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No Parm No Foul review

July 26, 2022July 26, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly, a well-established cozy mystery author of a couple other series. Who doesn’t love a yummy and comforting grilled cheese sandwich? I knew I’d love this series when I first saw it and it’s not been a disappointment at all. There’re even some recipes at the end of the book for some of the cheesy sandwich goodness featured in the story.

I really loved this book and was thrilled to see I really won’t have to wait a year for the next book since Cheddar Late Than Dead releases January 31, 2023. (Be sure to click through to the Amazon page and read the synopsis–this sounds like another good one!) I know I can’t wait to catch back up with these book friends.

#PoisonedPenPress #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

No Parm No Foul by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this Halloween time visit to Vermont and Carly’s grilled cheese eatery. I wish that place was real! I’m not much on fancy grilled cheeses, but I bet she still would make an awesome regular one! I loved sweet Evelyn’s character and how she played a part in Carly figuring out whodunit. I’m happy that in the first book Carly reconciled with Gina and now they were the best of buddies especially when it came to sharing sleuthing secrets or tossing around case ideas.

There were a lot of possible suspects and I wasn’t sure until one clue stuck out then more started coming. The showdown was pretty exciting and help came from a super unlikely source, wait’ll you read about that, it’s pretty cool.

I’m really happy with where Carly and Ari are in their relationship especially at the end of the book! That makes me wish another book wasn’t a year away, but I guess I’ll appreciate it a lot more if I have to wait. I’ve really come to think of these characters as old friends now and once again I’m so happy that a main character actually has a good relationship with her mom and the mom is equally nice to her daughter. Even Carly’s stepdad’s a sweetie! Till next time, Carly and Crew!

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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Death of an Ice Cream Scooper review

July 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in the long-running Hayley Powell Food & Spirits series by brother and sister duo, Lee Hollis. I love how the characters have grown and changed since the first book but yet they’re familiarly the same and so much fun to feel like you’re coming home to Bar Harbor and hanging out with these people.

I’m just crazy about the little dachshund on the cover! Sprinkles might not have a huge role in the book, but just being a buddy to Leroy while Hayley and Sprinkles’ doggie mom Lynette walked them was super cute. I love how it was described that Sprinkles brought out the puppy in Leroy.

#KensingtonCozies #LeePowell

My Goodreads review:

Death of an Ice Cream Scooper by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 15 and Hayley’s going strong! I love the characters and town as much as when I first picked up the debut book. And just as I was wondering if we were getting any of his famous Sergio-isms, he didn’t disappoint!

There was a lot going on this time. Dustin’s as grown of a man as he could possibly be now while Gemma was roasting away in a New York summer as she was telling her mom. Three of Hayley’s friends had new boyfriends, Liddy was getting an expensive mansion as a listing and all through this, Hayley was trying to figure out who killed the ice cream scooper.

I loved the mention of the ice cream shop owner’s little dachshund, Sprinkles! He sounded adorable and good old Leroy, Hayley’s beloved Shih-Tzu was still plugging along and finding his second wind when Sprinkles was around. Which to the dachshund lover (me) wasn’t quite enough, but I’ll take whatever I can get of a dachsie in the story! I’m always grateful when one shows up!

In true Hayley fashion, she found herself in quite a predicament but managed to slip out of it only to confront a killer not long after. But all went well, ending in the familiar family get-together that I always love about this series. I’m sure it won’t take Hayley long to transition into her new role! I’m being purposely vague and leaving out anything I personally would’ve thought was a spoiler before reading this book. You can get the whole scoop (ice cream pun intended) on July 26 when it releases!

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

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A Catered Doggie Wedding

June 28, 2022 Tari Hann

This is book 17 in the long running Mysteries with Recipes series by Isis Crawford. Unfortunately, I can’t link the series from 17’s page because this newer listing doesn’t have the series separately clickable, but this link goes to the series page showing the first sixteen books. And my review below should take you to the page for book 17.

