good friends – Page 18 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Death Steals the Spotlight review

June 26, 2023 Tari Hann

This is actually the third book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries –but you won’t see this book on that page because it wasn’t correctly set up. The author’s T.C. LoTempio of the Nick and Nora and Cat Rescue Mysteries, Nick and Nora being the longer-running series. I’m linking to her original author page which shows her and her sweet cat. (I’ve got no clue why someone made another author page for her for this book, but I could probably have a GR librarian friend look into it.) I’ve enjoyed this series a lot and was happy to learn it’s getting a fourth book!

#NetGalley #BeyondthePagePublishing #TCLoTempio

My Goodreads review:

Death Steals the Spotlight by T C Lotempio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shell’s mom was trying to save the local play by using her connections and getting in a director and some cast members to replace some locals who’d quit. When the director was murdered, Shell and Gary started sleuthing again. While I do like her with Josh for a boyfriend, I love the sleuthing chemistry Shell and Gary have. Kinda like Castle and Beckett!

Meanwhile, Purrday was in love with a gorgeous Maine Coon he’d found and Shell rescued from a tangled vine. I felt sorry for poor Kahlua who was probably wondering why her brother was acting so loony. And she didn’t seem fond of the houseguest who’s probably gonna be a fixture from now, lol.

The showdown was really exciting but as always Shell used her brain as well as her awesome cats once more showing Gary and Josh where to find her and the perp. She had things under control by the time they arrived, but it’s cool how the kitties always know where to find their mom! I’m pretty sure I saw in the author’s newsletter that there’s definitely a book 4 coming!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Fatal Fudge Swirl review

June 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries by Meri Allen who most cozy mystery readers also know is Shari Randall who wrote the Lobster Shack Mysteries. I really love the key characters in this series. The sisters who work at the ice cream shop, Flo and Gerri, always crack me up with how different they are from each other. Riley’s got some good people working with her and bestie Caroline comes home for the weekends from Boston. Penniman sounds like a fun place and if you get the author’s newsletter you get little tidbits about what she’s writing and areas in Connecticut she’s based it on.

#NetGalley #StMartinPaperbacks #MeriAllen-ShariRandall

My Goodreads review:

Fatal Fudge Swirl by Meri Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who wouldn’t love to visit Penniman at Halloween? It sounded pretty awesome with all the decorations and cool pumpkin carvings. Riley had her hands full with having to wrangle Sprinkles, the very-much-not-an-angel cat onto a film set because she was wanted for filming. Too hilarious how the cat from you know where took a liking to the lead actor but sure didn’t like the main actress, lol. And she had to keep up that America’s sweetheart image too, now that was pretty funny! Good ole Sprinkles can always produce a laugh from somewhere! But she couldn’t prevent murder.

The ending had a search going on for a young girl who might’ve witnessed the murder or heard something, so luckily she was found and the perp was named. Lots of family and friends time was enjoyed in the book as well. I thought Riley’s dad and stepmom were just too cute how they ran that bookstore together and now were part of the movie being made. Nice nod to one of everyone’s favorite cute romance/mystery channels too! The book releases on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 and I hope you’ll find like I did it’s nice little escape.

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

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A Murder of Aspic Proportions review

June 23, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Sunflower Café Mysteries by Amy Lillard who also wrote the fairly recent cozy mystery Main Street Book Club Mysteries. These are the only two series of hers that I’m familiar with, but I’m interested in reading her Amish Mysteries as well. I’d really enjoyed the book club series and its characters, and I’m finding this series lotsa fun too as I’m getting more familiar with the various characters. Sissy’s little dog Rocky cracks me up! He’s tiny (Bethel also cracks me up calling him a rat dog but I can tell she means it fondly) but like all small dogs, he seems to believe he’s a giant and needs to live up to his name lol.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AmyLillard

My Goodreads review:

A Murder of Aspic Proportions by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sissy had a super unlikely sleuthing buddy in this case where her Amish cousin had confessed to a murder everyone knew she didn’t commit. She and Aunt Bethel set out to find the real killer knowing there’s no way Emma did this. Bethel surprised me by initiating trips to either visit Emma in jail or talking to possible suspects. And that little stinker Bethel’s secretly a fan of Agent Gibbs, who knew? I’m betting there’s lots of secrets we don’t know about this mysterious little woman who I’m pretty sure Sissy wishes was a teeny bit more loving.

