Tag: crooked lane books

Caught on the Book review

Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Antique Bookshop Mysteries by Laura Gail Black, and I’ve enjoyed each one since the series started, but I especially liked this one. There’s everything a good cozy needs in this series like a strong main character, a sweet and patient boyfriend, the world’s best bestie as well as various good friends and business neighbors. And no one can forget sweet little Eddy the furry pup Jenna inherited from her Uncle Paul along with the store. Who knew she’d ever be such a good doggie mom? I’m always hopeful for more books in a series, but if this one were to end here, I really think the author did a great job of giving the characters an amazing place to be in their lives.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #LauraGailBlack

My Goodreads review:

Caught on the Book (Antique Bookshop, #4)Caught on the Book by Laura Gail Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my favorite of the series so far! Despite the murder that happened and trying to help a former nemesis, Jenna had a lot of great stuff going on in her life especially where Keith was concerned. There were some good red herrings in the case as well as some threats, but Jenna’s never been known to back down from a case, so she wasn’t gonna start lol. I do think she stumbled a little blindly into the showdown though, but she lived to solve another murder at least.

The ending was so sweet in not just one way. Jenna made peace with the former nemesis and came up with a plan that was pretty darn brilliant. I hope there’ll be more in the series, but if there’s not, I’m pretty happy with this ending!

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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Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas review

Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Year-Round Christmas Mysteries by one of my fave cozy authors, Vicki Delany. But as fans know, the series was let go from its former publisher, so according to what the acknowledgement page in the book says, it was those same fans who were instrumental in getting this series to make a comeback in the last three years, this time with Crooked Lane. I hope it’s headed for a nice long ride just like the author’s other series, The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas (Year-Round Christmas Mystery #6)Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy, what a bunch of drama kings and queens in the Rudolph Players group as they got ready for their annul Christmas play, a musical version of A Christmas Carol.! I wouldn’t’ve blamed a couple of the long-timers if they’d made good on their threats to quit because that new artistic director was something else. Merry’s dad’s always been my fave character and he proved that point once again at the end.

I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed Merry’s character—she’s a strong personality and doesn’t take anything from anyone including family. And it’d take a Christmas miracle to change mean old Margie in the store next to Merry, lol. 😉. I’d definitely not guessed whodunit and enjoyed the crazy showdown and arrest that followed.

I was so happy to see this series return! I know it was pretty sad when the author had said it ended but as the acknowledgement page said, it was due largely to reader support and requests that it made a welcome return. I love hearing stories like that!

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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Seams Deadly review

Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series, Measure Twice Sewing Mysteries by Maggie Bailey and it seems promising. I was definitely interested in someone who liked to sew, although admittedly I don’t enjoy sewing people clothes or altering…anything. (Guess I need one of those tees Lydia mentioned that says “Yes I sew, no I won’t hem your pants” haha!) My sewing models are vinyl and eighteen inches tall that never complain or grow, lol.

But it’s fun to have a main character who’s immersed in sewing for something wearable and who’s got like-minded friends. If it hadn’t been for the murder that took recently place, Lydia’s class would’ve been more fun I’m sure! But at the end, I loved how her friends showed her how much they cared for her. And of course everyone needs a harmless, creepy but happy neighbor who I couldn’t help thinking of as Howard from Big Bang, with Sheldon’s obsession of model trains.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane

My Goodreads review:

Seams Deadly (A Measure Twice Sewing Mystery, #1)Seams Deadly by Maggie Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series definitely has lots of potential and I liked the key players aka Lydia’s new friends in town and Fran, of course, her good friend who’d taken her in. But someone in town appeared to have it in for Lydia after framing her for two murders, so like any good cozy sleuth, she knew it was gonna be up to her to get her name cleared for good. Fran was really an awesome friend, not super warm or anything which definitely isn’t a Southern trait, lol. But later when I found out why she’d been uptight, I figured she deserved a break. Cynde was actually my fave of Lydia’s new friends. She had every reason to be a little bitter, but she was warm and welcoming.

