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Planted 4 Murder review

October 31, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in the long running Sophie Kimball Mysteries by a fave cozy author, J.C. Eaton aka Ann Goldfarb and her late hubby Jim Clapp. The seniors of Sun City West were in rare form once more as Herb came up with the crazy idea to rent spots in the community garden. Hilarity and hijinks guaranteed!

#NetGalley #BeyondthePagePublishing #JCEaton

My Goodreads review:

Planted 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another hilarious adventure with the seniors and Streetman the chiweenie in Sun City West—and Phee of course riding herd on all their mayhem. That dog gets into some of the funniest situations! Once again Phee was pulled into her mom’s book club antics and found herself once more involved in a murder investigation. Hilarity and laughter followed closely.

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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At Death’s Dough review

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley, another fun series I’ve enjoyed since its beginning. It’s always fun to see what Delilah and her team along with her sweetie Colton get into.

#NetGalley #MindyQuigley #St.MartinPaperbacks #MinotaurBooks

My Goodreads review:

At Death’s Dough: A Deep Dish Mystery by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome story with Delilah and all her friends. She’s definitely not your typical main character in a cozy since she’s pretty much a control freak with a temper when pushed. But Delilah’s a fiercely loyal friend and her heart’s usually in the right place. Except Calvin Capone wished it wasn’t in his investigations, lol.

When Calvin had to sit out the current murder case, there was a lot more going on at the station regarding the police chief whose control-freakness made Delilah’s look mild. His ex did something at the end to get back at him that was actually pretty funny. Delilah had gotten in the crosshairs of another killer and made a narrow escape. I’m pretty sure all involved were glad to call this crazy case closed!

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

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The Tattered Cover review

October 29, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Secret, Book & Scone Society series by a cozy fave author, Ellery Adams. I’ve really enjoyed the growth of these women as individuals and a group since the very first book. They’ve all come such a long way, but they’d be the first to say they’ve probably got lots more room to grow and change, so I’ll definitely be along for the ride as long the series continues.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #ElleryAdams

My Goodreads review:

The Tattered Cover by Ellery Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s always fun to return to Miracle Springs, NC and see what Nora and all her friends get into. Sheldon as always was at his comic best—he can be funny and super sweet all in the same moment. Estella had a couple extra good things happen, although another thing wasn’t so good. Two murders that Grant and his team were investigating didn’t make for the greatest togetherness during this trio of holidays, but he always managed to spend time with Nora.

Toward the end it got extra exciting and reading was basically nonstop by then. The perp was caught and eventually confessed while the friends got ready to celebrate Christmas together then with their own sets of family/friends. I always love how these ladies are like sisters and fiercely protect each other no matter what. After a couple joyful events and a scary one, it was finally time to have Christmas. Every time one of these books ends, I hate to leave these characters who’ve become like old friends. Can’t wait to see what they get into next time!

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 Wonderful Christmas Crime review

October 23, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the sixth in the awesome Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by Jacqueline Frost aka well-known cozy mystery author Julie Anne Lindsey. I’ve read and loved this series from its very first book and was thrilled to recently find out the series is getting a book 7, yay!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #JacquelineFrost #JulieAnneLindsey

My Goodreads review:

A Wonderful Christmas Crime by Jacqueline Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cookie always cracks me up! She’s an amazing friend to Holly and lover of all things that happen to be goats. And men with beards lol. Cookie and the rest of Holly’s friends and family sure had their hands full when Holly’s doctor warned her not to get overly stressed for her and her baby’s health now. Of course hubby Evan translated that to “no physical sleuthing.” Armchair sleuthing never was Holly’s thing or letting others do what she wanted to be out there doing. As careful as she was, she managed to end up facing off with a killer sooner than planned, and the most unlikely little thing ended up helping her outta that situation.

I just love Holly and Evan’s builder, Christopher, who gave Holly an amazing Christmas puzzle gift, well once she figured it out it was amazing. The ending was really sweet and I can’t wait for the next book. I read online that book 7 was definitely happening next year, so yay for that!

I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Death on Dickens Island review

October 22, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series The Books on the Beach Mysteries by Allison Brook (aka Marilyn Levinson) of the Haunted Library series. I sure loved Evelyn’s ghost character in Haunted Library, but in this series, I think I’m liking Grandma just as much! All these characters were so fun and likable, well except for the ones that weren’t supposed to be liked, lol. The book pulled me in and wouldn’t let go until the end–and I really didn’t want it to let go! Can’t wait for a return visit!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #AllisonBrook

My Goodreads review:

Death on Dickens Island by Allison Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed meeting Delia and her family along with Delia’s new-but-not-new love interest. Her grandma being the ghost in the story was such a fun idea—who wouldn’t’ love talking to their late grandma again, right? Especially if you had tons of questions like Delia did. The dog that followed Delia’s son Connor home was such an awesome pup who decided that Delia and Connor were gonna be his new people.

When Delia’s uncle was being looked at suspiciously after the murder of a council member who’d been acting a little too friendly toward Uncle Brad, Delia was determined she’d get to the bottom of things. Meanwhile, her son and his buddy got involved in what Connor thought for sure sure was a real treasure map. Chaos ensued of course. The very public showdown featuring the killer of the council member was a good one that had a super satisfying outcome. I didn’t want the book to end and can’t wait for the next one!

