good friends – Page 25 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

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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The Fragrance of Death review

August 2, 2022August 2, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Sally Solari Mysteries (this is the first 4) by Leslie Karst who was luckily able to get a new publisher to continue the series. It ended in 2019 with the previous publisher, so the link I added is to the first four books, but you can get to this one from my Goodreads review below. It was great visiting Sally, her dad, Nonna, Javier and the whole gang in Santa Cruz again. I just love Sally’s dad! He’s such an awesome character, and I love that he’s happy with Abby his girlfriend. I hope the new publisher wants to let Sally’s tales continue! Readers can help support that by buying the book or borrowing it from your library and leaving reviews too! If your library takes suggestions, you can always suggest they get the hardback or on Overdrive I know my library lets us submit suggestions for e-book buys.

#SevernHousePublishing #LeslieKarst

My Goodreads review:

The Fragrance of Death by Leslie Karst
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to find out that the author found another publisher and was going to continue Sally’s stories! I think any Sally fan might agree we’ve been a little starved for one of our fave cozy chef characters, so this book definitely didn’t disappoint. But poor Sally had the most horrible dilemma any chef could imagine: loss of taste and smell. It didn’t help if a dish got goofed up or something even worse happened because of said loss.

To keep her mind off her own issues, Sally was investigating again when the guy next to her at the Artichoke Contest was killed. There was a fairly long list of wannabe killers and even the police had trouble zoning in on which one offed the guy. But our Sally girl wouldn’t be deterred even with attempts on her life going on.

Meanwhile, Sally had some relationship changes going on, and I gotta say I’m not unhappy with what ended up happening and wasn’t completely surprised. The showdown was pretty exciting and I thought it was really cool how Sally caught her perp. Sally, I hope your adventures are able to continue, it’s been awesome catching back up!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher Severn House via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Off the Chain review

August 1, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a series called Gone to the Dogs by Janice Thompson. The end of the book shows a second book coming but by a different author. One reason I liked this book so much was definitely that it had some mystery going for it and something that needed solved along with a few random problems and situations that popped up–and of course, the dogs.

The best part was everything getting a satisfactory solution, so at least the mystery lover in me was satisfied. But I found myself really liking these characters and wishing I could read more about them. I loved Mari’s vision for her pet rescue ranch and how some unlikely people stepped up to help. It had all the makings of a super sweet Hallmark movie!

The next in the series isn’t written by this author, but it does sound promising as far as having some mystery in it. It’s called Dog Days of Summer. Looks like in October we’ll get to see how Mari gets some help opening her Second Chance Ranch for pet rescues. Then when I was leaving the Amazon review, I saw that Janice Thompson’s writing the third book coming in January, Barking Up the Wrong Tree. (This is an Amazon link, but I’m not an affiliate anymore.)

My Goodreads review:

Off the Chain by Janice Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really found myself enjoying this cozy sort-of mystery even though there was no murder. I got invested in the characters as I read and really cared about what happened to them. To keep my interest though, there were some smaller side mysteries and situations that happened. But it all had such an awesomely happy ending! Not gonna lie, I might’ve leaked some happy tears here and there as different situations played out. It was very hard to put the book down!

Even though I’m first and foremost a cozy murder mystery fan, every so often a book like this comes along, and as along as the wrongdoers in the book are all taken care of and made to pay for what they did, or sometimes a character changes and isn’t as bad as originally led to believe–then all’s right in the book. I’d absolutely read more about these characters in a follow-up book, although I’d still want there to be some intrigue and some type of a problem or mystery to solve. 😉 I just couldn’t have been more satisfied with the outcome of the book and how everyone in it shared the same values I do (and love of dogs!).

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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Murder Spills the Tea review

July 31, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Tea by the Sea series by Vicki Delany who currently writes The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries as Vicki Delany and the Lighthouse Library Mysteries under the pen name of Eva Gates. I loved this Cape Cod setting from the get-go and the picturesque little town. It’s hard to believe that Lily’s Grandma Rose agreed to a reality show (that doesn’t seem like her thing at all lol), but poor Lily was railroaded into doing one thanks to Rose and her bestie Bernie. You’ll have to read it and find out what all craziness went down!

