good friends – Page 23 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Dewey Decimated review

September 6, 2022September 6, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Haunted Library Mysteries by Allison Brook aka Marilyn Levinson. I’ve loved this series and enjoyed it from the beginning when we first met Evelyn, the friendly library ghost who only Carrie and her little kid cousin can see.

When a body was found and Uncle Alec joined the library as a ghost, I wondered at first if Evelyn thought it was a little fun to have someone like her. She was really good to him since he was pretty depressed, and Carrie needed him to not get too excited or he’d scare everyone without meaning to. But part of me thinks Evelyn was a little relieved knowing that hopefully her charge would get to where he was destined once his murder got solved. I’m glad we’ve been getting these books more often than just once a year because I’m always eager to read the next!

#CrookedLaneBooks #AllisonBrook

My Goodreads review:

Dewey Decimated by Allison Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought it was pretty awesome that the library acquired another ghost when a body was found during renovation of the building next door the library bought for expansion. It was especially cool that the ghost turned out to be Dylan’s Uncle Alec, an uncle he’d idolized as a kid but drew distant from as an adult. Anyone following this series knows that Dylan was told about Evelyn already, but was he ready to hear about his own uncle being a ghost? You might wanna read and find out! Evelyn’s job was to herd this ghost and keep track of him, but he was pretty depressed. Was he a temporary visitor or what?

Poor Alec was stuck there until Carrie could solve this. As always she was torn in every direction especially with the pesky reporter who wanted to go full-out Sherlock Holmes with Carrie as her sidekick. Carrie handled everything the best she could and I was proud of her for not letting that reporter walk all over her at one point.

The showdown brought on by the reporter was a good one and I gotta say the woman had guts to do what she did. Carrie did help too but wanted no part of the recognition. I hadn’t for sure suspected this person due to so many great red herrings.

The ending was so cute when Steve and Angie got their puppy which sort of helped nudge Carrie in the right direction to talk with Dylan about their own future (which I was happy to hear might include a couple dogs! Smokey Joe’s a cool cat, he’ll adjust great I’m sure!). I feel like she was much more peaceful in her mind and felt ready to move toward setting a wedding date soon.

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 Good Dog’s Guide to Murder review

September 6, 2022September 6, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Paws & Claws Mysteries by Krista Davis who writes three awesome cozy series. Isn’t this just the cutest book cover? You can tell right away Trixie and her kitty pal Twinkletoes are up to no good, lol. Trixie has such a cute and sneaky look! Yep, there’s a scene to go with this picture too!

I love that Holly and Holmes are in a good place in their relationship and not to sound like her mom or anything, I kinda hope they gravitate toward something a little more permanent soon!

#BerkleyPublishing #KristaDavis

My Goodreads review:

A Good Dog’s Guide to Murder by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! From Trixie and Twinkletoes’ mischief at the gingerbread contest to Twinkletoes’ assistance with the showdown, it was everything I’ve come to love in a cozy AND about the town of Wagtail itself. It always makes me wish it was real and I could visit there with my dog!

There was an old murder case to solve but it wasn’t long before another new one popped up as well as attempts on a few people’s lives. It had everyone including Officer Dave wondering who the heck this crazy killer was, and did all these present day shenanigans have anything to do with the body in the tree?

I really like Holly’s mom and the fact that the two of them get along great together. She seemed interested in moving to Wagtail, so it should be fun for Holly to have her around–as long as she doesn’t bug her too much about hurrying up and giving her some grandbabies! 😉 Nina did seem pretty happy with her furry grandkids for the moment.

Speaking of grandbabies, the sweetest couple in town (aside from Holmes and Holly) got the best surprise. I’m not gonna say a word about what it was, but I thought it was so darn awesome with how things turned out for their little family. And what better time for something good to happen for a family than at Christmas.

The body in the tree did get some closure as well as someone was caught for the present day murder. I can’t wait to see what my fave characters get into in the next book! Always such a fun visit that I never want to come home from!

