cozy mystery – Page 16 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Revved Up 4 Murder review

February 20, 2024February 20, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth book in the Sophie Kimball Mysteries by husband and wife team J.C. Eaton aka Ann Goldfarb and Jim Clapp. Their characters are always super entertaining no matter which of their series you read, but I guess I’m biased and love this series best because of little Streetman. Isn’t he adorable in his mechanic’s cap on the cover? The cover art for this series is just the best! Streetman might be a stinker and a thorn in Phee’s side, but sometimes he’s really useful! It’s fun how Nate and Marshall’s cases usually have some connection to the murder at hand in which Phee’s trying to wrangle her mother and the book club ladies…and those pinochle guys. They’re all a hoot!

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My Goodreads review:

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

Just when it seems this series can’t get any funnier, Streetman has some stellar aka hilarious, crazy incidents that only that silly little chiweenie could get into. I laughed the hardest at the fishing boat incident, but he was also pretty helpful in digging up clues and running away with other clues.

I was never sure who ultimately was at fault until the showdown and explanation. Rolo was in this one a lot and upped his usual kitchen gadgetry payment to something more than usual lol. In all fairness, he did help tremendously. I’m pretty sure Phee, Marshall and Nate’s rewards are gonna be getting some actual decent sleep now!

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 Suspicious Breed review

February 19, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Low Country Dog Walker Mysteries by Jackie Layton, and I’ve absolutely loved each book in this series. Books could work as standalones, but it’s more fun to start at the beginning and watch the various relationships and families grow. Hoping there’ll be more to come!

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #JackieLayton

My Goodreads review:

A Suspicious Breed by Jackie Layton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve absolutely loved this entire series and hope there’ll be more adventures for Andi, Marc and all their friends and extended family. Ike was such an awesome addition back when he was added, and he got to do a little sleuthing this time. Some new family members and friends joined the flock this time and it was super su-weet, as Marc would say.

Andi had her plate full before she and her bestie had their double wedding to the loves of their lives. I was especially eager to see the rotten perp or perps brought to justice after the murder and a scheme cheating money from donors that helped dogs in need. Some awesome sleuthing followed by a quick but tense showdown, then life was back to the two weddings.

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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A Smoking Bun review

February 17, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighteenth book in the long-running Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander who’s no stranger to the Ashland area which is why it’s described so well and vividly in her books. Jules and her friends/family are gonna steal your heart no matter where you start in the series. I always recommend the beginning, but I’ve broken that little guideline by not being able to resist these when they come up on NetGalley, so yeah, I’ve got a little catching up to do but it’s all good!

#NetGalley #StMartinsPaperbacks #EllieAlexander

My Goodreads review:

A Smoking Bun by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wild case and I always love it when Jules and Lance go sleuthing together. If anything, he’s probably the best dressed sleuth around, lol. He’s not all show and stage though since sometimes he did have some valuable intel to share or ideas to sleuth out.

I wasn’t ever really sure until the actual reveal of whodunit and there were some great scenes working up to that. I loved the final scene with everyone who loved the ski lodge gathered together for food and fellowship. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next in Ashland!

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

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A Catered Quilting Bee review

February 16, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighteenth book in the long-running Mysteries with Recipes series by Isis Crawford , a pen name used by Barbara Block. The sisters Bernie and Libby Simmons never fail to make me laugh whenever I read one of these books. And their retired police chief dad, Sean keeps those two in line with his dad/police advice. His friend Clyde is gonna really be ready to retire once his time comes, especially with what the sisters are always asking him to do or ignore in most cases, lol.

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My Goodreads review:

A Catered Quilting Bee by Isis Crawford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really wild mystery with several layers going for it and a decent amount of suspects. Our fave catering duo attacked this case with their usual flair and comedic lines throughout. Sean’s detective friend Clyde must have the patience of a saint for the stuff he always let the girls slip by, lol. All in good fictional fun though!

That was some showdown and impressive escape by the sisters who added a little information to Clyde’s explanation of everything at the end. And what case is complete without a toast, right? Till next time, Simmons sisters!

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

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Double Grudge Donuts review

February 13, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton, and I’ve enjoyed this series from the very beginning. I was thrilled at the events happening in this book, but first a murderer had to be put away before Emily and Brent’s wedding. I loved that Jocelyn, donut shop assistant extraordinaire got to have a big part in the showdown. Can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Double Grudge Donuts by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not gonna lie. I waited eight books for the last few moments in this book and I couldn’t’ve imagined it any better! Meanwhile the mystery itself was awesome and had a really exciting confrontation with a killer. I wasn’t even sure whodunit during the showdown until a certain clue came out. Jocelyn really got her moment to shine in the showdown and I’m sure Emily couldn’t be prouder of her well now that she’s safe and everything!

Little Dep was just as adorable as ever and living up to her mystery sniffing reputation. I’m sure she’s gonna be thrilled that the current second favorite person in her life would be joining her and Emily in their home soon. Can’t wait for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book and my opinions are my own.

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The Last Word review

February 12, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series called Deadly Deadlines Mysteries by Gerri Lewis. Unfortunately, there’s no series page for it on GR yet, but maybe when a second book comes, hopefully one of the librarians might make one.