It’s always a guaranteed good time with the Simmons sisters, their boyfriends they chill at RJ’s with and of course, Dad and his police buddy, Clyde. Libby and Bernie’s employee Googie (aka George) and his girlfriend were featured in this book. The dog wedding idea sounded super cute, but someone in town (like the scrooge in the shop next door) didn’t want it to happen, but would she resort to murder? Grab this from wherever you buy books or your library and find out!

#KensingtonCozies #IsisCrawford

My Goodreads review:

A Catered Doggie Wedding by Isis Crawford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fun and lots of the time funny adventure with Libby and Bernie! Those two never disappoint in how they just crack me up with their crazy banter, and the banter among other characters is always priceless and sometimes great comic relief! I just love their dad and I get such a kick out of Clyde, his police friend who slips them info sometimes in exchange for food and yummy baked items his wife won’t let him have, lol.

This was one twisty mystery with more suspects and red herrings as it progressed, not to mention more bodies. What started the whole things was kinda cool as Libby and Bernie found out later…but meeting up with a killer wasn’t so cool. Reinforcements came just in time though, and the dog wedding was saved from being scrapped. I was happy that everyone who wasn’t a killer but might’ve done something they’d regret ended up having to account for that.

Everything was wrapped up and explained at the end and of course, one of the goldens, Bertha or Ernie or maybe one of the doggie guests stole the last funny scene.

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 Hint of Mischief review

June 26, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Fairy Garden Mysteries by well-known cozy author Daryl Wood Gerber, and I believe it might be my favorite so far. The characters were really well-developed to begin with, but by now (since there’s always a year between these books) I felt like I could just pick up and remember more about them. I love reading about someone’s wonder and delight whenever they first see a fairy in the series or haven’t been able to see one all that long, it’s just really cool! The very ending was super sweet and magical!

#KensingtonCozies #DarylWoodGerber

My Goodreads review:

A Hint of Mischief by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was fun to catch up with Courtney and her friends, and especially her sweet little fairy friend, Fiona. That little girl’s come a long way since the first book! I think she’s gonna make the queen fairy really proud someday soon. I just wish Courtney could get her dad to believe. Can you imagine what Det. Summers would say or do if Kip did believe? I don’t think he’d let him live it down LOL!

The mystery had a lot of twists, turns and great red herrings, so I was never really sure whodunit until Courtney came up with it. That was one tense showdown and while Courtney used what she had in her defense, I think I agree with her dad and would like to see her take more self-defense classes. I enjoyed the little side story of the fairy door mystery.

I was so happy to see Courtney and Brady getting closer and what happened at the very end was super sweet! He’s such a keeper! Can’t wait for the next installment!

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 by Beach Read-review

June 6, 2022June 6, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Lighthouse Library Mysteries by Eva Gates also known as Vicki Delany. You can check the links to see what she’s written under both, but I know she’s used the Eva Gates exclusively for the Lighthouse Library.

I just love this long-running series and how all the characters have grown and developed. Probably the most changed was Louise Jane. She went from being someone I absolutely couldn’t stand to someone who’s actually a decent supporting character now. Yep, she’ll never get over loving to tease Lucy (because Lucy’s just so teasable, lol.), but since she’s now the proud inhabitant of the Lighthouse Aerie, part of her lifelong dream came true. I believe Louise Jane might just achieve complete happiness if she could adopt a ghost as a pet or a roommate!

My Goodreads review:

Death by Beach Read by Eva Gates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucy and Connor didn’t exactly count on a ghostly roommate when they started working on fixing up the Harper house on the beach, but good ole Louise Jane’s always hoping for a new haunt to talk about. Lucy didn’t think for a minute that the noises she heard in their house had anything to do with a ghost but more like a flesh ‘n blood intruder…which they’d find out soon enough when a guy was killed in their house.

