crooked lane books – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

A Wonderful Christmas Crime review

October 23, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the sixth in the awesome Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by Jacqueline Frost aka well-known cozy mystery author Julie Anne Lindsey. I’ve read and loved this series from its very first book and was thrilled to recently find out the series is getting a book 7, yay!

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My Goodreads review:

A Wonderful Christmas Crime by Jacqueline Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cookie always cracks me up! She’s an amazing friend to Holly and lover of all things that happen to be goats. And men with beards lol. Cookie and the rest of Holly’s friends and family sure had their hands full when Holly’s doctor warned her not to get overly stressed for her and her baby’s health now. Of course hubby Evan translated that to “no physical sleuthing.” Armchair sleuthing never was Holly’s thing or letting others do what she wanted to be out there doing. As careful as she was, she managed to end up facing off with a killer sooner than planned, and the most unlikely little thing ended up helping her outta that situation.

I just love Holly and Evan’s builder, Christopher, who gave Holly an amazing Christmas puzzle gift, well once she figured it out it was amazing. The ending was really sweet and I can’t wait for the next book. I read online that book 7 was definitely happening next year, so yay for that!

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

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Death on Dickens Island review

October 22, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series The Books on the Beach Mysteries by Allison Brook (aka Marilyn Levinson) of the Haunted Library series. I sure loved Evelyn’s ghost character in Haunted Library, but in this series, I think I’m liking Grandma just as much! All these characters were so fun and likable, well except for the ones that weren’t supposed to be liked, lol. The book pulled me in and wouldn’t let go until the end–and I really didn’t want it to let go! Can’t wait for a return visit!

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My Goodreads review:

Death on Dickens Island by Allison Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed meeting Delia and her family along with Delia’s new-but-not-new love interest. Her grandma being the ghost in the story was such a fun idea—who wouldn’t’ love talking to their late grandma again, right? Especially if you had tons of questions like Delia did. The dog that followed Delia’s son Connor home was such an awesome pup who decided that Delia and Connor were gonna be his new people.

When Delia’s uncle was being looked at suspiciously after the murder of a council member who’d been acting a little too friendly toward Uncle Brad, Delia was determined she’d get to the bottom of things. Meanwhile, her son and his buddy got involved in what Connor thought for sure sure was a real treasure map. Chaos ensued of course. The very public showdown featuring the killer of the council member was a good one that had a super satisfying outcome. I didn’t want the book to end and can’t wait for the next one!

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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O Deadly Night review

October 16, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the super fun Year-Round Christmas series by a fave cozy author, Vicki Delany. Who wouldn’t love living in Rudolph, NY? Well, I guess the neighboring town of Muddle Harbor folks wouldn’t want to, lol. Merry’s dad always cracks me up at how awesome he can be to everyone, and even was trying to keep peace between the two towns by offering to help Muddle Harbor with their lack of business. But then you wouldn’t expect anything less of good old Santa Claus, right? 😉

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My Goodreads review:

O, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mabel D’Angelo was always more of a behind-the-scenes character with mainly just greeting her tenants like Merry, Wendy and Steve, but this time she got her chance in the spotlight when she became a little too interested in what was going on over at the house across from her. It could’ve had a tragic ending for the sweet old thing, but luckily it didn’t. Someone else found in the house wasn’t as lucky though, so of course Merry’s sleuthing senses started going nuts, even at the shop’s busiest time of year.

I wasn’t too surprised at the whodunit but the showdown was awesome and Vicky got to shine there. It’ll be interesting to see who the newest neighbors are and if Mattie gets his doggie wish to meet their little white dog. Good old Mattie always cracks me up at how well he behaves for Det. Diane Simmonds, lol. See you in the next book, Rudolph and residents!

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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Murder at Blackwood Inn review

September 24, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series, Haunted Dead and Breakfast, by Penny Warner and the characters didn’t take long to work their way into my heart as some memorable and what might be some fave characters. I loved that cat Pye and how he was always showing up in different places. Come to think of it, the handyman Noah kinda did the same thing, lol.

Can’t wait for the next in this fun series–those aunts were cracking me up! I was sorta thinking of the Sabrina the Teenage Witch TV series my daughter grew up with that had Aunt Hilda and Aunt Zelda when I read this, lol. If Pye could talk, I’d totally channel Salem as that cat!

