cozy mystery – Page 55 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Death Bee Comes Her review

January 14, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the very first in a brand new series published December 31, 2020 by Nancy Coco (who also writes one of my favorite series set on Mackinac Island, The Candy-Coated Mysteries.) I really enjoyed this new series first mystery, set on the Oregon coast, so much and can’t wait for the next book! She has a great way of describing small towns as well as coming up with fun and memorable characters to live in them. I loved how Aunt Eloise was very in tune to technology and loved the latest gadgets. And she shared that knowledge with other seniors in town by teaching a class, which they didn’t really get into. Her knowledge of old school ways did come in handy one time for her though!

I had never heard of a Havana Brown cat, but Everett sure sounded adorable!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a paperback ARC of this book from Kensington Publishing, and my opinions are my own.

My Goodreads review:

Death Bee Comes Her by Nancy CoCo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m loving this new series set in a coastal Oregon town named Oceanview. It sounded like tons of fun being around Halloween and having a whole week for people to get dressed up and let the kids go trick or treating to the shops. Poor Wren’s only problem was that she was practically accused of murder, and the police had to seize a third of her inventory.

Wren wasn’t one to give up easily, so with the help of her awesome aunt Eloise and her sweet cat Everett, she set out to find the person who was the real killer and appeared to be trying to frame Wren for murder. There were so many great red herrings and suspects that I was never sure who I thought did it.

I loved the main characters of Wren, Aunt Eloise, Everett and Porsche! Porsche made a great bestie and sleuthing buddy. I’m always rooting and doing the happy dance when anyone in the cast is into technology, but I especially enjoy it when it’s a senior member of that cast like Aunt Eloise. She had a good healthy knowledge of new and old school knowing that both could come in handy.

An extra treat at the end of the book was the first chapter from the next Candy-Coated mystery! I’m so anxious now for that to come out and for the second book in this series!

Reminder, this is a B&N exclusive for a year, so if you want to read it, you’ll need to get the paperback. I haven’t seen it even there in digital format. I ordered the book but I had received an ARC paperback from the publisher which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

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Matchmaking Can Be Murder review

January 10, 2020 Tari Hann

I just love this first book in the Amish Matchmaker series by Amanda Flower who is known for several series, but this is a spin-off on her Amish Candy Shop series. I remember meeting Millie in the last book along with her fun-loving goats, Phillip and Peter. (Although bishop’s wife Ruth doesn’t think they’re much fun!) It’s going to be so hard to wait for the next book to come out, but at least I know that the Amish Candy Shop has a couple of releases coming this spring. Maybe Millie and her friends will be mentioned in there?

My Goodreads review:

Matchmaking Can Be Murder by Amanda Flower

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this book! From the adorable goats (ok maybe the bishop’s wife doesn’t think they’re adorable) to the new friendship that matchmaker Millie Fisher built with her childhood friend, Lois. Oh my gosh, they were hilarious sleuths, well Lois was the hilarious one, and they were different as night and day. I loved that she kept calling Millie “Amish Marple”.

It was great to see already-familiar characters from the Amish Candy shop series like Juliet, Jethro and Aiden Brody (the sheriff, his mom and her little spotted pet pig who was as much of a stinker as those goats!), as well as Clara and Charlotte from the candy shop. But I definitely really like the new character of Lois and even her granddaughter Darcy. And Millie makes an awesome main character!

I had a feeling I knew who was behind a lot of things, although it played out a little differently. I was actually enjoying reading about the sleuthing more than I was trying to figure out whodunit. I’m so anxious now for the next book!

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Poppy Harmon and the Hung Jury review

January 8, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the newer Desert Flowers series by Lee Hollis. Lee Hollis is the pen name for brother/sister team Rick Copp and Holly Simason. The first series that they did is the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails series, which I also love. There’s a third series called Maya and Sandra Mystery series. I have the book “Murder at the PTA” but unfortunately haven’t read it yet. I hope to do that soon, because I love their writing.

Poppy and her friends along with Matt were awesome in this book! Crazy situations and fun characters made for a really entertaining murder mystery.

My Goodreads review:

Poppy Harmon and the Hung Jury by Lee Hollis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of the Desert Flowers series. Maybe because I already knew the characters and was glad to come back and see what they were up to, or maybe the story was better. Whichever it was, it was great seeing the gang together again. Like Poppy in the first book, I wasn’t sure if I liked Matt much, but in this book he definitely won me over. Even Heather’s character was fleshed out a little bit better. And of course Poppy’s crazy friends Violet and Iris were at their shining best. I love that they have a twelve-year-old helping them with the online part of their investigating business. Wyatt is a pretty cool kid!

I wasn’t sure whodunit, but it was a lot of fun reading and finding out. There was plenty of action and humor as well. Some of the scenes were so crazy and I could almost picture Jessica Fletcher along with a couple of the Golden Girls being Poppy and her pals. Poppy’s little side story about her love life was very sweet, and I was happy that it came to a happy conclusion instead of keeping us waiting and wondering. It’ll be interesting to see what these characters get into next!

