cozy mystery – Page 40 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Once Upon a Seaside Murder review

October 8, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second book in a newer series by Maggie Blackburn, a pen name used by Mollie Cox Bryan who’s written three series, the most recent being the Buttermilk Creek series. I’ve enjoyed what I read of two of those series, and I’ve been wanting to read the other one.

Once Upon a Seaside Murder took place at Christmastime on Brigid’s Island, but it just didn’t seem very Christmasy to me, so I wanted to point that out if you’re hoping for a super seasonal read with lots of Christmas cheer, this isn’t really it. Everyone was too busy and focused on cold case murder and missing person to have much ho-ho-ho going on. But you do get an awesome mystery along with the camaraderie of the town working together–and a changing Summer who really did become more likable.

My Goodreads review:

Once Upon a Seaside Murder by Maggie Blackburn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d read a GR review when I first started the book and now that I’ve finished it, I have to say I do agree with that person. I admit I didn’t like Summer very much at all in the first book and even for some of this book, so when I read the review that stated that person began to like her better in this book, I was kinda “We’ll see.” But…by the end of the book, Summer had definitely undergone some good changes that made her a little more tender and a lot more likable as a character. I’ve always loved the characters of Agatha, Piper and Mia! Those three are probably what’s helped shaped Summer’s disposition a lot. The love of family is definitely a driving force!

And I know it takes a talented writer to come up with a character that successfully isn’t too well-liked even by readers. Then bit by bit, that character emerged into a pretty darn nice human being! I’m excited now to see what the future holds for Summer and possibly even Cash after we’ve learned he’s free again. I can’t describe how I felt knowing that Summer, by the end of the book, felt so much different herself with a burden lifted, and I can’t go into it for risk of spoiling something. I guess I just wished at that point she was real and that I could hug her and tell her, “Well done, welcome home.” Note: Another character who seemed to change for the better was Cash’s dad, Ben who was the police chief needing to retire.

The murder in the story was a cold case, and the main focus was a missing person which got weirder and seemingly colder as the days passed. I had an idea of who might be behind it, but I was off base somewhat. I really enjoyed this book so much more than the first one and can honestly say I’m looking forward to the next!

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

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Well-Offed in Vermont review

October 6, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a newly-released and named series by Amy Patricia Meade. She’s a new-to-me author as well. The series of two books was originally released starting in 2011 with the first of the same title, and the second was released in 2017. I love what was done to freshen and brighten up the cover to this book! It’s truly an autumn read now even on the cover.

Since the original series only had two books, I’m wondering if the author’s hoping to do more than two this time around. I guess we’ll find out eventually!

My Goodreads review:

Well-Offed in Vermont by Amy Patricia Meade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a revised edition of the same title that was originally published in November of 2011. I really like the new cover so much better! It’s brighter and way more inviting to read with elements of what’s super important to the story itself.

I enjoyed reading about Nick and Stella and them both being main characters. For one thing, I’ve never read a book that featured the entire married couple as the sleuth. They sleuthed as one, in other words and their banter was sometimes hilarious. They behaved themselves with said banter a little more when they were talking to who they thought were suspects. I had to chuckle at their good cop/bad cop antics during questions they asked, but the sheriff seemed to respect them. I mean, what else do you have to do with your time when a body was found in your new house’s well, and you can’t live in the new house yet? The whole time I was reading I thought of the light innuendo that was always fun with Hart to Hart’s Jennifer and Jonathan (as a married couple example) or with Castle and Beckett.

The characters were quirky and all over the place. I especially liked Alma, sweet shop owner and good neighbor extraordinaire who loved taking care of Stella and Nick when they couldn’t get into their house. I got a kick out of how the sheriff always had a crush on her.

I was sure I knew who the killer was, but it was a surprise with a quick but exciting showdown. It’ll be fun to explore the next book and see if the sheriff and Agnes make any progress toward a relationship that’s more than just friends!

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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The Cure for What Ales You review

October 4, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Sloan Krause series by Ellie Alexander who’s also the author of the Bakeshop series. Under her pen name of Kate Dyer-Seeley, she’s written some equally awesome cozy mysteries.

