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Dead Men Wag No Tails review

January 5, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Magical Menagerie series by well-known cozy mystery author, Sarah Fox. I loved this series when it started last year and I was super happy to read this second book which definitely didn’t disappoint. I like how Georgie and Callum are growing closer and how the dogs and Euclid the resident owl always seem to help when Georgie’s investigating. I can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #SevernHouse #SarahFox

My Goodreads review:

Dead Men Wag No Tails by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I read the first book last year, it took me no time at all to fall in love with these characters and the setting, so it was like meeting up with old friends again when I read this book. I love that Georgie’s smart and self-assured (in most things) but she’s not afraid to ask anyone when she needs with something. Those sweet dogs are amazing like their owl friend Euclid. And a visiting parrot seemed to hold the key to something important with the murder case.

I was glad to see Georgie and Callum growing closer and that she was feeling more confident that he was actually happy with her. The ending was really sweet and since they talked about a Halloween themed event coming up, I hope that’s the theme of the next book! It should be tons of fun!

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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Blame It on the Beignets review

December 8, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton, another favorite series of mine, and I’m always eager to read the next book. Dep’s such a cutie and one of the best clue-sniffing cats in mysteries. She didn’t disappoint! Anyone who’s read the series is gonna recognize the name Jolly Cops Cleaning, so we finally got to meet one of those awesome retired officers who have a cleaning business with Deputy Donuts as a client.

There was a lot going on in this book which included Samantha’s baby shower as well as a budding romance for one of Emily’s good business friends. Can’t wait to see what happens with that, it was just too cute! There was a cute little dog that kept popping up in the story, poor Dep wasn’t too sure about her, but both got to be in the showdown. What someone did to that perp was hilarious!

I thought this free photo from Pexels reminded me of Dep sitting on one of her shelves either in Emily’s office or at home.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a visit to Fallingbrook to see what Emily and her sweet kitty Deputy aka Dep are up to. Emily’s new assistant Hannah and her sister Olivia who also worked for Emily were the employees featured. Hannah and a couple friends were indirectly involved in a murder, so I could just imagine how poor Olivia was worrying like crazy.

I love that Emily and Brent were settled in as a married couple now like her besties Misty and Samantha. They weren’t in the story a whole lot except for their roles as police officer and paramedic. I was glad the DCI detective that came this time was Rex who we know from previous books. Emily’s friend Summer was really glad to see him lol. I see a new romance starting up and Det. Rex may just have to make excuses to come to town more often.

The showdown was both exciting and fun in a comical sorta way. Everything that led up to catching the perp was pretty awesome and it was a group effort too. Heck, don’t bother with prison, just turn Madame Monique loose on a criminal—they’d probably beg for prison instead lol. I was secretly cheering her on because she had an excellent reason for what she was doing to the perp. I really enjoyed the ending and hopefully it’ll turn out amazing for a very special couple Emily and Brent were good friends with. Can’t wait to read 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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The Witch Is Back review

December 6, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve enjoyed this series since its start and always look forward to the next book. This book had its main mysteries wrapped up but there’s a side mystery or two that was hinted at might be coming, so I’m really eager for the next book.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

The Witch Is Back by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me a little while to warm up to Josie’s mom, Nora who had her own agenda for visiting spontaneously, but she was a pretty good sleuthing buddy and sounding board for Josie’s theories. Nora’s personal reason for coming worked out at the end, but along with the murder itself another mystery had cropped up, and the town expected Josie to solve it. Which was where Nora came in handy, if she’d embrace her witchy powers.

The showdown was a good one and Nora even got to help a little. Once both mysteries were solved, the town could breathe a sigh of relief and people were friends again. I was kinda disappointed in the actual ending, so that along with another possible side story have me eager to dig into the next book when it’s out.

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

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The Herringbone Harbor Mystery review

December 5, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighteenth book in the Seaside Knitters Society by Sally Goldenbaum, which about seven books ago underwent a slight series name change because it moved to a different publisher. But it’s more accurate to refer to it as book #18 instead of book 7 as GR lists it in the search. (I asked a librarian friend there to put it with its series). Either way, it’s been a very long-running cozy mystery series with an amazing group of knitter friends. Even if you don’t knit, you’ll wanna be friends with these ladies!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #SallyGoldenbaum

My Goodreads review:

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was really sad when a man who was as loved as the murder victim was got killed. He was kind and generous to everyone and there weren’t too many who had anything bad to say about him which made his death even more tragic.

It was so cool to see those who loved him most continuing to do things he would’ve done or wanted to do. Our fabulous four knitters were on the case in their usual subtle way they had of finding out clues and reporting back to their fellow knitters and loved ones over some amazing food and family time.

The showdown was a a surprise as was someone who stepped in to help. I loved how the victim’s sweet pup got his forever home and an amazing tribute was paid to both him and his late owner. Yes, eye leakage can and may occur during certain parts of the book but it’s all good.