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There’s a Murder Afoot review

January 5, 2020 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series by Vicki Delany, and it’s going to be released this Tuesday, January 7, 2020. I’m reviewing an advance copy of it provided by the publisher. I also had a digital copy from NetGalley as I tend to go back and forth if I have the choice. I really loved this installment that takes place 99% in London, England. It was fun to read about Gemma in her old stomping grounds and meet her parents and sister. I felt bad for Gemma’s dad being accused and harrassed by a DI who hadn’t liked him when he was on the force.

I thought at first her sister was going to be snooty and kind of a pain, but she proved to be more of a puzzle as well as a good, but behind-the-scenes sleuthing partner for her sister. We can only guess what Pippa’s job is with the government as the book unfolds. As always, I’m anxiously waiting for the next book now!

My Goodreads review:

There’s A Murder Afoot by Vicki Delany

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was so awesome to read about Gemma and all her West London, MA friends being together in London, England for a Sherlock Holmes event. I really liked her parents and Pippa her sister even grew on me. She was sort of mysterious but she and Grant started liking each other during the course of the trip, which turned into a little longer of a trip due to Gemma’s dad being accused of murder.

Gemma usually investigated cases involving strangers but there was more at stake here, so it made her even more determined to find the real killer. I was definitely wrong about the killer, and there was a good twist at the end. The showdown was exciting, and even Sherlock-obsessed Donald Morris got in on helping out. During the trip, I got some giggles out of the times Ashleigh would contact Gemma about a few little issues they were having at the store. The one with Moriarty the cat and an author’s shoes was really funny. I think this book is my favorite now in this series!

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. The book releases January 7, and my opinions are my own.

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Theater Nights Are Murder review

January 2, 2020 Tari Hann

Happy New Year everyone! And on to this year’s awesome reading!

This is the fourth (and funniest, to me) book in the Poppy McAllister series by Libby Klein. She does such a good job of making her readers laugh most of the way through the books in this series! I just love these characters and how some of our favorites from the previous books make their way into the most recent one. If you haven’t started this series, you should treat yourself this year.

My Goodreads review:

Theater Nights Are Murder by Libby Klein

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series more every time I read the newest book and I always think that book is the funniest one so far…only because imho it is! I was laughing out loud at Aunt Ginny and her “biddies'” antics during the senior center’s production of Mamma Mia. From going all out spy complete with two-way radios to conning some bikers in a pool game, these ladies while absolutely hilarious were determined to find out how their friend really died during the theater production. And for that I say, “You go, girls!”

Even though I didn’t care much for the character of Fiona, I have to admit I got a kick out of her always talking about her precious son Iggy’s many master’s degrees. It was sort of a running joke through the book (like how Georgina had come up with a bunch of wrong names for Smitty in the previous book). I think Aunt Ginny will always be my favorite character, but we got to know the biddies a lot better in this book and I completely enjoyed that. Even Smitty made a visit. Poppy’s friend Sawyer had a sideline mystery going on, and there was another side mystery that completely threw me when I found out who was behind it. I’d never have guessed.

Officer Amber seemed to be mellowing just a little bit. She didn’t seem nearly as mean as she was in the first book even though I doubt she’ll ever get over getting a little satisfaction out of trying to make Poppy squirm. Poppy gave it right back though–her character has grown a lot since the first book too. As always, I’m anxious for the next in this series!

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

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Verse and Vengeance review

December 24, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Magical Bookshop series by Amanda Flower. It quickly became a favorite series of mine from the time I read the first book, and I’m always anxious for the next one. Fans of Violet and David will be especially pleased with this installment!

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

My Goodreads review:

Verse and Vengeance by Amanda Flower

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! Everything I’ve been hoping would happen in Violet’s life has come together in a happy way. There were times when she doubted people that she considered friends, but everything worked out and the killer was caught. I was really surprised by the reveal too and had never suspected that person. (Although I can’t say that I’m sorry it was that person lol). I don’t want to say too much, because there are a number of spoilers in the book. Any fans of Violet and David will be well-pleased.

Grandma Daisy has always been a favorite character, and in this book, Richard who was one of Violet’s professors at the college when she was getting her degree, had started working at the bookshop. There was a certain lady he liked a lot, and I was wondering if he’d ever get up the nerve to take her out. It was cool getting to know him a little bit better by reading about his working in the shop during the summer.

I’ve loved this series since the first book I read and always anxiously wait for the next book! The only reason it took me so long to read this book was due to being on vacation. Attempting to read much of it prior to vacation wasn’t working due to all the things needing done before we left.

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An Ale of Two Cities review

December 1, 2019December 1, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the second book in Sarah Fox’s Literary Pub series, and I was excited to return to Shady Creek, Vermont when it was almost Christmas. I could just picture the town and all the shops with the snowfall and the Winter Carnival that was underway. The side story about the hockey game was kind of fun. Poor Cordelia, she gave it her best, lol. I’m hoping as the series progresses that Sadie and Grayson get closer. I know that Joey the reporter likes her, but I’ve been Team Grayson since the first book. 😉 I never guessed the killer at all.

