kensington cozies – Page 12 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Murder in a Cape Cottage review

September 20, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries by Maddie Day aka Edith Maxwell who also writes the Country Store Mysteries as Maddie. I just love Mac’s super close-knit family and their interactions. She and Tim make a great couple and now that she’s wrapped her very orderly mind around marriage and subsequently having kids, Mac seems much better adjusted than she did in those first couple books. You won’t wanna miss this fun story of a mystery before the wedding!

I just had to include a note that if you’ve not read acknowledgements that authors write, you need to at least start reading the ones this author does. She’s always got something interesting or some back info included in it. This time it was a bittersweet mention of one of the characters being named after a lady’s sister. It was a charity auction with the winner getting to name a character in this book, and the lady who won chose to have the character named for her sister. I’m not gonna spoil the rest, you’ll just need to dig into those acknowledgements and find out what it was so sweet. I’ve always been a sort of acknowledgements nerd and try to always read those even if they’re short.

#KensingtonCozies #MaddieDay

My Goodreads review:

Murder in a Cape Cottage by Maddie Day
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mac sure never expected to have a mystery to solve so close to her wedding day, but one sorta just fell in her lap as she and Tim worked on gutting a closet in their cottage. I guess Mac felt a little indebted to get justice for this pathetic skeleton that’d been walled up eighty years ago since the remains were found in her and Tim’s cottage. Even though Bella the parrot was moved to Mac’s parents’ house during the renovation, we still got our bookish dose of her silliness and begging for snacks.

As Mac investigated, there was a current day someone who didn’t like her digging into a murder from long ago. The only actual murders were the cold cases but there was an attempt on someone’s life and by that time I was pretty sure who might be behind all this. The showdown was awesome with Mac herself preventing a killing, but for this cozy sleuth it’s all in a day’s work. And she lived to get married which was basically what her friends and family were all worrying about. The friends and Mac’s toast at the end was pretty sweet. This book releases a week from today, September 27.

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 Poet’s Walk review

September 19, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in one of my favorite series, the Book Retreat Mysteries by Ellery Adams who’s written all kinds of great cozy mystery series. I really love the Book Retreat series because every time I visit Storyton Hall, there’s usually a trip through the mysterious Hall itself. There’re always secret passages that only the staff or Jane and the Fins know about, and that just makes it extra fun. I’m sure whenever she’s sleuthing, Jane probably feels like a grown-up Nancy Drew when she explores creepy and secret places. I probably always say the current book’s my favorite, but this one is super special! Don’t miss its release on September 27!

#KensingtonCozies #ElleryAdams

My Goodreads review:

Murder on the Poet’s Walk by Ellery Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when she thought a bunch of poets might be on the quiet side, Jane had to deal with a couple more Rip van Winkles at Storyton Hall. It seemed clear who the killer was at some points…until it didn’t. I’ve always enjoyed Jane’s sons as characters. They’ve never been bratty just little boys who’ve now grown into middle school age young guys who seem to be taking the care and well-being of the Hall very seriously as they’ve been taught all along.

There’s just something so awesome and comforting about Jane being surrounded by all these men who love her and would die for her. Her Fins have all been like father figures to her aside from Lachlan who’s marrying her bestie, Eloise–he’s more the age of a brother. Jane’s been trained to hold her own, so she’s no shrinking violet or overly dependent either. It’s just a good mix. I loved hearing where the poodle pups came from, another fun little crossover mention from Books by the Bay which ended but I like it that Oliva can somewhat live on once in awhile here.

Jane’s pals in her book club work out awesome as extra sleuths sometimes like in this book. Mrs. Pratt sure seemed to love sleuthing! The showdown was absolutely epic! You might just leak some happy tears as well because if you’re a longtime fan, you’re gonna be so proud at this showdown you won’t be able to stand it.

And the ending after the wedding was just magical! More happy tears tissue alerts here, lol. I was smiling long after reading this book and still smile thinking about the ending. Don’t miss when it goes up for sale September 27!

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 Vacation to Die For review

September 8, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fourteenth in the Tourist Trap Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon who writes several cozy series, all of which I’m crazy about. Tourist Trap is the longest running of the series, and I gotta admit I wasn’t exactly caught up yet when I started getting the ARCs to read and review, but I’ll get there someday. From reading blurbs ahead, I already knew about Jill and Greg being engaged anyway, so now I’m just looking forward to the book that has their wedding!

#KensingtonCozies #LynnCahoon

My Goodreads review:

A Vacation to Die For by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was hard to believe, but Greg and Jill actually got away on a little vacation before he got called back, probably a record of some kind for them, lol. I wondered if the slight weirdness of seeing various people in their vacation getaway of Apple Valley might turn around and be connected to the current case Greg got called to.

I love the crossovers going on with this series and the author’s other two. I decided to review this one first but I did also finish another one where Deek went to a writer’s conference, although the one he attended in this book probably wasn’t that since this book’s taking place in spring. And I’d read the first with her new MC Eddie in it a while back and learned Esmerelda was girlfriend to one of the guys. He got a mention in this book but not by name or location, just that he’s halfway across the country. It’s just fun when authors plan those little surprises for readers.

I honestly had trouble trusting some of the newer characters in the book this time but now that I know who can be trusted, I’m eager to read the next book and find out more about them. Jill did once more find herself as the blurb said, in the crosshairs of a killer but she always thinks of something smart to do. I enjoyed the ending and can’t wait to read about Greg and Jill’s wedding hopefully the next time around.

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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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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Peg and Rose Solve a Murder review

August 29, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new spin-off series simply called Peg and Rose, and it’s by Laurien Berenson who introduced Aunt Peg Turnbull in her long-running Melanie Travis series. I really got a kick out of Peg being the main character and her sister-in-law Rose being her sidekick. This book had all the scoop and backstory you could want on both the ladies’ characters. Rose might come off as a meek ex-nun, but she can tell people off or do things when needed like when she’s facing down a killer!

#KensingtonCozies #LaurienBerenson

My Goodreads review:

Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, these two ladies are a real hoot and so much fun to read all their bickering and banter, which actually did get better from the original kinda-hatred state for each other they’d been in. This is a spin-off series from the Melanie Travis Mysteries by the same author, only I hadn’t really read enough of that series to know a whole lot about Aunt Peg except she was no-nonsense, stern and very into her dog shows and poodles. It was cool to see her be the star and comment on how Melanie probably would be jealous of all this action they were seeing, lol.

I hadn’t really suspected whodunit, but I sure loved what cute little creature got to help at the showdown! And Peg’s heart seemed to grow a size or two throughout the book because she did something super sweet at the end for Rose. (Just don’t tell Peg I said she was being sweet LOL!)

Gotta admit I wasn’t really into the bridge playing aspect of the story at all but luckily it was fairly short-lived as far as actual bridge scenes. Wonder what these two will get up to now that the murder’s solved? I guess the next book might tell us that! This one releases tomorrow, 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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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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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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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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