The way the Sloan Krause series played out with the side mystery thread that was progressing a little in each book made me think of her Pacific Northwest series that ended after six books. I’m hoping she doesn’t have any plans to end Sloan soon, but as I said in my GR review, the ending was really awesome and if it was the last book, it’d be a perfect ending (maybe not THE perfect ending). But as a reader, I definitely would love to read more about Sloan and her friends.

My Goodreads review:

The Cure for What Ales You by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this was an awesome and suspense-filled book that pretty much brought all the other books together as far as answers Sloan had been looking for. I don’t want to say too much or take a chance spoiling something, so all I’ll say is, don’t miss this one! But do read the other books first! I feel like that’s really imperative with a series like this because each book builds a little on the one before it even though the main murders were always solved. I really, really hope this isn’t the last book, but if it was, I think the ending was perfect.

The search for an elusive killer was what most of the book was spent doing along with a short search for someone else close to Sloan. And this was all happening in the middle of a super busy Maifest. The comic relief of course, was always April, the hugely-overboard cheerleader for the town that no one really wanted to claim as its official representative, lol. But anyone would admit she did have the town’s best interests at heart however extreme or weird her requests were! There was a scene before the parade that just cracked me up! And it was only where April was mentioned.

You might need a tissue for the last few pages of the book, but it’s the happy kind of eye leakage. Whatever happens next and if there’s another book, I’m always eager to read it!

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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Knifed in Nice review

October 3, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series called Travel P.I. by Zara Keane who writes the incredibly funny Movie Club Mysteries. I knew I’d love this series when I met the main character in the most recent Movie Club mystery. She worked with her cousin Maggie Doyle in solving what was seeming like “And Then There Were None.”

Angel’s new sidekick for this series was hilarious in his own way, and seeing him interacting with Cesaire, the cat they delivered a ransom for was really funny. The book releases this Tuesday, October 5, 2021. If you’re already a fan of this author’s other series, you need this book. If you’re not, here’s a chance to start an awesome new series.

My Goodreads review:

Knifed In Nice by Zara Keane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew after reading the most recent Movie Club installment and meeting Maggie’s cousin, Angel Doyle, that I wanted to read more about her. This book was so awesome and since I knew there’d be the usual fun and humor along with adventure, I was never disappointed even once. There was more than one part in the book that I read something literally jaw-dropping and went, “What?? What just happened?” I loved the key players, and Angel couldn’t have a better sleuthing partner. For some reason I started thinking of him being like Sheldon lol, so it was even funnier. There were surprises and action around every corner, and I could barely put down the Kindle.

There were quite a few people getting offed, but never in a gory way. It didn’t surprise me when the whodunit was revealed, but I can’t really say I guessed. The reveal at the end regarding something else was fun too, and I’m eager now to read the next book. This book officially releases October 5, 2021.

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

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Murder Outside the Lines review

September 30, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Pen & Ink Mysteries by one of my favorite cozy authors, Krista Davis. She also writes the Paws and Claws series as well as the long-running Domestic Diva Mysteries, two of my favorite series, but Pen & Ink’s becoming a favorite as well the more books I read in it. This one was especially good because I’m already a fan of Krista Davis’s Halloween storytelling abilities from the other two series. Murder Outside the Lines was right up there with her The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer and The Diva Haunts a House. All are fabulous Halloween reading with just the right amount of creep factor! PS: I loved the side story with Harry, the skull with personality!

My Goodreads review:

Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh this was such a fun and awesome Halloween read! I already knew this author was a champ when it came to telling Halloween stories with just the right amount of creepiness, so this mystery definitely didn’t disappoint! One of the side stories that was pretty hilarious at times involved a human skull named Harry that was sent to Prof. Maxwell. There were a couple other side stories, and it seemed like everyone had some type of secret, but was it worth killing over it?

