cozy mystery – Page 38 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

A Murder Like No Author review

December 1, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Main Street Book Club by Amy Lillard, and each one keeps getting better! Arlo’s senior friends Helen, Fern and Camille always crack me up! I’m sure Arlo feels like their handler at most times, especially when Mads the police chief specifically calls her to come and control them, lol. But the ladies are so full of life and ideas, they just can’t help themselves. I’m always eager to read the newest book and see what they get into next!

My Goodreads review:

A Murder Like No Author by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s always an interesting trip to Sugar Springs, MS to visit with Arlo and her friends. If you ever wondered what it was like to herd cats or toddlers, follow Arlo around town as she tries to ride herd on her three favorite older ladies. I can tell she loves them all like surrogate grandmas, but sometimes they do try her patience, lol. But always in a good way. They’re sharp as can be and can be quite intimidating with their smartphones, cookies and “the look” that only a grandma-like lady can give! I just love those ladies and as a collective unit, they’re such a hoot, especially that Fern!

This time they were all over the murder that took place at the theater where the movie was premiering. I won’t rehash the plot, since you can read that in the blurb. There was a side mystery along with the murder which became solved in a twist toward the end. I hadn’t guessed the killer, and the showdown was a good one.

You can definitely read this book by itself since the author does a very good job of recapping the previous stories. But you might want to start from the first book because sometimes things are mentioned that might be a little confusing otherwise…and you’ll understand more about why there’s a movie premiere and what that book was all about.

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

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Killer Words review

November 27, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the awesome Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. Burns (aka Valerie), another of my fave authors. I’ve loved this series since the first book, and each book makes me love it even more. These are some of the funniest and best characters in the cozy mystery world. How ’bout that Irma? She’s such a hoot! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

PS: If you’re wondering why I used a koala image, you’ll just need to read the book!

My Goodreads review:

Killer Words by V.M. Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy, was this a good one! Poor old Stinky Pitt who was always a thorn in Nana Jo and Sam’s sides needed someone to prove he didn’t kill a guy. That was a pretty tall order as the evidence started rolling in, but the ladies were all convinced someone was pulling a frame job on their frenemy.

I really like how things were progressing between Sam and her sweetie Frank. And I just love all these regular characters! They’re like coming home to old friends. No book would be complete without the whole group going, “Irma!” when Irma was always about to say something a little raunchy, well maybe a lot sometimes, lol. The ladies all crack me up, and I think sweet Ruby Mae is related to half the state of Michigan. There was a side mystery with some internal corruption going on in either the town or police department…maybe both! I won’t spoil it and let you read for yourselves.

Everyone we love and care about in the series seemed to be in a really good place at the book’s end, but I’m hoping this isn’t really the end end, and that Sam, Nana Jo and the others are gonna return in a new book very soon! Or whenever the usual time is for releasing this series. Don’t miss this book! It releases this coming Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

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

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Claret and Present Danger review

November 25, 2021November 25, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Literary Pub series by another fave author of mine, Sarah Fox. She also writes the Pancake House Mysteries which I love. I enjoy the play on book titles she’s been using for the Literary Pub Mysteries along with the awesome characters who feel like old friends now. I can’t wait for the next Literary Pub book to come out and only wish it didn’t have to be a whole year!

My Goodreads review:

Claret and Present Danger by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to visit Shady Creek, VT in the summer during the Renaissance Faire. While working on clearing her employee of the latest murder, Sadie and Grayson got even closer. I loved that he gets her and her need to be nosy, but he’s still sweet and protective while giving her space. I love how things had developed between them by the end of the book! And they both had enough employees now that they could take off for little bits of time together without feeling too guilty about it.

I had a feeling I knew whodunit when the book was fairly close to being done, but I didn’t really have the why. The showdown was exciting with an even better takedown. I only wish these books came out more than once a year, because now I’m excited to read the next book. I know Sadie’s mom is planning a visit. All I can say is she’d better like Grayson as much as everyone else does, lol.

This book releases next Tuesday, November 30. I really think this one was the best so far. All the characters now seem like old friends to me even though I’m sure we’ll continue learning new stuff about them throughout the series.

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

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But Knot for Me review

November 20, 2021November 20, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Yarn Retreat Mysteries series by Betty Hechtman who also writes the Crochet Mysteries series. I love how each of these series deals with a group of usually ladies, but in the retreats there’s an occasional guy participating. The retreat series is unique since it’s usually a group who doesn’t already know each other unless like in this book, sisters come together for it. There’s always a very cool camaraderie, and the people at the retreat always seem to end up helping each other.

