cozy mystery – Page 67 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Batter Off Dead–review

January 6, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Southern Cake Baker series by Maymee Bell, who is actually many-times-published cozy mystery author, Tonya Kappes. I love reading any book by this author. The characters are always so fun and down-home. There’s always some humor (especially with the sleuth’s Southern mama!) and a great mystery! This one really had me stumped! Then at the end of the book, they had a celebration, and I didn’t want to leave!

Even though the kitty in the picture isn’t blue-eyed, I thought maybe Duchess in the book might look something like this. It was the best free-for-use picture I found.

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

My Goodreads review:

Batter Off Dead by Maymee Bell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved the first book in this series when I read it last year, so I knew the second book wouldn’t disappoint, and it sure didn’t! I didn’t want my visit to Rumford, KY to end!

Sophia was hired to do the dessert catering at a library and winery event. When she found the former benefactor to the library dead by the vineyard and one of her best friends was the prime suspect in the murder, Sophia knew she’d never be able to leave this one alone. It’s a good thing Carter loves her so much, or he’d have been furious at her a few times. He did continue to give her warnings. There was a little side story of Sophia wanting to make the famous donut recipe that the bakery before she bought it was known for. After that, her house was broken into, and someone threw a rock through the bakery window. Could it be the killer wanting her to back off investigating?

I get such a kick out of Bitsy, Sophia’s Southern mama. She even got into the whole investigating this time and went as far as calling it Operation Merlot. I love how fiercely loyal Sophia is, not only to to her close friends, but the entire town. I had absolutely no clue who the killer was until the last minute at the showdown, which was excellent. The library got a happy ending as did everyone else, but I especially love it when a library gets a happy ending! I can’t wait for the next book!

Disclaimer: 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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Jeopardy in January–review

January 4, 2019January 4, 2019 Tari Hann

This was a fun book to read as we begin the month of January. It takes place in a small town called Calendar. I’m thinking it wasn’t placed in an actual state on purpose–can’t use this for my Literary Escapes challenge! 😉 But it’ll fit in for a few of them. I love discovering books like this that I’ve had on the Kindle for awhile.

My Goodreads review:

Jeopardy in January by Camilla Chafer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I chose this book for one book challenge I’m doing, but realized it will probably work for a few others as well. On top of all that, I enjoyed it so much! I can’t believe I waited this long to read it. I really loved all the main characters, but from reading the upcoming blurbs for other books in the series, I’m not sure if these characters will appear or not. It seems like they are all free-standing, but at least this book had a very nice ending!

Sara Cutler, head librarian of the Calendar library was working to save the library from demolition. When she found her assistant murdered in that library and realized how very little she really knew about her, it made her wonder just what Bree had been up to that had gotten her killed. As Sara dug into the investigation more and more, the local detective warned her that her own life could be in dangers if the people that killed Bree thought Sara knew something. Add to that mix the fact that Sara felt herself falling for Jason who worked for the firm that was going to build over where the library was to be demolished. Can Sara save the library and find out who killed her assistant?

Of course she can, because this was an awesome cozy mystery! I gotta confess I realized who the killer was early on, but it was a lot of fun to read and see just when it would dawn on other people. The showdown was great and the book ending was very sweet. I do eventually want to read more in this series, especially if the mysteries are as good as this was.

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In Peppermint Peril–review

January 3, 2019January 3, 2019 Tari Hann

My first review of 2019, and it was a super enjoyable book! I can always enjoy a good Christmas mystery. I loved how throughout the book Callie was stressing that the mystery needed solved by Christmas so that families could be together. That and the way it ended was just really heartwarming to me! I don’t know if this author’s name is a pen name or what, but she writes like someone well-established and I am very anxious to read the next book in this series!

I just loved the little brown and white Boston terrier, Daisy! She was being cared for by Callie who worked as a tour guide. Daisy always seemed to know when someone needed a dog to comfort them. And even Daisy got a happily ever after ending! The picture is the best one licensed for free use that I thought Daisy might look like.

Disclaimer: I was provided a hardcover copy of this book from the publisher via a group I belong to, but I voluntarily read and reviewed it. Being given the book had no bearing on what type of review I would give.

My Goodreads review:

In Peppermint Peril by Joy Avon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a good mystery that turned out to be a heartwarming Christmas story! I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters, and I can’t wait to read the next book! In the very back, the author said it would take place in July. This book was really well-written and plotted. I have no idea if the author is someone’s pen name who is already established, but if not, it sure seems that way, like they aren’t just a beginning writer.