I couldn’t possibly leave out the cute excerpts written from Trixie’s viewpoint, hence the guidebook to murder reference. She has a few paragraphs every several chapters or so and it’s just cute and hilarious how she lets her fellow pets in on all her expert tracking secrets. After eight murder adventures, I’d say Trixie’s pretty well qualified to write a little guide like that! Even Officer Dave admits her corpse-sniffing nose works like nothing else. It’s not always corpses though. She can detect pretty much any trouble.

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

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Death on the Argyle review

August 31, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Black Sheep Knitting Society which never got linked on Goodreads, so I can’t provide a link to the other four books. They were additions to the original Black Sheep Knitting series and I believe it just changed names slightly when another publisher picked it up. I guess in other books I always felt like Maggie Messina was the main character, but in this book it’s clearly her younger friend Lucy who’s leading the show as far as the mystery goes. The ending was super sweet with Lucy and Matt’s baby being born and officially welcomed to the knitting shop. It also hinted at Lucy starting a new (additional) career, so it’ll be interesting to read about that next time.

#KensingtonCozies #AnneCanadeo

My Goodreads review:

Death on the Argyle by Anne Canadeo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was fun to visit with some of my favorite knitters in cozy series just as Lucy was ready to bring her little baby into the world. The ladies had a new friend to add to their group, for a while anyway and a new case to sleuth out. Poor Maggie found herself dragged along but was mainly going to keep an eye on Lucy since they all knew how she could be when sleuthing!

I had a feeling of whodunit and why which turned out to be right, but it was sort of a sad showdown in a way with no one in any real danger. It was sweet to read about the baby visiting the shop a couple months later, then a little more was mentioned in Maggie’s knitting newsletter that always follows the story. That’s always a treat and not to be skipped. 😉 It’ll be interesting to see if Baby Binger-MacDougal gets broken in right as a mini investigator in 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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Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder review

August 28, 2022August 28, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new cozy series called Baker Street Mysteries by Valerie Burns or V.M. Burns as she’s known in her other cozy series, Mystery Bookshop and the Dog Club Mysteries. Her V.M. Burns Goodreads page gives more of a bio and her other series.

I’ve loved all the characters she’s created and knew I was gonna enjoy meeting these characters as well. I absolutely love that book cover–isn’t Baby the cutest? There were times I couldn’t read fast enough just to see what happened next, but of course, once I got to the end, I was wishing the book wasn’t finished. I really can’t wait for the next one now!

#KensingtonCozies #ValerieBurns

My Goodreads review:

Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this! Maddy might’ve been a spoiled daddy’s girl, but I had to hand it to her for her determination to break that mold and prove she could take over Aunt Octavia’s bakery. Once I learned who all I could trust, I was totally drawn into the key characters along with Maddy. And that sweet, slobbery dog Baby! He was such a good boy and like Maddy, I trusted him to ferret out the killer. Baby did end up playing a heroic part in the showdown too.

The Baker Street Irregulars group was too cool and it reminded me of Nana Jo’s friends’ group in the author’s Mystery Bookshop series. Miss Hannah was one of my faves! She didn’t let dementia stop her one little bit and was sharp as anything most of the time while being one of Maddy’s best advocates. It was great how Maddy’s new friends took her under their wing and tried to make her feel more at home. And Maddy sure did a nice job of promoting the shop even when they needed to be closed after the murder.

That showdown was a tense one and I wasn’t sure how Maddy was gonna get herself out of this mess! But with some friendly help, the perp definitely wouldn’t be bothering anyone again.

The ending of the book was great, and I loved how Maddy didn’t waste time in going after what she wanted! If you’ve read and love this author’s other cozy series, you’re in for another treat! I can’t wait for the next book! This one releases this coming Tuesday, August 30, 2022.

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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A Colorful Scheme review

August 25, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Pen & Ink Mysteries by one of my fave cozy authors, Krista Davis who’s also one of the first cozy authors I read when I got into cozies around six years ago. I’ve loved all her series. They always have the kinds of characters that you just want to be friends with, some cute pets and plenty of murder and mayhem! A very cozy set of cozy mystery series! The really cool thing about this series is that if you’re into coloring, you can get the paperback book and color in both covers.

