Tag: cozy mystery

Caught on the Book review

Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Antique Bookshop Mysteries by Laura Gail Black, and I’ve enjoyed each one since the series started, but I especially liked this one. There’s everything a good cozy needs in this series like a strong main character, a sweet and patient boyfriend, the world’s best bestie as well as various good friends and business neighbors. And no one can forget sweet little Eddy the furry pup Jenna inherited from her Uncle Paul along with the store. Who knew she’d ever be such a good doggie mom? I’m always hopeful for more books in a series, but if this one were to end here, I really think the author did a great job of giving the characters an amazing place to be in their lives.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #LauraGailBlack

My Goodreads review:

Caught on the Book (Antique Bookshop, #4)Caught on the Book by Laura Gail Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my favorite of the series so far! Despite the murder that happened and trying to help a former nemesis, Jenna had a lot of great stuff going on in her life especially where Keith was concerned. There were some good red herrings in the case as well as some threats, but Jenna’s never been known to back down from a case, so she wasn’t gonna start lol. I do think she stumbled a little blindly into the showdown though, but she lived to solve another murder at least.

The ending was so sweet in not just one way. Jenna made peace with the former nemesis and came up with a plan that was pretty darn brilliant. I hope there’ll be more in the series, but if there’s not, I’m pretty happy with this ending!

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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New Leash on Life review

Tari Hann

This is the sixth (and I believe final) book in the Gone to the Dogs mystery series and the author this time’s Kathleen Y’Barbo. The series was written alternately by both her and Janice Thompson, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of meeting all the key players of the Lone Star Vet Clinic and their main friends through these books. Every book was written through the first person eyes of someone different, this book being Nora Hernandez’s turn to shine. I’d actually not remembered a whole lot about her but the more I read in this, I realized she was somewhat in book 4 written by this same author. It was a fun way to see various people coupled and married too, which was the sweet part of it. I really loved all the dogs featured too!

#NetGalley #BarbourPublishing #KathleenYBarbo

My Goodreads review:

New Leash on Life (Gone to the Dogs, #6)New Leash on Life by Kathleen Y’Barbo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this books so much and I think it’s my favorite of the series. Pal the dog was just the best addition and I loved reading the mention of the real life dog he was based on listed on the acknowledgment page. I was only a little familiar with Nora’s character and I’m pretty sure Lane wasn’t in it much before if at all, but these two characters were just so awesome and special. The end of this book was the absolute best! Look at me gushing over a book that’s not a murder mystery, lol.

This is the only series I’ve ever read that’s come even close to interesting me that consistently doesn’t have a murder as the case. Maybe it’s because of all the little side mysteries and secrets that’ve been parts of each book. But just like with all cozy mysteries, the good guys win and there’s a happily ever after…or more. I’m pretty sure this was scheduled to be the last book, but I’d happily read more in this series.

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

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Killer Hooks review

Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in the long-running Crochet Mysteries by Betty Hechtman. It looks like the series found a new home at Beyond the Page, and I gotta say I love the new cover look! That little dog’s just precious! It’s not like I didn’t like the more cartoony dog of previous covers which was funny and had great eye expressions, but there’s just something so cute about this one. Maybe it’s ’cause this dog reminds me of Wishbone from the old kids’ PBS series from the 90s.

Either way it was great catching up with Molly and all her friends. She cracks me up how she’s always got a houseful of people and cute pets, and that was even before her little granddaughter came to live there. Oh and Molly even added another cat, adopted from a murder victim. Don’t miss this newest release since it came out today. Another thing about the new publishing company, the price might make it easier for more readers to grab the book. (It’s 4.99).

#NetGalley #BeyondthePage #BettyHechtman

My Goodreads review:

Killer Hooks (Crochet Mysteries Book 15)Killer Hooks by Betty Hechtman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It seemed like forever since I’d read in this series last, but apparently it was only about a year ago. It was great catching up with Molly and her friends. Adele had taken me a long while to get used to, but she’s actually pretty funny sometimes, and now who knew Molly’d ever agree to working together with her on something?

Taking her granddaughter to a high-profile Hollywood mommy group sure added unneeded drama to Molly’s life and nearly got her killed in the showdown, but luck happened to be on her side for both a case she was on for her son Peter and the current murder cases. I hated that nothing had come of Molly and Mason’s relationship previously, but maybe they can remain friends and even colleagues. And Molly seems to keep herself so busy I doubt she’d ever have time for another romantic interest, lol. It’ll be interesting to see what the next book brings!

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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Hanging by a Thread review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Sewing Studio Mysteries by Dorothy Howell, and I’ve enjoyed both books so far and I’m hoping for a third. I guess it’s pretty relatable since I sew although I don’t sew for humans, just 18″ dolls that don’t move, change or complain, lol. By the end of the book, things were looking up for main character, Abbey, so I’m eager for her next adventure.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DorothyHowell

My Goodreads review:

Hanging by a Thread (Sewing Studio Mystery, #2)Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d forgotten a few things about the first book but it all came back as the characters interacted and the story unfolded. I had quite a few pieces of the puzzle figured out but not quite everything, although I like to believe I was right about the basic why of the murder. Once again, the sewing studio was a crucial place when the showdown started. I was going “Go Abbey!” You just never know what might come in handy in your sewing room if you encounter a killer.

