cozy mystery – Page 12 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Shock and Paw review

August 20, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Cat Cafe Mysteries by Cate Conte which had quickly become one of my new favorite series when it started. I love the Christmastime setting in Daybreak Harbor but there was a grinch out there somewhere determined to spoil it for everyone. It released today, so grab it and have a merry little Christmas in the middle of summer.

#NetGalley #StMartinPaperbacks #CateConte

My Goodreads review:

Shock and Paw by Cate Conte
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another fun book in the series, especially being set at Christmastime. I got such a kick outta Grandpa Leo and how serious he was about the Christmas lights contest, to the point of being injured in the line of duty. But that didn’t stop the former police chief at all, lol. I just love that guy!

The showdown was a crazy one that somehow I just had a feeling Maddie was gonna get involved in. Thanks to a cat, the killer didn’t get far before the police burst in. I love it when cats or other pets help in the showdown—this little guy was pretty amazing. There was a good twist toward the end that explained so much of some earlier issues about a little side mystery going on with the lights.

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

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Booked on Murder review

August 5, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighth and final book in the Haunted Library Mysteries by Allison Brook aka Marilyn Levinson. It quickly became a favorite series because who doesn’t love cute library cats and friendly, helpful library ghosts, right? Evelyn the ghost became as much of a fave to me as the living characters, so while this is the book we all waited for, it’s also the one I kinda dreaded knowing it’d be the final book. But I really loved how the author gave us a nice big dose of our characters and we got to linger as long as possible in this book.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #AllisonBrook #MarilynLevinson

My Goodreads review:

Booked on Murder by Allison Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Knowing this was the last book didn’t really affect me until the end which I was super thankful the author drew out like she did knowing fans would need tons of closure and a way to say goodbye to some amazing favorite characters. I’m getting leaky eyeballs again just writing the review. She did an absolute stellar job of closing out what had become one of my all-time favorite series.

Although I’m sure the characters had their own ideas of how they were gonna spend this last book, so in true Carrie fashion our sleuth found herself taking on something dangerous when it was just hours before her wedding. But her man was right there with her too—Dylan is so perfect for her!

I loved the old house they bought and how special it was too! There was just everything to love and give final hugs to in this book, but do yourself a favor by savoring the first seven books before reading this. There weren’t spoilers but there’s just a vibe you need when you read the last in a series, imho anyway.

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

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A Poisonous Palate review

July 31, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourteenth book in the long-running deliciously-full-of-awesome-food series, the Key West Food Critic Mysteries by Lucy Burdette. This book hasn’t been put on its series page yet, but you can find the rest of the series on that Goodreads link above or the author’s page. I love it when Miss Gloria goes sleuthing with Hayley. I wanna be her when I’m 80-something, lol, well minus the murder sleuthing part.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #LucyBurdette

My Goodreads review:

A Poisonous Palate by Lucy Burdette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a more complicated case at least it seemed that way but once again Hayley and Miss Gloria made a really good sleuthing team. And Miss G did something so awesome it ended up saving Hayley’s life from a killer in a wild ‘n crazy showdown. I was definitely surprised at who the killer was.

Everything was wrapped up and explained then of course what does a foodie do when she’s finished with an amateur sleuthing case? She celebrates with food and some awesome friends and family too.

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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Trouble Is Brewing review

July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author, Vicki Delany aka Eva Gates of the Lighthouse Library Mysteries. I’ve enjoyed this series as much as her other ones. She’s always known for clever, fun characters and some cute pets like Eclair the Labradoodle and Robbie, Rose’s lap cat. Lily and her grandma really had their work cut out for them this time, what a crazy bunch of guests!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

Trouble Is Brewing by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What’s even worse than a bridezilla? A groom’s Momzilla, that’s what and Sophia filled that role like a champ. I didn’t care for her at all but her own mother-in-law Regina who was pretty insufferable as it was stood up to Sophia’s insults and petty comments about her. I agreed with Bernie, I kinda liked the old lady! Such is the life of B&B and tearoom owners Rose and Lily.

