too.

I was never really sure whodunit until Courtney found out. I loved how Fiona was able to help, but Courtney wasn’t too shabby herself as she kept the perp talking and remembered a karate move Ziggy taught her. Brady and Courtney were still in a good relationship place with really too much going on as far as the murder went to even interact a whole lot. They need to take a relaxing trip between books lol. With everything wrapped up neatly at the end, there was still somewhat of a shocker and now I’m beyond eager to see what happens next!

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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Curds of Prey review

March 28, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss and it’s quickly become one of my “don’t wanna miss this” series. I love the camaraderie Willa has both at work and outside the job with her employees now friends, Archie and Mrs. Schultz (who we learned does have a first name lol). Baz has been and keeps on being an amazing friend to Willa who like her seems to be looking for just the right companion of the opposite sex. But at least they can commiserate together when or if they’re neither one successful. I think it’s cool how he reminds Willa of her late brother.

#NetGalley #St.MartinPaperbacks #KorinaMoss

My Goodreads review:

Curds of Prey by Korina Moss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love a visit to this cute little California town to see what Willa and her friends are up to. Leave it to Willa to have one of the most dysfunctional but important families commission her catering services that ended up having a murder connected with it. Meanwhile, since her sorta-boyfriend Roman was sorta involved-ish, Willa had to sort out her feelings for him and if her future wanted to include him at all.

We met some interesting but suspicious characters, and all the investigating led to a good showdown where Willa did at least have some friends as backup. The Valentine’s Day party had been the reveal for the town pickpocket, so that side mystery was cleared up as well. Instead of sweating whether she had a date or not, Willa just enjoyed some good times with her amazing friends.

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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The Raven Thief review

March 20, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the super fun Secret Staircase Mysteries by Gigi Pandian who also writes the series The Accidental Alchemist and Jaya Jones. I’d always been a fan of Nancy Drew and her never-ending times she’d find secret stairways or hidden panels, so this series is right up my alley. The characters are pretty amazing and I quickly felt like they were friends back when I read the first book. This book releases tomorrow, March 21, 2023, so don’t miss it if you read the first one! I’d honestly recommend reading in order for the most enjoyment.

My Goodreads review:

The Raven Thief by Gigi Pandian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second in series was just as good as the first and in some ways even better. I liked the creepiness factor of the mysterious ravens hanging around and the descriptions of all the cool secret passageways and panels that Tempest’s dad put in all the construction he did. I’d love to have a secret room like hers!

There were quite a few suspects but eventually got suspicious of someone and it ended up being right. Although I still went down all the rabbit holes and enjoyed the ride to find out for sure if I was right. I love how misdirection always plays a part in these books, and it’s pretty awesome how Tempest figured everything out. She had her good pal Samjay helping along with bestie Ivy. Gideon got in on helping as well, so the four made a good team. It’ll be interesting to see what adventure they get into next!

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

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In Farm’s Way review

February 20, 2023February 20, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Farm to Table Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower. I’m so crazy about that adorable pug (Huck) that Shiloh’s got. I just want to kiss his smooshy little face! My friend has Pugs and they’re too adorable–and that’s high praise from a dachshundaholic like me LOL! Just kidding, I love all dogs and kitties-dachsies just happen to be my fave 😉 Of course, I had to use a picture to represent sweet little Huck!

#PoisonedPenPress #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

In Farm’s Way: An Organic Cozy Mystery by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect winter read with the ice fishing tournament going on. I got a kick out of Sully and Hazel and how she stuck by his side determined to learn how to ice fish and eventually be the best in her age group. I really wish Quinn could get over it about not wanting Shiloh as anything but a friend–he’s really gonna be sorry if he doesn’t because a new interest was brought on board for her. I’m not a fan of triangles at all, so I hope this gets resolved quickly in the next book.

Wow that showdown was crazy and I have no idea what I’d have done if I was in Shiloh’s boots, but luckily backup came and she wasn’t in too terrible of shape. I hadn’t seen that person as the killer at all, a definite surprise. Shiloh got another surprise from her grandma when Hazel found something as she broke through the old porch. That’ll be interesting to see what happens next. I wasn’t a fan of the ending, so as I said, hopefully things get resolved in the next book.