Callie Aspen, who worked as a travel tour guide, was home over Christmas helping her aunt Iphy with her shop called Book Tea. Iphy made cakes with book clues in them for people. At the big tea party she’d made a large winter cake for, the body of the gardener was found in the conservatory. The whole thing had purposely been given an Agatha Christie feel, since the lady of the house, 90-something Dorothea Finster had announced her will was going to be changed. Everyone invited was hoping for a cut of it, but instead, they ended up with a murder.

I liked how Callie and Deputy Falk got along. They were just a little rocky at first, but she wasn’t like some sleuths who seem to take offense at everything the police officer says or does. They worked well together and he seemed pretty charmed and won over by her as well. There was no shortage of suspects, until they started producing alibis. I loved the web of deceit that made it seem like everyone had secrets. I had randomly named the person as the killer, but the author seemed to steer away from anyone that I had suspected. I loved the stake-out type take down at the end!

The ending was incredibly Christmasy with family being reunited–which was basically all Dorothea had wanted. Callie had to make an important decision for herself and the little dog she’d temporarily adopted. I enjoyed the side story of Falk’s sister Peggy and her two small sons. Falk naturally was very protective of her, but Callie helped him realize that maybe Peggy just wanted a little credit for trying to be a good single mom–she was widowed when her Coast Guard husband went on a rescue mission. I’m really anxious for the next book to come out!

Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher, but I voluntarily chose to read and review it. My opinions are my own.

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‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas–review

December 21, 2018December 21, 2018 Tari Hann

This was just the perfect cozy mystery to read a few days before Christmas! If someone wasn’t in a Christmas mood, this book would definitely put them in one. I loved returning to Mistletoe, Maine a year later while Holly investigated yet another murder. With the whole idea of the series being Christmas, it’s so hard to wait for the next book because I know it’ll be a year away. But…it’s always worth the wait!

My Goodreads review:

‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All I can say is this was the most magical Christmas book I’ve read this season! I love that Holly and Evan are growing closer. Now Ray, the guy from the first book who has been puppy-dog friendly to Holly but she made it clear she didn’t want to date him, has finally found someone a little closer to his own age. And so has his mom, but he’s less than thrilled over that.

It was getting close to Christmas and a guy that Holly’s friend Caroline was seen with arguing at a benefit dinner was found dead in the big bowl of peppermints by the town’s Christmas tree. With Caroline as the prime suspect, Holly couldn’t help but investigate this one. But the killer apparently knew she was on to them, since Holly had a few close calls herself, and the showdown to end all showdowns!

I loved the side story with Evan’s sister but the magical part came closer to the end of the book. I think Holly truly believed that Santa Claus had granted her and her family the perfect Christmas! I highly recommend this book (and the first in series) as just the perfect Christmas cozies!

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

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Wine and Punishment–review

December 17, 2018December 17, 2018 Tari Hann

I really loved this first book in the new Literary Pub series by well-established author, Sarah Fox. The characters were so well done that I would definitely want to meet them and have some of them as friends, especially Aunt Gilda! I’m very anxious for the next book in this series!

My Goodreads review:

Wine and Punishment by Sarah Fox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was seriously so good I could barely put it down. I did manage to squeeze in the time to read it all in one day. I really loved this first in a new series, and I’m already anxious to read the next book.

Sadie Coleman had moved to Shady Creek, VT after losing her job leaving a lying, dishonest ex-boyfriend behind. Eric was apparently so determined to win her back that he’d bought a ring and traveled from Boston to Shady Creek, but he ended up dead before he could do anything with that ring. Sadie was the person of interest even though she insisted she hadn’t seen the man when he was in town, nor had she spoken to him in over four months.

The side story of Sadie’s neighboring small business owner, Grayson Blake was interesting. He seemed to have a chip on his shoulder concerning her, but everyone else swore he was so nice and polite. It was a nice switch-up to have a female detective in charge of the case. She was by-the-book, but she was very fair and didn’t jump to the conclusion of Sadie or anyone else being guilty until evidence pointed that way. Despite their initial differences, Grayson came in very handy towards the end, and it seems as though he and Sadie could be making amends and even becoming friendlier.

I really enjoyed the character of Aunt Gilda! Everyone needs an aunt like her. She was completely in favor of Sadie buying the old mill and leaving it as a pub (but adding books) even though Sadie’s mom wasn’t. Gilda offered her a place to stay a couple of times when someone was threatening Sadie. The showdown was pretty exciting and led to a fun ending. For drink and muffin fans, there are three drink recipes at the end and a recipe for carrot muffins.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher which in no way swayed how or if I would write a favorable review. My opinions are my own.

