cozy mystery – Page 30 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Peanut Butter Panic review

August 20, 2022August 20, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower. I really love anything I read by this author, and I’ve been with this series from the very beginning. It’s fun to see how the characters grew and developed especially Bailey and Aiden as a couple. Her grandma Clara’s a really awesome Amish lady, and it’s kinda cute how she’s learned to accept that Bailey investigates if there’s a murder. She worries, sure, but I think she secretly enjoys that Bailey’s so good at both her candy job and investigating. And of course whatever Margot decides to add to Bailey’s plate of the day!

The Amish church spread intrigued me, so I searched on Google and found tons of different recipes along with the picture above which is credited to Mama Likes to Cook website.

#KensingtonCozies #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

Peanut Butter Panic by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Poor Bailey was already under bunches of pressure from overseeing the rest of the Thanksgiving meal event for Margot. She sure didn’t need a dead body making an appearance at dinner. But knowing Bailey even though she had no real connection to the murder victim, she wasn’t about to let someone get away with it.

I just love how Charlotte’s character’s getting so much more developed now that she’s engaged to Luke Little the deputy and decided to leave the Amish church. She was a pretty good sleuthing partner for Bailey now. Even before, she was just too curious and Bailey normally gave in and let her help. At least now Bailey didn’t have to worry about making anyone mad about what Charlotte was up to, well there was always Luke to answer to because he worried about Charlotte.

I really admire Bailey and Aiden as a couple for working out the outside issues in their relationship. They really came a long way and seem so strong now that not even a two-hour drive for his new BCI job was gonna ruin this awesome relationship. I love what Aiden said to her before he left!

And that little Jethro was at his best mischief and cuteness-wise. I thought it was about time Bailey admitted the little pig was really growing on her since Juliet always had her pigsitting. The little dude’s definitely a star in his own little world!

Oh that showdown was so awesome and satisfying! Couldn’t have wished for anything more or better justice! It’ll be interesting to see how Bailey’s dream for a candy factory for Swissmen Sweets works out now that she’s got the first part somewhat taken care of. Don’t miss this seventh installment in the Amish Candy Shop series that releases this coming Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

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

Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold review

August 18, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Salem B&B series by Traci Wilton, the writing team of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. From the first book I fell in love with the ghost character of Dr. Jack Strathmore. He’s such an awesome ghost and comes in really handy when Charlene’s investigating. I mean, who wouldn’t be impressed with a ghost who’s come so far that he learned some mad computer skills? Jack might not be able to leave the B&B property, but he’s a whiz at internet searches!

#KensingtonCozies #TraciWilton

My Goodreads review:

Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold by Traci Wilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What girl’s lucky enough to have two guys interested in her…except in Charlene’s case, one was a handsome ghost she could only be friends with. The other was a little more interested in her than she was in having a relationship right now. Jealous ghosts can be such a pain, lol! But Jack’s really an awesome ghost and he’s come so far from where he was in the first couple books. He’s a huge help when Charlene’s investigating (and not supposed to be) since he can look things up online for her.

I don’t think this one’s main theme was quite as interesting to me as the previous books. There was sure a lot of family drama going on and it would’ve been a little extra hard to guess the killer this time. The showdown was pretty tense with Charlene having sleuthed with an unlikely sidekick.

Avery’s side story’s always been really interesting to me, and she’s definitely come a very long way from when she first started working for the B&B. Charlene gave her some good news at the end, and Char’s parents even pitched in a little to help Avery as well. They probably look at her as the granddaughter they never had. Their news at the end should prove pretty interesting! I’m definitely eager to see what unfolds in the next book.

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

A Dish to Die For review

August 8, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth in the long running Key West Food Critic Mysteries series by Lucy Burdette, and it’s always a foodie’s paradise to go visit Hayley and see what she orders and writes about. You can always count on some yummy recipes as well at the back of these books! This book releases tomorrow, August 9 and would make a great beach read if you’ve still got a vacation coming up!

