crooked lane – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Haunting and Homicide review

January 20, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series by a cozy author we already know as Amber Camp who wrote some awesome horse mysteries. Haunting and Homicide is the first in the Ghost Tours Mysteries by Ava Burke, Amber Camp’s other pen name, and I really loved it! There’s an adorable dog, some friendly ghosts and tons of great action and suspense. Not to mention a really nice sense of family loyalty and togetherness. I was touch disappointed at the very ending, but maybe by the next book, things may be different, who knows!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #AvaBurke

My Goodreads review:

Haunting and Homicide by Ava Burke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the perfect paranormal cozy mystery with some awesome ghost characters. I loved Mamie and Albert’s ghosts who were always a big help and Mamie even got to help later on in the book in a bigger way. A new ghost on the block was a jerk at first but eventually came around and was nice.

That was one nail-biting showdown but with some good old ghostly help, Lou lived to investigate another day. I really enjoyed these characters a lot but gotta admit, I was disappointed in the very ending. Everything with the mystery being solved worked out great though.

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

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Schooled in Murder review

January 2, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series called Campus Sleuth Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert who cozy mystery fans know from her Blue Ridge Library mysteries. In fact, anyone who knows that series is gonna absolutely love this book. The nerd in me was having an awesome time reading this and coming across all the references to the other series! Which by the way still has a couple books to go yet, the next one book 9 Death and the Librarian comes out July 8 this year. This is a great way to tide readers over until the next Blue Ridge. I wonder if any of these new characters are gonna get mentioned or referred to in the July book? I can’t wait to find out!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #VictoriaGilbert

My Goodreads review:

Schooled in Murder by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a fan of the author’s other cozy series Blue Ridge Library mysteries which I believe has two more books coming, I was pretty excited to realize this was set at the same college where Richard Muir, Amy’s husband from that series was a dance instructor. And Jenn, the main character was living in Taylorsford. I loved all the name dropping and even the good sheriff Tucker got a mention. A character that was kinda minor and recurring ended up being a more featured character in this book as Jenn’s landlady. When she was talking to Jenn about an information source, I just had a feeling I knew who she meant and now I can’t wait to see if Jenn ever gets to meet the person.

This book drew me in from the first page and wouldn’t let go until the very last page. What an awesome book hangover too! The showdown was tense and exciting with Jenn definitely getting the upper hand. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

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

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I’ll Be Home for Mischief review

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by Jacqueline Frost better known to cozy mystery fans as Julie Anne Lindsey (also Bree Baker). I’ve loved this series from the first time I laid eyes on the very first book and it’s never disappointed. It’s really best enjoyed in order so you can see the character and relationship developments better. I hope this series continues!

My Goodreads review:

I’ll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s always a special treat to visit with Holly, Evan, her parents and all their friend and loved ones in Mistletoe, Maine every year. The folks in the town sound like an awesome bunch, well aside from an occasional killer popping up. Holly always had lots on her plate this time of year but she always had time to investigate when murder came to town.

The showdown with the killer was possibly the most danger Holly ever found herself in and it seemed like it’d take a Christmas miracle to get outta this one alive. But no worries, Holly lived to investigate another day and enjoy Christmas with the ones she loves most. There were some fun announcements at the end and good changes coming for some of those loved ones. Can’t wait till the next book comes around next year!

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

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In Too Steep review

August 7, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Misty Bay Tearoom Mysteries by Kate Kingsbury, author of The Merry Ghost Inn and Pennyfoot Hotel cozy mystery series. I really like Viv and her team. Their work and off hours camaraderie’s a lot of fun, and that Gracie always cracks me up! She’s always so eager to sleuth, just love that girl! Now I can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m really enjoying this series and the fact that Vivian’s finally coming around to having a more than friendship relationship with Hal. Life’s too short to let a good someone go–now if Jenna would take that advice, she’d make Viv a happy camper!

I got a suspicion when a character was introduced that they might be the perp, and I was actually right. But wow what a twisted journey that little model of the Big Ben took! From one owner to another, how could this innocent decorative piece have gotten involved in a jewel heist? Vivian and her pals were determined to find out.

I like the side story with Hal and how this particular incident seemed to bring him and Viv even closer. And I believe there might be hope for Jenna and Tony too! That showdown was tense, but all ended up well with the right help coming along when needed. I’m eager to read more now that all three ladies seem to be in a good place with possible relationships! This book releases Tuesday, August 6, 2022.

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

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Renewed for Murder review

December 17, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert. She also writes a newer series as well called Book Lovers B&B Mysteries. Anything that’s related to books and mysteries, I’m there! I’ve come to think of the Blue Ridge characters as old friends, and I’m always happy to see a new installment in this series.

My Goodreads review:

Renewed for Murder by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t say this was my favorite in the series so far, but it was definitely a good mystery and fairly complicated (and admittedly slow in spots), so I just took the advice Brad always gives Amy (but she never follows lol) to let them take over solving it. I kinda just sat back and read wondering what was going to happen next. I never really had one person in mind. At one point, the person whodunit did cross my mind, but I never could come up with a good reason.

The showdown was really exciting though and had Zelda and Amy running around with a killer in an old building in the dark, wow talk about suspense! Everything ended great, and Kurt had a big hand in getting them some much needed help from the authorities. I loved the line he gave Brad when Brad gave his approval for Kurt helping out. But I won’t spoil it. It’s just typical Kurt, and I’ve honestly come to love his character a lot! I don’t think I could’ve said that early on. Yep, he skirts the law, but I remember how everyone always loved ole JR Ewing every Friday night doing that same thing. This guy isn’t much different lol! He’s also very good to have as a friend rather than an enemy, lol.

I’m loving the married Amy and Richard! They’re the cutest couple and despite having their normal share of disagreements, they always end each day on a good note and have lots of respects for each other. I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures in this series!

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

View all my reviews