cozy mystery – Page 54 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Dead to the Last Drop review

February 23, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in one of my favorite series, Killer Coffee written by Tonya Kappes. I just love everything I read by this author, and I haven’t even gotten around to a few of her older series. I know that I love reading about Roxy, Patrick, Aunt Maxi and all the fun folks in Honey Springs, Kentucky. I wish that it was a place I could go to and vacation there. Going across the lake to the bee farm always sounds fun! Aunt Maxi got her chance to shine on stage, or she thought she did anyway. Fun and laughs as always!

My Goodreads review:

Dead To The Last Drop: A Cozy Mystery by Tonya Kappes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love a visit in Honey Springs, KY with Roxy and her family/friends. It sounds like a little storybook town any time of the year, but in the winter it seems extra Hallmark-y. After a well-placed clue, I had a good idea of who the killer was, and I was right. The reason never really comes out until the end anyway. I liked the mention of having a mystery group in town, and Kayla at the Bee Farm got to be in this book a little instead of being just a mention. I like how the various friends and businesses sort of rotate around in the stories. Roxy and a friend in town were going to have exciting changes in both their lives/business, but you’ll have to read and find out!

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Al Dente’s Inferno review

February 23, 2020February 23, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series releasing on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 by Stephanie Cole. It’s the Tuscany Cooking School Mysteries series, and I had wanted to like it a lot more than I actually did. The author has a very nice writing style that isn’t hard to read, until you get to lots of Italian phrases, some of which aren’t translated and you have to sort of figure it out from the context. That took away from some of the enjoyment for me and didn’t make for the smooth reading that I’m used to in most cozies.

I do love the idea of a Tuscany cooking school though and how Nell was going to transform the old abbey into a nice place for American students to come learn Italian cooking. I’m hoping the next book might be a little better once this book’s been out long enough for constructive reviews to come in. I really mean for my review to be helpful and constructive.

I had never heard of an Italian car called an Ape, so of course, I had to Google it and I found several fun uses for it. I chose the blue one from a Wiki, like in the story. They’re kind of cute!

I’d like to thank @Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to review an early digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

My Goodreads review:

Al Dente’s Inferno by Stephanie Cole

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With the setting this book was in and the very unique idea of a chef going around developing different cooking schools for various areas, I was excited to read and love it, but I have to be honest and say that I was disappointed. The use of too much Italian really put me off for one thing. I’ve read books before where a language is simply sprinkled in for a nice, local feel, but this was a bit of an overkill. There seemed like a lot going on at once, and I felt confused quite a bit. I couldn’t quite warm up to any of the characters like I normally do within the first few pages of cozies that I rate much higher. Even Nell’s dad–and usually I love silly dad characters–fell short. I felt like I never quite understood just who these sisters were that came in to get the house more ready for filming…nuns or actual sisters to Rosa, who I think might have been a nun. A little more background on some characters would have been nice. I hope I’m not the only one who missed the boat on the sisters!

I enjoyed the occasional humor like the car ride in the little Ape. Pete and Nell made a nice sleuthing team, but at some points, again being honest, I stopped being interested in who offed the guy, because I hadn’t really liked him to begin with, but I did want to see how Nell caught the person. That was a plus point, at least someone nice wasn’t killed. I hadn’t guessed the killer, so that was good. I may or may not give the second book a read. Again, I love the premise and Tuscany setting.

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

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The Crafter Quilts a Crime review

February 10, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Handcrafted Mystery series by Holly Quinn that takes place in a picturesque little Hallmark-like town called Heartsford, WI. I read in someone’s interview with the author that this book had originally been intended as a Christmas season book and had to have a lot of it rewritten. I was glad to see a few little references to Christmas though, because the way the town was decorated for Fire & Ice day, it sounded magical. But for one crafter in town, it wasn’t so magical…

My Goodreads review:

A Crafter Quilts a Crime by Holly Quinn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting mystery with a good twist that I never figured out. As much as I really like these characters, Sammy while lovable as a puppy, still kind of bothered me with how she managed to twist someone’s words into something she was afraid was hurtful or what she saw as untrue. It’s not like she was trying to do that for any terrible reason. I think she simply couldn’t help it. Her lips moved faster than her brain sometimes, lol. It just seemed to continually get her in trouble with Liam, the detective she had a crush on. Sometimes they’d be joking like they always had, and other times she’d be reading something else into what he told her.

After a wild ride of investigating, getting into hot water with the police and someone that could be a killer, Sammy eventually helped once again bring another killer to justice. And she got a super sweet ending from it too which I loved!