The showdown was almost funny in parts, you’ll see when you read it. Sissy had a side story going on concerning a new hot guy in town, but I’m pretty sure nothing’s gonna come of that. She’s not even sure if she thinks of Gavin in that way. At least he’s a good friend to her which is what she needed still being fairly new to the town. I think it’s pretty cool though how Sissy found all these people she’s related to and really took to them and enjoyed their get-togethers. I’m definitely hoping another book comes out! It’s available Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

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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Death Knells and Wedding Bells review

June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 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 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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Murder Off the Books review

May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the By the Book Mysteries by cozy mystery author Tamara Berry. I’ve enjoyed this series from its beginning and am really eager for another book to come along. There’s always some comedy and funny antics going on, but Tess’s visiting mom put that way over the top. I really enjoyed her character, kinda reminded me of Castle’s mom, Martha! I wouldn’t mind if she moved closer and was able to hang out with Gertie more often. After an exciting showdown and very satisfying ending, I can only imagine what the next book might bring!

#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #TamaraBerry

My Goodreads review:

Murder Off the Books by Tamara Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fun and wild adventure in Washington state and this time Tess had her mom to contend with along with her usual entourage. I’ve always loved Gertie’s character–she’s like fifteen going on twenty-five, lol. She might’ve had to share the comedy spotlight with her Grandma Bee this time but I’m pretty sure Gert didn’t mind. The two got along pretty well and even Tess managed to put up with her mom’s spontaneous visit, so the last thing Tess needed was for her mom to be the prime suspect in a guy’s murder. And he happened to be the much younger guy Bee was seeing along with being a probable multi-killer.

The showdown was a crazy one and Tess had help from a very unexpected person, but together they defeated Zorg, I mean the perp. 😉 I’ve always known Tess would’ve liked to date the sheriff but she wasn’t real sure how he felt. There was a cute but kinda sad side story that Victor’s sister told Tess, although everything worked out nicely and I was beyond happy with the ending! I’m excited for the next book now!

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

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Blueberry Blunder review

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by Amanda Flower, and I’ve loved every single book from the start, but this has to be my fave book yet. Everything I’ve wished for in the series is coming true finally, so if you wanna know what’s going on, you’ll just need to read the book if you haven’t already. I’d sure love to see the next book sooner than a whole year away. Who knows, maybe we’ll be surprised!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think this has to be my favorite book in the series! Not only is sweet little Charlotte marrying Deputy Luke, but some other things that I’ve waited for 8 books to happen finally did! And I’m so super happy about that. Jethro of course, was the star of the show as always. I love that little pig, and the incident at the petting zoo was pretty hilarious! He had no idea what he’d gotten himself into LOL!

Instead of a plateful of problems, Bailey had platters of them spinning at once not to mention her contractor getting killed and the rotten sheriff initially wanting to blame her. It was so good to see Aiden again–I think I might’ve missed his presence in the last couple books as much as Bailey did! I wondered if his PI job might be connected to the murder, so you’ll just have to find out the way I did by reading the book. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book! I hope it comes sooner than a year!

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Give Fudge a Chance review

May 28, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eleventh book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco aka Nancy J. Parra, and I’ve loved and devoured every one of the series so far. Haven’t tried any fudge recipes but they did inspire me and the fam to visit Mackinac Island in 2018. We hope to return again soon because the place really is magical–and without any gimmicks to make it that way. The magic’s in the whole experience of Mackinac, yep gotta go back! I loved Allie and Jenn’s latest adventures but since Jenn’s having a baby, Allie wouldn’t let her physically go sleuthing, so she turned once more to the senior ladies’ “book club” as they called their slightly undercover murder board club, lol. Fun, laughs and of course, fudge recipes are gonna be had when you read this!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #NancyCoco

My Goodreads review:

Give Fudge a Chance by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to escape back to Mackinac Island where life’s fun and carefree…until somebody gets themselves killed, that is. The first murder was at the haunted house attraction for the county fair, and when the second came along, Allie wouldn’t be the dyed-in-the-wool sleuth she’s become if she didn’t believe they were connected. As in true Allie fashion (but hey, I wouldn’t have it any other way!), she sleuthed when she was told not to and had a close call or two…but she always gets her perp.