From what I saw on her website, I’m guessing the author’s new to writing cozies, but she’s definitely got the idea of one right. If you check out Gerri Lewis’s website about page, you’ll see a fun little obit she wrote about herself which told me a lot about her writing career. I knew she was definitely not a newbie writer. I really enjoyed this and look forward to another book! I loved the chemistry among all the key players and the characterization was super well done. Diva the puppy was absolutely adorable and Max the shepherd was pretty awesome as well.

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My Goodreads review:

The Last Word by Gerri Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a multi-layer mystery and so many suspenseful parts I couldn’t read fast enough! I had someone pegged from almost the start as either a killer or just up to no good and I was right about them, but with other layers of the mystery, another thing completely surprised me.

That sweet little dog Diva seemed to have broken through even a non-dog person’s heart and even another dog that was eventually needing a home turned out to be an awesome pup. I really loved Uncle Richard’s and Scoop’s characters a lot! Richard was so giving and wanted to take care of everyone with comforting food, and Scoop was just an awesome friend. I can’t wait to see if he and a certain girl stay together just like I’m eager for Kip and Winter to be together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book and my opinions are my own.

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A Pie to Die For review

February 6, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series by Gretchen Rue called Lucky Pie Mysteries, and I really enjoyed it a lot. I liked her previous series, Witches’ Brew as well, so I knew I’d want to read this one as well. I just loved Este’s Grampy Chuck, what a character! She’s lucky to have a bestie like Kitty as well and an awesome, laid back chef like Seamus. The setting was really fun and reminded me a little of Mackinac Island. Can’t wait to see how this series develops.

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My Goodreads review:

A Pie to Die For by Gretchen Rue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book started what seems like it’ll be a fun series with a little touch of magic. I really love the setting and the similarity to another famous Upper Peninsula island with no cars, just horses and this island had golf carts. I liked Este and her best bud Kitty as well as Grampy, once we finally got to meet him that is lol. Tom was a good and fair sheriff, and I really hope he and Este can become an official couple.

I would’ve never guessed what was going on as the reason for an outsider’s murder, and while the showdown was tense, Este was also smart about it so it was pretty short once all the details were told by the killer. Once I was done with this book, I was really wishing for some caramel apple pie lol.

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

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A Killer Romance review

February 4, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third and what sounds like last book in the Beach Reads Mysteries by Maggie Blackburn, a pen name of Mollie Cox Bryan who wrote the Cora Crafts Mysteries as well as Cumberland Creek Mysteries and the Buttermilk Creek Mysteries. I was sorry to see that this book appears to be the last one in this series, but the epilogue was amazing and the author definitely wrapped it up in a super nice bow.

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My Goodreads review:

A Killer Romance by Maggie Blackburn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s been a long almost-three years since the second book was published, so it was good to return to Summer and all her friends and family on the island. I always loved Mia as a character and she didn’t disappoint at all and neither did Glads. Summer’s got an awesome family, but she also has friends that’re like family.
Wow this was one tangled case and admittedly at times I thought it went a bit slow, but when something happened, at least they got on with it pretty quickly. There were lots of secrets and I was never sure who to trust except the main players. The whodunit was a big surprise.

Since there was an epilogue with a very sweet ending taking place a year later, I’m assuming this series isn’t continuing, but I’m really satisfied with how the author perfectly wrapped it up.

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

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Murder at the Blarney Bash review

January 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Series Mysteries by Darci Hannah and we got introduced to a couple new characters opening a shop in Beacon Harbor. I’m sure Rory’s poor uncle didn’t know what he’d be getting involved in when he came to the states only to be accused of murder. You’ll have to read all the action and see what happens!

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My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Blarney Bash by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rory’s Uncle Finn was quite a character, a real hoot who cracked me up quite a bit while reading. Since he’s part of Beacon Harbor now I’m sure he’ll make another appearance or so in future books.

I was totally wrong on whodunit, maybe because I wanted a particular person to be guilty, who knows. It was fun getting the gang back together to sleuth this one out, a perfect reunion for Lindsey and her bestie. I just love sweet Welly and how that big pup always ends up helping with the case by either sniffing something out, looking intimidating, or both! It’ll be interesting to see what Lindsey and her crew gets into next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an AFC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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Easter Basket Murder review

January 22, 2024 Tari Hann

This is another fun holiday compilation of short Easter basket themed murder mysteries from some favorite cozy mystery authors. Not gonna lie, I’m still not ready to give up Christmas yet, so I wasn’t super eager to read about Easter. But reading a Hayley Powell story no matter what the length always puts me in a great mood and gives me something to laugh about. All three were the fun you’ve come to expect from the various series.

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My Goodreads review:

Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed these Easter basket themed mini murder mysteries by three of my fave cozy mystery authors. It’s always fun to visit Tinker’s Cove with Lucy, Bill and all their friends. I’d actually guessed the killer in that one. Boy was that an exciting showdown and Lucy got an amazing story from it to report.

When I got to the Hayley Powell story, it wasn’t so easy to guess that, and there was an awesome plot twist toward the end. We got to catch up with Mona, crazy as ever and now chasing a grandkid around who seemed oblivious of her. Hard to think of Hayley as a grandma as well but Mona was really cracking me up. We even got a really good Sergioism!

Julia Snowden in the third story was celebrating Easter on the island where they always had clambakes. The murder turned into a super twisty puzzle that seemed impossible to unravel, but Julia and Tom managed to figure it out. Once the perp was found, the ending jumped to Memorial Day which meant opening the clambakes was just a month away.

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

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