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Purls and Poison–review

December 10, 2018December 10, 2018 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the Black Sheep Knitting series by Anne Canadeo, or to get a little technical, it’s the second one in the renamed series, Black Sheep & Company, which is now with Kensington Publishing. I’d only read books 1 and 2, but I felt like I knew the characters well enough to read this when the chance came up to get it from NetGalley.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

My Goodreads review:

Purls and Poison by Anne Canadeo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time because of one of the knitters herself being accused of murdering her co-worker. As the story unfolded, it just seemed like poor Suzanne couldn’t catch a break, because the police were uncovering yet more reasons why they thought she killed Liza.

Liza Devereaux was a major thorn in Suzanne Cavanaugh’s side. She’d always been overly competitive in the real estate market, but stealing a $2 million dollar deal right out from Suzanne’s nose made Suzanne really angry. Not angry enough to kill her, but who did and decided that it would be all fun and games if they framed Suzanne? That’s what her knitter friends were going to find out, because clearly to them the police had no one else in their radar except their good friend. Even though Maggie’s boyfriend was one of the detectives, Maggie didn’t let that stop her from being fiercely loyal to Suzanne. How was Charles going to react to that?

I thought the book ended really great! It had an exciting showdown in which Suzanne showed a lot of bravery. I had one person in mind for the killer the whole time until the reveal. There were plenty of suspects and some red herrings along the way as well.

I haven’t read all the books in the series before this one, but I have read the first two and was very quickly swept into their friendship and knitting circle. By the second book, they were old friends to me, so it was great to go back even though quite a few books had passed, and catch up with them. I do still intend to read all the books in between, but I couldn’t resist requesting this one from NetGalley.

Disclaimer: I read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

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Deadly News–review

December 7, 2018December 7, 2018 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series called Britton Bay by contemporary romance author, Jody Holford. I kind of wondered what a cozy mystery would be like when written by someone who has only written romance. Well, I was happily surprised that I really liked it! It had just the perfect atmosphere and a really good murder mystery! I could picture this unfolding on Hallmark or maybe Lifetime.

My Goodreads review:

Deadly News by Jody Holford

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an incredibly sweet cozy mystery! It was a different touch to have an experienced contemporary romance writer writing a cozy mystery, but I loved the whole atmosphere that gave the book! Kind of like a Hallmark movie. I’ve only read cozies so far by cozy mystery writers or ones who have written some suspense as well. Maybe the biggest difference for me (and this was definitely a good thing) was that Molly and Sam didn’t bicker with each other like the main sleuth sometimes does with the man she’s falling for but somehow doesn’t think she should or doesn’t think she deserves a guy like that. I like that Molly didn’t want to play the martyr and swear off men for good, even though when she first moved there she said she was going to just work. She realized Sam was nice and way different from her ex. This was a fun treat and I am definitely looking forward to the next book!

Molly Owens was just settling into her new town and sweet little rental home when her grumpy reporter turned up dead–she was the one that found him in his home when he didn’t report to work for the second day in a row. Molly felt responsible for sending the man to interview a local woman from the founding family in town. She thought maybe Vernon had stumbled onto something that got him killed, and she wasn’t going to be satisfied till the real killer was caught.

I absolutely loved the main characters in this book. Alan is just the nicest boss, Elizabeth turned out to be a very sweet co-worker, Sam of course is awesome and Cali is such a character! I wasn’t real impressed with Clay, but I don’t think readers were supposed to be impressed with him. Since Molly had no typical best-friend-of-the-main-character, I loved that Sam was such a good sounding board. Although Bella may prove to be a good friend in future books when Molly needs a friend who’s a girl. The little dog Tigger sounded so adorable too!

This book had all the elements I love in a cozy of great characters, sweet small town, an adorable pet, cops who weren’t grumpy–and a more unique job for the guy interest–Sam is a mechanic, not a cop! 😉 I don’t dislike cop boyfriends, they can come in very handy, but sometimes it’s fun to switch it up.

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Murder by the Book–review

December 6, 2018December 6, 2018 Tari Hann

This was a fun beginning for the new series Beyond the Page Bookshop Mysteries by Lauren Elliott. It definitely has all the elements I like in a cozy mystery. I’m anxious to read the next book, which I noticed on Amazon comes out in April.

My Goodreads review:

Murder by the Book by Lauren Elliott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fairly complex mystery that took place in one of my favorite places, a bookstore! There was even some international intrigue, possible arts/books/antiquities smuggling and everyone seemed to have secrets in Greyborne Harbor where Addie had just opened her used bookstore, Beyond the Page. It was nice that she was able to make a good friend right away that she could count on, because some of the town merchants didn’t seem to trust her and thought she’d brought crime in from Boston when she came to town.