OMG I was so unhappy to see that Diane, one of the nasty previous library board members was back in town and just wondered what kind of trouble she’d get into this time. Then we met Ralph’s recluse sister Jo who surprised everyone by attending book club. Another woman came around claiming to be the dead guy’s ex-wife and wanting her fair share of the house’s sales. Was it one of them whodunit…or could one of Louise Jane’s wishes come true, and the man was killed by a ghost? Not that she’d ever wish someone was killed by a ghost, but she sure likes talking about ghosts.

Lucy definitely had her plate full…again with juggling the murder and sometimes actually being asked to help Sam, she was planning her wedding, and there was pesky Diane back in town probably hoping to get back on the library board. What’s a girl to do? Well for starters, you just cuddle a certain library cat named Charles. Speaking of Charles, he got to be a hero cat in this book-I always love when a pet gets to intervene and help. Poor guy, I felt bad for the cat having to get used to living in a house when he previously had full run of the library.

That showdown was something else, but Lucy used her head about at least part of it, and there was some good evidence to turn in. It was pretty sweet how poor, troubled Jo had gotten some closure for an event that’d still haunted her from long ago. And a nice older gentleman got a new friend in her. I’m really eager now for the next book figuring and hoping it’s Lucy and Connor’s wedding story. As in everything Lucy does, I’m sure it’s gonna be an adventurous tale!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. This book releases June 7, 2022.

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A Sprinkle in Time review

May 23, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Shake Shop Mysteries series by Dana Mentink, and I’m really liking these characters the more I get to know them. I always get a kick out of Trinidad’s grandpa, Papa. Poor guy found a dead body in his beloved car’s trunk this time! Pick up a copy this week and see how this unfolds!

My Goodreads review:

A Sprinkle in Time by Dana Mentink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had a nice review written the day I finished this, but apparently Goodreads cyber gremlins ate it. Hopefully I can recreate it here. And no, I didn’t read this twice as GR seems to want to think I did, but I can’t figure out how to fix that.

This was a fun fall festival until a body was dumped in Papa’s car. Trinidad went into full-on sleuth mode without trying to be too conspicuous about it. I loved that her new unlikely friends or sisters as she calls them are none other than her ex’s other exes. But that’s better than feeling like scratching out their eyes, right? Trini even loves Bonnie’s sweet little daughter Felice aka Fee like she’s her own niece.

Quinn had a side mystery going on but eventually came clean on it with Trinidad having not even told his brother Doug this particular secret. I like that they’re growing closer and realizing they shouldn’t have secrets from each other.

The showdown was peaceful yet a nail biter if that makes sense since it was kinda planned. With another successful case solved, everyone gathered at the end for explanations, food and fellowship. Finally Trinidad felt at home!

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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Simmering with Resentment review

April 26, 2022April 26, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the eleventh book in the Cookbook Nook Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber. I’ve enjoyed all the series I’ve read by her and her pen name of Avery Aames (The Cheese Shop Mysteries). This series is probably my favorite since it’s such a long-running one and has the most books meaning the most opportunity to spend time with some favorite characters.

If you love this series like I do, then you won’t be able to resist this latest offering. Are ya ready for a wedding? Let’s go!

#BeyondthePagePublishing #DarylWoodGerber

My Goodreads review:

Simmering with Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this newest installment in a favorite series! When a beloved restaurant had an explosion, Jenna couldn’t help thinking it was the person who’d blown up the other restaurant where Rhett worked and wondered if they’d been targeting her and him since they were having their private dinner at the time. I just knew Rhett was gonna be okay, but I still worried a little, lol.

There were plenty of suspects to consider, and Jenna had a whole bridal expo to do sleuthing in. Along with being a bride herself and wanting to enjoy part of the expo, Jenna had an agenda despite Cinnamon’s usual warnings. I thought Cinnamon was especially nicer to her in this book. I know they’ve become friends, but probably since things were aimed at Jenna and her sweetie, Cinnamon felt a little more protective/sisterly of her.

It was like I knew but I didn’t know whodunit and that’ll make sense once anyone reads it. The showdown was exciting but not drawn out too long to make readers overly nervous lol. And the ending was just perfect!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. I usually end up buying the book eventually since I do love this series.

