good friends – Page 9 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime review

January 14, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries by a favorite cozy author, Vicki Delany. I’ve enjoyed this series since its very beginning and definitely believe it’s best enjoyed in order since there’s so much character and relationship development that’s happened since the start. Gemma used to get on my nerves in the beginning, but I’ve decided she’s now like a completely grown up Hermione Granger. I can totally picture Hermione saying of the stuff Gemma does, lol.

I wonder what other adventures might be in store for Gemma and her amazing friends? That Donald just cracks me up sometimes, and he was in rare form in this book! And of course in his element walking the same streets of London he imagined his hero Sherlock Holmes doing. Uncle Arthur sounds like a real hoot too just from some of the reports from back home during this mystery. We’ve always known him to be a little mysterious and most of his appearances are just talked about.

#NetGalley #CrookedLane #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime by Vicki Delany
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While Gemma was supposed to be having fun in England after her sister got married, she ended up sleuthing another case like the last time she was there on a pleasure trip. Her Sherlock fan friend Donald was pretty stoked at just being in London again let alone getting to tag along on a case with Gemma and Jayne. He came in pretty handy when they all visited an exclusive club and things kinda went crazy there.

In her usual way of intelligently observing and not purposely pestering the police, Gemma finally had the answer and who the killer was just when their time in London was ending. I was halfway expecting a special question from Ryan to her but more craziness from home could’ve been what interrupted. And there was definitely mayhem going on at home as well. Uncle Arthur couldn’t make it to the wedding so he hung out at the store. I got the feeling Gemma wished she could’ve swapped places with him and avoided the headaches she was coming home to lol. Always tons of fun with this group of characters!

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

View all my reviews

Dead Men Wag No Tails review

January 5, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Magical Menagerie series by well-known cozy mystery author, Sarah Fox. I loved this series when it started last year and I was super happy to read this second book which definitely didn’t disappoint. I like how Georgie and Callum are growing closer and how the dogs and Euclid the resident owl always seem to help when Georgie’s investigating. I can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #SevernHouse #SarahFox

My Goodreads review:

Dead Men Wag No Tails by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I read the first book last year, it took me no time at all to fall in love with these characters and the setting, so it was like meeting up with old friends again when I read this book. I love that Georgie’s smart and self-assured (in most things) but she’s not afraid to ask anyone when she needs with something. Those sweet dogs are amazing like their owl friend Euclid. And a visiting parrot seemed to hold the key to something important with the murder case.

I was glad to see Georgie and Callum growing closer and that she was feeling more confident that he was actually happy with her. The ending was really sweet and since they talked about a Halloween themed event coming up, I hope that’s the theme of the next book! It should be tons of fun!

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

View all my reviews

Blame It on the Beignets review

December 8, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton, another favorite series of mine, and I’m always eager to read the next book. Dep’s such a cutie and one of the best clue-sniffing cats in mysteries. She didn’t disappoint! Anyone who’s read the series is gonna recognize the name Jolly Cops Cleaning, so we finally got to meet one of those awesome retired officers who have a cleaning business with Deputy Donuts as a client.

There was a lot going on in this book which included Samantha’s baby shower as well as a budding romance for one of Emily’s good business friends. Can’t wait to see what happens with that, it was just too cute! There was a cute little dog that kept popping up in the story, poor Dep wasn’t too sure about her, but both got to be in the showdown. What someone did to that perp was hilarious!

I thought this free photo from Pexels reminded me of Dep sitting on one of her shelves either in Emily’s office or at home.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a visit to Fallingbrook to see what Emily and her sweet kitty Deputy aka Dep are up to. Emily’s new assistant Hannah and her sister Olivia who also worked for Emily were the employees featured. Hannah and a couple friends were indirectly involved in a murder, so I could just imagine how poor Olivia was worrying like crazy.

I love that Emily and Brent were settled in as a married couple now like her besties Misty and Samantha. They weren’t in the story a whole lot except for their roles as police officer and paramedic. I was glad the DCI detective that came this time was Rex who we know from previous books. Emily’s friend Summer was really glad to see him lol. I see a new romance starting up and Det. Rex may just have to make excuses to come to town more often.

The showdown was both exciting and fun in a comical sorta way. Everything that led up to catching the perp was pretty awesome and it was a group effort too. Heck, don’t bother with prison, just turn Madame Monique loose on a criminal—they’d probably beg for prison instead lol. I was secretly cheering her on because she had an excellent reason for what she was doing to the perp. I really enjoyed the ending and hopefully it’ll turn out amazing for a very special couple Emily and Brent were good friends with. Can’t wait to read 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.

View all my reviews

The Witch Is Back review

December 6, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve enjoyed this series since its start and always look forward to the next book. This book had its main mysteries wrapped up but there’s a side mystery or two that was hinted at might be coming, so I’m really eager for the next book.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

The Witch Is Back by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me a little while to warm up to Josie’s mom, Nora who had her own agenda for visiting spontaneously, but she was a pretty good sleuthing buddy and sounding board for Josie’s theories. Nora’s personal reason for coming worked out at the end, but along with the murder itself another mystery had cropped up, and the town expected Josie to solve it. Which was where Nora came in handy, if she’d embrace her witchy powers.

The showdown was a good one and Nora even got to help a little. Once both mysteries were solved, the town could breathe a sigh of relief and people were friends again. I was kinda disappointed in the actual ending, so that along with another possible side story have me eager to dig into the next book when it’s out.

