cozy mystery – Page 34 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Cheddar Off Dead review

April 4, 2022April 4, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new cozy series, The Cheese Shop Mysteries by new cozy author, Korina Moss. I think she did a great job on her first book and was really happy to see we don’t have to wait a whole year for another book. Gone for Gouda releases September 27, 2022, and I know I’m pretty excited to read more about these characters I’m already thinking of as friends.

My Goodreads review:

Cheddar Off Dead: A Cheese Shop Mystery by Korina Moss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this new cozy author’s first book offering! I did make a point of reading a short cozy mystery she wrote that was in an anthology, and I really liked her writing in that, so I knew I’d enjoy this book. The characters grabbed me from the beginning, and I just loved how Willa and her three new friends sleuthed together. It was especially fun to read about her and Baz sleuthing together. He apparently reminded her of her brother. Baz was protective of her just like her brother would’ve been if he lived there.

I found the book hard to put down at times and just kept reading. To me it didn’t seem to drag or go too slow. There were just the right amount of details and description, although I gotta admit I’m not really interested in the ins and outs of the cheese biz, but that was easy to skim through. I’m really invested in these characters though. They make me smile!

The showdown was an exciting one, and I didn’t really know until Willa did whodunit. It’s amazing how an inanimate object can help in a showdown, lol. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

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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Three Shots to the Wind review

March 24, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mysteries by Sherry Harris who also wrote the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries. I’m really enjoying this series a lot and how the characters have developed since the first book. I honestly liked the key players from the get-go, but it’s been fun watching them grow and change. Chloe and Rip are such a cute couple, and I can’t wait to see what their future holds!

My Goodreads review:

Three Shots to the Wind by Sherry Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved catching up with Chloe and the gang and seeing how life in January is for the Emerald cove residents–and visitors. Several interesting visitors came along during the course of the book, two of which helped add some good comic relief to some of the scenes. I like Chloe and Rip as a couple, they’re so stinking cute! And I really love that Vivi’s coming around in only the way Vivi can as far as being nicer to Chloe and at one point fiercely defending her. She’s a good mama bear to have on your side, that’s for sure! I have a feeling she and Chloe might actually get to be fairly good friends in time. I know she probably intimidates the life out of Chloe as only Vivi can do. (She makes me think of Angela Channing on Falcon Crest lol).

All Chloe wanted to do was clear poor Rip of any blame in her ex-fiancé’s death. There was a huge assortment of suspects to pick from, but I sure didn’t see the whodunit coming! The showdown was exciting and a little tense but just right. I enjoyed the very ending and hope that there’ll be many more adventures for Chloe and Rip in future books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. The book releases next Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

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Pleading the Fish review

March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the seventh (and sadly the last) book in the Seaside Café series by Bree Baker who’s also known as Julie Anne Lindsey, Julie Chase and Jacqueline Frost in the other cozy mysteries she’s written. She did the best/innovative ending for a series that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. If you’ve followed the whole series like I’ve done, you’re gonna want some tissues for the very last parts. One part in particular got me, but as I said in the GR review, a book cry always equals a good thing!

#PoisonedPenPress #BreeBaker

My Goodreads review:

Pleading the Fish by Bree Baker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew going into this book I was eagerly waiting for it but dreading when it was over. The way the author gave this series its sendoff was just amazing and so perfect! I absolutely loved the ending and I’m not gonna lie, there was a LOT of eye leakage at one point, but hey it’s beloved series and having a good book cry is perfectly fine. I know I can revisit the series anytime I want simply by reading it again.

Everly got into a real pickle this time when hunting down the killer. The showdown was epic and so cool that her self-defense training with Grady came in handy. There was a side story involving Amelia and some good news she’d gotten as well as the aunts who were at first avoiding some guy they thought was stalking Clara. But that turned out as good news as well.

I’ve never read the total ending of a series that I liked as well as this one! As I said before, it was absolutely perfect! I’m not going to give away one little clue ’cause you’ll need to read it to really appreciate it! I may have picked up the ARC for this book so I could read it sooner, but I’m definitely buying the Amazon digital version of it too. It’s that worth it!