The side mystery that Abbey was investigating for Imogen at the toy store had an unexpected and sweet outcome, and Abbey herself got something unexpected. Now I can’t wait to read more and see how all this works out.

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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Case of the Bleus-review

Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss, and I’ve enjoyed this series from its beginning. I hope there’ll be more books since this book left a few things hanging that I’d hope to see eventually cleared up. But no worries, all murder-y things are explained and figured out. I enjoyed figuring out some riddles and little things along the way as well as eventually whodunit. That Baz always cracks me up! He’s so hilarious sometimes but boy did his usual hilarity come in handy at the showdown! He’s such an awesome bestie for Willa, but I’m sure they’d each like to find their happily ever after in someone else.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPaperbacks #Korina Moss

My Goodreads review:

Case of the Bleus (Cheese Shop Mystery, #4)Case of the Bleus by Korina Moss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a long and winding path to finally figure out the secret, but it was great! Max was a true prankster right up to the end. What a stinker—sounds like someone I’d probably like lol! I’d figured out little things along the way a little before Willa did along with whodunit, although I didn’t have those details right at all.

I liked the side story about Archie and Hope—he’s such an awesome boyfriend and it sure didn’t seem like she appreciated him. And I wish it’d ended on a better note for Willa and Heath, but maybe he’ll come around as long as more books are on the way. I loved what Baz did at the showdown! I just love his character who’s been one of my favorite characters since the first book. He just cracks me up all the time, sorta reminds of Deeks from NCIS: LA. I hope there’ll be more books coming!

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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Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas review

Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Year-Round Christmas Mysteries by one of my fave cozy authors, Vicki Delany. But as fans know, the series was let go from its former publisher, so according to what the acknowledgement page in the book says, it was those same fans who were instrumental in getting this series to make a comeback in the last three years, this time with Crooked Lane. I hope it’s headed for a nice long ride just like the author’s other series, The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas (Year-Round Christmas Mystery #6)Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy, what a bunch of drama kings and queens in the Rudolph Players group as they got ready for their annul Christmas play, a musical version of A Christmas Carol.! I wouldn’t’ve blamed a couple of the long-timers if they’d made good on their threats to quit because that new artistic director was something else. Merry’s dad’s always been my fave character and he proved that point once again at the end.

I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed Merry’s character—she’s a strong personality and doesn’t take anything from anyone including family. And it’d take a Christmas miracle to change mean old Margie in the store next to Merry, lol. 😉. I’d definitely not guessed whodunit and enjoyed the crazy showdown and arrest that followed.

I was so happy to see this series return! I know it was pretty sad when the author had said it ended but as the acknowledgement page said, it was due largely to reader support and requests that it made a welcome return. I love hearing stories like that!

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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Death by a Thousand Sips review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Witches’ Brew Mysteries by Gretchen Rue. I really enjoyed the first one and was definitely not disappointed in this second book. Things were looking up for Phoebe, even the town meanie was being nice to her (later in the book), but first you gotta have the murder case. She had her old friend Rich to work on it with since this time she wasn’t suspecting him of murder, lol. I’m happy to see those two were getting closer together, ’cause hey, Bob the cat approves of Rich. And that’s saying a lot! This book releases September 5, 2023.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GretchenRue

My Goodreads review:

Death by a Thousand Sips (Witches' Brew Mystery #2)Death by a Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, this was an awesome second book and I loved that Phoebe and Rich were getting close again. Phoebe’s employees are so awesome and I just love Amy and Honey, her neighboring shop friends. Honey’s really special since she can give Phoebe witchy advice no one else can.

There was one thing in the story that made me suspect something but it went away from my brain and resurfaced later. I had absolutely no idea of whodunit and that was some exciting showdown too! Thanks to Phoebe’s quick thinking, she didn’t have to end up as fish food or worse. The side story of opening a cate adoption center was starting to be a reality and Phoebe was really hoping she could talk their favorite older customer into adopting a nice cat from the shelter. Bob the cat as usual played a great part from when he sniffed out the dead body to when he inspired cat adoption. Ginger cats are pawsome! Don’t miss this book when it releases on September 5, 2023.

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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Seams Deadly review

Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series, Measure Twice Sewing Mysteries by Maggie Bailey and it seems promising. I was definitely interested in someone who liked to sew, although admittedly I don’t enjoy sewing people clothes or altering…anything. (Guess I need one of those tees Lydia mentioned that says “Yes I sew, no I won’t hem your pants” haha!) My sewing models are vinyl and eighteen inches tall that never complain or grow, lol.