I was never sure whodunit until the reveal which was super tense and I kept wondering how Lydia was gonna get out from under this mess. But never underestimate a rescue cat named Baby Lobster because she was definitely named that for a good reason! Once her name was cleared and Lydia got a little time away, she was back and ready to go. Toward the end was my fave way to wrap up a cozy with food, friends and fellowship when the crew as Lydia called her friends gathered at the donut shop to show Lydia that they honestly did care about her even if she felt she wasn’t too loved. And she got to take care of any loose threads of the case or questions they had. I really liked what happened at the very end and now I’m eager to read the next book. This book releases September 5, 2023.

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 Clue in the Crumbs review

Tari Hann

This is the thirteenth book in the long-running and fun Key West Food Critic Mysteries by Lucy Burdette. You’re always guaranteed a good mystery with some great book character friends and tons of good food with recipes too. I’ve always loved the closeness and family atmosphere Hayley and her houseboat neighbors have too.

I haven’t been to Key West in over forty years but from the descriptions of the different eating places there, I can see it’s changed a lot and I wouldn’t mind going back someday, especially to hit up some of the real places I know the author mentions in these books since she’s from Key West herself.

My Goodreads review:

A Clue in the Crumbs (A Key West Food Critic Mystery #13)A Clue in the Crumbs by Lucy Burdette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That Miss Gloria’s something else! She’s always been my fave of Hayley’s friends and in the last few books, she’s gotten even more of a presence which I absolutely love! Put her together with Bettina and Violet from Scotland and you’ve got a pretty awesome senior sleuthing trio. Those ladies even after a long flight from Scotland never stopped going and definitely kept Hayley on the move as well.

I eventually suspected whodunit but none of the exact details. The Scone Sisters’ agent was an odd character but he ended up with quite the tale to tell after he’d vanished right after the murder. The showdown was a crazy one, but everyone ended up back at Hayley’s for food, friendship and a little debriefing about the case. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Scone Sisters visit again, only maybe next time not have a baking contest, just some good old tourism mayhem! I’m sure there’d still be plenty for those ladies to see and do. Don’t miss this latest installment when it releases August 8, 2023.

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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Take the Honey and Run review

Tari Hann

This is the first book in the new Bee Keeping Mysteries by Jennie Marts and I had such a good time laughing at the various antics. And sheriff cutie Sawyer who I think Bailey’s still crushing on ever since high school was incredibly patient with Bailey and Evie when they sleuthed and got in his way.

Unrealistic? Sure it is, this is fiction, lol. And it makes for so much better reading than having the sleuth and sheriff always at each other’s throats at least. I’d much rather have these guys getting along than Sawyer threatening to toss the girls in jail every other page. I think he secretly liked them helping but officially couldn’t say so, haha! Evie got the clearance from her grandma to sleuth and be away from their shop because I know Rosa was just as curious as the girls were (if not more) to find out what was going on with the various suspects. I honestly didn’t see the whodunit coming (until it was obvious) and was surprised at who it was. This releases this coming Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #JennieMarts

My Goodreads review:

Take the Honey and Run (A Bee Keeping Mystery #1)Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh, this was just so good and so funny in places. I was giggling while picturing Evie and Bailey out on their sleuthing missions, especially the one Sawyer referred to as a Lucy and Ethel scheme. And yep, they were basically a modern-day Lucy and Ethel but either one would probably take a bullet for the other. You couldn’t ask for better friends!

Granny and the Hive book club ladies cracked me up! She and her sisters were something else and it was pretty funny to see them gross out Evie and Bailey when they told about their romance lives.

I never knew whodunit until the reveal. The showdown was the quiet and non-dangerous type which after what Bailey had been through, she needed non-dangerous. Lots of secrets were held by tons of people so I wonder if we’ll ever hear anything more in a future book…like maybe who Daisy’s father was? Lots and lots of recipes at the end that didn’t look terribly complicated. Granny’s cakes sounded amazing.