That was some exciting showdown and events leading up to it! Yay for Carol whose transition from just Mrs. Tunisian walking her dog in the first books to being a full-fledged, kick-butt sleuth in this book, well it’s been an awesome transition. She wasn’t too shabby in the last few books either, since she and the ahem, “book club” love helping Allie with cases. I’ve got a feeling Allie won’t feel so much like she needs to protect these older ladies, ’cause Carol sure proved that!

As always, there’s a preview for the next book at the end of this one and all I can say is, I can’t wait!

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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The Diva Delivers on a Promise review

May 24, 2023 Tari Hann

It’s hard to believe this is the sixteenth book in this long-running and fun Domestic Diva Mystery series by one of my fave cozy authors, Krista Davis. I love visiting with Sophie and all her friends who act as her support team whether she’s sleuthing out a mystery with her bestie Nina or just needing a plus-one for an event. I enjoyed the side mystery centered around ghost kitchens and how Sophie and Nina sleuthed that out. As always, I can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #KristaDavis

My Goodreads review:

The Diva Delivers on a Promise by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sophie and Nina got in a lot of sleuthing together in this mystery because there was plenty to sleuth out. I liked the side mystery of the ghost kitchen scammer, and we got to learn more about Officer Wong and her disastrous marriage. I liked Gerrie and her granddaughter a lot—it’d be fun if they showed up in a future book especially now they’ve got a furry companion. Nina always cracks me up with her love of food which is always a good way to get her to do something, like maybe a stakeout or two?

The showdown was a really good one with the perp finally being caught and hauled away. The ending was typical cozy Sophie style—friends, food and a warm fireplace. And pups, of course!

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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Witch Upon a Star review

May 23, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve followed the series since its beginning, and each book just gets better and better. I’ve really come to love these key characters and now that Josie’s sister’s had a visit, it’d be kinda nice to have her in on the action more often. The two did pretty well sleuthing together. I can’t wait to see what adventures Josie and her friends get into next!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

Witch Upon a Star by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was fun to meet Josie’s younger sister, Jean but not so fun for Jean when the workshop she was attending became a scene for murder. For some parts, Sam let the sisters work with him in figuring things out, but there were only limited things he could disclose, so of course two sleuths are better than just Josie winging it on her own, right? Would Josie be able to tell Jean about her witchy powers? Or was Jean tuned in pretty well? You’ll have to read and see!

The showdown after the quiet was a good one and with Jean (along with Josie’s trusty books) helping, the perp was caught. Josie finally got the nerve to say something to Sam she’d been wanting to say for a while now…but did he feel the same? Another thing you’ll find out if you read this book. It’s just out today!

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

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Flat White Fatality review

May 22, 2023May 22, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Ground Rules Mysteries by Emmaline Duncan. It’s set in Portland, Oregon in the food cart scene among all the fun and hip people who design games or have startup companies. I sure didn’t like that guy that Sage and Harley used to work for or that she was worried they hadn’t seen the last of him. He just seemed like he’d be a jerk they didn’t need in their business lives anymore. Hopefully he’ll just belly-up and go away, lol, not him literally but his business. Join Sage and all her friends in this latest installment which goes on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #EmmalineDuncan

My Goodreads review:

Flat White Fatality by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A good and interesting murder mystery that kept me reading! It seemed like an impossible case for both the real police and Sage who was determined to find out who killed her boyfriend’s employee in Sage and Harley’s roastery. It made Harley look bad since she might’ve been the last to see the woman alive. When the clues started coming together, I had an idea of whodunit and was right, but it was fun to see how the takedown would go.

The showdown was a good one–I love when the perp incriminates themselves and someone thought to record the whole thing. The very ending was super sweet and just plain awesome as Sage, Bax and Niko celebrated Halloween in a very special way! Don’t miss this latest installment of the Ground Rules Mysteries available tomorrow, Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

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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