My Goodreads review:

A Dish to Die For by Lucy Burdette
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another case for Hayley as she gets used to married life, and poor Nathan was agonizing over his dad being in town. Once we met his dad, I didn’t eventually think he was so bad. I could almost picture him as DiNozzo Sr. only less jovial or joking around. He seemed like an acquired taste, lol, but Hayley’s probably one of the easiest and nicest people to get along with, so I didn’t think he’d have any issues with her. She kinda seemed to charm him a little if that was possible.

I like how Miss Gloria got to help out a little with the sleuthing again and after successfully solving the case of “who killed the rich guy on the beach,” she got some good news at work too. Always a yummy time visiting Key West with Hayley and friends!

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

View all my reviews

In Too Steep review

August 7, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Misty Bay Tearoom Mysteries by Kate Kingsbury, author of The Merry Ghost Inn and Pennyfoot Hotel cozy mystery series. I really like Viv and her team. Their work and off hours camaraderie’s a lot of fun, and that Gracie always cracks me up! She’s always so eager to sleuth, just love that girl! Now I can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m really enjoying this series and the fact that Vivian’s finally coming around to having a more than friendship relationship with Hal. Life’s too short to let a good someone go–now if Jenna would take that advice, she’d make Viv a happy camper!

I got a suspicion when a character was introduced that they might be the perp, and I was actually right. But wow what a twisted journey that little model of the Big Ben took! From one owner to another, how could this innocent decorative piece have gotten involved in a jewel heist? Vivian and her pals were determined to find out.

I like the side story with Hal and how this particular incident seemed to bring him and Viv even closer. And I believe there might be hope for Jenna and Tony too! That showdown was tense, but all ended up well with the right help coming along when needed. I’m eager to read more now that all three ladies seem to be in a good place with possible relationships! This book releases Tuesday, August 6, 2022.

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

The Fragrance of Death review

August 2, 2022August 2, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Sally Solari Mysteries (this is the first 4) by Leslie Karst who was luckily able to get a new publisher to continue the series. It ended in 2019 with the previous publisher, so the link I added is to the first four books, but you can get to this one from my Goodreads review below. It was great visiting Sally, her dad, Nonna, Javier and the whole gang in Santa Cruz again. I just love Sally’s dad! He’s such an awesome character, and I love that he’s happy with Abby his girlfriend. I hope the new publisher wants to let Sally’s tales continue! Readers can help support that by buying the book or borrowing it from your library and leaving reviews too! If your library takes suggestions, you can always suggest they get the hardback or on Overdrive I know my library lets us submit suggestions for e-book buys.

#SevernHousePublishing #LeslieKarst

My Goodreads review:

The Fragrance of Death by Leslie Karst
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to find out that the author found another publisher and was going to continue Sally’s stories! I think any Sally fan might agree we’ve been a little starved for one of our fave cozy chef characters, so this book definitely didn’t disappoint. But poor Sally had the most horrible dilemma any chef could imagine: loss of taste and smell. It didn’t help if a dish got goofed up or something even worse happened because of said loss.

To keep her mind off her own issues, Sally was investigating again when the guy next to her at the Artichoke Contest was killed. There was a fairly long list of wannabe killers and even the police had trouble zoning in on which one offed the guy. But our Sally girl wouldn’t be deterred even with attempts on her life going on.

Meanwhile, Sally had some relationship changes going on, and I gotta say I’m not unhappy with what ended up happening and wasn’t completely surprised. The showdown was pretty exciting and I thought it was really cool how Sally caught her perp. Sally, I hope your adventures are able to continue, it’s been awesome catching back up!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher Severn House via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

View all my reviews

Off the Chain review

August 1, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a series called Gone to the Dogs by Janice Thompson. The end of the book shows a second book coming but by a different author. One reason I liked this book so much was definitely that it had some mystery going for it and something that needed solved along with a few random problems and situations that popped up–and of course, the dogs.

The best part was everything getting a satisfactory solution, so at least the mystery lover in me was satisfied. But I found myself really liking these characters and wishing I could read more about them. I loved Mari’s vision for her pet rescue ranch and how some unlikely people stepped up to help. It had all the makings of a super sweet Hallmark movie!

