Tag: kensington cozies

Gone but Not for Garden review

Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Goddess of Greene St. Mysteries by Kate Collins who wrote the Abby Knight Flower Shop that became a Hallmark movie series. And speaking of our pal, Abby, she got to guest star in this book and solve the mystery along with Athena and Case which was lotsa great book fun.

#KensingtonCozies #KateCollins

My Goodreads review:

Gone But Not for Garden (A Goddess of Greene St. Mystery, #4)Gone But Not for Garden by Kate Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was so much fun to see both this author’s main characters actually working on case together as Abby Salvare came to get Athena and Case’s help clearing her cousin of murder. What a crazy case with lots of secrets coming to light.

I could so commiserate with Athena about going to fairs! I’m definitely not a fan and don’t like those crowds either lol, but she did what she had to for family and for the case at hand. Speaking of Case, I liked how close Athena and Case were now. They seemed to be in a nice, comfortable spot in their relationship but I could tell Athena wasn’t too wild about PDA. But she did get to see how cute Marco and Abby were together and probably kinda wished that for her and Case.

That was some showdown but Abby and Athena proved themselves totally capable. I hadn’t really settled on a whodunit, so I just let the girls and Case take the lead lol. Little Oscar the raccoon did get to play a role in the showdown, and now Athena was grateful that Nico had taught the little guy how to play ball. Abby and Jillian got a big, happy Greek sendoff when they left, but I’d love to see these two ladies work together again. Even Lila was on her A-game this time, so it was definitely a team effort to solve the case.

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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Irish Coffee Murder review

Tari Hann

This book’s coming out just in time for St. Patrick’s Day this year, a little switch-up from the usual Halloween or Christmas anthology by some favorite Kensington cozy authors. I love the central theme and how the authors used it in their stories. It’ll be available to everyone tomorrow, January 24, 2023.

My Goodreads review:

Irish Coffee Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery, #28.5)Irish Coffee Murder by Leslie Meier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was pretty cool getting a collection of short stories for St. Paddy’s Day. We usually see a collection around Halloween or Christmas, so this gave the stories a different spin. The main theme was Irish coffee having something to do with murder, but I liked how Barbara Ross differently incorporated it into her mystery. She has a little about that and some other interesting things in her acknowledgements at the. end. We even got a couple of Sergio-isms in the Hayley Powell story, so that was an added plus especially for a novella! Overall a fun way to celebrate your Irish or someone else’s this coming St. Paddy’s Day.

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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Rum and Choke review

Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mysteries by Sherry Harris, and I’ve followed this series from its beginning. I love the setting and all the town characters that helped make Chloe’s transition to Florida a little nicer for her. Vivi’s even come around a lot in the four books and is more like a friend as well as a business partner. Joachim always cracks me up, and I love the pairing of Chloe with Rip. They’re such a cute couple! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! 

My Goodreads review:

Rum and Choke (A Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery Book 4)Rum and Choke by Sherry Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great going back to Emerald Cove to hang out with Chloe and her friends. She and Vivi have come a really long way in their strange friendship since book 1 at least. At least Vivi knows how much Chloe thought of her grandson and that she’d been grieving almost as much as Vivi had. Chloe had her plate full with training for the Barback Games as well as going with the mysterious Ann Williams. We got to see a lot more of Ann in this book than before. She was actually a main person of interest when she found a body, but I think Chloe found out that she could definitely trust this security-minded woman with her life even though she did have pirate ancestors lol.

I hadn’t really seen the whodunit coming and I can see why Ann and Chloe could consider this a gray area. The very ending was so darn sweet and just what I’d been waiting for!

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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Bookclubbed to Death review

Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in one of my fave cozy mystery series Mystery Bookshop by V.M. Burns (aka Valerie). I’ve followed this series since its beginning and absolutely love all these key characters. It’s always so fun how Nana Jo and her friends get with Sam to solve murders and each one has their own part they play in researching. And no meeting of the sleuths is complete without Irma nearly saying something unsavory and the group going, “Irma!” I laugh every time! We got some good ones this time! And I love those sweet pups, Oreo and Snickers (modeled after the author’s own poodle babies.) I just wanted to scoop ’em up and cuddle those babies when I read this book, well Oreo probably wouldn’t like that lol. Can’t wait for more in this series!

#KensingtonCozies #VMBurns #ValerieBurns

My Goodreads review:

Bookclubbed to Death (Mystery Bookshop #8)Bookclubbed to Death by V.M. Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as Sam was gearing up for her big book launch, a nasty book reviewer was killed in her shop. And I just gotta thank the author for ridding the story of such an awful person, especially because she was so mean to poor little Oreo and Snickers. I seriously saw red at that point in the story! Good old Stinky Pitt was still on medical leave from being shot in the last book, and he actually decided to be of some help in the investigation when Sam just knew she’d be arrested instead of celebrating her book. That replacement detective really had it in for her for some reason.