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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In Cold Chamomile review

February 9, 2020 Tari Hann

Here is the third book in the Tea and Read series by Joy Avon. I really like this newer series that features Callie Aspen and her great aunt Iphy who run a tea shop where Iphy makes book-related goodies. I love Callie’s little adopted Boston Terrier, Daisy. She always seems to know when her mom needs her. This book featured Aunt Iphy a little more as the girls tried to figure out why Iphy’s old guy friend from fifty years ago was suddenly back in Hearts Harbor. Iphy was more worried about him than she wanted to let on at first. But Callie always has her ways of getting answers. I’m very anxious for the next book. This one left some questions even though the murder was cleaned up nicely.

My Goodreads review:

In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really good mystery that Aunt Iphy got a chance to take front stage in. Her old friend was in town for the Valentine’s event and was the prime suspect in a book expert’s death. I didn’t like the tension between Callie and Ace as well as between Peggy and Quinn, so I sure hope all that gets resolved in the next book. There was a lot happening in this book, and I definitely couldn’t put it down.

I hadn’t honestly guessed the killer too far ahead, but there weren’t tons of suspects. I’m always a sucker for a good red herring though. Ace seemed more on edge during this book than he had previously, but Callie and Iphy did do some snooping that he was justified in being upset at. As I said, I don’t care for tension with characters and their love interests, so I’m relying on the next book to smooth it out. Aunt Iphy did get a sweet little ending out of this. I’m interested to see what she has to say when we see her next. I can’t say too much or give it away. 😉

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher through NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. Publication date is February 11, 2020.

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The Book of Candlelight review

February 3, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the third book in Ellery Adams’ The Secret, Book and Scone society series. I fell in love with this series and the main characters from the very first book and always end up with a major book hangover. I’m just not quite ready to stop thinking about the characters and even though these books are more than generous with their explanations and sometimes very needed story endings, I always want more of that. Obviously, I can’t wait until the fourth book comes out.

My Goodreads review:

The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As with the other two books in this series, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters when it ended. But there were an awesome wrap-up and ending chapters to fill out everything that had happened. I just loved Sheldon, the new employee at Miracle Books! He reminded me of another favorite character named Sheldon only a sixty-something version of him.

I really didn’t have any ideas as to who the killer was, so I just read and enjoyed the trail growing hotter as Nora and her friends slowly uncovered pieces of the puzzle. I enjoyed how she and the sheriff’s office worked together to get the case solved. The side story of a mysterious man in a white t-shirt was good too. I won’t say anything else about that, because it was a real surprise. I’m hoping that Sheldon continues to work at the shop. I thought he was just the perfect addition to Nora and her friends.

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

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A Field Guide to Homicide review

January 29, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Cat Latimer series by Lynn Cahoon, one of my personal favorite series. I’ve always loved the intrigue that surrounds the college town and a lot of things going on there. This book definitely lived up to all my expectations and then some.

The retreat writers were a bit different at first, but eventually they became more like the usual groups Cat had before (except none of them got killed this time lol). The murdered man was someone that Seth knew from his Army days, something that Cat had never had any luck getting him to talk about. I think these books could do fine as stand alone stories, but I recommend reading them in order, since the earlier books do build on future ones and it helps bring readers close to the characters getting to know them from the beginning, at least that’s how it is for me.

My Goodreads review:

A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I’ve found with all of this series, I absolutely loved this book! It was the best combo of crazy family, writing guests, suspense, action, happy ending and a great mystery all rolled into one. I wasn’t sure what direction the story was headed into when it involved Seth’s army buddy being murdered, and I was just a bit worried there might be an ongoing thing involving army days, which I can always handle an ongoing if it’s fairly minor. But everything was great and was explained even more after the perp was caught.

The showdown was awesome, and Shauna got her chance to shine–along with also being in the spotlight a little with her upcoming cookbook. I really like Uncle Pete’s girlfriend Shirley and was glad to see her returning for a visit. I know I always say this, but I can’t wait for the next book!

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Statue of Limitations review

January 28, 2020 Tari Hann

This was the first book in a brand new series released today, January 28, 2020. It’s by Kate Collins who also writes the Flower Shop Mysteries that the Hallmark show was based on. It’s the first I’ve read by this author, and now I definitely need to prioritize reading her first book in the Flower Shop series. There were quite a few characters in this book, but it didn’t take long to keep them sorted out. I quickly felt like I could be friends with any of Athena’s friends. Athena’s blog cracked me up! It’s going to be incredibly hard to wait for the next book that releases in 2021.

For gardening enthusiasts, there are floral tips in the back of the book for longer-lasting arrangements.

My Goodreads review:

Statue of Limitations by Kate Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book, especially the ending! When I saw that the next is coming in 2021, I was thinking “oh noooo, I can’t wait that long!” The characters were great, and I fell for Case the minute he came onto the scene. It was like the Greek wedding movies meet a cute little Hallmark town by the sea. Athena had an awesome family and son. She’d been trying to get away from all the Greekness of her crazy but fun family. Eventually, she realized that she really did want to be surrounded by all of this love and companionship. Just from the little he was in the book, I thought Nicholas (who wanted to be called Niko) was a pretty great kid.