#KensingtonCozies #KristaDavis

My Goodreads review:

A Colorful Scheme by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These characters are like visiting old friends now, and I was happy to see that Jacquie and Maxwell were getting married. There were literally so many suspects to pick from for the murder, but one stood out to me sort of early on. But it’s so much fun going down the red herring paths that I let myself go down those and entertained other ideas for whodunit. My original idea was right.

There was a fun side story featuring a couple of the authors that were visiting for this book, and I had part of that mystery right. And whoever would’ve thought that pesky Nelson the guy who’s forever been in love with Florrie would end up being a private investigator? That was featured in someone else’s side story. The continuing thread of John Maxwell’s missing daughter continued although I have absolutely no idea what might’ve happened to her if she’s not dead by now. Somehow I think it might get solved someday, but it’s interesting whenever it’s brought up.

I love where Florrie and Eric are in their relationship. They’re so cute together! And Florrie’s sister Veronica’s taking more hours than I remembered at the bookshop and seemed to be happy with it. I really enjoyed two new characters we met, especially Jezebel! I hope that spunky grandma sticks around in future storylines! She’s such a hoot and provided a little comic relief at times. Can’t wait to find out what Florrie and her crew get into next time! This releases next Tuesday, August 30, 2022. See the little pig on the cover? You’ll find out about her too!

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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A Treacherous Tale review

August 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries by Elizabeth Penney. I really enjoyed her Apron Shop series, and this one has some great characters that I’ve come to know her for, and a really fun location. I love that Molly and Kieran’s relationship’s already established by this second book and they seem to be in a good place. I noticed the author had a good way with doing that in the other series too. Can’t wait for book 3!

#StMartinsPaperbacks #ElizabethPenney

My Goodreads review:

A Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was fun to go back and visit with Molly, her aunt Violet and her mom in their amazing Cambridge, England bookstore. I love that Molly and Kieran are officially dating and can now double with Daisy and her boyfriend Tim.

This was a mystery full of twists and red herrings. I suspected someone kinda early but wasn’t sure why, but it turned out to be right. When a local antiquities dealer was killed and the daughter of a new good friend went missing, Molly was eager to investigate again especially since they had Sir Jon on their side. How cool was that to know an ex-M16 agent who’s also a lawyer?

When Molly used a book a local author had written to help her with clues, the search for the missing woman Poppy took a really fun type of creepy vibe since they searched all through an old castle-like house and grounds. After Molly discovered whodunit and the gang was left to their own devices, they plotted a cool getaway and a great trap for the killer. I love the way they were thinking!

The author event finally got to happen and handyman George was back from his vacation. Hey George, you missed all the fun this time! I’m eager to read more in this perfectly cozy cozy mystery series!

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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Peanut Butter Panic review

August 20, 2022August 20, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower. I really love anything I read by this author, and I’ve been with this series from the very beginning. It’s fun to see how the characters grew and developed especially Bailey and Aiden as a couple. Her grandma Clara’s a really awesome Amish lady, and it’s kinda cute how she’s learned to accept that Bailey investigates if there’s a murder. She worries, sure, but I think she secretly enjoys that Bailey’s so good at both her candy job and investigating. And of course whatever Margot decides to add to Bailey’s plate of the day!

The Amish church spread intrigued me, so I searched on Google and found tons of different recipes along with the picture above which is credited to Mama Likes to Cook website.

#KensingtonCozies #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

Peanut Butter Panic by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Poor Bailey was already under bunches of pressure from overseeing the rest of the Thanksgiving meal event for Margot. She sure didn’t need a dead body making an appearance at dinner. But knowing Bailey even though she had no real connection to the murder victim, she wasn’t about to let someone get away with it.

I just love how Charlotte’s character’s getting so much more developed now that she’s engaged to Luke Little the deputy and decided to leave the Amish church. She was a pretty good sleuthing partner for Bailey now. Even before, she was just too curious and Bailey normally gave in and let her help. At least now Bailey didn’t have to worry about making anyone mad about what Charlotte was up to, well there was always Luke to answer to because he worried about Charlotte.

I really admire Bailey and Aiden as a couple for working out the outside issues in their relationship. They really came a long way and seem so strong now that not even a two-hour drive for his new BCI job was gonna ruin this awesome relationship. I love what Aiden said to her before he left!