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Under Lock and Skeleton Key review

March 14, 2022March 14, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Secret Staircase Mysteries by a new-to-me and very talented author Gigi Pandian. Her storytelling is amazing, and I could actually picture the places and secret rooms she described. It’d be so cool to have a room like Tempest’s that was secretly accessible and super private. I’m looking forward to visiting with Tempest and her family again!

My Goodreads review:

Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a such a cool mystery and I loved what the Secret Staircase Construction company did with buildings. I thought Tempest’s secret quarters in the house were especially awesome. I was glad to see she was able to make amends with an old friend now that she was home, and I just loved her grandparents. Grandpa was so funny how he was always wanting to feed people, must be a grandpa thing! I could definitely see why Nancy Drew was one of Tempest’s favorites since all Nancy did was find mysterious staircases, attics and rooms similar to what Tempest’s dad’s company built. Tempest’s former occupation of illusionist was a unique one for a cozy main character too.

The characters were great, and I enjoyed the whole search for the killer. It took a lot of winding paths to finally get to the answer which was something I sure didn’t see coming. I loved how Tempest came to her decision at the end and can see this being a fun and cool series I’ll want to read more in!

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

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Saddled Up 4 Murder review

March 10, 2022March 10, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series by J.C. Eaton aka husband and wife team of Ann Goldfarb and Jim Clapp. I love that they actually live in Sun City West, AZ and know firsthand what it’s like to live there from the weather to the neighbors and tourists.

I’ve learned more about them from being in a Facebook cozy mystery group they’re part of, but you can read their bio in the link above. I’ve read a couple books in their Wine Trail Mysteries series and really like those characters too.

#BeyondthePage

My Goodreads review:

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

I always end up laughing when I read a book in this series. Between the book club ladies and that little scamp Streetman, I’m always giggling at something! I can just picture Phee running around like she’s putting out fires first with the ladies, then her mom, and having to deal with Streetman’s just the icing on the cake, well for comedy reasons, not for Phee’s sanity, lol.

I wasn’t sure how horse thefts and the murder at hand connected, but I was pretty sure I was gonna find out because these authors are great at tying up loose ends and making things connect just right. I loved how Streetman got to play a pretty important part in one section of the takedown. He’s such a stinker but it’s good he’s like that sometimes! I hadn’t guessed the killer either. Ann and Jim are always good for a great surprise.

I know the series switched publishers, but I’m so happy the covers remained fairly the same. While the art looks a touch different, it’s still captured the cuteness and rascally-ness of Streetman as well as the Arizona landscape. I literally can’t wait until a future book with Phee’s wedding, but I’m really more eager to see what Streetman does. I’m sure his picture on the cover’s going to be awesome since Harriet’s already got his outfit planned. If it was ever possible to feel like a second fiddle at your own wedding, I have a feeling Phee’s gonna feel like that, lol. But it’ll be such fun!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. This book releases Tuesday, March 15, 2022.

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Front Page Murder review

March 7, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the very first in a new series called Hometown News Mysteries by Joyce St. Anthony who’s better known in the cozy world as Joyce Tremel, author of the three-book Brewing Trouble series. I remember I really enjoyed the first book and wanted to get back to that series. But I sure never expected to love this historical cozy like I did! I’d grabbed it from NetGalley thinking it looked interesting. I believe I might’ve researched the Joyce St. Anthony name and realized I wasn’t reading a total newbie. But I hadn’t realized until later it was historical. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it so much! In a way, I’m glad I didn’t read the blurb on NG that time, or I might’ve missed out on a great read by leaving it behind.

The name of book 2 is Death on a Deadline. If you follow that link it’ll take you to Joyce’s website where if you scroll a little, you’ll see the awesome cover and release date of November 8, 2022. I sure hope this series goes over well enough that she can at least make it a trilogy like Brewing Trouble was.

#CrookedLane #JoyceSt.Anthony #JoyceTremel

My Goodreads review:

Front Page Murder by Joyce St. Anthony
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly hadn’t expected to like this since historical cozies aren’t really my thing. But I gotta say, this was absolutely awesome and now ranks up there with the handful of historical cozies I’ve actually enjoyed not just endured. I was really excited at the end when I started poking around online to see if there was another book in the works. I was super happy to find out it comes out November 8.

