crooked lane books – Page 6 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

A Poisonous Page review

July 12, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Sweet Fiction Bookshop Mysteries by Kitt Crowe, the pen name of Marie Harte who looks to be a romance author under that name. I’m glad she started writing cozies or I’d have never gotten to know her sense of humor and what fun characters she weaves. I absolutely love Uncle Jimmy and Uncle Elvis! They always crack me up and now that Elvis joined the Macaroons Murder Club, er I mean, Book Club, he’s having to actually do some reading. Well maybe not regular books, but they did accept his suggestion of a comic surprisingly well!

A Poisonous Page by Kitt Crowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’d been a year since I read the first in this series, but it didn’t take long to catch up with all the hilarious antics and snarky comments/zingers these characters exchange on a regular basis. I love the author’s sense of humor, and that sweet Cookie dog! OMG I just wanted to hug her like crazy. Chad even sorta made friends with her by letting her be involved in a kids’ police safety event.

Boy this was one involved mystery! It was sometimes hard to keep track of who was with what person and when, but I got the general idea. I really didn’t zero in on one specific person but holy cow, at the end I was telling Lexi NOT to go somewhere! I’m totally Team Chad for her and hopefully she’ll realize he’s not really the jerk she thinks he is. Sometimes Lexi herself could be a real jerk to him too, so I felt bad for the guy. Cat and Teri crack me up wanting all the crazy details as every good bestie would, lol. And sweet Abe’s a heck of a lot nice neighbor to Lexi than his grumpy dad who got offed in the first book.

I loved that the whole book club got involved trying to solve the case and it was too funny how they hurried to hide their murder board whenever Chad came around. That showdown was wild, hilarious and super tense! All was explained in the end though, and now I’m eager to see what all these fun and crazy characters find themselves involved in by the time the next book comes out!

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 Fatal Booking review

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the A Book Lover’s Mysteries series by Victoria Gilbert, who also writes another fave series, The Blue Ridge Library Mysteries. I love how her characters are smart and likable yet realistic. She’s great making you love the good guys and very good at hiding who the baddies are! In either series, I feel like I’m visiting old friends, and I can’t wait for the Book Lover’s series to continue!

#CrookedLaneBooks #VictoriaGilbert

My Goodreads review:

A Fatal Booking by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It seems like the third book of any newer series, at least to me, is the magical number of after having read the first two books, you really feel a strong connection to the characters because their roles and sometimes secrets are already established. I just felt like this was the book where I was going back to visit some old friends. I absolutely love Ellen’s character and now with Gavin as a possible dating interest for Charlotte, the three seemed unstoppable as far as murder investigations. I really like Amber Johnson too, the detective who’s learned to take things that Charlotte and Ellen tell her very seriously. She’s respectful of them, has a decent appreciation of joking and is never purposely mean. Bookstore owner Julie makes a great bestie for Charlotte since she hears all the good gossip when there’s a case.

With a houseful of suspects and no clear leads, Charlotte was getting as tired as the police were of nothing turning up. Gavin did help a lot once he was back since he had resources he could tap into from his agent’s job. I hadn’t actually suspected the one whodunit, and the showdown was a real nail biter especially for Charlotte and Ellen!

The ending party as they’d done in previous books was fun and wrapped up the case along with a few cool announcements. I can’t wait to read the next book!

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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Peril at Pennington Manor review

June 9, 2022June 9, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Avery Ayers Antique Mysteries by Tracy Gardner who also wrote the Shepherd Sisters Mysteries. I devoured the first book last year and eagerly waited for this one to come up on NetGalley as well. It didn’t disappoint, and I loved how Art and Avery were working together again and coming to a new friendship. It was too cute when she started calling him “cat dad”, but you’ll just have to read it and see what led up to that!

#CrookedLaneBooks #TracyGardner

My Goodreads review:

Peril at Pennington Manor by Tracy Gardner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome installment in this new series! I fell in love with the key characters in the first book and just had to see what they were up to this time. That Aunt Midge sure has her connections with getting Avery and her crew an appraisal job for royalty. Something hinky was going on at the Duke’s manor though. Things did seem a tad slower than the first book because that one obviously had the constant suspense of the “is he alive or not?” question.

But boy when this one picked up some speed toward the end, I just couldn’t read fast enough! The events leading up to catching the perp were pretty suspenseful with Art and Avery sleuthing together. I was never totally sure about whodunit although it wasn’t who I originally suspected. But there were definitely some exciting moments going on.