My Goodreads review:

Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy did poor Lily have a hot mess on her hands with the drama from a crew of reality show people. I’m not a reality show fan at all and wasn’t real thrilled with that theme as being part of the book, but at least it wasn’t all about the show and everything that happened on it. The drama was the main thing leading up to the murder and investigation which did take priority. Although someone needs to tell Det. Williams that retirement called and wants him lol. Amy Richmond would be so much better off investigating the case alone, but she did at least manage to get her way when she felt he was being unfair.

I do love when Rose, Bernie and Lily go sleuthing, although I always feel bad for Lily who seems to be more on the outside of an inside joke when Rose and Bernie discuss a case. I really didn’t have the person whodunit on my radar, but what an exciting showdown! It was definitely movie worthy!

I sure hope Lily and Simon can get a little closer now and maybe he won’t have to go back to England after all when fall comes. They’re awfully cute together as are Bernie and Matt, although she won’t admit she likes him. Bernie cracks me up! Can’t wait to see what these characters get into next time!

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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No Parm No Foul review

July 26, 2022July 26, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly, a well-established cozy mystery author of a couple other series. Who doesn’t love a yummy and comforting grilled cheese sandwich? I knew I’d love this series when I first saw it and it’s not been a disappointment at all. There’re even some recipes at the end of the book for some of the cheesy sandwich goodness featured in the story.

I really loved this book and was thrilled to see I really won’t have to wait a year for the next book since Cheddar Late Than Dead releases January 31, 2023. (Be sure to click through to the Amazon page and read the synopsis–this sounds like another good one!) I know I can’t wait to catch back up with these book friends.

#PoisonedPenPress #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

No Parm No Foul by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this Halloween time visit to Vermont and Carly’s grilled cheese eatery. I wish that place was real! I’m not much on fancy grilled cheeses, but I bet she still would make an awesome regular one! I loved sweet Evelyn’s character and how she played a part in Carly figuring out whodunit. I’m happy that in the first book Carly reconciled with Gina and now they were the best of buddies especially when it came to sharing sleuthing secrets or tossing around case ideas.

There were a lot of possible suspects and I wasn’t sure until one clue stuck out then more started coming. The showdown was pretty exciting and help came from a super unlikely source, wait’ll you read about that, it’s pretty cool.

I’m really happy with where Carly and Ari are in their relationship especially at the end of the book! That makes me wish another book wasn’t a year away, but I guess I’ll appreciate it a lot more if I have to wait. I’ve really come to think of these characters as old friends now and once again I’m so happy that a main character actually has a good relationship with her mom and the mom is equally nice to her daughter. Even Carly’s stepdad’s a sweetie! Till next time, Carly and Crew!

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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Death of an Ice Cream Scooper review

July 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in the long-running Hayley Powell Food & Spirits series by brother and sister duo, Lee Hollis. I love how the characters have grown and changed since the first book but yet they’re familiarly the same and so much fun to feel like you’re coming home to Bar Harbor and hanging out with these people.

I’m just crazy about the little dachshund on the cover! Sprinkles might not have a huge role in the book, but just being a buddy to Leroy while Hayley and Sprinkles’ doggie mom Lynette walked them was super cute. I love how it was described that Sprinkles brought out the puppy in Leroy.

#KensingtonCozies #LeePowell

My Goodreads review:

Death of an Ice Cream Scooper by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 15 and Hayley’s going strong! I love the characters and town as much as when I first picked up the debut book. And just as I was wondering if we were getting any of his famous Sergio-isms, he didn’t disappoint!

There was a lot going on this time. Dustin’s as grown of a man as he could possibly be now while Gemma was roasting away in a New York summer as she was telling her mom. Three of Hayley’s friends had new boyfriends, Liddy was getting an expensive mansion as a listing and all through this, Hayley was trying to figure out who killed the ice cream scooper.

I loved the mention of the ice cream shop owner’s little dachshund, Sprinkles! He sounded adorable and good old Leroy, Hayley’s beloved Shih-Tzu was still plugging along and finding his second wind when Sprinkles was around. Which to the dachshund lover (me) wasn’t quite enough, but I’ll take whatever I can get of a dachsie in the story! I’m always grateful when one shows up!