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

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A Killer Unleashed review

February 14, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Lowcountry Dog Walker Mysteries by Jackie Layton. I binged through the first four last year and was so worried the fourth book was gonna be the last. I was sure happy to find out the series continues with this fifth book. Andi Grace’s got such an awesome doggie daycare and dog services business and we always get a new dog to love and usually rehome in each book. Can’t wait until the next book!

#BeyondthePagePublishing #JackieLayton

My Goodreads review:

A Killer Unleashed by Jackie Layton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so happy to see this series continue that I jumped at the chance to get it on NetGalley. It was great getting back to visit with Andi Grace and all her friends. Prep for the double wedding for Andi Grace and Marc and Andi’s bestie Juliet and Juliet’s fiancé Nate (who’s Andi Grace’s brother).

This was a twisty mystery with lots of secrets so I never really had a clear idea of whodunit although I had my hopes lol. I always love all the dog activity going on and how previous characters like Marc’s pal Lincoln and Lacey Jane’s dad Ike are included. In fact, Ike’s kinda front and center when he’s all the sheriff’s got for a main suspect in this murder–even though Andi Grace pretty much knows Ike’s no killer.

The showdown was a good one and the complete explanation afterward is always the best! I really hope the series continues so Lacey Jane and David can welcome their baby. And that double wedding oughta be something else! I hope Andi involves dogs in it somehow!

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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Cheddar Late Than Dead review

January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by cozy mystery author Linda Reilly who also wrote the Cat Lady mysteries as well as the older Deep Fried Mysteries. Carly hadn’t been widowed too long when the series first started, so I’m happy she’s got someone like Ari who’s willing to take things slow. She’s a strong lady, but even strong people need someone sometimes. I just love her little Havarti pup! He’s adorable and I think he knows it! 😉 I can wait to read the next book whenever it’s out. Look for this book today, January 31, 2023.

#PoisonedPenPress #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

Cheddar Late Than Dead by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great visiting with Carly and all her friends again-and still wishing her shop was real, lol. Carly had an almost locked door type murder mystery on her hands but thanks to her pestering, er I mean tenacity in getting a videographer to show her the murder day footage more than once, she finally came up with something. Hopefully it wasn’t too late! You’ll just have to read and find out but the showdown was pretty epic! Go Carly!

The side mystery of a missing person definitely tied in so I won’t give any details on that but just wanted to say I did suspect the right person fairly early and for the right reasons. There was something else I’d thought of that wasn’t even part of it though. Another side mystery concerned Carly’s new manager, but that ended up having an awesome ending too. And I love where Carly and Ari are in their relationship. Hopefully it’ll lead to much more eventually.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. It’s available today, January 31, 2023.

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Four Leaf Cleaver review

January 25, 2023January 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eleventh book in the long-running Country Store Mysteries by Maddie Day aka Edith Maxwell. I’ve read this series from the beginning, and the characters are like old friends to me. I especially like Buck Bird–he’s such a good ole boy and turns a super colorful phrase. I got a good chuckle when Robbie and Abe were trying to one-up on how hungry they were by coming up with Buck-isms, lol. Too much fun! There’re a couple really fun things that happen after the perp’s hauled away, but you’ll need to read for yourself!

#KensingtonCozies #MaddieDay

My Goodreads review:

Four Leaf Cleaver by Maddie Day
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At least this death in her building didn’t force Robbie to close the restaurant and shop part of her business, but her sleuthing kicked in and even old Oscar might’ve admitted she could be helpful. Well, except for when she’d fending off a killer and needs some backup.

I loved the family moments with Robbie and Sean. She even came up with a nickname for him that he approved of. He’s really grown into a super nice older teen, but he’d always been a pretty nice kid since he’s Abe’s son. Sean’ll make a good sleuthing buddy someday but for now it was safer to have him do online research. I did feel so sorry for Robbie who seemed to be surrounded by women with either new babies or babies on the way. I definitely was in her shoes at one point a long time ago.

Good news was celebrated by all at the end with all the pieces of the case fitting in and being explained. I’m eager to see what the next book brings!

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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