good friends – Page 13 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Double Grudge Donuts review

February 13, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton, and I’ve enjoyed this series from the very beginning. I was thrilled at the events happening in this book, but first a murderer had to be put away before Emily and Brent’s wedding. I loved that Jocelyn, donut shop assistant extraordinaire got to have a big part in the showdown. Can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Double Grudge Donuts by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not gonna lie. I waited eight books for the last few moments in this book and I couldn’t’ve imagined it any better! Meanwhile the mystery itself was awesome and had a really exciting confrontation with a killer. I wasn’t even sure whodunit during the showdown until a certain clue came out. Jocelyn really got her moment to shine in the showdown and I’m sure Emily couldn’t be prouder of her well now that she’s safe and everything!

Little Dep was just as adorable as ever and living up to her mystery sniffing reputation. I’m sure she’s gonna be thrilled that the current second favorite person in her life would be joining her and Emily in their home soon. Can’t wait for the next book!

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

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The Last Word review

February 12, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series called Deadly Deadlines Mysteries by Gerri Lewis. Unfortunately, there’s no series page for it on GR yet, but maybe when a second book comes, hopefully one of the librarians might make one.

From what I saw on her website, I’m guessing the author’s new to writing cozies, but she’s definitely got the idea of one right. If you check out Gerri Lewis’s website about page, you’ll see a fun little obit she wrote about herself which told me a lot about her writing career. I knew she was definitely not a newbie writer. I really enjoyed this and look forward to another book! I loved the chemistry among all the key players and the characterization was super well done. Diva the puppy was absolutely adorable and Max the shepherd was pretty awesome as well.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #GerriLewis

My Goodreads review:

The Last Word by Gerri Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a multi-layer mystery and so many suspenseful parts I couldn’t read fast enough! I had someone pegged from almost the start as either a killer or just up to no good and I was right about them, but with other layers of the mystery, another thing completely surprised me.

That sweet little dog Diva seemed to have broken through even a non-dog person’s heart and even another dog that was eventually needing a home turned out to be an awesome pup. I really loved Uncle Richard’s and Scoop’s characters a lot! Richard was so giving and wanted to take care of everyone with comforting food, and Scoop was just an awesome friend. I can’t wait to see if he and a certain girl stay together just like I’m eager for Kip and Winter to be together.

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

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A Killer Romance review

February 4, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third and what sounds like last book in the Beach Reads Mysteries by Maggie Blackburn, a pen name of Mollie Cox Bryan who wrote the Cora Crafts Mysteries as well as Cumberland Creek Mysteries and the Buttermilk Creek Mysteries. I was sorry to see that this book appears to be the last one in this series, but the epilogue was amazing and the author definitely wrapped it up in a super nice bow.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #Maggie Blackburn

My Goodreads review:

A Killer Romance by Maggie Blackburn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s been a long almost-three years since the second book was published, so it was good to return to Summer and all her friends and family on the island. I always loved Mia as a character and she didn’t disappoint at all and neither did Glads. Summer’s got an awesome family, but she also has friends that’re like family.
Wow this was one tangled case and admittedly at times I thought it went a bit slow, but when something happened, at least they got on with it pretty quickly. There were lots of secrets and I was never sure who to trust except the main players. The whodunit was a big surprise.

Since there was an epilogue with a very sweet ending taking place a year later, I’m assuming this series isn’t continuing, but I’m really satisfied with how the author perfectly wrapped it up.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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Murder at the Blarney Bash review

January 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Series Mysteries by Darci Hannah and we got introduced to a couple new characters opening a shop in Beacon Harbor. I’m sure Rory’s poor uncle didn’t know what he’d be getting involved in when he came to the states only to be accused of murder. You’ll have to read all the action and see what happens!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarciHannah

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Blarney Bash by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rory’s Uncle Finn was quite a character, a real hoot who cracked me up quite a bit while reading. Since he’s part of Beacon Harbor now I’m sure he’ll make another appearance or so in future books.

I was totally wrong on whodunit, maybe because I wanted a particular person to be guilty, who knows. It was fun getting the gang back together to sleuth this one out, a perfect reunion for Lindsey and her bestie. I just love sweet Welly and how that big pup always ends up helping with the case by either sniffing something out, looking intimidating, or both! It’ll be interesting to see what Lindsey and her crew gets into next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an AFC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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Easter Basket Murder review

January 22, 2024 Tari Hann

This is another fun holiday compilation of short Easter basket themed murder mysteries from some favorite cozy mystery authors. Not gonna lie, I’m still not ready to give up Christmas yet, so I wasn’t super eager to read about Easter. But reading a Hayley Powell story no matter what the length always puts me in a great mood and gives me something to laugh about. All three were the fun you’ve come to expect from the various series.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies

My Goodreads review:

Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed these Easter basket themed mini murder mysteries by three of my fave cozy mystery authors. It’s always fun to visit Tinker’s Cove with Lucy, Bill and all their friends. I’d actually guessed the killer in that one. Boy was that an exciting showdown and Lucy got an amazing story from it to report.

When I got to the Hayley Powell story, it wasn’t so easy to guess that, and there was an awesome plot twist toward the end. We got to catch up with Mona, crazy as ever and now chasing a grandkid around who seemed oblivious of her. Hard to think of Hayley as a grandma as well but Mona was really cracking me up. We even got a really good Sergioism!