And that little Jethro was at his best mischief and cuteness-wise. I thought it was about time Bailey admitted the little pig was really growing on her since Juliet always had her pigsitting. The little dude’s definitely a star in his own little world!

Oh that showdown was so awesome and satisfying! Couldn’t have wished for anything more or better justice! It’ll be interesting to see how Bailey’s dream for a candy factory for Swissmen Sweets works out now that she’s got the first part somewhat taken care of. Don’t miss this seventh installment in the Amish Candy Shop series that releases this coming Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

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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Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold review

August 18, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Salem B&B series by Traci Wilton, the writing team of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. From the first book I fell in love with the ghost character of Dr. Jack Strathmore. He’s such an awesome ghost and comes in really handy when Charlene’s investigating. I mean, who wouldn’t be impressed with a ghost who’s come so far that he learned some mad computer skills? Jack might not be able to leave the B&B property, but he’s a whiz at internet searches!

#KensingtonCozies #TraciWilton

My Goodreads review:

Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold by Traci Wilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What girl’s lucky enough to have two guys interested in her…except in Charlene’s case, one was a handsome ghost she could only be friends with. The other was a little more interested in her than she was in having a relationship right now. Jealous ghosts can be such a pain, lol! But Jack’s really an awesome ghost and he’s come so far from where he was in the first couple books. He’s a huge help when Charlene’s investigating (and not supposed to be) since he can look things up online for her.

I don’t think this one’s main theme was quite as interesting to me as the previous books. There was sure a lot of family drama going on and it would’ve been a little extra hard to guess the killer this time. The showdown was pretty tense with Charlene having sleuthed with an unlikely sidekick.

Avery’s side story’s always been really interesting to me, and she’s definitely come a very long way from when she first started working for the B&B. Charlene gave her some good news at the end, and Char’s parents even pitched in a little to help Avery as well. They probably look at her as the granddaughter they never had. Their news at the end should prove pretty interesting! I’m definitely eager to see what unfolds in 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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A Dish to Die For review

August 8, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth in the long running Key West Food Critic Mysteries series by Lucy Burdette, and it’s always a foodie’s paradise to go visit Hayley and see what she orders and writes about. You can always count on some yummy recipes as well at the back of these books! This book releases tomorrow, August 9 and would make a great beach read if you’ve still got a vacation coming up!

My Goodreads review:

A Dish to Die For by Lucy Burdette
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another case for Hayley as she gets used to married life, and poor Nathan was agonizing over his dad being in town. Once we met his dad, I didn’t eventually think he was so bad. I could almost picture him as DiNozzo Sr. only less jovial or joking around. He seemed like an acquired taste, lol, but Hayley’s probably one of the easiest and nicest people to get along with, so I didn’t think he’d have any issues with her. She kinda seemed to charm him a little if that was possible.

I like how Miss Gloria got to help out a little with the sleuthing again and after successfully solving the case of “who killed the rich guy on the beach,” she got some good news at work too. Always a yummy time visiting Key West with Hayley and friends!

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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In Too Steep review

August 7, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Misty Bay Tearoom Mysteries by Kate Kingsbury, author of The Merry Ghost Inn and Pennyfoot Hotel cozy mystery series. I really like Viv and her team. Their work and off hours camaraderie’s a lot of fun, and that Gracie always cracks me up! She’s always so eager to sleuth, just love that girl! Now I can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m really enjoying this series and the fact that Vivian’s finally coming around to having a more than friendship relationship with Hal. Life’s too short to let a good someone go–now if Jenna would take that advice, she’d make Viv a happy camper!

I got a suspicion when a character was introduced that they might be the perp, and I was actually right. But wow what a twisted journey that little model of the Big Ben took! From one owner to another, how could this innocent decorative piece have gotten involved in a jewel heist? Vivian and her pals were determined to find out.

I like the side story with Hal and how this particular incident seemed to bring him and Viv even closer. And I believe there might be hope for Jenna and Tony too! That showdown was tense, but all ended up well with the right help coming along when needed. I’m eager to read more now that all three ladies seem to be in a good place with possible relationships! This book releases Tuesday, August 6, 2022.

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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