I loved all the new “Irma!” moments too! (If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll know what I mean by that!) That woman’s such a hoot! I really enjoy Nana Jo and all her friends. The showdown was pretty awesome as we got to see the famous lawyer aka pit bull in action (Jenna, if you’re wondering!). The ending party was just great and I felt so happy for Sam for realizing two of her big dreams. Don’t miss this book when it releases on December 27, 2022.

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

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Sleuthing in Stilettos review

Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Resale Boutique Mysteries by a fave cozy author of mine, Debra Sennefelder. I’ve followed Kelly’s adventures since the first book and even read the in-between one. I hope Kelly’s got many more stories to tell because the girl does deserve some happiness (as long as she’s not accusing someone of murder!). The friendships and characters in this series always make me feel like I’m returning to some good book pals.

My Goodreads review:

Sleuthing in Stilettos (Resale Boutique Mystery, #5)Sleuthing in Stilettos by Debra Sennefelder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And just like that, Kelly seemed to grow up after this mystery was solved. Just when it appeared she’d never be anything but a kind-hearted, question-spouting, self-centered fashionista, the last couple weeks in her life really caused her to seem more mature by the end of the book. Kelly’s definitely someone you’d want for a friend even though she’s got this unbelievable way of making people mad by accusing them of murder. But her heart’s always in the right place and somehow she ends up forgiven. Nothing mattered more to Kelly than her family and friends as you’ll see when you read about their Thanksgiving.

Boy was that an exciting showdown! I was so happy Kelly had reconciled with her buddy Ariel and I’ll just say it was a good thing she came along! I liked where this ended with Kelly and Nate in a very nice place in a relationship as well as Kelly being completely happy now that she was where she belonged. Don’t miss this latest installment when it releases Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

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

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Through the Liquor Glass review

Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Literary Pub Mysteries by cozy author Sarah Fox. I’ve been reading this series since the beginning and each one’s always made me eager for the next, so this book was no exception to that. If anything, I’m more eager for another book. You might need to start this early in the day ’cause you won’t wanna put it down!

My Goodreads review:

Through the Liquor Glass (Literary Pub Mystery, #5)Through the Liquor Glass by Sarah Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really had a hard time putting this down, and the sleuthing Grayson and Sadie did was definitely page-turning! I think I was as worried about Grayson as Sadie was when he went into hiding after the murder of a woman he had some bad history with when he was a private investigator. It was cool that some of the characters that in the past hadn’t had all that much page time got their little moments to shine, especially during the showdown! Jason, Joey and Cordelia were characters I hadn’t remembered reading much about but they got quite a bit of mentioning in this case.

I never guessed whodunit and it was a great showdown. The whole mystery was well-explained in great detail after the perp was hauled away. I love that Sadie’s mom finally got to come see Sadie’s new town and eventually got to meet Grayson…and who wouldn’t love that guy, right? Can’t wait for 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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Bake Offed review

Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Five-Ingredient Mysteries by Maya Corrigan who started this series back in 2014. I have all of them up to this one and probably no excuse for not having read any except the first book. But I’m really impressed that this book didn’t have any spoilers or anything that’d ruin my enjoyment of going back and reading in order. Granddad was my fave character in the first book and he continues that role as I’m sure he’ll pick up once I get back to the series.

Just for fun, I read my GR review of By Cook or by Crook (the first book) but obviously it didn’t tell me much more than the official synopsis since I’m not one to repeat what the blurb already says as part of my reviews. I might just need to give it a quick refresher read because I can’t honestly remember who Val’s love interest was! But hey it was 2019 and I’ve read literally hundreds of books since then. Reading this latest book reignited my initial love of the series though!

My Goodreads review:

Bake Offed (A Five-Ingredient Mystery, #8)Bake Offed by Maya Corrigan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was so much fun and Granddad was at the top of his sleuthing game. Somehow I knew from the minute he found that Nero Wolfe recipe box that something was gonna happen to it. And it was so cool to read in the acknowledgement section that there was really such a thing as this publicity item back in the day. I haven’t quite had the time to curiosity-check it on eBay, but I’m really interested in seeing what it looked like.

It made perfect sense that at a mystery convention there’d be plenty of people with secrets and things to hide. Val’s old friend Roy was on the case. I felt sorry for poor Bethany through all this craziness as she tried to keep her event going as best she could. I was never completely sure whodunit, but everything including the saga of Granddad’s recipe box whereabouts were all wrapped up nicely at the end.