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Three Shots to the Wind review

March 24, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mysteries by Sherry Harris who also wrote the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries. I’m really enjoying this series a lot and how the characters have developed since the first book. I honestly liked the key players from the get-go, but it’s been fun watching them grow and change. Chloe and Rip are such a cute couple, and I can’t wait to see what their future holds!

My Goodreads review:

Three Shots to the Wind by Sherry Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved catching up with Chloe and the gang and seeing how life in January is for the Emerald cove residents–and visitors. Several interesting visitors came along during the course of the book, two of which helped add some good comic relief to some of the scenes. I like Chloe and Rip as a couple, they’re so stinking cute! And I really love that Vivi’s coming around in only the way Vivi can as far as being nicer to Chloe and at one point fiercely defending her. She’s a good mama bear to have on your side, that’s for sure! I have a feeling she and Chloe might actually get to be fairly good friends in time. I know she probably intimidates the life out of Chloe as only Vivi can do. (She makes me think of Angela Channing on Falcon Crest lol).

All Chloe wanted to do was clear poor Rip of any blame in her ex-fiancé’s death. There was a huge assortment of suspects to pick from, but I sure didn’t see the whodunit coming! The showdown was exciting and a little tense but just right. I enjoyed the very ending and hope that there’ll be many more adventures for Chloe and Rip in future books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. The book releases next Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

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Pleading the Fish review

March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the seventh (and sadly the last) book in the Seaside Café series by Bree Baker who’s also known as Julie Anne Lindsey, Julie Chase and Jacqueline Frost in the other cozy mysteries she’s written. She did the best/innovative ending for a series that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. If you’ve followed the whole series like I’ve done, you’re gonna want some tissues for the very last parts. One part in particular got me, but as I said in the GR review, a book cry always equals a good thing!

#PoisonedPenPress #BreeBaker

My Goodreads review:

Pleading the Fish by Bree Baker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew going into this book I was eagerly waiting for it but dreading when it was over. The way the author gave this series its sendoff was just amazing and so perfect! I absolutely loved the ending and I’m not gonna lie, there was a LOT of eye leakage at one point, but hey it’s beloved series and having a good book cry is perfectly fine. I know I can revisit the series anytime I want simply by reading it again.

Everly got into a real pickle this time when hunting down the killer. The showdown was epic and so cool that her self-defense training with Grady came in handy. There was a side story involving Amelia and some good news she’d gotten as well as the aunts who were at first avoiding some guy they thought was stalking Clara. But that turned out as good news as well.

I’ve never read the total ending of a series that I liked as well as this one! As I said before, it was absolutely perfect! I’m not going to give away one little clue ’cause you’ll need to read it to really appreciate it! I may have picked up the ARC for this book so I could read it sooner, but I’m definitely buying the Amazon digital version of it too. It’s that worth it!

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Under Lock and Skeleton Key review

March 14, 2022March 14, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Secret Staircase Mysteries by a new-to-me and very talented author Gigi Pandian. Her storytelling is amazing, and I could actually picture the places and secret rooms she described. It’d be so cool to have a room like Tempest’s that was secretly accessible and super private. I’m looking forward to visiting with Tempest and her family again!

My Goodreads review:

Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a such a cool mystery and I loved what the Secret Staircase Construction company did with buildings. I thought Tempest’s secret quarters in the house were especially awesome. I was glad to see she was able to make amends with an old friend now that she was home, and I just loved her grandparents. Grandpa was so funny how he was always wanting to feed people, must be a grandpa thing! I could definitely see why Nancy Drew was one of Tempest’s favorites since all Nancy did was find mysterious staircases, attics and rooms similar to what Tempest’s dad’s company built. Tempest’s former occupation of illusionist was a unique one for a cozy main character too.

The characters were great, and I enjoyed the whole search for the killer. It took a lot of winding paths to finally get to the answer which was something I sure didn’t see coming. I loved how Tempest came to her decision at the end and can see this being a fun and cool series I’ll want to read more in!

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

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