The showdown was exciting and very Halloween appropriate. I loved how things were explained yet some left just a teensy bit of doubt. The murders and any attempts were all cleared up though. And yes, Harry lived happily ever after too! 😉

I won a copy of the paperback of this book, and also voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC of the book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

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Chapter and Curse review

September 28, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries by Elizabeth Penney, and it hits virtual and real bookshelves today. I knew when I saw that Elizabeth Penney was the author that I’d really enjoy it like I did her previous series. I loved the addition of the sweet little black cat that Molly found right after finding the murdered woman on her aunt’s property. Little Puck sort of became her comfort kitty, so I just had to find a cute black kitty to feature as the picture! I’m really looking forward to the next book.

My Goodreads review:

Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just knew I’d love this book when I saw it in NetGalley and noticed who the author was. I enjoyed her writing and characterization in the Apron Shop series so much. This book definitely didn’t disappoint and had characters I took to immediately. The key characters were all really awesome, but I think my favorites were Aunt Violet and Sir Jon. Sir Jon might’ve been a retired MI6, but he could still do the job when he needed to as we see toward the end. Everyone needs an aunt like Violet. I hope she and Sir Jon can get together sometime, ’cause from talk about all their college days, I think he’s always had a little thing for her. Molly didn’t waste any time in finding a handsome and genuinely nice guy as well in Kieran. And Molly’s mother Nina, well there might be some love interest going on for her eventually too.

Another favorite character was George, a local landlord and good friend of Violet’s as well as her handyman for the bookshop sometimes. He’s another friend that everyone should have one of. I honestly couldn’t quite figure out whodunit until Molly did, and it was obvious at the showdown which by the way, was a really good one! But I thoroughly enjoyed how Violet, Molly, Nina and Sir Jon sort of teamed up to solve the murder. They knew if they relied on the evidence only, poor Violet would end up in jail. Their investigations always turned up something useful for the police, and I think Sir Jon’s respected status helped as well.

I’m so hoping these books might come out more than once a year. I just enjoyed the characters so much I hated to see the book end!

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

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The Corpse in the Gazebo review

September 26, 2021September 26, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Food Blogger series by Debra Sennefelder, and it releases in just a couple days on September 28, 2021. I made a point this summer to read the previous book so I’d be caught up for this one, and I’m glad I did read it. It’s possible to read these books as a standalone, but it’s more enjoyable to get to know Hope and her friends from the beginning. The author also writes the Resale Boutique series, which I’m a little behind in, but I like it a lot too. I’m definitely looking forward to the next Food Blogger though after reading this one!

My Goodreads review:

The Corpse in the Gazebo by Debra Sennefelder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m so glad I was caught up in the series and ready to read this one because it was another good sleuthing session for Hope, Drew and Jane. I loved how those three worked together in the previous book, and they were together again. Hope and Drew did most of the chase or driving work, but Jane definitely did her share. I just love her character and think of Jessica Fletcher since Jane was also a mystery author. The side mystery with Jane’s sister-in-law Sally ended up being kinda cute considering how curmudgeonly Sally could get especially when Jane and the crew were sleuthing.

I’ve learned that in this series (and a lot of mysteries) not everything’s what it appears to be, but even keeping that in mind, I was completely surprised by whodunit. Without saying too much, Drew was very happy with the stories he got from this whole case, and I think for once he was feeling some victory where nemesis (and unfair, not-completely-truthful writer) Norrie was concerned.

I loved the celebration with family and friends at the end. Hope definitely went through a lot of issues in this mystery, since as a murder suspect for one thing, she was losing sponsors. Then she was playing part-time mommy to Ethan’s girls, although that was something she really liked. But everything turned out great, and the ending was a good one. I can’t wait for the next book! This one releases on September 28, 2021, so don’t miss out on it!

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

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Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off review

September 25, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Beacon Bakeshop series by Darci Hannah, and I absolutely loved how it embraced the spirit of the Christmas season. Poor Lindsey had never really accomplished her dream type of Christmas, but I had to hand it to her for not giving up. Maybe this year would be better…

It was a lot of fun imagining what a town like this with a lighthouse would look like decorated for Christmas. I just love the book’s cover and think the artist couldn’t have captured it better! Three days and counting, then this book goes live September 28, 2021

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what an awesome Christmas mystery! If you don’t count the murder, lol. But the whole magicalness surrounding the lighthouse bakery sometimes was just the perfect Christmas spirit from the lights and decorations to the spirit of everyone working there. I can’t say too much, but I had my suspicions about something else (not the killer) and was super happy to find out I was right. Now the killer was another story, and I changed my mind as much as Lindsey and Crew changed theirs.