Julia Snowden in the third story was celebrating Easter on the island where they always had clambakes. The murder turned into a super twisty puzzle that seemed impossible to unravel, but Julia and Tom managed to figure it out. Once the perp was found, the ending jumped to Memorial Day which meant opening the clambakes was just a month away.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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A Bean to Die For review

January 9, 2024January 9, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Coffee Lovers Mysteries by Tara Lush, and I’ve enjoyed every one since the beginning. It’s been a fun ride with lots of laughs, mystery and intrigue. Somehow I got the feeling the series was ending even though I’ve heard nothing official (or forgot if I did hear), but if this is really the last book, the author wrapped it up nicely.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #TaraLush

My Goodreads review:

A Bean to Die For by Tara Lush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another exciting and sometimes really funny adventure with Lana, her dad, her bestie Erica and her sweetie, Noah. From the first book, Lana’s dad was my fave character and he’s stayed my fave through this book as well. Once the case was solved and the perp caught, there were some fun changes in store for Lana and her loved ones. I’m pretty sure Stanley pup’s really gonna like one of those changes.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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The Sign of Four Spirits review

January 8, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries by well-known Canadian cozy author, Vicki Delany who also writes as Eva Gates (The Lighthouse Library Mysteries). I’ve loved every one of this series and always get a kick out of very precise Gemma and her methods of investigation. Was this spooky mystery even gonna rattle stoic Gemma who doesn’t believe in that stuff? You’ll have to read and find out!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

The Sign of Four Spirits by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This mystery absolutely grabbed from the very get-go and wouldn’t let loose! It was hard to put it down at all and I couldn’t read fast enough at some points. I had a feeling I knew whodunit but of course none of the why or other details that Gemma so awesomely managed to figure out again. I just love when she always gives her rundown at the end after the perp’s been caught and some of the comments made by those listening are usually just priceless, lol.

Once I knew who could be trusted, I enjoyed a couple of new characters and as always, Donald Morris is such a hoot! He’s such a sweetie and so willing to always help. It cracked me up he let Bunny get away with calling him a nickname too. Can’t wait to see what’s in store next time!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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Coconut Drop Dead review

December 26, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries by Olivia Matthews of the Sister Lou and Peach Coast Mysteries. I’ve only read her Peach Coast but I really believe I like this series a lot better, even though all the characters she writes about are fun and likable. Granny’s my fave in this Spice Isle series though. She cracks me up and I know she’d be someone I’d get along with great! I really hope this series continues beyond the third book.

#NetGalley #St.Martin/Minotaur #Olivia Matthews

My Goodreads review:

Coconut Drop Dead by Olivia Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a case and I’m sure Lyndsay and her family were thrilled not to be suspects this time, but she was still up for some sleuthing. I love the camaraderie of this fun-sounding section of Brooklyn and how Lyndsay’s family was ready and willing to help out even if someone was a stranger.

Dev’s little side story turned out well and that was one exciting showdown. Did Lyndsay use her kickboxing skills in this killer showdown? You’ll have to read and see! I hope there’ll be more in the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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Death by Demo review

December 5, 2023 Tari Hann

This was the fun first book in the new Home Renovation Mysteries by Callie Carpenter, a new cozy mystery author, at least from what I’ve researched. Since her GR page sorta lacks info, the link for her name’s the Crooked Lane short bio. The GR page might lack info, but the book sure doesn’t want for fun, humor and plenty of excitement. I’m really eager now to read the next book!

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #CallieCarpenter

My Goodreads review:

Death by Demo by Callie Carpenter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jaime definitely redeemed herself when she started being nice to and feeding the resident cat she kept meeting at the house renovation site. I loved how she and Lara were like sisters and could talk through anything that came along even though Lara’s head was all spreadsheets and finance and Jaime was tools and construction. Jaime seemed like she’d gotten the raw end of a divorce but she was determined to make it work and be a success.

That showdown and what followed was pretty exciting, and I was really proud of Jaime how she got the upper hand on the perp…and what she could’ve done to them. The very ending was just awesome and the perfect solution for Jaime’s new life. And there was someone else I’d been rooting for to get to know her better too, and I believe that might just happen. 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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Murder in a Cup review

November 29, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mysteries by Lauren Elliott who’s become another fave cozy author of mine. I really enjoyed the first book and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. The only thing I’d change is getting Shay and Liam together, lol, like now. But I trust this author to do what she knows is gonna work, so hopefully Gran’s wish might come true someday for those two. From the way this book ended (no worries, all main mysteries were taken care of) with its continuing thread and a new one introduced, I absolutely can’t wait for the next book! Oh and the introduction of Liam’s Gran to the series was just the best! I LOVE her character! You’ll see what I mean when you read it.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LaurenElliott

My Goodreads review:

Murder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh this was so good and had so many awesome twists and possibilities. I absolutely adore Gran’s character, what a great addition to an already stellar cast. I was so happy that Shay finally and someone who could explain things to her about her abilities and actually had memories of Shay’s family.

The author cleverly created a loathable character in Tassi’s father who was trying to get custody of her. I wanted to send that guy to the moon, one way lol. But all worked out well for the sweet teen. I’d partially figured out whodunit as clues started coming together and wow, that was one heck of a showdown! I loved how Shay’s dog Spirit rushed in and helped save the day too.

There was a fun, family type ending and a continuing thread was brought back in so I’m eager to see how that plays out. And a new business to thr then showed up…was this gonna cause Shay any harm? Guess we’ll just have to be patient and wait on the next book!

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

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