I loved that Avery and Art were getting closer and opening up about themselves, especially Art. The whole cat dad thing was so funny too! And super sweet. Avery got to achieve something she’d always dreamed about, had closure about something else, and her future with Art was definitely looking brighter!

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 by Beach Read-review

June 6, 2022June 6, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Lighthouse Library Mysteries by Eva Gates also known as Vicki Delany. You can check the links to see what she’s written under both, but I know she’s used the Eva Gates exclusively for the Lighthouse Library.

I just love this long-running series and how all the characters have grown and developed. Probably the most changed was Louise Jane. She went from being someone I absolutely couldn’t stand to someone who’s actually a decent supporting character now. Yep, she’ll never get over loving to tease Lucy (because Lucy’s just so teasable, lol.), but since she’s now the proud inhabitant of the Lighthouse Aerie, part of her lifelong dream came true. I believe Louise Jane might just achieve complete happiness if she could adopt a ghost as a pet or a roommate!

My Goodreads review:

Death by Beach Read by Eva Gates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucy and Connor didn’t exactly count on a ghostly roommate when they started working on fixing up the Harper house on the beach, but good ole Louise Jane’s always hoping for a new haunt to talk about. Lucy didn’t think for a minute that the noises she heard in their house had anything to do with a ghost but more like a flesh ‘n blood intruder…which they’d find out soon enough when a guy was killed in their house.

OMG I was so unhappy to see that Diane, one of the nasty previous library board members was back in town and just wondered what kind of trouble she’d get into this time. Then we met Ralph’s recluse sister Jo who surprised everyone by attending book club. Another woman came around claiming to be the dead guy’s ex-wife and wanting her fair share of the house’s sales. Was it one of them whodunit…or could one of Louise Jane’s wishes come true, and the man was killed by a ghost? Not that she’d ever wish someone was killed by a ghost, but she sure likes talking about ghosts.

Lucy definitely had her plate full…again with juggling the murder and sometimes actually being asked to help Sam, she was planning her wedding, and there was pesky Diane back in town probably hoping to get back on the library board. What’s a girl to do? Well for starters, you just cuddle a certain library cat named Charles. Speaking of Charles, he got to be a hero cat in this book-I always love when a pet gets to intervene and help. Poor guy, I felt bad for the cat having to get used to living in a house when he previously had full run of the library.

That showdown was something else, but Lucy used her head about at least part of it, and there was some good evidence to turn in. It was pretty sweet how poor, troubled Jo had gotten some closure for an event that’d still haunted her from long ago. And a nice older gentleman got a new friend in her. I’m really eager now for the next book figuring and hoping it’s Lucy and Connor’s wedding story. As in everything Lucy does, I’m sure it’s gonna be an adventurous tale!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. This book releases June 7, 2022.

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Bear Witness review

May 5, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series called Alaska Untamed Mysteries by Lark O. Jensen, a pen name for someone cozy authors know better as Linda O. Johnson, author of the Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries as well as the cozy series Kendra Ballantyne, Pet Sitter Mysteries and Pet Rescue Mysteries.

I love armchair traveling and how I could go on an Alaska tour boat , get the scenery described to me, and I never had to leave home just by reading this mystery. This was a fun and different job for a cozy main character, and I’m looking forward to more adventures on the ClemElk!

My Goodreads review:

Bear Witness by Lark O. Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This seemed like a fun and different job for a cozy mystery main character, and the author definitely captured the cozy mystery aspect well. Everything was nicely described and since I probably won’t ever make it to Alaska, it was fairly easy to picture this scenery instead. I have to agree with the reviewer who thought there wasn’t a whole lot to Stacie besides wildlife and her job. I just didn’t feel quite like I knew her that well by the end of the book. I also agree it was a little soon to start a physical relationship especially in the middle of a murder investigation. Afterward, be my guest, lol.

The killer seemed as elusive as the guy they’d been trying to track down before finding him dead, and at times the story seemed a little like it was dragging along when I was just eager to find out whodunit. By the time the showdown came, I was pretty sure I knew who the culprit was, and I was right.

