cozy mystery – Page 31 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Death a Sketch review

July 24, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Paint & Shine Mysteries by Cheryl Hollon, who’s also known for her cozy series, Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries. Since I enjoy this series so much, I really need to start reading the older series since I’ve actually had most of it for a while now. Just so many cozies and so little time, right? Right now, I just know I’m eager for another book in the Paint & Shine series since this one ended so sweet!

#KensingtonCozies #CherylHollon

My Goodreads reviews:

Death a Sketch by Cheryl Hollon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was good visiting with Miranda and her friends in her first corporate workshop and the last event before closing down for winter. I’m glad she and Austin were getting closer–the end was so cute!

That corporate group was run by someone who’d give JR Ewing a run for his nastiness, lol. I’m not sure which one of the execs was worse, but after a while, it was only one that mattered anyway. Most of the company’s employees seemed like okay people but I particularly liked how Carol and her team came together for those challenges. I liked Miranda’s friend Rowena, the admin assistant and kinda hoped she’d decide to ditch the crazies in this company and get a job somewhere close so she and Miranda could be besties again. If only Miranda’s business wasn’t so new and probably not able to afford her, Rowena would’ve made a great assistant!

I enjoyed that the showdown wasn’t dangerous to Miranda herself, but someone else was pretty traumatized by it. Although the sheriff had things under control biding his time. I’d love to see a Christmas book in this setting, but since Miranda can’t run her tours in winter, I’m sure that won’t be happening. It’d be all kinds of festive up in those snowy mountains though!

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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Something Fishy This Way Comes review

July 23, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Whit & Whiskers Mysteries by Gabby Allan, and I sure love the island setting of this series! It might be a fun bucket list item to see Catalina Island someday. I really hope there’ll be more in this series because after this book, the characters are getting to be like old friends to visit.

#KensingtonCozies #GabbyAllan

My Goodreads review:

Something Fishy This Way Comes by Gabby Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to travel to Catalina Island and visit with Whit and all her friends again. I’d enjoyed the first book and was really looking forward to the next one, and it didn’t disappoint. I just love Pops and Goldy’s characters! Those two crack me up. They’re the kind of older couple you just wanna be like when you’re their age. Whit and Felix were at a comfortable spot in their relationship. I liked how she was quick to rely on him and didn’t always make him feel like she wanted to go sleuthing alone. They did make a good sleuthing team. Goldy came up with a great little moneymaking idea, and Whit had to admit her grandma had what it took to run the front of the shop.

The mystery was very twisty but for some odd reason, I named someone fairly early and they ended up being the perp. It was great how Whit assembled all her suspects for a little dinner cruise on the family boat. Long ago grievances and feud reasons were aired, and those needing punished got their comeuppance.

I hope there’ll be more in this series. I’m eager to see Maribel eventually become a police officer since she’s studying for that. With one of her roadblocks out of the way, she’s sure to succeed!

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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Death of an Ice Cream Scooper review

July 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in the long-running Hayley Powell Food & Spirits series by brother and sister duo, Lee Hollis. I love how the characters have grown and changed since the first book but yet they’re familiarly the same and so much fun to feel like you’re coming home to Bar Harbor and hanging out with these people.

I’m just crazy about the little dachshund on the cover! Sprinkles might not have a huge role in the book, but just being a buddy to Leroy while Hayley and Sprinkles’ doggie mom Lynette walked them was super cute. I love how it was described that Sprinkles brought out the puppy in Leroy.

#KensingtonCozies #LeePowell

My Goodreads review:

Death of an Ice Cream Scooper by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 15 and Hayley’s going strong! I love the characters and town as much as when I first picked up the debut book. And just as I was wondering if we were getting any of his famous Sergio-isms, he didn’t disappoint!

There was a lot going on this time. Dustin’s as grown of a man as he could possibly be now while Gemma was roasting away in a New York summer as she was telling her mom. Three of Hayley’s friends had new boyfriends, Liddy was getting an expensive mansion as a listing and all through this, Hayley was trying to figure out who killed the ice cream scooper.

I loved the mention of the ice cream shop owner’s little dachshund, Sprinkles! He sounded adorable and good old Leroy, Hayley’s beloved Shih-Tzu was still plugging along and finding his second wind when Sprinkles was around. Which to the dachshund lover (me) wasn’t quite enough, but I’ll take whatever I can get of a dachsie in the story! I’m always grateful when one shows up!