In true Hayley fashion, she found herself in quite a predicament but managed to slip out of it only to confront a killer not long after. But all went well, ending in the familiar family get-together that I always love about this series. I’m sure it won’t take Hayley long to transition into her new role! I’m being purposely vague and leaving out anything I personally would’ve thought was a spoiler before reading this book. You can get the whole scoop (ice cream pun intended) on July 26 when it releases!

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

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A Perilous Pal review

June 29, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the A Friend for Hire Mysteries by one of my fave authors, Laura Bradford who’s managed to incorporate now two of her older series in this particular book. I always think it’s especially cool when an author does that, and now I’m really hoping a future Friend for Hire book has that road trip in it that Emma and Kim were talking about!

And the other series written by this author that Dottie loves so much is always in the background because it’s the basis of her amateur sleuthing. I enjoy Dottie’s character so much. She’s not a huggy-huggy grandmotherly type, but she’s a fiercely loyal friend who cares about Emma a lot even though she never really comes out and says it. They make an unlikely but still well-matched pair of friends, and I sure love their banter!

You could probably still read and enjoy this without reading the first book, but why deny yourself that fun? I recommend reading it and getting to know the characters, then they’ll feel like old friends!

#BerkleyPublishing #LauraBradford

My Goodreads review:

A Perilous Pal by Laura Bradford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought I loved the first book, but I think I like this one even better! It’s so awesome how all of Emma’s clients so far still play an active part in her life, and that she’s come to care about all of them even to the point of being besties with Stephanie. When her newest client was tossed in jail for killing her husband, it didn’t seem like the poor woman had any chance of getting out. But with Dottie and Steph’s sleuthing help, Emma finally gave way to another investigation.

I get such a kick out of sassy senior Dottie! I wanna be her when I’m eighty! I already have the “only reads cozy mysteries” part down, but I’m not real sure I’d make a very good sleuth. Although I did randomly guess whodunit! 😉 I loved the visit with John and Andy and how Emma was trying to matchmake Steph and Andy. I started suspecting something that could end up to be a sweet reunion if it was true…

And Big Max’s character is so awesome! He’s such a sweetheart, and I love that Steph got to meet him this time. Emma’s relationship with Jack was growing, and it was sweet when Scout got to visit with his son Tommy.

This was a mystery full of twists and surprises, and the only thing I was pretty sure of was that Kim wasn’t guilty despite her journal ramblings about ways to kill her husband. It was pretty clever how Emma went about proving whodunit then was safely visiting Kim while the police picked up the perp.

The very ending was just awesome! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book and what might unfold in it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Berkley Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. If you liked the first book, don’t miss this one which releases next week on July 5.

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A Catered Doggie Wedding

June 28, 2022 Tari Hann

This is book 17 in the long running Mysteries with Recipes series by Isis Crawford. Unfortunately, I can’t link the series from 17’s page because this newer listing doesn’t have the series separately clickable, but this link goes to the series page showing the first sixteen books. And my review below should take you to the page for book 17.

It’s always a guaranteed good time with the Simmons sisters, their boyfriends they chill at RJ’s with and of course, Dad and his police buddy, Clyde. Libby and Bernie’s employee Googie (aka George) and his girlfriend were featured in this book. The dog wedding idea sounded super cute, but someone in town (like the scrooge in the shop next door) didn’t want it to happen, but would she resort to murder? Grab this from wherever you buy books or your library and find out!

#KensingtonCozies #IsisCrawford

My Goodreads review:

A Catered Doggie Wedding by Isis Crawford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fun and lots of the time funny adventure with Libby and Bernie! Those two never disappoint in how they just crack me up with their crazy banter, and the banter among other characters is always priceless and sometimes great comic relief! I just love their dad and I get such a kick out of Clyde, his police friend who slips them info sometimes in exchange for food and yummy baked items his wife won’t let him have, lol.

This was one twisty mystery with more suspects and red herrings as it progressed, not to mention more bodies. What started the whole things was kinda cool as Libby and Bernie found out later…but meeting up with a killer wasn’t so cool. Reinforcements came just in time though, and the dog wedding was saved from being scrapped. I was happy that everyone who wasn’t a killer but might’ve done something they’d regret ended up having to account for that.

Everything was wrapped up and explained at the end and of course, one of the goldens, Bertha or Ernie or maybe one of the doggie guests stole the last funny scene.

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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