I loved that a Husky dog was in the story, but that’s basically all she was, a companion. I’d hoped she’d have a little more personality, although I realize they’re super smart and have to be on their best behavior if these dogs want to go on tour boats. Since this was the intro to all the characters and surroundings though, I’m definitely willing to read the next in the hopes it’ll be even better.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. The book releases Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

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Front Page Murder review

March 7, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the very first in a new series called Hometown News Mysteries by Joyce St. Anthony who’s better known in the cozy world as Joyce Tremel, author of the three-book Brewing Trouble series. I remember I really enjoyed the first book and wanted to get back to that series. But I sure never expected to love this historical cozy like I did! I’d grabbed it from NetGalley thinking it looked interesting. I believe I might’ve researched the Joyce St. Anthony name and realized I wasn’t reading a total newbie. But I hadn’t realized until later it was historical. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it so much! In a way, I’m glad I didn’t read the blurb on NG that time, or I might’ve missed out on a great read by leaving it behind.

The name of book 2 is Death on a Deadline. If you follow that link it’ll take you to Joyce’s website where if you scroll a little, you’ll see the awesome cover and release date of November 8, 2022. I sure hope this series goes over well enough that she can at least make it a trilogy like Brewing Trouble was.

#CrookedLane #JoyceSt.Anthony #JoyceTremel

My Goodreads review:

Front Page Murder by Joyce St. Anthony
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly hadn’t expected to like this since historical cozies aren’t really my thing. But I gotta say, this was absolutely awesome and now ranks up there with the handful of historical cozies I’ve actually enjoyed not just endured. I was really excited at the end when I started poking around online to see if there was another book in the works. I was super happy to find out it comes out November 8.

Irene was a super likable, very strong young character who’d had to mature quickly, but I liked that she was flawed enough not to be completely perfect. Meaning I kinda figured out who the kingpin was before she did, and I don’t think I’m that good. I feel it was planned to show that even strong people can have times of weakness or where they don’t always add everything up. Lily was a sweetheart of a little sister, and I really liked Katherine’s character after a certain point in the book. Peggy was a great bestie to have and made for a good sleuth partner even though she was pretty nervous about it.

There was a lot of good action, and it never felt like the story was dragging. I loved the showdown and who was on hand to help with it! The book releases tomorrow, so if you enjoy reading historical cozies set in WWII, this is for you. Heck, I didn’t even realize it was for me because I’m not a big history nut, but I guess the 1940s are just recent enough that they don’t seem too weird as compared to some 19th century history cozies I’ve tried to read. The key characters were so likable, I’m really hoping that Irene’s dad and fiancé Bill make it home safely. Oh and that crazy Sylvia! I wouldn’t mind seeing her in the next book as well as Katherine.

The language and conversation flowed nicely and wasn’t a bit uppity like I’ve sometimes found with other eras. I shocked my husband by actually asking him a few things about WWII (since he’s the history nut in the family lol!) then explained I’d just read a really good mystery stressing how it was fiction though, haha.

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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Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library review

February 7, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Lakeside Library Mysteries by Holly Danvers who also wrote the Handcrafted Mysteries under the name Holly Quinn. A lakeside library makes a great setting for a cozy mystery! It’s such a cool-sounding place to vacation even in the winter!

My Goodreads review:

Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a more enjoyable book than the first one was, and I wasn’t nearly as confused with the mystery like last time. I do like Marge and her dog a lot and wished they’d been in this book a little more. I don’t know why, but I just can’t get into the key characters. While I love how the author writes very realistically worded dialogue, I feel like these characters aren’t people in their thirties but much, much younger by some of the stuff they say to each other. Sometimes Jace doesn’t come off quite as professional-sounding as he should. Maybe it’s just me.

The mystery was good, and I didn’t quite guess whodunit. The showdown was exciting. There was a slight possibility of a new man in Rain’s life, and I hope I guessed right at the very end! #TeamJace

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. Release date is February 8, 2022 (tomorrow).

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Tailing Trouble review

January 12, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Furry Friends Mysteries by Laura Scott. I noticed some of the books showing up on the page listed for her name in GR aren’t her titles, so I’ve linked her name to her Amazon profile where you’ll see a nice picture of her and the two cozies along with the romance books she’s actually written.

I loved this book as much as the first one and hope the author and publisher have more in store for us! Gramps cracks me up and needless to say, he’s my favorite character. Roxy the Boxer took a bit of a back seat to boarding guest Standard Poodle Domino, but she should be happy Domino was there at a crucial time or her mommy might not be!

