kensington cozies – Page 3 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Fudge and Marriage review

April 2, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the thirteenth full-length novel in the Candy-Coated series by Nancy CoCo and it’s been a fave series of mine that I’ve followed from the beginning. I even got to go to Mackinac Island seven years ago and took the latest at that time book in the series with me to read there, it was too cool. I loved the Island Bookstore and got to see the library that was part of the scenes in this book. I can’t wait to go back someday!

Technically, Amazon’s calling the book of previously released Christmas novellas book 13 and labeling this as #14. Goodreads has the book of novellas as #12.5 so whichever numbering floats your boat, there you go, lol.

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My Goodreads review:

Fudge and Marriage by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Allie’s mom and relatives showed up too early for Allie and Rex’s wedding, I was ready to have a word with the woman myself, lol. But Jenn as bestie and wedding planner went to bat for Allie more than once, and I was proud of Allie herself for finally standing up to the ridiculousness her mom insisted on with some things.

And of course it wouldn’t be our Allie without her getting involved in a murder investigation. I’ve been to the Mackinac Library and thought it was really cool that some of the scenes were in there—such an awesome place! Unfortunately outside was where the murder scene ended up and this time I hadn’t guessed whodunit at all.

Allie and Rex are always gonna always remember their wedding day, that’s for sure! What a crazy showdown and Allie had a cool sleuthing buddy in the form of the only non-uppity aunt she had. I’d love to see Aunt Ginny visit again sometime, she was pretty awesome. Thanks to her good island friends and sweet Rex, Allie and he got their happily ever after as planned. I didn’t want this book to end but as always, the excerpt of the next book at the end kinda serves as a little bridge to make the Mackinac magic last just a little longer. I 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.

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One Sharp Stitch review

March 28, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series called the Nimble Needle by Allie Pleiter, an author whose name I recognized from her Riverbank Knitting Mysteries. I still need to read those especially now that I really enjoyed this book in her new series. She’s definitely got a talent for creating likable and memorable characters as I saw in this book. Can’t wait till the next book comes out!

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My Goodreads review:

One Sharp Stitch by Allie Pleiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed meeting Shelby and her new friends in town along with her family when she came to take care of her mom’s needlepoint shop so Mom and Dad could go on a nice long road trip. She sure had no idea she’d be dealing with a murder soon after her parents left, although at first that’s not what it was being called. But Shelby persisted and even got Jessica somewhat involved.

On the shop front, Shelby managed to combine sleuthing with coming up with a needlepoint prize for a rotation all the shops took every few months. I liked the group she got together to help her do the stitching since they all talked about the case while they worked. The showdown and reveal were good—I’d definitely never suspected that person. Shelby and Jessica grew a lot closer as sisters after that which was gonna make the reveal during the epilogue a lot easier for both, lol. I sure can’t wait for that next book now!

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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Essence of Foul Play review

March 26, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the brand new Aroma Wellness Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber and readers like me are gonna be thrilled to see a couple characters from her Fairy Garden Mysteries featured prominently in this series. Some others pop in and out which was kinda fun since I felt right at home with the setting after having read all five of the Fairy Garden series. This should be a really fun series too!

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My Goodreads review:

Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I felt right at home reading this series since it has the same setting and some same characters from the author’s Fairy Garden Mysteries. I absolutely loved that series and now this companion series is gonna be so much fun! Emma was a great main character and I loved her grandma, someone readers will recognize as Ms. Reade the librarian except in this series she’s Nana Lissa or just Nana, a really amazing lady. Emma’s spa employes/friends were awesome too and that Meryl was such a hoot!

The showdown was a good one, exciting and tense but Emma had things under control by the time the police arrived. I think the good detective’s finding he’s got another one on his hands a lot like Courtney Kelly as far as wanting to solve investigations. The ending of the book was just too sweet and special! I can’t wait for the next book now!

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 Spirited Blend review

March 24, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Crystals and CuriosiTEAS mysteries by Lauren Elliott, another fun series I’ve enjoyed since its beginning. I really like Ms. Elliott’s other series too, Beyond the Page Bookshop Mysteries. Shay and her sister Jen have an awesome dynamic as sisters along with being business partners. It’s always a fun trip to Bray Harbor to catch up with these characters. Pssst, Gran’s my fave secondary character!

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My Goodreads review:

A Spirited Blend by Lauren Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve come to think of these characters as old friends now especially Liam’s crazy fun Gran, she’s such a hoot! She’s always after Shay and Liam to get together since her fairies predicted it, so I guess it’ll remain to be seen if Gran gets her wish soon or not lol. This was a mystery with a couple sides thrown in that weren’t gonna be solved immediately, but the main murder was solved so that’s what matters. There’s always a storyline waiting on the sidelines in this series which makes readers eager 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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Scone Cold Dead review

March 23, 2025March 23, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the thirteenth book in the Country Store Mysteries by Maddie Day aka Edith Maxwell, a fave series of mine that I’ve enjoyed since it started. It’s been fun following Robbie’s story while seeing relationships grow and change over the years.