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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How the Murder Crumbles review

Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Cookie Shop Mysteries by Debra Sennefelder who cozy mystery fans should know well from her Food Blogger Mysteries and Resale Boutique Mysteries. Mallory makes me think of Kelly a lot from Resale because they’re both determined and stubborn when they’re sleuthing and won’t let go no matter who tells them to, even a killer! This book comes out next Tuesday, June 20, 2023, so save that date!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #DebraSennefelder

My Goodreads review:

How the Murder Crumbles (Cookie Shop Mystery, #1)How the Murder Crumbles by Debra Sennefelder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mallory was having a great time selling cookies in her store and enjoying lots of popularity…until she wasn’t because of someone apparently framing her for murder which didn’t sit well with her…at all. All I can say is if I was accused of murder, I’d sure want Mal on my side, lol. I loved her best friend Kip who’s from a police family but followed his dream of “I just wanna bake”—can’t blame him there, well at least up until now, baking was a safer choice. Although with Mal the target of a killer, all bets were off as to how safe it was now. Kip did have lots of police insight after years of hearing crime stories from the fam, but he never tried to weasel info from them. Might as well leave that up to Mal, right? 😉

That was one exciting showdown and good for Mal on how she managed it. During the course of the book, she’d gotten her dream squashed then brought back to life, made friends with the most unlikely person and hopefully was on her way back to a good relationship with her cousin. Oh yeah, and the cutest part was at the end! I’m not gonna give it away, but I betcha say “Awwww!” Don’t miss the start of a brand new series from the author of the Food Blogger series and Resale Boutique.

It’s available Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
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 Knells and Wedding Bells review

Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the long-running Lighthouse Library Mysteries by Eva Gates, better known as Vicki Delany. It’s been one of my fave series ever since I read that first book and fell in love with the idea of a library being in a lighthouse which, as we know only exists in our imaginations when reading this series. It’s awfully cool to picture it though! Lucy and Connor’s long-awaited wedding happened and we join the newlyweds at the reception when the book opens. But hang on, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride. Not as far as newlywed life but yeah, just that thing Lucy’s come to know as investigating a murder but not really investigating lol. It’s available today and if you like beach reads, I think it’d be perfect!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #EvaGates #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

Death Knells and Wedding Bells (Lighthouse Library Mystery, #10)Death Knells and Wedding Bells by Eva Gates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so happy that Lucy and Connor’s wedding went off without any issues. It was great to join the reception in progress because I always worry at cozy mystery wedding ceremonies that someone’s gonna show up from someone’s past and say something they shouldn’t lol. Instead of a mysterious past showing up for the bride and groom, the dead guy at the reception managed to get the cops unearthing several other people’s pasts. After some clues starting fitting and just from a gut feeling I had, I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was, just not why.

The showdown was nail bitingly exciting (go Charles! I love that cat!) and soon the nasty killer was away while Lucy got the fun not fun job of giving her statement. She got some nice incriminating pictures too! The ending was just sweet and very normal which these two newlyweds need a lot of now for a long time—or until the next book! 😉 This book’s available today!

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 Game Is a Footnote review

Tari Hann

Happy 2023 to all! Glad to be back with my first review of 2023, the eighth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries by Vicki Delany (aka Eva Gates who writes Lighthouse Library series.) This one was a fun puzzler for sure! Gemma got her sleuthing game on and even got a little assistance from her visiting sister. There were some crazy and seemingly unexplainable things going on at the museum, so grab the book when it’s released this coming Tuesday and enjoy!

#CrookedLaneBooks #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

The Game Is a Footnote (A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, #8)The Game Is a Footnote by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Readers who enjoyed the spooky-ish elements in this author’s Lighthouse Library series she writes as Eva Gates will love the idea of a haunted museum…or is it haunted by a flesh and blood perp? I also loved the little nod to the Lighthouse Library given in the text of the book–see if you can spot it!

