cozy mystery – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

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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Strike Out 4 Murder review

March 21, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eleventh book in the Sophie Kimball Mysteries by husband and wife team J.C. Eaton aka Ann Goldfarb and Jim Clapp. They always do such a great job of entertaining with this series and others they’ve written, and this book definitely didn’t disappoint! Enjoy it now because it’s available today!

My Goodreads review:

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

Oh my gosh, this series is constantly so much fun! I’m always laughing as I read the hilarious antics of Phee’s mom and her friends…and who could forget their sidekicks, the pinochle guys? And little Streetman’s a fave of mine, but I’m little biased because I love dachsies and dachsie mixes. My dog’s behavior’s not a whole lot different from Streetman’s, except she doesn’t bite.

Shirley got the spotlight this time around since she was the target. I just love that lady and she always cracks me up with the stuff she says. It was so sweet her friend lent her a Great Dane for protection. Once again, the case eventually was connected up nice and neat with the case that Nate and Marshall were on. The perps sure went to lotsa trouble for what they were into, but the dead guy was even into something worse. Take an afternoon and treat yourself to another fun visit to Sun City West! And Phee’s the voice of sanity there if you need a little bit of that too! 😉

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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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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Primer and Punishment review

February 21, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the House Flipper Mysteries by Diane Kelly, and it’s become my favorite so far. There was a lot going on and tons of secrets people were keeping, so it wasn’t easy to zone in on one suspect. I definitely didn’t guess this one right but I sure enjoyed it a lot! If you’ve followed the series from the beginning like I have, you’re gonna love the ending! Can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

Primer and Punishment: A House-Flipper Mystery by Diane Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This might just be my fave of the series so far with a murder mystery set on a lake and with Whit’s bestie Colette getting married soon. That was a pretty cool flip and a great idea Buck had to buy and rehab an old houseboat. They were definitely lucky Buck had the foresight to ask the neighbor to move his boat out while he grilled, or Whitney and Buck could’ve ended up in the same shape as their neighbor which wasn’t too good!

I was really surprised by the killer since I had someone else in mind. The showdown was exciting and Collin ended up getting his perp. But he’d be sure to tell everyone that Whitney had lots to do with pointing him in the right direction. I liked Dep. Fire Marshal Landreth’s character. She was fair and actually was very open to Whit and Buck as far as accepting info on the case.

The events following the murder solving were just fun and the ending of the book was so darn sweet. Now I really can’t wait for the next book!

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 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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Wined and Died in New Orleans review

February 7, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Vintage Cookbooks Mysteries by one of my all-time fave cozy authors, Ellen Byron who wrote the hugely successful Cajun Country series that I was so sad to see come to an end. But she started writing this series and it’s an awesome alternative to it, so I do hope it goes as long or even longer than the other one. The same sense of family and friendship is there in both the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, and I hope there’re lots more stories to tell with this set of amazing and dynamic characters.

I love Ricki and Virgil’s dogs so much and little Thor holds a special place in my heart since my friend always had chihuahuas, so I found a picture to represent Thor.

#BerkleyPublishing #EllenByron

My Goodreads review:

Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m absolutely loving this series and this book might’ve been better than the first! Poor Eugenia seemed to have relatives coming out from every woodwork wanting to contest Aunt Vee’s will. One might be the real deal, but are the others fakes? And one relative wasn’t even interested in the will, just having a little shell shock at the moment.

Speaking of relatives (legit ones that is!) I just loved Olivia’s character as Eugenia’s granddaughter and hope she hangs around for the rest of the series (which I hope is at least as long as Cajun Country was). She’s fresh and funny and even taught Ricki and her Grams a thing or two. It’s hard to not spill secrets while I gush over loving this book, so I’ll just say to let the good times roll and read this awesome book to learn some fun secrets. It’s super satisfying when the ones set out to do wrong get what they deserve! In true NOLA style, family and friends celebrated with all their fave foods and drinks.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Berkley 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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Against the Currant review

January 24, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series by Olivia Matthews who’s known for her Sister Lou and Peach Coast Library cozy mysteries. If you want to take a peek at her actual picture and info, her main bio can be found at Patricia Sargeant. Unfortunately, the way the book listing was done on Goodreads, somehow the series name wasn’t included as a link, but Amazon’s showing the second book for this series which comes out in May. Here’s Hard Dough Homicide in its Amazon listing. I’m not an affiliate and this is just the product link.

#St.MartinsPaperbacks #OliviaMatthews

My Goodreads review:

Against the Currant: A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery by Olivia Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved meeting Lyndsay and her big, awesome family. Her Granny just cracked me up–she was definitely my fave character! All the characters and descriptions really helped me feel like I was there in that section of Brooklyn even though I’ve never been shopping there. (My only quick Brooklyn experience included eating at Junior’s and seeing the house used for the exterior of Blue Bloods lol). Aside from the mean guy who was dead, most of these people were so amazing in how they protected each other and came together as family/good friends to support Lyndsay.

I was definitely surprised by the whodunit since I had someone else in mind all together. That was a great showdown and I was cheering the whole time as Lyndsay kicked some serious behind. She was more grateful than ever for the kickboxing she’d done since age thirteen. The ending was my favorite type with food, family and friends along with everything being explained completely. I’m eager to see what other kinds of adventures my new book friends come up with in the next book!

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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