Irene was a super likable, very strong young character who’d had to mature quickly, but I liked that she was flawed enough not to be completely perfect. Meaning I kinda figured out who the kingpin was before she did, and I don’t think I’m that good. I feel it was planned to show that even strong people can have times of weakness or where they don’t always add everything up. Lily was a sweetheart of a little sister, and I really liked Katherine’s character after a certain point in the book. Peggy was a great bestie to have and made for a good sleuth partner even though she was pretty nervous about it.

There was a lot of good action, and it never felt like the story was dragging. I loved the showdown and who was on hand to help with it! The book releases tomorrow, so if you enjoy reading historical cozies set in WWII, this is for you. Heck, I didn’t even realize it was for me because I’m not a big history nut, but I guess the 1940s are just recent enough that they don’t seem too weird as compared to some 19th century history cozies I’ve tried to read. The key characters were so likable, I’m really hoping that Irene’s dad and fiancé Bill make it home safely. Oh and that crazy Sylvia! I wouldn’t mind seeing her in the next book as well as Katherine.

The language and conversation flowed nicely and wasn’t a bit uppity like I’ve sometimes found with other eras. I shocked my husband by actually asking him a few things about WWII (since he’s the history nut in the family lol!) then explained I’d just read a really good mystery stressing how it was fiction though, haha.

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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Wedding Bell Blues review

March 1, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the thirteenth book in the long-running and beloved Tourist Trap Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon, author of some other cozy series I love as well. Like her other series, this one has always been like visiting old friends again when I start to read. These are characters I’d want to be friends with or hang out with. The books are more than just mysteries. They’re a look into the lives of Jill and her employees which she awesomely treats like part of her family. I like that friends/employees as family theme as seen in all this author’s series.

My Goodreads review:

Wedding Bell Blues by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love a visit to South Cove to see old book friends Jill and her crew. When Jill and her aunt stumbled onto the latest dead body, they had no idea what a twisty case it’d turn out to be. I’m not even close to being caught up in real time for this series, but I did know Jill and Greg were engaged, so when I saw the ARC at NetGalley and the title, I couldn’t resist!

Meanwhile, Jill and Greg were attending the engagement party being thrown for them, besides what a good way to pick up on clues, right? I wanted to like Harper the dress designer, but there was just something off about her which a good twist later on definitely explained.

I just love that feisty Aunt Jackie, and now her new husband Harrold who seems to adore her. Deek makes a great bookstore employee, and I hope he eventually becomes an author like he wants, but I’d love to see him stay on. He was so good with the kids and the crowd at the store’s readathon!

The showdown was exciting and as always, Jill kinda got in the middle of things and could’ve gotten killed…again. But it still ended well, and hopefully between now and the next book, I’ll be able to get even more caught up with the series.

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

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Antique Auctions Are Murder review

February 23, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Poppy McAllister Mysteries by Libby Klein, and it’s always the most fun I ever have reading about some characters and enjoying a good laugh or twenty. I absolutely love Aunt Ginny and her group of friends fondly known as the biddies in Poppy’s mind. I’m sure she feels like she’s trying to herd cats while attempting to keep those ladies out of trouble. And speaking of herding cats, Fig had his share of issues this time. If you remember last time, he had little kitty heart broken by a female cat. Now there’re two female cats visiting, and the poor guy’s constantly having to deal with that. Just part of the three-ring circus known as life at the B&B!

#KensingtonCozies #NetGalley

My Goodreads review:

Antique Auctions Are Murder by Libby Klein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, Aunt Ginny and her band of biddies (yes, they don’t mind Poppy thinking of them like that) were in top form in this book. I laughed so many times I lost track of it. The murder of the nephew of one of the ladies, Thelma was the focus of this book. Although it was interesting how the book opened, and how that scene eventually tied back to something in the mystery.

Poppy’s old nemesis Joanne who now works for the B&B hasn’t lost any of her snark and I can’t say or imagine I’ll ever warm up to her (part of her charm, right?), but it did surprise me when she and Poppy did a little sleuthing together. They actually could get along for that long, lol. Poppy’s always the bigger person letting Joanne’s snark slide right off her. After an incident with Victory and a frog, Poppy had some new ammo to use against Joanne if needed. 😉 Speaking of snark, Amber was almost pitiable with her tough new partner. The woman wouldn’t let her have a moment’s peace and was especially interested in how Poppy figured into so many previous murder cases.