The showdown was a bit different (don’t worry, in a good way!) with a great twist leading to what I think was a super sweet ending complete with all bad parties taken care of. Which is why I think it’ll be so hard to wait a year for the next book.

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Bound for Murder review

January 22, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in one of my favorite newer series, Blue Ridge Library. Of course what drew me to it in the first place was the library setting! The area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia always sounds so gorgeous too, and it’s easy to picture my favorite characters in the library or going different places there. I can’t wait to read the next book!

My Goodreads review:

Bound for Murder by Victoria Gilbert

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve loved this series from the beginning! There was a cold case to start things off, then the bodies started falling. Amy was actually helping the police with research into the cold case which involved a 60s commune on the farm where Sunny lived with her grandparents. There was a nice variety of suspects, and Amy managed to make one of them nervous enough to start sending her threats and taking shots at her.

I wasn’t sure about the killer, so that was a good twist along with who the cold case killer was. The showdown was exciting, and Sunny got to prove herself a worthy opponent for a killer. I really liked how when it was all wrapped up, there was still more story to read to help wind down from the excitement of catching the killer. The ending was especially sweet!

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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Hems and Homicide review

January 19, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Apron Shop series by Elizabeth Penney, and I already can’t wait for the next book! It was a great move to tease the next book (Thread and Dead) at the end of this one. I can always tell I’m going to love a book when I like the main characters right away. It didn’t take much time at all to wish that these characters were my friends too.

My Goodreads review:

Hems and Homicide by Elizabeth Penney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t believe I’ve never read anything by this author before, so I’m really glad I was able to read this book. When I looked at her bio page, I decided I’m going to have to check out some of the other cozies I saw there. This book was just awesome! The characters were a lot of fun, and I just loved Grammie, who was so young at heart that she liked hanging out with Iris and her friends. I don’t think a girl could ask for better friends than Iris has. Madison was so funny and always up for adventure. Sophie and Bella were great too, both being business owners there in town. The girls’ nights they had always sounded fun! Quincy was an awfully sweet cat–he seemed to love everyone and was there for comfort no matter who they were. Even the grumpiest person could find a little solace in good old Quince.

I loved that Iris refound her high school crush Ian, and it’ll be sweet watching their relationship grow. The mystery was really good, a skeleton found in the basement where Iris and Grammie were opening an apron shop, and another current body. There were plenty of suspects and red herrings. I’d sort of guessed the killer but for the wrong person. The showdown was exciting, and I have to hand it to Iris for keeping her head during confrontations and thinking to phone police, do a recording or anything safe that sometimes other sleuths forget about.

It was great having a story wrapup too, all the pieces of the puzzle were explained and we even got more story too. I like when that happens and a story just doesn’t end abruptly because the murder was explained. We got to finally see the shop’s opening. And…there’s even part of the first chapter of the next book which I can’t wait for now that I’ve read the excerpt.

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Silenced in Sequins review

January 16, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the second book in Debra Sennefelder’s Resale Boutique series which I like a whole lot more than I thought I would when I first heard the idea of a high-fashion resale boutique. I’m not interested in clothes shopping myself, but it doesn’t really dwell much on that. I came for the mystery and have definitely not been disappointed.

The characters are fun, especially Pepper, Liv and Gabe. Kelly gets on my nerves sometimes with her impulsiveness and extreme refusal to listen, but she makes up for it in her kindness and willingness to help other people. She simply can’t help herself for being a good person and honestly shouldn’t have to worry about trying to do the right thing. But somehow she always ends up with someone upset or killed. She came through and solved this case, which if truth was known probably didn’t sit well with her new date’s sister the detective. 😉

My Goodreads review:

Silenced in Sequins by Debra Sennefelder

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed that this book took place from the time right before Thanksgiving up till Christmas Day. I was glad for another visit to Lucky Cove with Kelly and her friends. I hadn’t really remembered the character of Breena until I got a little bit into the book. I do love Liv as Kelly’s bestie and Gabe as her guy best friend. With two friends like that, Kelly was definitely blessed. Pepper is a great character too, the perfect momlike figure for Kelly and her impulsiveness (which always makes me nervous lol).

At least Kelly wasn’t the one blame for a murder this time, but she promised to help the woman who was the prime suspect. The showdown with the killer was kind of nail-biting, and it definitely was a surprise as to the person’s identity. The side story of Granny and a man named Marvin having been married in Las Vegas was cute until someone decided to take advantage of it. But like the murder case, it all worked out nicely and Kelly had a great first Christmas as a business owner. I like that she and Mark have made a little progress on their budding relationship. His sister, the detective, doesn’t approve, but when has something like ever stopped our friend Kelly, right? 😉

Just like before, I’m super anxious for the next installment in this series!

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