In true Hayley fashion, she found herself in quite a predicament but managed to slip out of it only to confront a killer not long after. But all went well, ending in the familiar family get-together that I always love about this series. I’m sure it won’t take Hayley long to transition into her new role! I’m being purposely vague and leaving out anything I personally would’ve thought was a spoiler before reading this book. You can get the whole scoop (ice cream pun intended) on July 26 when it releases!

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

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Murder at the Blueberry Festival review

July 19, 2022July 19, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah, and the character development just gets better and better. Everyone’s in a good place as far as their relationships go, and the murder wasn’t an easy one to solve. I loved the funny moments that usually included the goat or Welly…or both. It’s just such a fun bunch of characters that I always look forward to catching up with in their next story.

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Blueberry Festival by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blueberry Festival time was going on, and someone must’ve thought it’d be hilarious to play some pranks that weren’t really funny except to one individual who laughed louder than anyone at all of the events. Lindsey and her band of amateur sleuths eventually had to find out why a fairly beloved citizen was killed in such a weird way.

It was a hoot to read about Kennedy taking care of a goat and turning her into a little glam-goat. I loved that Lindsey and Rory were in a great place in their relationship as were Kennedy and her sweetie, Tuck who’s on the police force. I do like Sgt. Murdock pretty well. She came off as super tough, but since Lindsey was so easy to tease, the woman couldn’t resist sometimes. I really like Lindsey’s dad so much, and he seemed to be becoming a good fishing buddy of Rory’s. Even Lindsey’s mom’s become such a neat character that I think I’ll miss her if a book ever takes place while they’re being snowbirds in Florida. Ellie and Betty are the sleuthing pals in their age bracket, lol. Betty and Doc crack me up in their relationship, just too cute!

Rory’s little side story had him a bit lost for a while as far as what he wanted to do now that he wasn’t in law enforcement. I think he came up with the perfect solution as you’ll read at the very end of the book.

The showdown was actually pretty sad, so you might need to grab a tissue or two. It wasn’t dangerous for Lindsey but very soul baring for someone else. Good thing Lindsey’s got a heart of gold and loves to listen to anyone who needs it. I can’t say a whole lot or I’m afraid I might give away some fun secrets of the book that’re best revealed when you first read it. Hope you have as much fun as I did catching up with Lindsey and her whole work team, family and awesome friends! There’s not much longer to wait because the book releases July 26, 2022.

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 Poisonous Page review

July 12, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Sweet Fiction Bookshop Mysteries by Kitt Crowe, the pen name of Marie Harte who looks to be a romance author under that name. I’m glad she started writing cozies or I’d have never gotten to know her sense of humor and what fun characters she weaves. I absolutely love Uncle Jimmy and Uncle Elvis! They always crack me up and now that Elvis joined the Macaroons Murder Club, er I mean, Book Club, he’s having to actually do some reading. Well maybe not regular books, but they did accept his suggestion of a comic surprisingly well!

A Poisonous Page by Kitt Crowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’d been a year since I read the first in this series, but it didn’t take long to catch up with all the hilarious antics and snarky comments/zingers these characters exchange on a regular basis. I love the author’s sense of humor, and that sweet Cookie dog! OMG I just wanted to hug her like crazy. Chad even sorta made friends with her by letting her be involved in a kids’ police safety event.

Boy this was one involved mystery! It was sometimes hard to keep track of who was with what person and when, but I got the general idea. I really didn’t zero in on one specific person but holy cow, at the end I was telling Lexi NOT to go somewhere! I’m totally Team Chad for her and hopefully she’ll realize he’s not really the jerk she thinks he is. Sometimes Lexi herself could be a real jerk to him too, so I felt bad for the guy. Cat and Teri crack me up wanting all the crazy details as every good bestie would, lol. And sweet Abe’s a heck of a lot nice neighbor to Lexi than his grumpy dad who got offed in the first book.

I loved that the whole book club got involved trying to solve the case and it was too funny how they hurried to hide their murder board whenever Chad came around. That showdown was wild, hilarious and super tense! All was explained in the end though, and now I’m eager to see what all these fun and crazy characters find themselves involved in by the time the next book comes out!