I hadn’t guessed the killer since that whole family involved was so dysfunctional and weird, you just never knew who’d do what next. I’m glad the showdown was a bit calmer, and even Joanne was able to help by calling 911.

Oh and I have to mention how Georgina’s stay at the B&B added so much to the comic factor! Ginny just loved making her the butt of jokes, but Georgina gave plenty of reason for that. Lots of laughs to be had at those scenes! And Victory was, well she’s Victory so just imagine her with a sunburn.

While the rest of their world always seemed upside-down during a murder case, at least now Poppy had the stability of knowing Gia was there for her if she needed him. Now if they could only get some alone time! Don’t miss out on the most fun you’ll ever have reading a murder mystery!

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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Batter Off Dead review

February 22, 2022February 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the Country Store series that I’m happy to have read ever since its beginning. Robbie’s come a long way in all those years especially with being smarter and more careful during an investigation. But there’s always something that can’t be prevented when perps are involved, right? If you’re a fan of the series, you’re going to love meeting Buck’s dad, and I sure hope he returns for a visit soon!

My Goodreads review:

Batter Off Dead by Maddie Day
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved meeting Buck Bird’s dad, Grant (yep, the blurb has his name wrong). He cracks me up and always refers to Buck as Buckham, but Robbie loved him the minute they met and visited him several times. He did have a valuable clue even though he couldn’t see what was going on at the murder scene. I really hope Grant stays as an occasional character, and I’d love to see him come have breakfast with his bottomless pit son–wonder if he can still eat as much as Buck? lol

This was a twisty mystery with lots of red herrings and a tie to a cold case. I found myself favoring one suspect then changing my mind to someone else. Wow what a showdown, and go Robbie! She let that perp have it, never mind that Robbie might’ve been shaking in her boots the whole time. She acted brave, and that’s what counts. I love that despite her strong exterior, she can admit that it’s nice having a husband like Abe to hug on when all was said and done. He’s been so sweet in his support of her investigating.

Alana’s call to Robbie has me wondering now if the next book’s gonna have a fun little announcement. I know Robbie wants a kid or two, so when the time comes, I imagine even Aunt Adele might curb her traveling bug to be with the little stinker! I can’t wait to see Samuel whenever Robbie and Abe have kids–he’d be over the moon. I missed those two being physically present in this book!

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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Caramel Pecan Roll Murder review

February 21, 2022February 21, 2022 Tari Hann

This is book 28 in the very long running Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke who’s no stranger to cozy mystery fans. Moishe in reality should be 22 years old, but I’m glad he’s more of a timeless character and doesn’t seem to age. As always, there was an abundance of scrumptious-sounding dessert recipes included in the book. This one ended in such a way that I’m really hoping the next new book comes out sooner than a year!

My Goodreads review:

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With all the recipes in this book, I was hungrier than ever for the different items, lol. Not only did the caramel pecan rolls sound yummy, but there were some lemon desserts that sounded…killer-yeah, pun intended since this is a mystery book.

The action took place mostly around the Lake Eden Inn and lake where Hannah and Andrea were filling in for Sally’s pastry/dessert chef during a fishing tournament. Andrea’s become quite the kitchen helper and was even able by now to make some simple recipes. I think it’s kinda cool how she wanted to start learning more about baking, and I really like it when the sisters sleuth together. Hannah can be very blunt with her questions or blurts, but Andrea’s the type everyone wants to talk to. Maybe they just sense she’s a real estate seller and used to talking a lot. Although, Hannah had a couple of sessions where her questioning method would’ve made Mike proud.

I was so sure I knew whodunit because of what I realize now was a clever red herring, but wasn’t super surprised at the real perp once who I thought was cleared. Hannah again had a close call, but thanks to Andrea paying attention while boating/fishing with Bill, well she got a good part in the take down. Someone dropped a real bombshell at the very end, and now I’m so curious and eager for the next book to come out! Gonna be a long year or however long it takes! I just hope the next book is just that, an actual new book and not another compilation of already published books like we’ve seen before.

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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