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My Goodreads review:

Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed meeting Carissa and her quirky, but sweet aunts when she moved into the B&B with them. The room themes of that place were awesome! (I’d stay in the Scooby Doo one for sure!) And what’s not to like about that mysterious Noah that Carissa took a liking to, right? He was as mysterious as the cat Pye that came and went without much sound. Carissa found herself facing off with a killer and luckily that clever orange cat was there to help out. Loved the ending but I could’ve kept reading more about these characters. I’m absolutely hoping this is the first of a series and not just a standalone.

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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The Mango Murders review

August 13, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in the long-running cozy series Key West Food Critic by Lucy Burdette. Hayley’s grown a lot and changed throughout the series but only in a good way. She’s got a new adventure ahead in this book and rumor has it her mother-in-law might just be sleuthing with her at one point (if anyone remembers Hayley and Helen sleuthing in a previous book, it was pretty funny! Helen’s scary good!). It was just as good in this book too. And little Ziggy even got a moment to shine. Can’t wait for the next book!

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My Goodreads review:

The Mango Murders by Lucy Burdette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this book and how it was completely and totally focused on the mystery at hand and the characters’ lives like it always used to be. For a while there, it seemed some of these books took too much of a political turn, something I absolutely don’t wanna read about especially in cozy mysteries. But there’ve been a few recent books that’ve gotten better and this was definitely one of those! I might have to call this one my fave so far.

When the party cruise Hayley, her mom and Sam were on and helping cater blew up, Hayley did her usual sleuthing thing and once again had Nathan’s mom sleuthing with her. That lady cracks me up! She’s a tough cookie but boy can she get things done in an investigation. Helen did have a little run-in with someone’s motorcycle though. Hayley found herself facing off with a killer again but thanks to a couple of awesome helpers with a sweet four-legged along, quick work was made of the nasty perp. The ending was super sweet and I can’t wait for more 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.

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Picking Up the Pieces review

August 12, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Jigsaw Puzzle Mysteries by J.B. Abbott, a pen name for the writing team of Brian Tracey and Jeff Ayers. It appears from the GR bio page to be the team’s first cozy mystery effort and I think they really nailed it! I hope they’ve got a second book in the works because I’ll definitely be reading it.

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My Goodreads review:

Picking Up the Pieces: A Jigsaw Puzzle Mystery by J.B. Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katie’s friends all cracked me up! They were the most loyal group of people and all so fun and different, from Mildred who was ninety to Hannah who was still in high school. But they made up the puzzle crew who did puzzle testing for the company Katie worked for. And when there was a murder, they sleuthed together like they’d been amateur sleuths all their lives. Everyone’s particular talents came in handy too.

I felt that Katie was being unnecessarily harsh on Connor at times when he was being sweet and supportive. Then when the entire story of their breakup revealed something else, I really thought she owed him an apology. But once the showdown was over and the perp was caught, it seemed like there might be some hope for the two, even if they just start over as friends at least. And you can always tell who’s worth keeping around when the cat approves! 😉

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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Death and the Librarian review

July 8, 2025July 8, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by cozy author Victoria Gilbert, and I’ve enjoyed the series since the beginning. These characters quickly found a way into my book world with book 1 and became old friends.

Except I wasn’t crazy with the Amy portrayed in this book. She did a lot better in the previous book (which was a flash forward five years from the wedding) about reining in her boots on the ground sleuthing since she’s mom to Ella and Nicky, her twins. But she really put herself in a bad situation this time after, well like another review I read on Goodreads, “putting her kids on the back burner” basically. Sure, they were safe but was she?

All turned out well though with one more secret revealed at the end. I’m not sure if this was supposed to be the last book in the series. I get the author’s newsletters and know the series is ending soon, but I saw on her website there was a book 10 slated for 2027. Now I’m not sure if that’s a go or what. Guess we’ll just have to stay tuned. If this was the last book, I wasn’t really a fan about how it wrapped up. Yes, a secret someone had held for a long time was revealed, but it just didn’t feel like the last book. Keeping fingers and toes crossed that there’s actually a book 10 coming.