Gemma sure had her hands full with Jayne’s mom begging her to help out with the supposed haunting and ever-patient Gemma went along with it while attempting to explain she wasn’t a ghost chaser. When an innocent bystander was killer, it was pretty clear that someone was trying to get rid of the museum people, and Gemma’s always-inquisitive mind wouldn’t rest until it was solved. I enjoyed how Gemma’s sister somehow got involved in the case and the fun innuendos around who her esteemed boss was. It was a sweet nod.

There was a good side story featuring Gemma’s shop assistant Ashleigh which slightly tied in with the main mystery. I liked the outcome and how Ashleigh handled things. I wasn’t too surprised at the whodunit for the main mystery and as always, explanations were shared with friends and food, a super fun way to end the story.

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

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A Streetcar Named Murder review

Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series called A New Orleans Mystery by T.G. Herren, a new-to-me author. I enjoyed meeting Valerie and her two besties, one of which was crazy, the fun kinda crazy though. That was Lorna who’d pretty much say or do anything to help someone out, and boy was she good at telling people how it was gonna be, lol. But in a nice way, of course. I think Valerie would’ve loved her friend’s gift of schmooze! 

My Goodreads review:

A Streetcar Named Murder (A New Orleans Mystery, #1)A Streetcar Named Murder by T.G. Herren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked the whole premise of Valerie inheriting a business and not having known her husband’s uncle and I liked the key characters a lot. Her friend Lorna cracked me up! Who wouldn’t love a bestie like her, right? Dee was a good character too and she made for a nice workplace companion for Valerie. Val’s sons were such characters, they were so funny in places.

I did feel in parts of the book that it got overly wordy and maybe a bit too descriptive of past events to the point that I had to hunt for the dialogue that was presently going on. Then I found a few name discrepancies and minor plot discrepancies, none of which I made a note of and none of which terribly affected the outcome or my enjoyment. But it’s something I felt I needed to point out. Maybe it was just to set the tone for this first book and give tons of backstory. The description of the town and shops was just about right, and I could almost feel like I was right there in NOLA. And that’s my favorite way to travel, by reading. 🙂

I was right about something that turned out to be a good plot twist. There were a few people I didn’t want to be the killer, so I was happy at that outcome but the person I guessed wasn’t right. That was one hairy showdown with Lorna right there in the thick of it with Val, so they both succeeded in outsmarting the perp. The book releases Dec. 6, 2022.

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



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Death in the Margins review

Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert, and I’ve loved this series since its very beginning. Amy and Richard getting married a couple books ago just sweetened the whole thing even more. These characters are like going back home and hanging with friends.

I was thrilled when I first found out there’d be a book 8 and 9. I tracked that post down so I could leave you guys a link to it. Anyone who follows the author probably knows this, but her blog’s article called New Book News is linked to that little announcement so you can read it at her own blog and sign up for updates.

My Goodreads review:

Death in the Margins (Blue Ridge Library Mysteries, #7)Death in the Margins by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was definitely a mystery with lots of twists and turns along with some good action. Richard even got in on the showdown with Amy, and not from the standpoint he’s usually at which is with the reinforcements coming to assist said showdown. He was in the thick of it right along with her. And he’ll have even more of a reason to worry about her sleuthing in the near future. 😉

I was never really sure whodunit and kept changing my mind. I didn’t trust any of those suspects, lol. After a couple incidents that Amy took as a personal threat, she could tell she was getting close. That was one exciting showdown that was fairly lengthy but I couldn’t read fast enough! A gorgeous horse got to be the hero (I LOVE when that happens!) and got some sweet revenge along with it. You’ll find out what all that means when you read this latest installment in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries. I’m super happy that the author was contracted to do books 8 and 9! Yay, more time with Amy, Richard, Aunt Lydia and all these people I call my book friends in Taylorsford, Virginia. Don’t miss this book coming out on December 6, 2022!

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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