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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Steeped in Secrets review

Tari Hann

This is the first in a new series by Lauren Elliott called Crystals and CuriosiTEAS Mysteries. I knew I’d enjoy it since I’ve read all her Beyond the Pages mysteries to date and really liked those a lot as well as the characters. The new series definitely didn’t disappoint! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for book two! 

#KensingtonCozies #LaurenElliott

My Goodreads review:

Steeped in SecretsSteeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this a lot more than I first thought I would when I started reading it, but the characters just came to life and drew me in! I liked Shay’s character a lot and her backstory was interesting–and about to become even more interesting. It was cool how she and Tassi became friends despite their age difference, but as they were to find out, they had quite a bit in common. Jen was a good big sister but sometimes seemed a touch unreasonable even though she meant well.

I was never really sure whodunit and what a good twist at the end along with a kickin’ showdown followed by a full explanation and wrap-up. I just love that dog Spirit and I’m so happy he’s got Shay to live with now. He was super in tune to clues and what he knew he wanted people to do to find answers.

When the book was ending, I just didn’t want it to. I wanted to stay there and read more about the town and people, especially Shay and Liam. I was extremely happy about one thing in particular that happened after the showdown, and now I can’t wait to go back and visit with Shay and all her friends again. Don’t miss this new series especially if you like a little magic (there’s not a bunch of woo-woo stuff going on if you’re worried about that, give it a chance) with your cozy mystery. It releases Tuesday, November 29, 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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Murder on the Class Trip review

Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Maya and Sandra Mysteries by brother/sister writing duo Lee Hollis. I’ve read all their series and really love the characters they come up with along with the sometimes downright hilarious situations said characters find themselves in. A couple of PTO moms who’re different as night and day describe our sleuths Maya and Sandra, but they’re formed an amazing friendship and work relationship as well. It’ll be interesting to see what’s in store for them next!

My Goodreads review:

Murder on the Class Trip (Maya and Sandra #3)Murder on the Class Trip by Lee Hollis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series isn’t quite as hilariously funny as the author’s Hayley Powell series, but there were some pretty funny moments in this since a group of high school seniors were on a class trip to DC. I could just picture good ole Clancy the bus driver maneuvering around DC while Maya and Sandra had him chasing down a wayward student. Can you just see him if the kids had talked him into stalking the red hot light at the famous donut place for them? It was funny enough just thinking about him getting 35 chicken nugget meals in the drive-thru, lol.

The murder was a twisty one where any number of people could’ve done it, but Sandra’s main concern was finding out Stephen wasn’t guilty-she never thought so. Sandra’s come a long way as an investigator since the very first book, and I believe Maya might just be pretty proud of how she’s turned out. With Maya’s ex out of prison now, both the ladies had some new futures to look forward to, although I’m pretty sure Sandra’s won’t include much of Stephen!

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High Spirits review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Haunted Haven Mysteries by cozy author Carol J. Perry who also writes the Witch City Mysteries. I’ve enjoyed this series a lot so far having read the first book last year. This one wrapped up everything nice and neat, but I do hope there’re more planned for this series. I really like these characters and ghosts and definitely want more stories about them!

#KensingtonCozies #CarolJPerry

My Goodreads review:

High Spirits (A Haunted Haven Mystery, #2)High Spirits by Carol J. Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was fun visiting the Haven House Inn again. The resident ghost Lorna just cracks me up–and now she’s got a boyfriend ghost! I think Maureen had fun ‘lending’ her clothes to her since the ghost is able to just assume the image of them on her. A win-win situation since Lorna looked great in anything and Maureen’s outfits were safe from any accidents. Maureen’s dog was quite a fan of Lorna’s too since she kept him occupied during the day by reading books about dogs to him.

Ted and Maureen made the cutest couple as they worked and sleuthed together on the latest murder that was almost getting impossible to figure out. But Officer Hubbard seemed to think Maureen had some type of inner vision or something because he insisted she could help solve this. I got a kick out of him having to haul his mom and Aster to a couple of the Dinner and a Movie nights.

I enjoyed the sleuthing for clues and liked that the showdown wasn’t as dangerous as it could’ve been. The perp was caught and now onto the business of more inn renovations. It was cool how the epilogue spanned a little bit longer and told various things that happened along with wrapping up the case nicely. I sure hope there’s more of these books planned. While it didn’t end with questions exactly, I’d still like to read more in this fun little Florida world and maybe get to know more of the ghosts there 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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