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

View all my reviews

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea review

December 3, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by cozy author Darci Hannah, another series I’ve enjoyed since it started. Lindsey’s really grown and changed a lot for the better and she’s in a good relationship with Rory, now if we could just get her pal Kennedy on board with deciding if she’s gonna stay with Tuck or not, that’d be a major accomplishment, lol. Things were actually looking positive though, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens next time we tune into the Beacon Bakeshop.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarciHannah

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what pandemonium came to the Beacon in the form of Kennedy’s family and a filming crew for a segment with Lindsey and a famous pastry chef. When there was a murder that looked a lot like Lindsey did it (if Sgt. Scary Stacy didn’t know better), Lindsey wasn’t taking this and insisted on being involved. Kennedy’s grandma was just so cute, but I wasn’t much of a fan of her mom. But her sister was a hoot when she started acting like a cowboy, lol.

The showdown and what followed was pretty exciting but once the perp was put away, Lindsey knew she was one step closer to everyone leaving the Beacon and getting her Rory back. He cracked me up with his reason for temporarily going to stay with his uncle, lol. As always, everyone put their collective efforts into the case and celebrated with food, fellowship and family afterward. Definitely a summer to remember, maybe not all in a good way though.

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

View all my reviews

Madrigals and Mayhem review

November 30, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries by Elizabeth Penney. I’ve enjoyed this series from its start and actually I like anything I’ve read by this author. She’s just got a really nice way with her characters and situations that keep me coming back for more in this series. Christmas in Cambridge with Molly and the crew was pretty cool and magical picturing how the town looked decked out in Christmas decorations. I can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #St.Martin/Minotaur #Elizabeth Penney

My Goodreads review:

Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked new business owner Charlotte’s character a lot. She seemed to blend right in with Molly and Daisy as far as being friends went. Molly set out to prove Charlotte’s grandfather might’ve not had a natural death and one thing she did was join a local play, with Kieran of course, so she could be closer to what she believed was the source of some trouble. What happened during the play was absolutely hilarious at one point!

Once everything was solved and a super satisfying outcome occurred, Molly and her loved ones could celebrate an amazing Christmas together. With the two people having special announcements in this story, I really can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

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

View all my reviews

A Corpse Among the Carolers review

November 12, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Food Blogger Mysteries by Debra Sennefelder and I’ve enjoyed it from the beginning. Hope’s a likable character and she’s got the best sidekick in her bestie Drew. Ethan’s incredibly patient with all her sleuthing but he always worries about her. Maybe if she got a Doberman to take with her, he’d worry less lol. Anyway, this was a fun and festive book full of the mysteries we love along with food, fellowship and family. The ending was especially good! Can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

A Corpse Among the Carolers by Debra Sennefelder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hope always has a way of getting herself into danger when she’s investigating a case. It seems she and the detective at least came to an understanding and this time he wasn’t quite so harsh.
I’d guessed the killer but definitely not the plot twist regarding said killer. The showdown was exciting and let’s just say it’s a good thing Drew’s got such a sweet tooth. The ending was amazing with all Hope’s family and friends gathered for a super memorable Christmas Eve dinner.

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

View all my reviews

I’ll Be Home for Mischief review

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by Jacqueline Frost better known to cozy mystery fans as Julie Anne Lindsey (also Bree Baker). I’ve loved this series from the first time I laid eyes on the very first book and it’s never disappointed. It’s really best enjoyed in order so you can see the character and relationship developments better. I hope this series continues!

My Goodreads review:

I’ll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s always a special treat to visit with Holly, Evan, her parents and all their friend and loved ones in Mistletoe, Maine every year. The folks in the town sound like an awesome bunch, well aside from an occasional killer popping up. Holly always had lots on her plate this time of year but she always had time to investigate when murder came to town.

The showdown with the killer was possibly the most danger Holly ever found herself in and it seemed like it’d take a Christmas miracle to get outta this one alive. But no worries, Holly lived to investigate another day and enjoy Christmas with the ones she loves most. There were some fun announcements at the end and good changes coming for some of those loved ones. Can’t wait till the next book comes around next year!

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

View all my reviews

Gingerbread Danger review

October 28, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in another favorite cozy mystery series, Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by well-known cozy author, Amanda Flower. I’m hoping for a book 10 and can’t quite remember if I read that she’s currently working on it or what. I get tons of author newsletters so yeah, it’s a little hard to keep the info sorted sometimes, lol. Jethro the adorable spotted pig was at his mischievous best, actually he hit the ground running on the mischief factor as soon the book started. Fun, festive and full of surprises!

My Goodreads review:

Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That little pig Jethro was once again the star of the show as he started off the book having gotten into something already, lol. He just cracks me up but by now, I’m pretty sure Bailey loves that little stinker as much as she loves her rabbit, Puff. He was definitely a little stinker at the end but it caused a perp to get caught so in a way, Jethro was a hero.

It was so cool that Bailey was finally realizing her dream of the candy factory coming true, but with a murder to solve it kinda took a back seat at times. That showdown and what followed was a real comedy of errors but the killer was caught and the solution to the robberies was found too. Can’t wait for the next book which I hope is gonna have a wedding in it with a certain pig as ring bearer! 😉

View all my reviews

Sleep in Heavenly Pizza review

October 27, 2024October 27, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the super fun Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley which I’ve read and enjoyed from the beginning. The characters really changed and developed quite a bit, for good of course and I’ve enjoyed spending time time in Geneva Bay, WI with them. If you read this book while hungry, you might just start craving pizza, just sayin’.

My Goodreads review:

Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow Auntie Biz sure went through a nice transformation during the Christmas season. She was actually nice lol and didn’t even complain about Butterball the cat. There were so many secrets and little side stories but they all sorta contributed or were related to the main murder case.

In a surprising reveal of some of those secrets, a satisfying showdown followed. Now Delilah and her team could gather in their favorite thing to do: feed people and be with those they loved on Christmas Day which was an awesome gathering of family, friends and of course, great food.

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

View all my reviews