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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A Perilous Pal review

June 29, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the A Friend for Hire Mysteries by one of my fave authors, Laura Bradford who’s managed to incorporate now two of her older series in this particular book. I always think it’s especially cool when an author does that, and now I’m really hoping a future Friend for Hire book has that road trip in it that Emma and Kim were talking about!

And the other series written by this author that Dottie loves so much is always in the background because it’s the basis of her amateur sleuthing. I enjoy Dottie’s character so much. She’s not a huggy-huggy grandmotherly type, but she’s a fiercely loyal friend who cares about Emma a lot even though she never really comes out and says it. They make an unlikely but still well-matched pair of friends, and I sure love their banter!

You could probably still read and enjoy this without reading the first book, but why deny yourself that fun? I recommend reading it and getting to know the characters, then they’ll feel like old friends!

#BerkleyPublishing #LauraBradford

My Goodreads review:

A Perilous Pal by Laura Bradford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought I loved the first book, but I think I like this one even better! It’s so awesome how all of Emma’s clients so far still play an active part in her life, and that she’s come to care about all of them even to the point of being besties with Stephanie. When her newest client was tossed in jail for killing her husband, it didn’t seem like the poor woman had any chance of getting out. But with Dottie and Steph’s sleuthing help, Emma finally gave way to another investigation.

I get such a kick out of sassy senior Dottie! I wanna be her when I’m eighty! I already have the “only reads cozy mysteries” part down, but I’m not real sure I’d make a very good sleuth. Although I did randomly guess whodunit! 😉 I loved the visit with John and Andy and how Emma was trying to matchmake Steph and Andy. I started suspecting something that could end up to be a sweet reunion if it was true…

And Big Max’s character is so awesome! He’s such a sweetheart, and I love that Steph got to meet him this time. Emma’s relationship with Jack was growing, and it was sweet when Scout got to visit with his son Tommy.

This was a mystery full of twists and surprises, and the only thing I was pretty sure of was that Kim wasn’t guilty despite her journal ramblings about ways to kill her husband. It was pretty clever how Emma went about proving whodunit then was safely visiting Kim while the police picked up the perp.

The very ending was just awesome! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book and what might unfold in it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Berkley Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. If you liked the first book, don’t miss this one which releases next week on July 5.

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A Catered Doggie Wedding

June 28, 2022 Tari Hann

This is book 17 in the long running Mysteries with Recipes series by Isis Crawford. Unfortunately, I can’t link the series from 17’s page because this newer listing doesn’t have the series separately clickable, but this link goes to the series page showing the first sixteen books. And my review below should take you to the page for book 17.

It’s always a guaranteed good time with the Simmons sisters, their boyfriends they chill at RJ’s with and of course, Dad and his police buddy, Clyde. Libby and Bernie’s employee Googie (aka George) and his girlfriend were featured in this book. The dog wedding idea sounded super cute, but someone in town (like the scrooge in the shop next door) didn’t want it to happen, but would she resort to murder? Grab this from wherever you buy books or your library and find out!

#KensingtonCozies #IsisCrawford

My Goodreads review:

A Catered Doggie Wedding by Isis Crawford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fun and lots of the time funny adventure with Libby and Bernie! Those two never disappoint in how they just crack me up with their crazy banter, and the banter among other characters is always priceless and sometimes great comic relief! I just love their dad and I get such a kick out of Clyde, his police friend who slips them info sometimes in exchange for food and yummy baked items his wife won’t let him have, lol.

This was one twisty mystery with more suspects and red herrings as it progressed, not to mention more bodies. What started the whole things was kinda cool as Libby and Bernie found out later…but meeting up with a killer wasn’t so cool. Reinforcements came just in time though, and the dog wedding was saved from being scrapped. I was happy that everyone who wasn’t a killer but might’ve done something they’d regret ended up having to account for that.

Everything was wrapped up and explained at the end and of course, one of the goldens, Bertha or Ernie or maybe one of the doggie guests stole the last funny scene.

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 Hint of Mischief review

June 26, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Fairy Garden Mysteries by well-known cozy author Daryl Wood Gerber, and I believe it might be my favorite so far. The characters were really well-developed to begin with, but by now (since there’s always a year between these books) I felt like I could just pick up and remember more about them. I love reading about someone’s wonder and delight whenever they first see a fairy in the series or haven’t been able to see one all that long, it’s just really cool! The very ending was super sweet and magical!