My Goodreads review:

Death and the Librarian by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s still a little odd to be reading about Amy and Richard being parents since the previous book had done a little time jump after their wedding. The kids are supposed to be around five or six in this. They’re definitely a handful and it seems like Amy was a lot better in the last book at not physically taking part in the mystery since she was mom to twins. She did take lots more chances in this book, but one thing in her defense was that she sent the kids home with her parents when things got hairy and threatening.

That was some crazy showdown and I loved what Amy ended up doing to survive. Luckily reinforcements showed in time so Amy could live to celebrate with her friends and family. Kurt still had a secret which he did share with her at the end and yep, it’s a biggie.

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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Shot Through the Book– review

May 8, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth book in the long-running Lighthouse Library Mysteries by Eva Gates, better known to cozy mystery fans as Vicki Delany, author of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries, Year-Round Christmas Mysteries and Tea by the Sea Mysteries, all of which quickly became fave series to me. The author has the awesome talent of creating characters you won’t forget and that you’d really wanna be friends with. It’s like coming home to old friends whenever I read another Lighthouse Library or any of the others.

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My Goodreads review:

Shot Through the Book by Eva Gates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I never thought I’d see the day when Louise Jane’s character actually didn’t get on my nerves. In some ways, she’s pretty helpful and fiercely loyal to Lucy and the library. I guess all it took was Lucy getting married so Louise Jane could live in the lighthouse apartment and work there.

One of the characters who’s always been on the sidelines with a few mentions actually got a bigger part in this book during the showdown that Lucy never saw coming. Someone else did a good job controlling the perp and was gonna have one crazy story to tell friends after it was over. There’d been a little side thing going on all along which I totally guessed. A few things happened toward the end of the book that really makes me eager to read 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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The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime review

January 14, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries by a favorite cozy author, Vicki Delany. I’ve enjoyed this series since its very beginning and definitely believe it’s best enjoyed in order since there’s so much character and relationship development that’s happened since the start. Gemma used to get on my nerves in the beginning, but I’ve decided she’s now like a completely grown up Hermione Granger. I can totally picture Hermione saying of the stuff Gemma does, lol.

I wonder what other adventures might be in store for Gemma and her amazing friends? That Donald just cracks me up sometimes, and he was in rare form in this book! And of course in his element walking the same streets of London he imagined his hero Sherlock Holmes doing. Uncle Arthur sounds like a real hoot too just from some of the reports from back home during this mystery. We’ve always known him to be a little mysterious and most of his appearances are just talked about.

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My Goodreads review:

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime by Vicki Delany
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While Gemma was supposed to be having fun in England after her sister got married, she ended up sleuthing another case like the last time she was there on a pleasure trip. Her Sherlock fan friend Donald was pretty stoked at just being in London again let alone getting to tag along on a case with Gemma and Jayne. He came in pretty handy when they all visited an exclusive club and things kinda went crazy there.

In her usual way of intelligently observing and not purposely pestering the police, Gemma finally had the answer and who the killer was just when their time in London was ending. I was halfway expecting a special question from Ryan to her but more craziness from home could’ve been what interrupted. And there was definitely mayhem going on at home as well. Uncle Arthur couldn’t make it to the wedding so he hung out at the store. I got the feeling Gemma wished she could’ve swapped places with him and avoided the headaches she was coming home to lol. Always tons of fun with this group of characters!

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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A Slay Ride Together with You review

September 12, 2024September 12, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the seventh in the long-running Year-Round Christmas Mysteries by Vicki Delany, and I absolutely love this series. What an awesome concept although as showed in this book, they do celebrate other holidays besides Christmas since the book was taking place around Easter time. I just love that sweet, big old Mattie, the St. Bernard. It cracks me up how he listens to Det. Diane so well but Merry, not so much lol.

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My Goodreads review:

A Slay Ride Together With You by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome offering from a fave cozy author who never fails to hand readers a super satisfying showdown and takedown of a killer in the story. And there was just the right amount of creepy atmosphere for the old house Vicky and Mark bought together haunted by a very flesh and blood ghost. I loved how the girls teamed up against the killer and as always, it led up to a fun-filled ending with food, dancing and lotsa friendship.

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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