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 at the Lemonberry Tea review

December 3, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by cozy author Darci Hannah, another series I’ve enjoyed since it started. Lindsey’s really grown and changed a lot for the better and she’s in a good relationship with Rory, now if we could just get her pal Kennedy on board with deciding if she’s gonna stay with Tuck or not, that’d be a major accomplishment, lol. Things were actually looking positive though, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens next time we tune into the Beacon Bakeshop.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarciHannah

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what pandemonium came to the Beacon in the form of Kennedy’s family and a filming crew for a segment with Lindsey and a famous pastry chef. When there was a murder that looked a lot like Lindsey did it (if Sgt. Scary Stacy didn’t know better), Lindsey wasn’t taking this and insisted on being involved. Kennedy’s grandma was just so cute, but I wasn’t much of a fan of her mom. But her sister was a hoot when she started acting like a cowboy, lol.

The showdown and what followed was pretty exciting but once the perp was put away, Lindsey knew she was one step closer to everyone leaving the Beacon and getting her Rory back. He cracked me up with his reason for temporarily going to stay with his uncle, lol. As always, everyone put their collective efforts into the case and celebrated with food, fellowship and family afterward. Definitely a summer to remember, maybe not all in a good way though.

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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Madrigals and Mayhem review

November 30, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries by Elizabeth Penney. I’ve enjoyed this series from its start and actually I like anything I’ve read by this author. She’s just got a really nice way with her characters and situations that keep me coming back for more in this series. Christmas in Cambridge with Molly and the crew was pretty cool and magical picturing how the town looked decked out in Christmas decorations. I can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #St.Martin/Minotaur #Elizabeth Penney

My Goodreads review:

Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked new business owner Charlotte’s character a lot. She seemed to blend right in with Molly and Daisy as far as being friends went. Molly set out to prove Charlotte’s grandfather might’ve not had a natural death and one thing she did was join a local play, with Kieran of course, so she could be closer to what she believed was the source of some trouble. What happened during the play was absolutely hilarious at one point!

Once everything was solved and a super satisfying outcome occurred, Molly and her loved ones could celebrate an amazing Christmas together. With the two people having special announcements in this story, I really can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

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

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A Corpse Among the Carolers review

November 12, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Food Blogger Mysteries by Debra Sennefelder and I’ve enjoyed it from the beginning. Hope’s a likable character and she’s got the best sidekick in her bestie Drew. Ethan’s incredibly patient with all her sleuthing but he always worries about her. Maybe if she got a Doberman to take with her, he’d worry less lol. Anyway, this was a fun and festive book full of the mysteries we love along with food, fellowship and family. The ending was especially good! Can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

A Corpse Among the Carolers by Debra Sennefelder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hope always has a way of getting herself into danger when she’s investigating a case. It seems she and the detective at least came to an understanding and this time he wasn’t quite so harsh.
I’d guessed the killer but definitely not the plot twist regarding said killer. The showdown was exciting and let’s just say it’s a good thing Drew’s got such a sweet tooth. The ending was amazing with all Hope’s family and friends gathered for a super memorable Christmas Eve dinner.

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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I’ll Be Home for Mischief review

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by Jacqueline Frost better known to cozy mystery fans as Julie Anne Lindsey (also Bree Baker). I’ve loved this series from the first time I laid eyes on the very first book and it’s never disappointed. It’s really best enjoyed in order so you can see the character and relationship developments better. I hope this series continues!

My Goodreads review:

I’ll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s always a special treat to visit with Holly, Evan, her parents and all their friend and loved ones in Mistletoe, Maine every year. The folks in the town sound like an awesome bunch, well aside from an occasional killer popping up. Holly always had lots on her plate this time of year but she always had time to investigate when murder came to town.

The showdown with the killer was possibly the most danger Holly ever found herself in and it seemed like it’d take a Christmas miracle to get outta this one alive. But no worries, Holly lived to investigate another day and enjoy Christmas with the ones she loves most. There were some fun announcements at the end and good changes coming for some of those loved ones. Can’t wait till the next book comes around next year!

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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Sleep in Heavenly Pizza review

October 27, 2024October 27, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the super fun Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley which I’ve read and enjoyed from the beginning. The characters really changed and developed quite a bit, for good of course and I’ve enjoyed spending time time in Geneva Bay, WI with them. If you read this book while hungry, you might just start craving pizza, just sayin’.

My Goodreads review:

Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow Auntie Biz sure went through a nice transformation during the Christmas season. She was actually nice lol and didn’t even complain about Butterball the cat. There were so many secrets and little side stories but they all sorta contributed or were related to the main murder case.

In a surprising reveal of some of those secrets, a satisfying showdown followed. Now Delilah and her team could gather in their favorite thing to do: feed people and be with those they loved on Christmas Day which was an awesome gathering of family, friends and of course, great food.

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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In the Blink of a Pie review

October 24, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries by another fave cozy author, Catherine Bruns. She’s got several cozy series and I’ve read something from all of those series. I always really enjoy what she’s written. This series just pulled me in from the beginning and now I’m hoping for more in it after reading this book. Isn’t little Toast the cat adorable on that cover? He sure didn’t know that that point how helpful he’d end up being!

My Goodreads review:

In the Blink of a Pie by Catherine Bruns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who knew a pie contest could turn into someone getting poisoned who wasn’t even advertised as being a judge? Leila and Heather set out to prove the maple farm was innocent of any responsibility in this as well as catch a wily killer. Little Emma’s side story was so super cute and really adorable when it was resolved.

When Leila came into the crosshairs of a crazed killer once more, the most unlikely (but super cute) little team came to the rescue by summoning the authorities. And what an awesome Thanksgiving Leila and her family had. I absolutely loved the ending of this book and can’t wait for more in the series!

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