I loved the sleuthing dynamic that Lindsey, Rory, Kennedy…and get this, even Ellie Montague, ex-super model and mom to Lindsey wanted to join in. She did have a good idea that was right up her fashionista alley, and it started chipping away at the answer.

The showdown was wild, full of confession, and reinforcement arrived just in the nick of time. Honest, that wasn’t a Christmas pun! I loved how the book ended with the magic of Christmas, good friends, family and of course where Lindsey and her dad were involved, good food! One caution: Make sure you’re not hungry when you’re reading, ’cause you’ll want to eat your book or drool on your Kindle! There were so many yummies mentioned and not just dessert. The main dishes sounded awesome too.

At the end of the book, you’ll find everyone’s bake-off recipes, but there’s a link to the author’s website for more recipes. Hmm I should go there, ’cause maybe some of those main courses that Lindsey and her dad made are there!

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

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Death at Holly Lodge review

September 24, 2021September 24, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Daisy Thorne series by Louise R. Innes. I’ve followed the series from the first book and have come to really enjoy these characters. From Daisy’s coworkers at the hair salon to DCI Paul McGuiness and Daisy’s bestie Floria, they’re a great crew. Krish at the salon always cracks me up! It was fun to picture Christmas in this little English village, minus any dead bodies, of course! After Daisy babysat her neighbor’s cat, I started thinking how she could really use a cat or a dog. It could be the hair salon mascot!

My Goodreads review:

Death at Holly Lodge by Louise R. Innes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a perfect Christmas mystery and even though I’ve never been to England, I could still picture the little town businesses all decorated and getting ready for the Christmas Market. I loved that Daisy and DCI McGuiness aka Paul were getting closer and closer in their personal relationship. He got a lot less mad when she’d go ahead and do something, and she knew to just ‘fess up and tell him what she did while pointing out the good that came of it. They’re taking it slowly which is alway s a good sign.

The showdown was a good one, and I hadn’t figured out whodunit, so I just went along with whatever Daisy thought. It took several people to take down this perp, and fortunately Daisy was trained well enough now that she’d called the police before going to where she was going. There was a good surprise toward the end which wrapped up the whole case. Looks like Daisy and Paul were going to have a Merry Christmas after all! This book releases September 28, 2021.

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

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Here Comes the Fudge review

September 22, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco (also known as Nancy J. Parra and a couple other pen names). I absolutely love this series because it takes place on one of the most awesome places I’ve ever visited, Mackinac Island.

After I’d been reading this series for several years, my family and I finally took a vacation in 2018 to stay on this gorgeous island. It’s even magical in the rain. If I could give this particular book more than five stars, I sure would!

My Goodreads review:

Here Comes the Fudge by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, a case without Shane is like (insert anything you think goes together, only imagine it without one of those items)…and this murder wasn’t going to have Shane due to his being a suspect. I was literally going “What??” when I read that scene, ’cause we all know sweet, lovable Shane wouldn’t kill someone. I was proud of Jenn for never faltering in her belief of him and standing by him as best she could. Not her fault he wasn’t talking, but later after finding out the reason, I can’t say I blame him! You’ll just have to read and find out too, hehe.

This mystery had one epic showdown! From the minute it started, I knew it’d be a nail biter, but Allie always comes through and gets reinforcements coming even if she’s involved in the showdown. Needless to say, the wedding did have to be postponed, but it was amazing when it did happen. Everyone came together and helped, and it might’ve caused a little teensy bit of eye leakage! I love the happy note everything ended on, and I’m really hoping Allie and Rex finally get enough dates to feel like they’re together. Team Rex all the way…ever since the beginning! Don’t miss this installment that releases next Tuesday, September 28, 2021!

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

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