close family – Page 8 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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!

View all my reviews

Blue Christmas Bones review

October 15, 2024October 15, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the 28th book in the long-running Sarah Booth Delaney Mysteries by Carolyn Haines. I’ve enjoyed seeing how the characters evolved and grew in their various relationships. And there’s always a good time to be had when Sarah, Tinkie, Molly and Cece hit the town! Watch out, Elvis impersonator festival, you’re in for a wild Christmas! I loved how Jitty made several appearances as she’s always known to do and they were all somehow associated with music or show biz. Jitty always cracks me up!

My Goodreads review:

Blue Christmas Bones: A Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery by Carolyn Haines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, Sarah Booth and Tinkie were at it again on a girls’ trip with their other pals Millie and Cece. Toss in a bunch of Elvis impersonators at a Christmas festival along with a paid case for Delaney Detective Agency and you’ve got hilarity, suspense and just a very fun Christmas read.

Tinkie absolutely cracks me up when she interrogates someone. There’s the best scene later in the book. When she and Sarah Booth both get the questions flying, I pity the perp lol. It was awesome how all their loved ones were able to join them in Tupelo, then of course everyone from Zinnia ended up at Harold’s for his annual Christmas party which had some interesting entertainment this year.

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

View all my reviews

Six Stunning Sirens review

September 16, 2024September 16, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon, a series I’ve read from its beginning, and I love how the characters got to grow and evolve from how they were in the very beginning. Trent’s dad was in this book more than I’ve ever seen him which was actually a good thing because you get to see what loving dad and husband he really is and what helped shape Trent and Levi into the amazing guys they turned out to be. I love the role Trent’s mom’s taken on as Mia’s catering manager. Now if Mia could just ditch that darn Lodge job and be back with her own catering family, I think she’d be an extremely happier camper!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LynnCahoon

My Goodreads review:

Six Stunning Sirens by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mia’s Morsels got the catering job for the Harvest Festival pageant and there couldn’t’ve been more drama if it’d been special-ordered. When a contestant’s mom was killed, Mia had to wonder if there was magic afoot and just what someone might do to ensure their own daughter won.

There were some good side stories too which were pretty fun. Everything ended with the fellowship of the Sleuthing Club in Mia’s kitchen along with some more good news. There wasn’t anything happening to worry about at the end, just a nice ending. I really hope there’ll be more books because now I can’t wait to see what’s next!

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

View all my reviews

Death of a Gingerbread Man review

September 15, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the seventeenth book in the long-running Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mysteries by brother/sister writing team, Lee Hollis. Lee’s made up of Holly Simason and her brother Rick Copp and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by these two talented people who’ve collaborated on three cozy mystery series. The Hayley Powell series link above leads to the Amazon series page because the GR listing doesn’t have the series on it. (The Amazon link’s not an affiliate link, been there done that, it didn’t work out lol.)

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LeeHollis

My Goodreads review:

Death of a Gingerbread Man by Lee Hollis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I might’ve been hoping for too much humor this time around because even though I loved spending Christmas with Hayley and the gang, I was really disappointed there wasn’t much in the line of hilarious moments going on, especially my favorite Sergio-isms! I really missed those a lot and I hate to admit it but he was boring this time. Earl was the only person just slightly funny and Mona was kinda off her game too. We got a good dose of her usual craziness in the beginning but that was pretty much all. There was a humorous scene at a cooking lesson that Hayley gave but it didn’t involve any regulars.

I’m sure it had to do with the nature of this story though and wanting to make sure Hayley’s father, Dwight got a decent backstory and mystery which was the highlight of this book and of course a returning father would make for a more serious subject. I liked it as much as previous books, but I really didn’t have as much fun reading it.

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

View all my reviews

Shear Terror review

September 14, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Sewing Studio Mysteries by Dorothy Howell, and I’m liking the characters better with each book. Who wouldn’t love having an aunt like Sarah with a bakery and an awesome bestie like Caitlin?

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DorothyHowell

My Goodreads review:

Shear Terror by Dorothy Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’d forgotten how funny this series could be in places, and I also remembered what a smart kitty that Cheddar, the community cat was. He definitely knew what he liked or didn’t like. I was pretty sure I knew who was behind all the mysteries going on in the town. The ending was a really satisfying one and the very ending was really sweet too!

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

View all my reviews