One good constant everyone can rely on is that police chief Buck Bird’s gonna come in the restaurant and say he’s hungrier than…something. The fun part’s finding out just what and how many things he’s hungrier than in the course of a book, lol. I really enjoy all these characters and feel that Robbie’s very blessed to have people in her life like these locals and her awesome hubby Abe and stepson Sean. Hoping the series continues with more sleuthing but maybe the less dangerous for momma Robbie kind. 😉

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My Goodreads review:

Scone Cold Dead by Maddie Day
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I just love good old Buck Bird in this series which I’ve enjoyed since its beginning! He’s got about as many colorful, colloquial sayings as a certain campground manager in another of my fave series. Buck always cracks me up how he can put away so much food, lol. Adele’s a pretty cool character but for a while, she was having a hard time when the death of someone happened that she knew but wouldn’t admit to knowing.

Robbie had her sleuthing cut out for her but at least she wasn’t chasing down anyone. It was kinda cool how she and Lou got one last before-baby hurrah when they did a little snooping together. Lou’s an awesome friend and really came through when Robbie and the restaurant needed her. It’ll be interesting to see what directions Robbie’s investigations go now that her baby’s here. There were others who got some good news as well and one who had some bittersweet news, but even with baby on the brain, Robbie came up with a darn good solution.

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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The Next Deadly Chapter review

February 23, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. (Valerie) Burns, and I’ve enjoyed and laughed out loud with every single one of this series. This one was especially hilarious because Nana Jo and all her sleuthing pals from the retirement village were staying at a fancy resort thanks to some crazy guy who’d heckled Sam during her book presentation in their community center.

It’s the usual resort and casino where Nana Jo and the girls always go playing the slots with Sam. Irma was on her A-game this time and her usual Irma-ness was a hoot as always! And Nana Jo was her usual force to be reckoned with especially where ole Stinky Pitt was concerned LOL! You gotta read the scene they shared at one point in the resort. Probably one of the funniest if not the funniest in the entire series! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book! Oh and the poodles’ faces are priceless as always on this cover! Their eyes always say it all! Lots and lotsa kudos to the artist for making me chuckle before even starting a book in this series! I just wish I could hug both those sweet pups!

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My Goodreads review:

The Next Deadly Chapter by V.M. Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this series and how Nana Jo and her friends from the retirement village always end up helping Sam with a case. Jenna even was in on the act this time since the tribal leader of the casino resort they were staying at requested her after a body was found in what was originally Sam’s room. Can you guess who was staying in her room instead of Sam? That might’ve been the start of Sam and her future mom-in-law getting acquainted, lol. Dr. Camilia proved to be quite human and useful to the case as well. And a certain detective found himself attracted to her—let that hilarity begin!

Nana Jo was at her hilarious best and my favorite scene with Det. Pitt getting off the elevator and Nana Jo’s reaction was hysterical! For this and tons of other fun stuff (like one of my favorite returning jokes when Irma almost says something naughty and they all go, “Irma!”—gotta love it!), don’t miss this latest installment! This mystery was truly a group effort when it was solved after a tense showdown. That perp never saw what was coming lol.

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 Soda Bread Murder review

December 24, 2024 Tari Hann

This is another fun St. Patrick’s Day themed three-book anthology from some favorite cozy mystery authors Carlene O’Connor, Peggy Ehrhart and Liz Ireland. It’s St. Paddy’s day in all their towns and Irish soda bread’s the central storyline theme. It was fun catching back up with some fave characters and see what they’ve been up to.

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My Goodreads review:

Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always look forward to these seasonal three-story anthologies especially when the Home to Ireland characters are in one of the stories. Uncle Johnny always cracked me up in the regular series and I really enjoy how the series has been able to continue through these short stories.

I’ve read a couple of the Knit and Nibble series so far even though I own them all, it’s the so many books so little time thing. And I always kept meaning to start the Mrs. Claus series since I’ve gotten to know April, Nick and some of the elves through these short stories as well. Lots of St. Patrick’s day mischief, murder and mystery going on in this book, so don’t miss it!

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 Venomous Valentine review

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Salem B&B Mysteries by Traci Wilton aka the writing team of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. I’ve loved this series from its very first book and continued to enjoy each boo that’s come out since that. Charlene sure had her hands full with a bunch of diva models, both men and women who were there with a famous photographer to shoot a cupid calendar. As always, madness and mayhem followed, but Jack and Sam made it tolerable for Charlene. I was excited to see on the book’s series page from GR that there’s gonna be a book #10 coming in August, Mrs. Morris and the Day of the Dead (this is a Goodreads link). Especially after the epic ending of this book! No reading ahead now LOL!

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My Goodreads review:

Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine by Traci Wilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can totally see why Charlene could be in love with Jack the ghost as well as her own flesh and blood detective boyfriend Sam. They’re both amazing and Jack sure proved above and beyond in this book just how amazing he could be as far as helping in the showdown.

I loved that Avery was back for a visit and it was sweet how Charlene turned all mama bear when she was home since Avery was the closest thing she ever had to a daughter. The guests this time had been a group of self-centered models but they definitely came together against a common enemy toward the end. All mysteries were solved but the ending has me absolutely on pins and needles until the next book drops! I hope it comes in the spring!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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