My Goodreads review:

An Ale of Two Cities by Sarah Fox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had really been looking forward to this second book and I was definitely not disappointed! The mystery of the murder was a good one, and I was totally surprised by the killer reveal which was pretty exciting. Thinking about Christmas and wintertime in Vermont was so cool. I’m not a fan of being out in the cold, but looking out at the scenery would be awesome. The town of Shady Creek sounds like an adorable little Hallmark town, especially during Winter Carnival that had an ice sculpture contest.

I just love Aunt Gilda! She’s just what Sadie needed–and who wouldn’t love an aunt like her. Shontelle was the kind of bestie any girl would be glad to have, and the various employees at Inkwell were all good people. The trivia night that Sadie had was fun, and I even caught some cozy mystery name dropping which is always super fun to read about. Hopefully Sadie will eventually think of Grayson as more sweet than annoying, but I think she got a good start in this book by talking about spending Christmas with him. I definitely can’t wait for 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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Invitation Only Murder review

November 28, 2019 Tari Hann

First of all, since I’m writing this on Thanksgiving, I’d like to wish all my readers and friends here in the states a blessed and safe Thanksgiving weekend. Now, on to the book.

This was the twenty-sixth book in the long-running Lucy Stone series by Leslie Stone and it was a pretty exciting one. Set on an island, it reminded me of an Agatha Christie book or a movie where everyone suspected everyone.

#Kensington Publishing was kind enough to provide me with a paperback ARC of the book, and my honest opinions are my own.

My Goodreads review:

Invitation Only Murder by Leslie Meier

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucy sure had no idea what she was getting into when she volunteered to visit and do a story about a remote island off Tinker’s Cove that was owned by Scott, an eccentric billionaire with paranoia issues. He didn’t believe in any modern conveniences aside from hot water and limited electricity..and he thought everyone was out to get him because he was so rich. When Lucy stumbled onto the dead body of one of Scott’s daughters followed shortly by a mysterious disappearance, she must have felt like she was in the middle of And Then There Were None. I know that I would have thought that! I’m pretty sure that I would have holed up in my room. The whole story had kind of an eerie feeling about that did remind me of reading an Agatha Christie set on an island.

Determined to get to the bottom of the murder and disappearance that she felt sure were connected, Lucy ended up injured, partly by the perp who got away into the woods. There was eventually quite the showdown, since the perp knew that Scott kept a private arsenal of weapons at his disposal. It was survival of the fittest toward the end which definitely kept me on the edge of my chair!

The whole book had more of a suspense feeling and compelled me to keep reading. I liked the twin 8-year-old boys. They weren’t really brats but very smart for their age, and their love of books came in handy for them. If I had been Lucy, I’d have probably kissed the ground when I stepped off the boat and back to Tinker’s Cove! This was a little different than the usual Lucy Stones that I’ve read, but it was a good kind of different and I really enjoyed her adventure on the island.

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A Murderous Tangle review

November 23, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the renamed series Seaside Knitters Society. It’s basically an extension of the original series and had a different name when publishers were switched–that’s the story I read anyway. Like all the books I’ve read so far in the new series, there’s more than just a murder mystery. It’s a story of people and relationships and sometimes unfolds a little slower than a typical cozy, but I’m used to that formula now and love the cozy feeling that this series brings.

My Goodreads review:

A Murderous Tangle by Sally Goldenbaum

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t know how she does it, but this author always manages to come up with just the perfect knitting situations to create the perfect cozy atmosphere in this series. I’ve really grown to love all these main characters, and yes, even though there are a lot of them, I don’t get confused. I wasn’t sure what to think about their new friend Tess at first, but she eventually fit in with the group.

I eventually guessed who the killer was, and that’s another thing I’ve liked about this series in what I’ve read. Maybe it’s what makes it so peaceful and leaves me thinking about the characters, but it’s a nice break sometimes not to have a main character have a dangerous standoff with the killer. Sometimes the killer is even one of their own and not normally a bad person. I absolutely loved the last scene in the book! It was the perfect cozy Christmas!

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Bookmarked for Murder review

November 22, 2019November 22, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Mystery Bookshop series by one of my favorite cozy authors, V.M. Burns or Valerie as she’s known on social media. I love her Dog Club series as well. This book was another winner, and even though I guessed the killer, that doesn’t mean I didn’t temporarily fall for some of the red herrings. Nana Jo is one of my all-time favorite cozy characters, and she really shone in this book.

My Goodreads review:

Bookmarked for Murder by V.M. Burns

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sam had finally agreed to take a mini vacation from the bookstore and went with her Nana and the other senior sleuths to Chicago. Before they could return home, the guy that Irma was seeing was found dead on the bus. There were plenty of suspects, but somehow I managed to guess the correct one. Of course, as usual, I didn’t know any of the reasoning behind why I picked. It just seemed to be the right person.

The showdown was very exciting…how else would it be with Nana Jo involved? The ending was so heartwarming as everyone was together for the New Year celebration. I loved how Irma was featured in this book, since she always cracks me up, but the attempt on her life wasn’t too funny. I’m enjoying where Frank and Samantha are in their relationship, it’s just very sweet and believable. As always, I’m anxious for the next book in the series!

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