I’m pretty sure I’d never have the patience for doing their jobs but they were awfully good at it. And wouldn’t life be boring without a bestie like Bernie? She always cracks me up but somehow she and her total opposite Lily work out great as besties and bring out the best in each other.

I’d actually guessed the killer but not any of the reasons behind it and loved how Rose helped get a somewhat confession from the person. Nice and safe and working with Detective Amy too. I loved that Amy was taking the lead on this case since especially in the first book or two, Det. Williams was just jerk who wanted to solve a case fast and close it out. Maybe he was afraid of Amy, lol. He’s actually acting pretty decent in this book, but it was using Amy’s ideas that closed this case out.

The end brought a fun thing coming up for Rose, Simon and Lily so it’ll be interesting to see if the next book tells all about that. It’s sure got some possibilities but I won’t spoil what’s happening.

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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Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop review

July 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series, Halloween Bookshop Mysteries by Emmaline Duncan who cozy mystery readers know from her Ground Rules Mysteries which I’ve read from the beginning and really enjoy as well. This series might take another book or two to totally convince me, but I did like the setting and the 24/7/365 idea of Halloween.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #EmmalineDuncan

My Goodreads review:

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the concept of an all-Halloween town 24/7/365 and did like the key players. But somehow the book just didn’t speak to me like the author’s other series did at the very beginning. The addition of a possible guy for Bailey was cool, but I wished it could’ve been a little sooner in the book. The murder seemed to drag on forever without any action or that something that usually compels me to keep reading. I took a few breaks from the book but not because I didn’t like it, it just wasn’t moving at the usual cozy mystery pace I’m used to.

Since it’s the very first book, I’m definitely willing to give it a chance and read the next book when it comes out. I liked the side mystery of finding out who Bailey’s bio dad was—I was actually right in my guess and from sheer dumb luck I guessed the killer correctly too.

As far as characters went, I really wished we could’ve had more of Bailey’s grandpa around and in the picture. He apparently lives with her but aside from a couple scenes, he just wasn’t in it like half of the couple who’d ended up raising her. I hope he’s in the next book a little more. On the other hand, I didn’t like her brother at all and was just as happy he wasn’t in it much, lol. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the truth comes out about the bookshop, so maybe that’ll be touched on more in the next book too.

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 Cup of Flour, a Pinch of Death review

July 22, 2024July 22, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Baker Street Mysteries by a favorite cozy mystery author Valerie Burns, aka V.M. Burns when she’s writing the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries. I always love her characters and this series was definitely not an exception. It was awesome to read her comment on Facebook recently that she was working on book 4 of this series, yay!

I just love that big ol’ Mastiff dog, Baby! I never would’ve pegged book 1 Maddy as someone who’d grow to love a 250-lb. slobbery dog, but the two are pretty darn inseparable.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #ValerieBurns

My Goodreads review:

A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death by Valerie Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing conclusion for what was actually a story arc of related events. Maddy was finally gonna get closure on her beloved aunt’s death but not before the fight of her life. Not to mention her nemesis and ex coming to town. The book started out with a super funny scene and just kept getting better and better.

Maddy’s grown so much in these three books and I was so proud of the stuff she did in this book. Her dad the Admiral was in town too and I never thought we’d ever get to see the more human side of him, but I’ve got a new admiration for his character. And I know he approved of Maddy’s choice of a boyfriend this time, you could just tell.

That was one of the best showdowns I’ve ever read about and all I can say is that perp deserved everything anyone did to them in self-defense. In some ways, I wasn’t surprised at who it was. I’m super eager now to read book 4 that I saw on social was in the works.

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 Very Woodsy Murder review

July 21, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series by cozy mystery author Ellen Byron, and like her other series, it’s sure to be a hit. Having worked in TV before and actually having written comedy shows according to her bio, Ms. Byron sure had lots to pull from to create an awesome character like Dee Stern. I can’t wait for the next book! Stoney the bear absolutely cracked me up. He’s smarter than he looks 😉

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #EllenByron

My Goodreads review

A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a fun start for this new series! There were so many funny moments but some heartwarming ones as well. I got the biggest kick from good old Stoney the bear and how he was named. Stoney got the last word in too, lol and you’ll see what that was when you read this.