My Goodreads review:

But Knot for Me by Betty Hechtman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d only ever read the first book in this series, so I had a basic idea of the main characters. I quickly got caught up on Casey and her life in Cadbury by the Sea. There’s enough information that anyone could easily read this book without having read the first or any others. There were also no spoilers which was good, because I still want to read books 2-7, lol.

The mystery was really intriguing, and just when I thought I suspected one person, another suspect turned up. I was completely surprised by the outcome having suspected someone else all together. The showdown was a good one and the kind I like where it’s police-controlled. I’m eager now to go back and read the books in the series I’ve missed. I really like these key characters!

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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Death on the Shelf review

November 17, 2021November 17, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Haunted Library series by Allison Brook, the pen name of Marilyn Levinson who’s on Facebook under her own name and posts regularly about her books. I found out recently she’s definitely contracted to do at least two more books in this series, yay!

If anyone’s on the fence about reading a paranormal book, no worries here. There’s absolutely no magic or anything weird going on if that type thing bothers anyone. Evelyn isn’t a scary ghost at all. In fact, she just pops in and talks to Carrie like anyone else would. And it’s so cute how Carrie’s little cousin can see her too. Tacey asks about Miss Evelyn all the time, adorable! After the epic ending of this book, I can’t wait for the next! According to Marilyn’s Facebook page, it’s called Dewey Decimated and releases in September 2022.

My Goodreads review:

Death on the Shelf by Allison Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another visit to Clover Ridge, CT with Carrie and all her friends was an especially good one. Angela got married and got a new husband, but all Carrie got out of it was a new murder case and an assignment from Evelyn her ghost friend.

Despite a couple of dead bodies throughout the book, there were plenty of amazing things going on that involved the assignment from Evelyn and Carrie’s dad (separately though.) I kept wondering if Evelyn’s request and what Carrie found out for her might eventually be connected to the murder. You’ll just have to read it yourself and find out, I don’t want to spoil it. The showdown was good, and I was proud of Carrie for being resourceful.

The very ending was so perfect and semi-expected but still just about the sweetest thing ever! I can’t wait to read the next book!

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

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Fatal Solutions review

November 11, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Crossword Puzzle Mysteries by Becky Clark. Her writing is so funny and good and sometimes just the way she describes either what a person says or does can literally make you laugh out loud. This book did appear a bit more serious in nature as far as Quinn’s battle with her OCD went and the nature of the old death she was curious about. But the fun moments were all still there including my favorites, the Retireds, those wild and crazy senior men who hung out at the diner most of the day.

My Goodreads review:

Fatal Solutions by Becky Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a little different from the other two books in the series since it dealt with finding bones from a death in the 70s. Poor Quinn seemed to be able to get herself into a mess even if she wasn’t trying. I just love the banter she always enjoyed with the group of older men who hung out in the diner and call themselves the Retireds. They loved teasing her mercilessly but all in good fun.

Oh and that crazy Loma! Although at one point, she did something just typically a Loma thing that really upset Quinn and actually for a good reason, but good friends never stayed mad too long. Quinn always did the right thing when she felt like she’d wronged someone too. She did find out the answer to the long-ago death which was a little surprising but not under the circumstances.

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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An Eggnog to Die For review

November 9, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Cape Cod Foodies series by Amy Pershing who appears to be a newer cozy mysteries writer, but I’d say she has being a cozy writer nailed. Both books so far have been fun, funny and filled with new character friends to get to know…or some you’re kinda glad got offed…as well as a picturesque location. And don’t forget sweet Diogi, Sam’s dog that she first was telling people came with her inheritance, but now she’s been referring to him as her dog. I’m eager to read the next book now that comes out in June 2022. Thanks again to @Berkley Publishing for letting me read and review this book!

My Goodreads review:

An Eggnog to Die For by Amy Pershing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sam Barnes is definitely an acquired taste as far as main characters go, but now that it’s the second book, I’m finding I like her much better now than in the first book. I’ve always enjoyed her sense of humor though. Sam’s realized she’s where she belongs now and is even getting her sweet Diogi to listen better, well maybe a little better. It’s hilarious how the pup responds and learns from Helene though.

It was fun (for us readers) having her parents in town although Sam didn’t seem to enjoy it much until closer to Christmas. Her mom was in her element again, and Dad was just being secretive about something. The mystery was complex and really good. I like how Sam and an old acquaintance worked on the last part of the case, and I sure didn’t realize who it was until Sam said their name. The showdown was a really good one with some surprising help from someone I never would’ve expected to be there.

All in all, Sam survived her first Christmas in Cape Cod. The ending was pretty hilarious since it ended on New Year’s Eve which was supposed to be a nice quiet romantic evening for Jason and Sam. But this was Sam, of course it couldn’t be the way she hoped things would go. I was laughing while picturing the scene and I think others will too!