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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O Deadly Night review

October 16, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the super fun Year-Round Christmas series by a fave cozy author, Vicki Delany. Who wouldn’t love living in Rudolph, NY? Well, I guess the neighboring town of Muddle Harbor folks wouldn’t want to, lol. Merry’s dad always cracks me up at how awesome he can be to everyone, and even was trying to keep peace between the two towns by offering to help Muddle Harbor with their lack of business. But then you wouldn’t expect anything less of good old Santa Claus, right? 😉

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

O, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mabel D’Angelo was always more of a behind-the-scenes character with mainly just greeting her tenants like Merry, Wendy and Steve, but this time she got her chance in the spotlight when she became a little too interested in what was going on over at the house across from her. It could’ve had a tragic ending for the sweet old thing, but luckily it didn’t. Someone else found in the house wasn’t as lucky though, so of course Merry’s sleuthing senses started going nuts, even at the shop’s busiest time of year.

I wasn’t too surprised at the whodunit but the showdown was awesome and Vicky got to shine there. It’ll be interesting to see who the newest neighbors are and if Mattie gets his doggie wish to meet their little white dog. Good old Mattie always cracks me up at how well he behaves for Det. Diane Simmonds, lol. See you in the next book, Rudolph and residents!

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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Flamed Out review

October 15, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fifth and final, book in the Magic Candle Shop Mysteries by Valona Jones, better known as Maggie Toussaint. I’ve read the series from the beginning and loved every minute of it. I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters, but the author did a really super job of wrapping up any loose ends about the series overall.

#NetGalley #ValonaJones #MaggieToussaint

My Goodreads review:

Flamed Out: A Magic Candle Shop Mystery by Valona Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s always a little sad to read what ends up being the last book in a really good series, but the author did an amazing job of wrapping it all up. I knew from her newsletters that this was gonna be the last book, and some of what she said came back to me as I read and I was thinking “yep she was definitely right about that!” (Meaning a comment she’d made in the newsletter.)

The showdown was a tense one but had a super satisfying outcome. Some good surprises came at the end but no matter what happened, Tabby and Sage knew they always had each other’s backs..

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Epilogue to a Christmas Murder review

September 30, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the eleventh book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries by awesome but no long with us author Lauren Elliott. She sadly passed away this summer and it really felt like the cozy world lost a good friend as well as a storyteller. This book was bittersweet knowing there’s probably no more coming unless there was a manuscript she was finishing up. (readers can always hope I guess!)

But I wonder if maybe she did intend this book to be the last since she titled it with the word “epilogue.” Once the book’s read, I feel like as readers, we’re an imaginative enough bunch that we can kinda figure out what’s next for Addie. I know it’s finally something happy! She’s sure due for something amazing in her life after all this!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LaurenElliott

My Goodreads review:

Epilogue to a Christmas Murder by Lauren Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Addie’s old friend Marc got a little taste of what an amateur sleuth goes through when he recused himself from a murder case that ended up involving his cousin. Good old “dog with a bone” as Addie had been called before wouldn’t let go this time either, and as always provided the missing clue to the puzzle when she confronted a killer.

The coolest part of all was that Noah, the British detective Addie met and solved a case with was there in the States getting in her head in person. But he’d never really left her head (or heart) since she came back from England.

Everything was mostly wrapped up and explained, although there were a couple minor things that I still had questions about, so I guess those won’t ever get cleared up. We can always use our imaginations on who that donation thief really was and I’m pretty sure Addie was finally, finally gonna get her happily ever after.

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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Death of a Tom Turkey review

September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the eighteenth book in the long-running Hayley Powell Food & Cocktail Mysteries by brother/sister duo Lee Hollis (Rick Copp, Holly Simason), and the authors never fail to come through with lots of funny scenes and a great overall mystery. I always love Hayley’s sweet pup Leroy who’s still around, but in the cozy mystery world anything can happen while real-life dogs would be on Leroy Junior, Junior, Junior by now lol. He’s a good mainstay and has been from the beginning.

I was excited that my fave police chief’s Sergio-isms as I like to call them returned. Yes, I’m that nerd who actually counts how many times he says something funny when he means something else. I love the character to pieces and really missed his little additions in the last book. His delivery says it all and while I didn’t notice any Sergio-isms in the last book (Sergio was a touch boring in that book), he definitely made a comeback in this story and was better than ever!

Another thing I noticed several books ago was the articles in between chapters that Hayley writes for the Island Times have gotten better and even funnier. I gotta admit in the beginning I’d kinda skim those but these recent ones have been pretty hilarious.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LeeHollis

My Goodreads review:

Death of a Tom Turkey by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so happy to see the Sergio-isms return! Those are just so funny and had always been part of this series but the last book or two just didn’t cut it and Sergio was just plain boring. But not in this book, he was in rare form, so if he was real I’d wanna hug him lol! Mona was also in rare form as well. Of all the B characters, I think I love those two best!

What a crazy and complicated case that even included some court action but a cool plot twist toward the end took care of wrapping up the case, and it was in typical Hayley style too. What a wild Thanksgiving!

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

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Murder at Blackwood Inn review

September 24, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series, Haunted Dead and Breakfast, by Penny Warner and the characters didn’t take long to work their way into my heart as some memorable and what might be some fave characters. I loved that cat Pye and how he was always showing up in different places. Come to think of it, the handyman Noah kinda did the same thing, lol.

Can’t wait for the next in this fun series–those aunts were cracking me up! I was sorta thinking of the Sabrina the Teenage Witch TV series my daughter grew up with that had Aunt Hilda and Aunt Zelda when I read this, lol. If Pye could talk, I’d totally channel Salem as that cat!

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My Goodreads review:

Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed meeting Carissa and her quirky, but sweet aunts when she moved into the B&B with them. The room themes of that place were awesome! (I’d stay in the Scooby Doo one for sure!) And what’s not to like about that mysterious Noah that Carissa took a liking to, right? He was as mysterious as the cat Pye that came and went without much sound. Carissa found herself facing off with a killer and luckily that clever orange cat was there to help out. Loved the ending but I could’ve kept reading more about these characters. I’m absolutely hoping this is the first of a series and not just a standalone.

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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