A couple of murders later, one of which is first blamed on Addie’s new friend Serena, who happens to be the younger sister of handsome detective Marc Chandler, and Addie is filling out a murder board with suspects. Marc seemed incredibly patient with her compared to some detectives in stories I’ve read, but that added to the special cozy factor that he really liked her. I think that now she’s gotten closure on her fiance’s murder, maybe she’ll feel she can move on, since by the end of the book, she and Marc were in a little bit better place as friends.

I’d had an idea of who did it, but honestly didn’t know why, it was just a random thought that turned out to be right. In some places there was quite a bit more description or chatty dialogue than I’m used to, but it didn’t really detract from the mystery and it compelled me to keep reading. I’m definitely interested in reading the next book–there was a little blurb at the end of this one that made it sound really enticing!

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Purrfect Slaying–review

December 5, 2018December 5, 2018 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Hazel Hart series. Readers get to visit Cedar Valley at Christmas time when everything is snowy, decorated and magical…until Anthony Ray the cat finds another body. I really love these characters and how they’ve developed over time! I hope this series goes on for a long time.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book which releases December 7, 2018, two days from now.

My Goodreads review:

Purrfect Slaying: A Hazel Hart Cozy Mystery Book Eight by Louise Lynn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an awesome Christmas installment for one of my favorite series. I received an ARC from the author that I’m voluntarily reviewing. Release date is December 7.

Hazel found herself crazy busy like everyone at Christmas time, but right off the bat she was taking crime scene photos at the home of an old man who had died, of natural causes for once. But the next two deaths of some local older men have another man scared for his own life. Could he be the murderer or is he guilty of some secret that the other two also shared? Anthony Ray the cat was at the top of his game in this book. Not only can he sniff out bodies, but he can find crucial evidence, point out the bad guys, and he can even help defend his human against said bad guys.

I had a feeling about who did it, but not until later and I wasn’t sure about the whole story anyway, so I had a good time following the mystery as it unraveled into a really cool showdown. Just a tip: if you have an old fruitcake hanging around, it may come in handy some day! 😉

I loved the side story of Colton’s parents coming for a visit. Hazel was all nervous, Colton was overworked and uptight, and Violet was worried that they’d make her come back and live with them. We got to meet Violet’s 9-year-old brother Simon who became fast friends with Esther’s little Ruthie. There was a really fun and cozy Christmas ending!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.

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Mardi Gras Murder–review

December 4, 2018 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Cajun Country series by Ellen Byron, and I absolutely loved it! I didn’t want the book to end, but the showdown came a little before the exact ending of the book, which was spent recapping and telling about everyone having fun at Second Mardi Gras. Tug has fussed about his gumbo recipe the whole time and we get to find out who the grand winner of the trophy was. Nope, not going to tell, you’ll just have to read and find out! 😉 There was a fun side story with Maggie restoring a painting and getting to interact with Bo’s son Xander.

My Goodreads review:

Mardi Gras Murder by Ellen Byron

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this newest installment in the Cajun Country series! It’s always like going back home to old friends in Pelican, Louisiana when I read one of this series.

This time it’s almost time for Mardi Gras and that has Maggie’s dad Tug immersed in the ever-important gumbo cook-off for the Mardi Gras festival, and perfecting this year’s recipe. A few weeks before, the whole area had been badly flooded and a John Doe was found on the Crozat property. When one of the judges for the Miss Pelican Mardi Gras pageant was found dead, actually dying (by, you guessed it, Maggie) there was speculation about whether this death was connected to that of the John Doe.

This case took Pelican’s finest, er well Bo being the finest and Ru being the only other detective that could go, on assignment in NYC since the John Doe suddenly had an identity and was from NYC. Oh, it was so funny when Bo would call Maggie with his day’s happenings. If we thought the Pelican PD didn’t think highly of cousin Ru, let’s just say the NYPD really topped them on that. They couldn’t wait to see him leave, lol. Taking Ru to NYC was like taking a kid to a big toy store! All he could think of was food, more food and Broadway shows.

The mystery pulled in some past history regarding orphans that had arrived in Pelican by train. There were plenty of suspects and since I had no idea of who I suspected, I just enjoyed reading how it all turned out. The showdown was awesome and actually fun. And…just wait until you read the book ending. I gar-an-tee you’ll love it!

I really enjoyed all the teen contestant characters, even Belle who proved that she wasn’t as shallow as some people had thought. The bond between cousins Kaity and Allie was pretty awesome, kind of how close Maggie and her cousin Lia are. They weren’t about to let some pageant ruin their family ties. I liked the other new character of Jayden too. Kaity seemed really taken with him, so I really hope that their characters show up again. Maggie was even on good terms now with Whitney, Bo’s ex who was remarried and not having much luck in the baby-having department, but by the end of the book, there was a great solution for her and hubby Zach. I really didn’t want this book to end!

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