#KensingtonCozies #DarylWoodGerber

My Goodreads review:

A Hint of Mischief by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was fun to catch up with Courtney and her friends, and especially her sweet little fairy friend, Fiona. That little girl’s come a long way since the first book! I think she’s gonna make the queen fairy really proud someday soon. I just wish Courtney could get her dad to believe. Can you imagine what Det. Summers would say or do if Kip did believe? I don’t think he’d let him live it down LOL!

The mystery had a lot of twists, turns and great red herrings, so I was never really sure whodunit until Courtney came up with it. That was one tense showdown and while Courtney used what she had in her defense, I think I agree with her dad and would like to see her take more self-defense classes. I enjoyed the little side story of the fairy door mystery.

I was so happy to see Courtney and Brady getting closer and what happened at the very end was super sweet! He’s such a keeper! Can’t wait for the next installment!

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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Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary review

June 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new cozy series, the Sunflower Café Mysteries by Amy Lillard. I’m sorry I can’t link the series name, but Goodreads apparently doesn’t have that feature on some of the newer listings unfortunately. Amy Lillard also wrote The Main Street Book Club Mysteries, yes I can link that because it’s done the good old way on Goodreads, lol. Her other books appear to be some Amish romances, so I have every confidence that she’ll bring Sissy and Gavin together in this cozy mystery as well.

Isn’t that cover just the cutest? Little Duke looks worried like he’s hoping no one thinks he broke that milk bottle!

#KensingtonCozies #AmyLillard #NetGalley

My Goodreads review:

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary by Amy Lillard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sissy Yoder’s definitely a different type main character than most cozies have since she came from her big city job to her aunt’s café, but not just any old café. This one’s Amish and run by her Amish Aunt Bethel who sure didn’t seem welcoming like we always hear the plain people are. But we did get to see a crack or two in her grumpy veneer, and I’m thinking maybe Sissy might just win over this disgruntled little woman, maybe not in this book but sometime. I especially got a kick out of a comment Bethel made about the lake!

I liked when Sissy sleuthed with Gavin. They made a nice investigating team and if Sissy’d just admit he’s nice to hang out with, I have every faith in the author to make them a couple eventually. 😉 And Gavin liked little Duke pup, so that counts a lot in saying he’s an awesome guy. I enjoyed Sissy’s visits with her cousin Lizzie who despite being Amish and on bedrest carrying twins had her finger on the gossip pulse of the town.

By the time the showdown rolled around, I was leaning heavily toward the person whodunit and I was right. At least Sissy wasn’t in any danger, and now Sheriff Earl could stop watching her and making her feel guilty, lol. I’m really looking forward to the next book to see that hopefully Lizzie’s given birth and maybe just maybe Aunt Bethel might crack a smile!

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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Five Belles Too Many review

June 21, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Sarah Blair Mysteries by Debra H. Goldstein. While the story being a reality show set wasn’t a favorite of mine, I did like the very last part probably best of all the books. I’ve followed the series from the beginning, and Sarah’s definitely come a long way, and she’s even respected enough by Officer Robinson that he had her helping out a little when the murder happened. I just wish she’d see the great guy right in front of her instead of needing a diversion (who thankfully wasn’t in the book lol.)

#KensingtonCozies #DebraHGoldstein

My Goodreads review:

Five Belles Too Many by Debra H. Goldstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though I wasn’t crazy about the reality show theme of this book, it was a still a good mystery with all the usual Jane drama and Maybelle thrown in for a little comic relief. I’m just not a reality show fan, so this won’t be up there as a favorite from the series or anything.

I did enjoy the idea of Cliff being in the book and not Glenn. I’ve been Team Cliff since the beginning and sometimes I’d like to pound a little sense into Sarah for pulling away from him. But maybe the author might surprise us and get them back together, at least I hope so! They had some good scenes together, so that made me a little hopeful! The author did a great job of making readers miss Sarah’s cute pets as much as Sarah herself did since they weren’t allowed to be anywhere near the show set.

I wasn’t really sure whodunit and followed along until I had some suspicions as more information was available. The showdown was tense, but the cavalry came through. And the ending was just the sweetest ever! I absolutely loved what happened.

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

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