But it’s fun to have a main character who’s immersed in sewing for something wearable and who’s got like-minded friends. If it hadn’t been for the murder that took recently place, Lydia’s class would’ve been more fun I’m sure! But at the end, I loved how her friends showed her how much they cared for her. And of course everyone needs a harmless, creepy but happy neighbor who I couldn’t help thinking of as Howard from Big Bang, with Sheldon’s obsession of model trains.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane

My Goodreads review:

Seams Deadly (A Measure Twice Sewing Mystery, #1)Seams Deadly by Maggie Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series definitely has lots of potential and I liked the key players aka Lydia’s new friends in town and Fran, of course, her good friend who’d taken her in. But someone in town appeared to have it in for Lydia after framing her for two murders, so like any good cozy sleuth, she knew it was gonna be up to her to get her name cleared for good. Fran was really an awesome friend, not super warm or anything which definitely isn’t a Southern trait, lol. But later when I found out why she’d been uptight, I figured she deserved a break. Cynde was actually my fave of Lydia’s new friends. She had every reason to be a little bitter, but she was warm and welcoming.

I was never sure whodunit until the reveal which was super tense and I kept wondering how Lydia was gonna get out from under this mess. But never underestimate a rescue cat named Baby Lobster because she was definitely named that for a good reason! Once her name was cleared and Lydia got a little time away, she was back and ready to go. Toward the end was my fave way to wrap up a cozy with food, friends and fellowship when the crew as Lydia called her friends gathered at the donut shop to show Lydia that they honestly did care about her even if she felt she wasn’t too loved. And she got to take care of any loose threads of the case or questions they had. I really liked what happened at the very end and now I’m eager to read the next book. This book releases September 5, 2023.

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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Murder at a Cape Bookstore review

Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries by Maddie Day, author of the Country Store Mysteries as well under this writing name and also known as Edith Maxwell. I’ve read this series from the beginning and liked how it has a different job for a main character and a really different pet in Belle the African gray parrot. I’m not a fan of birds in real life, but fiction ones especially ones with Belle’s crazy and fun personality I can handle just fine. I love the Cape Cod setting and hope to go there someday.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #MaddieDay

Murder at a Cape Bookstore (Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery, #5)Murder at a Cape Bookstore by Maddie Day
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mac’s sure come a very long way from how she was in the first book. It looks like she’s learned not to obsess too much when she can’t have complete order or at least to accept help from people. Good old Belle the parrot’s still spouting off phrases she learns from conversations and continued to entertain the book club when they met at Mac’s house. I just love Grandma Reba, she’s such an awesome character and we got to meet a friend of hers who learned that anyone truly can get a bike from Mac’s Bikes and be comfortable riding it. That was a cool little side story.

Norland was the secondary character who was in the spotlight this time since he did some research on an old case he thought might have something to do with the current murder of their Chamber of Commerce director—an he’d been minding the shop when the director was killed in the bookstore. The guy had tons of secrets as did lots of other people but there’s usually only one killer, and Mac wasn’t stopping until she found her perp…or as it turned out, they found her. But Mac’s pretty darn kick butt when she needs to be and got the situation under control. I think she had some extra motivation knowing this perp was also after her pal Norland.

Food, friends and fellowship followed once everyone was okay again giving the kind of ending that’s just so fun with everyone hanging out and wrapping up the case. In light of Mac’s future plans and what she noticed about frenemy police officer Victoria, the next book should be pretty interesting!

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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Catch Me If You Candy review

Tari Hann

This is book 17 in the long-running Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander who also writes the Sloan Krause Mysteries. Bakeshop Mysteries are set in Ashland, a place she’s very familiar with as you might know if you happen to get the author’s newsletter. She’s also written the Pacific Northwest Mysteries and Rose City Mysteries as Kate Dyer-Seeley. With this author, you’re always guaranteed some great characters and fast friendships as well as a compelling mystery and adventure!

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #EllieAlexander

My Goodreads review:

Catch Me If You Candy (Bakeshop Mystery #17)Catch Me If You Candy by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hadn’t read in this series for a really long time, but it didn’t take me long to catch back up. The author has a really nice way of catching readers up without spoiling anything (like the whodunit) from past books. This was an extra cool time of year to be in Ashland for all the Halloween festivities, but it wasn’t cool for the poor guy who got killed. Of course, Lance was all for sleuthing again with his buddy Jules, so she went along with it since she’s curious like that anyway.

I hadn’t guessed whodunit until the clues started pointing that way, and the showdown was safely conducted with Jules and Carlos in their car and the police taking charge. There was a little side mystery I don’t think we’ll get an answer for until next book concerning Lance who Jules had spotted a few times visiting Richard Lord’s hotel. Then Lance was talking in almost riddles toward the end but left Jules hanging. Ok Lance, you need to tell her what you were about to tell her by the time the next book’s out, lol. This series makes me think it’d be fun to visit Ashland pretty much any time of the year!

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

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