The next in the series isn’t written by this author, but it does sound promising as far as having some mystery in it. It’s called Dog Days of Summer. Looks like in October we’ll get to see how Mari gets some help opening her Second Chance Ranch for pet rescues. Then when I was leaving the Amazon review, I saw that Janice Thompson’s writing the third book coming in January, Barking Up the Wrong Tree. (This is an Amazon link, but I’m not an affiliate anymore.)

My Goodreads review:

Off the Chain by Janice Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really found myself enjoying this cozy sort-of mystery even though there was no murder. I got invested in the characters as I read and really cared about what happened to them. To keep my interest though, there were some smaller side mysteries and situations that happened. But it all had such an awesomely happy ending! Not gonna lie, I might’ve leaked some happy tears here and there as different situations played out. It was very hard to put the book down!

Even though I’m first and foremost a cozy murder mystery fan, every so often a book like this comes along, and as along as the wrongdoers in the book are all taken care of and made to pay for what they did, or sometimes a character changes and isn’t as bad as originally led to believe–then all’s right in the book. I’d absolutely read more about these characters in a follow-up book, although I’d still want there to be some intrigue and some type of a problem or mystery to solve. 😉 I just couldn’t have been more satisfied with the outcome of the book and how everyone in it shared the same values I do (and love of dogs!).

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

View all my reviews

Murder Spills the Tea review

July 31, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Tea by the Sea series by Vicki Delany who currently writes The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries as Vicki Delany and the Lighthouse Library Mysteries under the pen name of Eva Gates. I loved this Cape Cod setting from the get-go and the picturesque little town. It’s hard to believe that Lily’s Grandma Rose agreed to a reality show (that doesn’t seem like her thing at all lol), but poor Lily was railroaded into doing one thanks to Rose and her bestie Bernie. You’ll have to read it and find out what all craziness went down!

My Goodreads review:

Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy did poor Lily have a hot mess on her hands with the drama from a crew of reality show people. I’m not a reality show fan at all and wasn’t real thrilled with that theme as being part of the book, but at least it wasn’t all about the show and everything that happened on it. The drama was the main thing leading up to the murder and investigation which did take priority. Although someone needs to tell Det. Williams that retirement called and wants him lol. Amy Richmond would be so much better off investigating the case alone, but she did at least manage to get her way when she felt he was being unfair.

I do love when Rose, Bernie and Lily go sleuthing, although I always feel bad for Lily who seems to be more on the outside of an inside joke when Rose and Bernie discuss a case. I really didn’t have the person whodunit on my radar, but what an exciting showdown! It was definitely movie worthy!

I sure hope Lily and Simon can get a little closer now and maybe he won’t have to go back to England after all when fall comes. They’re awfully cute together as are Bernie and Matt, although she won’t admit she likes him. Bernie cracks me up! Can’t wait to see what these characters get into next time!

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

Witch and Famous review

July 27, 2022July 27, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve loved this series from the very first book, and it just keeps getting better. That little rascal Rodney cat’s definitely a favorite character! He’s always instrumental in helping Josie with a case or warning her about danger. The books and Josie have come a long way too since the previous book, and she can do some seriously cool stuff with them. I’m always eager for the next book in this series especially now after Roz’s good news! I’m still hopeful for Josie and Sam getting together.

#KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

Witch and Famous by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this third book a lot because Josie’s come so far with her magic, and it was cool how she had the books dancing every morning before anyone came. The books could do a lot for her now just by thinking it to them. I got a kick out of the Indy 500 book, but collectively let’s just say “never underestimate the power of a good book” really came true in this book!

I didn’t like that doggone Daphne actress at all! She wouldn’t take her eyes or her hands off Sam, and despite how he’s been nice but made no romantic moves to Josie yet, I’m still confident they’ll find a way to get together. That was another way you’ll see how Josie’s grown as a witch when she has to make a more seasoned witch decision. I won’t say what she was trying to decide due to not wanting to spoil anything.