The showdown was good but quick and effective. It was great how Dee came up with whodunit and planned her killer confrontation ahead with law enforcement at least. And what a great ending!

I didn’t think too much of Serena’s character at first but I immediately loved Elmira’s character. Although both ladies proved to be amazing friends when everything was wrapped up. Oh and I can’t forget Dee’s dad—just imagining his funny voices he liked to do cracked me up! It’ll be interesting to see what adventure Dee and Jeff get into next!

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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Pinned 4 Murder review

July 16, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the thirteenth book in the Sophie Kimball Mysteries by husband and wife team Ann Goldfarb and Jim Clapp who write as J.C. Eaton and from what I’ve read, this couple lives in Sun City West and borrows ideas from the people there and their pets. Their own sweet chiweenie Streetboy crossed over Rainbow Bridge last year, but I’m betting he lives in on in all the antics of that adorable Streetman, Harriet’s chiweenie. What a sweet little clown!

For some odd reason, someone added another J.C. Eaton page to GR, but their actual bio page is what I linked above, trust me I’ve read a lot of their books and it’s the one I always use. I need to get a GR friend who’s a librarian there to fix this issue. And book 13 needs to be with the other books on the series page as well.

#NetGalley #Beyondthe Page #JCEaton

My Goodreads review:

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

Oh my goodness, I always have the best time reading books in this series and laughing my head off at different parts. The parts which usually involve Streetman getting loose and terrorizing a village, the dog park, someone’s house…or a bowling alley. That little rascal, oh now I sound like Harriet lol. Yep, what you see on the adorable cover really happened!

The main mystery sure seemed complicated and there was a side mystery that showcased a character we didn’t usually see much, Gloria Wong, friend of the book club. Well we usually heard more about Thor her Great Dane. Poor thing was going through a cyber scam she refused to believe was real. For this and other tense but fun and hilarious moments, don’t miss this installment in the Sophie Kimball series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC oft this book provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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A Murder for the Sages review

June 26, 2024June 26, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Sunflower Cafe Mysteries by Amy Lillard and it’s tons of fun. That little Yorkie that Sissy, the main character has is just a character himself. He’s named Duke and believes he’s a Great Dane or something that’s usually named Duke, lol.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AmyLillard

My Goodreads review:

A Murder for the Sages by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This mystery seemed very slow-going but it could’ve been that it was just building toward a really good ending that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’d never suspected the person who ended up as the killer, and honestly I couldn’t really come up with anyone as the perp. The showdown was a little tense but didn’t drag on forever which was good. I also love it when dogs or cats are the heroes of the day or to paraphrase Sissy “better than Lassie even.”

The ending was super sweet and pretty much what I’ve waited these three books to see. I haven’t heard anything about whether there’s gonna be a book four but I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to it.

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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Haunting License review

June 25, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third in the super fun Haunted Haven Mysteries set in Florida by Carol J. Perry who also writes the long-running Witch City Mysteries. By the third book, or sometimes even second I start really feeling like characters are old friends (even the resident ghosts), and these guys didn’t disappoint. I was happy to read in the author’s email newsletter that there’ll definitely be a book 4 and it was recently turned in at the publisher for edits. Yay!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #CarolJPerry

My Goodreads review:

Haunting License by Carol J. Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a pretty exciting case and I loved that Maureen actually had a sidekick to sleuth with. She and Kim got along so well, I was pulling for Kim to stay in the area and work, but you’ll have to read it and see. Those inn ghosts are too awesome especially Lorna since she’s the one who talks, a lot lol, and hangs out in Maureen’s apartment. Ghost Billy sometimes on piano always played something that went right along with what was going on, pretty cool.

Lots of successes happened for the inn with this third book. I just love Trent and Pierre’s characters! Their energy is off the charts and they’re just so much fun to read about while working their design and carpentry magic. It wasn’t really a surprise as to whodunit, it was the thrill of the chase in this book and more how the perp was caught. I can’t wait for Book 4 which I know for sure is on its way eventually.

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