My Goodreads review:

Tailing Trouble by Laura Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I get to the end of a book and tell myself, “Oh wow, that was so good!” I know I’ve found a winner. I remember doing that same thing at the end of the first book in this series when I read it too. I absolutely just love Gramps’ character! Maybe it’s because I’ve been without my own grandpa for so long that I just devour anything that has to do with an awesome grandpa/granddaughter duo. I had to laugh at different parts when he’d make Ally pick him up, or she’d give in going somewhere knowing he’d find a way to get to wherever it was he wanted to investigate anyway. The running joke of him shouting into his cell phone might seem corny, but it makes me giggle! He should probably just get a bullhorn and stand outside to call to Ally, lol.

I get such a kick out of the widows fawning all over Gramps in a friendly competition for his attention. It’s cute how he’s got a different way he interacts with each of the ladies living at Legacy House, like playing cards with Tillie. I think if I was Ally, I’d be eating every meal I posssibly could there, lol. Harriet definitely knows how to feed her guests and seems to thrive on doing that. And Lydia’s a whiz with her knitting.

The stories about Ally’s clients and their pets are always entertaining, and I found out it pays to read carefully and not just skim these as not being related to the mystery. Sometimes someone who’s a client might end up being someone to pay attention to in the mystery–or a client knows a key player in the mystery. Now Gramps, he just seems to know everyone! 😉

The showdown was really exciting and I loved how Ally got the upperhand, and sweet Domino ended up being a hero. I nearly expected Ally to end up with three dogs by the time this was over, but everything worked out great. As to whether she’ll get to enjoy a nice date with “her detective” as Gramps was so fond of calling him, well I’m just hoping the next book will address all that and he doesn’t get called away!

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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A Three Book Problem review

January 10, 2022January 10, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries by well-known cozy author Vicki Delaney (aka Eva Gates of the Lighthouse Library series), and I had the pleasure of having read the series since the get-go. At first, I wasn’t sure I liked Gemma at all, but I got used to her character and think she’s pretty awesome now. The supporting cast is a lot of fun too, yes even at-first-grumpy Det. Louise Estrada who’s a good cop and detective, but Gemma’s always thought she hated her. I think Louise secretly admires how Gemma’s brain works.

Be sure and read the author’s acknowledgements at the end. Lots of our favorite authors wrote during the super difficult times of early 2020, and it’s just interesting to see how well their books came out despite all the hardships. Big hugs to any and all authors who accomplished that!

My Goodreads review:

A Three Book Problem by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a little different from Gemma’s usual cases since all her suspects were gathered right away together and weren’t supposed to leave. It did seem a little overwhelming at first with having all the characters introduced almost at once, but as Gemma went along with her investigation, their distinct personalities started coming through. I had my eye on one in particular almost the whole time, but I didn’t guess right.

Gemma always amazes me with her constantly working brain that notices every little detail. I think even Louise Estrada, the detective Gemma’s always sure hates her was coming around a little bit as she actually pitched in to help with the Sherlock Holmes event a little bit while she was at the mansion babysitting the guests. It’s kind of funny because you can tell she’s pretty fascinated by how Gemma comes up with her findings, but Louise definitely isn’t about to let her know that! Although as observant as Gemma is, I’m betting she already knows!

The showdown was good and mostly non-dangerous at least not to Gemma herself. Gemma’s Sherlock Holmes fan friend Donald always cracks me up, and he was in his Sherlockian glory during this event. The ending was kinda cute, and I’m eager as always to read the next adventures Gemma and her friends get into.

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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Crimes and Covers review

January 9, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Magical Bookshop Mysteries by multi-published author Amanda Flower, and it’s a fitting and sweet final book if this is truly the last book. I’ve loved this series since I read the very first book and highly reocmmend starting at the beginning so you can get to know the characters and watch as David and Violet’s relationship grows.

My Goodreads review:

Crimes and Covers by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the perfect book for ending the series, if it’s really the last book, but from the author’s acknowledgements, it sounds like it might be. David and Violet’s long-awaited wedding got interrupted by a murder. Violet’s interest was getting this thing solved so she and David could go on their honeymoon. The missing book was also bugging her a lot, and she was all over that.

There were lots of twists and turns, and at times I was a little confused until everything came out at the end. I hadn’t really known which person was guilty, so I just read along and let Violet do the sleuthing, er I mean David and his team too. 😉

I loved the showdown and how the pets and shop helped out. It was pretty exciting and now with the murder aspect taken care of as well as the book, the happy couple was able to go on their trip. The ending was just about the sweetest it could’ve been!

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