I love how the townspeople who usually spent time in Darla’s café were now hanging out in the library’s kitchen. Well I did feel sorry for Josie always having to keep order because they did sometimes get a little bit rowdy! But they were super interested in sleuthing for her and some of their info did come in handy.

I hadn’t really guessed whodunit and the whole thing got a little bit complex but it makes sense when you read it. The ending did sound more promising as far as a lot of things went, and even grumpy Roz got a happy ending!

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

No Parm No Foul review

July 26, 2022July 26, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly, a well-established cozy mystery author of a couple other series. Who doesn’t love a yummy and comforting grilled cheese sandwich? I knew I’d love this series when I first saw it and it’s not been a disappointment at all. There’re even some recipes at the end of the book for some of the cheesy sandwich goodness featured in the story.

I really loved this book and was thrilled to see I really won’t have to wait a year for the next book since Cheddar Late Than Dead releases January 31, 2023. (Be sure to click through to the Amazon page and read the synopsis–this sounds like another good one!) I know I can’t wait to catch back up with these book friends.

#PoisonedPenPress #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

No Parm No Foul by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this Halloween time visit to Vermont and Carly’s grilled cheese eatery. I wish that place was real! I’m not much on fancy grilled cheeses, but I bet she still would make an awesome regular one! I loved sweet Evelyn’s character and how she played a part in Carly figuring out whodunit. I’m happy that in the first book Carly reconciled with Gina and now they were the best of buddies especially when it came to sharing sleuthing secrets or tossing around case ideas.

There were a lot of possible suspects and I wasn’t sure until one clue stuck out then more started coming. The showdown was pretty exciting and help came from a super unlikely source, wait’ll you read about that, it’s pretty cool.

I’m really happy with where Carly and Ari are in their relationship especially at the end of the book! That makes me wish another book wasn’t a year away, but I guess I’ll appreciate it a lot more if I have to wait. I’ve really come to think of these characters as old friends now and once again I’m so happy that a main character actually has a good relationship with her mom and the mom is equally nice to her daughter. Even Carly’s stepdad’s a sweetie! Till next time, Carly and Crew!

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

View all my reviews

Mint Chocolate Murder review

July 25, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries by Meri Allen, probably better known as Shari Randall of the Lobster Shack Mysteries. I’m definitely liking this series as much as I did the Lobster Shack. Shari/Meri’s got a real knack for some fun characters! I really liked Maud a lot and didn’t think she was the typical diva since she was gracious enough to hire Riley and let her use her pass to jog at the castle grounds whenever she wanted.

I love how Shari was inspired by the real Gillette Castle located in Connecticut to make a castle part of this book. She told about that in one of her newsletters that you can sign up for. You can see how to sign up for said newsletter along with an outside picture of Gillette Castle on her Meri Allen Facebook page. I happened to find a picture of the interior of it at Wikimedia Commons, and I gotta say it’s pretty much the way I pictured it as I read! Can’t wait for the next book!

#St.MartinsPaperbacks #MeriAllen

My Goodreads review:

Mint Chocolate Murder by Meri Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was fun spending time again in Penniman, CT with Riley and all her ice cream crew and friends. I’d forgotten what a stinker that cat of Caroline’s was, but someone in this story managed to tame the beast or at least make her more tolerable, lol. There were sure plenty of suspects, so I honestly never settled on just one but had random reasons myself for different people.

I really enjoy the Fairweather sisters’ characters! They’re both so different but I like both these ladies who’re fun and crazy in their own ways. Vye was an interesting character introduced and I did find myself hoping she’d stick around town, although you’ll have to read for yourself to see if she did!

The castle setting was so cool with all its rooms and creepiness but not super creepy since Maud was trying her best to get it looking nice again. From reading the author’s newsletter, I know there’s a castle in Connecticut she based this from and of course added some extra fun of her own to it. But it was totally picturable. Now I wouldn’t mind going to see that castle she used for inspiration!

I loved how Riley came to the answer she did and the showdown was as Flo put it, very worth of a Mission Impossible movie! The ending was just so very Riley and now I’m eager to see what happens next! This book releases tomorrow, July 26, 2022.

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

View all my reviews