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

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Christmas Dessert Murder review

November 6, 2021November 6, 2021 Tari Hann

This is actually a compilation of Book 20 and Book 23. I’m not sure why it was given a number like a new book, but fear not, Hannah fans. Joanne Fluke has brand new book 29 Caramel Pecan Roll Murder coming out later in February. I was actually excited for a new Christmas mystery and gotta admit I jumped on the ARC before I completely read about it, lol. ::face palm:: Good lesson huh?

But hey, this is still Hannah, Christmas and yummy dessert and food recipes. And don’t forget Delores! She always cracks me up and provides the crazy banter needed whether she’s talking to her kids or her sweetie/hubby Doc. These were really neither my favorite books but not my least favorite ones either.

My Goodreads review:

Christmas Dessert Murder by Joanne Fluke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all, I’m not sure why this is numbered as a regular new book, because it’s not new. I’ts simply a compilation of two previous Christmas themed books, Christmas Caramel Murder #20 that was published in 2016 and Christmas Cake Murder #23, published in 2018. The thing both had in common was that they were both written as flashbacks. Luckily, we do get a brand new Hannah coming in February, but maybe since the tradition has always been to have a Christmas themed book, that could be why this one was put together. (I honestly didn’t notice it myself until after I’d already committed to it.)

I can’t say either of these books were my favorite mysteries in this series, but you’re still going to drool over the amazing-sounding recipes inside along with all our favorite characters. Lake Eden at Christmas always does seem very magical, but in this small town, murder doesn’t take a vacation. If you haven’t read either #23 or #20 and are collecting them all to read, this seems like it’d save a little over buying the books separately.

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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Getaway with Murder review

November 4, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the newest series, The Mountain Lodge Mysteries by author Diane Kelly who’s written a nice selection of other cozy mysteries series. I have several of the others but the series I’ve read in is her House-Flipper series. I thought it was fun and cute that Yeti, the beautiful white cat shown on the book cover had some chapters from her viewpoint, third person but it was Yeti thinking. It reminded me of the chapters in House-Flippers that little Sawdust kitty was thinking. I can’t wait for the next Mountain Lodge Mystery to come out!

My Goodreads review:

Getaway With Murder: The Mountain Lodge Mysteries by Diane Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fun and different main character who for once wasn’t the bummed-out result of an ugly divorce. She and Jack actually got along and hugged goodbye. The lodge that Misty bought sounded pretty rough, but I sure can’t blame her for wanting Rocky to be part of that employee team. He sounded pretty amazing…and cute! I’m sure in the coming books we’ll get to see them grow even closer, but I really enjoyed the little friendship they had and the funny banter between them. I liked Brynn who Misty hired to help her with the housekeeping and other general lodge jobs. She walked to her own drummer for sure, but she did seem like she’d be a loyal friend and employee. And that Patty from the diner! I liked her immediately and can totally picture her and Misty becoming besties.

The yoga retreat group was sure a mixed bag of people and emotions. The spoiled brat leader getting offed was the whole focus. While it was kind of an obvious-not-obvious type thing when thinking about whodunit, the showdown was still very good. I don’t want to say much and spoil it, but I was really happy with the turnout and am eagerly looking forward to more books in this 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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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder review

October 31, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Catering Hall by Maria DiRico who’s better known as Ellen Byron who wrote the Cajun Country series that just ended. I’m absolutely loving this new series and hope it runs as long as Cajun did! It’s fun, hilarious and all about close family ties, well sometimes that includes Family too. 😉 This Christmas installment was really awesome. I’ll just let my Goodreads review do the talking!

My Goodreads review:

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder by Maria DiRico
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my favorite of the series yet! It doesn’t hurt that it’s set at my fave time of year, but it’s got everything I’ve been loving about this series and then some. There were plenty of funny scenes, and the scene at the spa when Mia and Cammie went, let’s just say part of that made me laugh out loud. Ever since the first book, the voice of Nanny Fran Fine became Mia’s voice, and now I can’t read it without picturing her, lol. And Cammie makes me think of her friend Val. It seemed like they did a lot more together in this book which added to the fun and hilarity. Cammie and her ex, Det. Pete crack me up!

There was plenty of great action too, and I couldn’t help thinking Mia was lucky to have friends like the Boldano family. I got such a kick out of her enjoying having the perks of Jamie dating Madison, a fashion influencer whose help at a party the banquet hall held made a sixteen-year-old girl very happy. I just love everything about the whole storyline even if it veers off the mystery momentarily because it’s either funny or just an awesome family/friend or banquet hall party moment.

I wasn’t sure about the whodunit, so I just followed along with Mia. The showdown was exciting though! And with the magical Christmas Eve that Mia got, I’m so eager now to read the next book!

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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