Tag: kensington cozies

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery review

Tari Hann

This is the eighteenth book in the Seaside Knitters Society by Sally Goldenbaum, which about seven books ago underwent a slight series name change because it moved to a different publisher. But it’s more accurate to refer to it as book #18 instead of book 7 as GR lists it in the search. (I asked a librarian friend there to put it with its series). Either way, it’s been a very long-running cozy mystery series with an amazing group of knitter friends. Even if you don’t knit, you’ll wanna be friends with these ladies!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #SallyGoldenbaum

My Goodreads review:

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery (Seaside Knitters Society Book 7)The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was really sad when a man who was as loved as the murder victim was got killed. He was kind and generous to everyone and there weren’t too many who had anything bad to say about him which made his death even more tragic.

It was so cool to see those who loved him most continuing to do things he would’ve done or wanted to do. Our fabulous four knitters were on the case in their usual subtle way they had of finding out clues and reporting back to their fellow knitters and loved ones over some amazing food and family time.

The showdown was a a surprise as was someone who stepped in to help. I loved how the victim’s sweet pup got his forever home and an amazing tribute was paid to both him and his late owner. Yes, eye leakage can and may occur during certain parts of the book but it’s all good.

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 at the Lemonberry Tea review

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 (A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery, #6)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.

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Gingerbread Danger review

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 (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery, #9)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! 😉

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The Little Lost Library review

Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in The Secret, Book & Scone Society series by Ellery Adams, and I’ve enjoyed it from the very start. I honestly recommend reading this series in order to get the full appreciation for the growth and development of all the characters and friends in the storyline. It’s so awesome to see how each of these amazing women has changed (in good ways!) from how she was at the beginning of the series, particularly Nora, the main character.

My Goodreads review:

The Little Lost Library (Secret, Book, and Scone Society, #7)The Little Lost Library by Ellery Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There was lots of great intrigue and a little creepy factor in there too when Nora hunted through an old house belonging to a book client who’d been murdered. She’s a lot braver than I’d be especially because of the flesh and blood ghosts that might be hanging around there. Past the middle of the book was a great twist I sure hadn’t seen coming!

A little danger was there too, but Nora’s not one to back down from a challenge or what she believes to be the right thing. Which is probably why all her friends and Grant McCabe are so crazy about her. Nora does still need to work on accepting help and even charity without guilt, but first things always are first and I think she’s getting there. I love how Nora and her friends take care of the people in the community. She’s sure come a long way since that first 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 by the Page review

Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Literary Dining Mysteries, a brand new series by a longtime fave cozy author, Daryl Wood Gerber. The characters were interesting and likable. I got a big kick outta Tegan, Allie’s bestie. She could be such a ball of energy and sometimes really cracked me up! It did take me a little bit to warm up to Allie and get into the story more, but once I did, I was off to the races reading.

I gotta say the only thing I didn’t like about this book was its cover, lol. Seriously, Ms. Gerber’s other books have such amazing and vibrantly done covers (meaning they look like what I’ve always felt a cozy mystery should look like), that had I not noticed her name on the cover first, I would’ve passed it right up on NetGalley and missed out on a good story.

Just my opinion here, but I feel there’re entirely too many mysteries out there right now that use similar covers to this and I usually pass those up because they just look boring, so I hope people pick this book on its author merit and knowing they like her first and foremost. Backhanded compliment maybe, but I just know what I enjoy looking at as far as book covers go.

My Goodreads review:

Murder on the PageMurder on the Page by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t too crazy about this book at first since Allie, the main character was just different from most cozy mystery main characters and it took me a while to warm up to her. I did like her wicked sense of humor and how she could cleverly get in the last word with someone. Tegan was an awesome best friend.

While the Pride and Prejudice quotes and storyline were lost on me, I still enjoyed how they kinda incorporated some of the book’s ideas into figuring out the mystery. The ending was really good and I’m looking forward to seeing how Zach and Allie move forward as hopefully more than friends while another awesome partnership starts and takes off.

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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Death at the Dinner Party review

Tari Hann

This is the third book in a new series, Secret Bookcase Mysteries by a favorite cozy mystery author, Ellie Alexander. I’ve read all three so far as ARCs and the stories do build on each other as far as Annie’s backstory and her growing relationships with people (one handsome guy in particular!). Which means I highly recommend reading in order for the most enjoyment possible.

I can’t wait for the next book, A Holiday Homicide which publishes November 30, and it’s already up for pre-order as well as on Goodreads. The link to that book takes you to its Goodreads page for a little sneak peek. From the Goodreads page, you can go to your favorite bookstore and pre-order.

My Goodreads review:

Death at the Dinner Party (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #3)Death at the Dinner Party by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It sounded like a super fun adventure to Annie as far as helping her friend’s girlfriend throw a murder mystery dinner party at her old farmhouse as a fundraiser. But like all good mysteries, there had to be a storm trapping everyone inside and of course a murder. It was a good thing Annie had a criminology background or she probably would’ve fallen apart like her pal Pri almost did. I knew her mentor was gonna be really proud of her once the police made it there.

I’m loving how things have changed for the better between Annie and Liam and I’ll be eager to see things progress. And I just love that sweet Hal! What a great guy who runs the bookshop but he’s more like a grandpa to Annie and Fletcher than a boss. Annie’s really blessed to have such a great work family. The showdown was a little scary, in a human way of course but with a little help and some perseverance, Annie and Pri lived to sleuth another day. I can’t wait to read the next book which is Christmas themed!

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

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Six Stunning Sirens review

Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon, a series I’ve read from its beginning, and I love how the characters got to grow and evolve from how they were in the very beginning. Trent’s dad was in this book more than I’ve ever seen him which was actually a good thing because you get to see what loving dad and husband he really is and what helped shape Trent and Levi into the amazing guys they turned out to be. I love the role Trent’s mom’s taken on as Mia’s catering manager. Now if Mia could just ditch that darn Lodge job and be back with her own catering family, I think she’d be an extremely happier camper!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LynnCahoon

My Goodreads review:

Six Stunning Sirens (Kitchen Witch Mysteries, #6)Six Stunning Sirens by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mia’s Morsels got the catering job for the Harvest Festival pageant and there couldn’t’ve been more drama if it’d been special-ordered. When a contestant’s mom was killed, Mia had to wonder if there was magic afoot and just what someone might do to ensure their own daughter won.

There were some good side stories too which were pretty fun. Everything ended with the fellowship of the Sleuthing Club in Mia’s kitchen along with some more good news. There wasn’t anything happening to worry about at the end, just a nice ending. I really hope there’ll be more books because now I can’t wait to see what’s next!

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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Death of a Gingerbread Man review

Tari Hann

This is the seventeenth book in the long-running Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mysteries by brother/sister writing team, Lee Hollis. Lee’s made up of Holly Simason and her brother Rick Copp and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by these two talented people who’ve collaborated on three cozy mystery series. The Hayley Powell series link above leads to the Amazon series page because the GR listing doesn’t have the series on it. (The Amazon link’s not an affiliate link, been there done that, it didn’t work out lol.)

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LeeHollis

My Goodreads review:

Death of a Gingerbread Man (Hayley Powell Mystery)Death of a Gingerbread Man by Lee Hollis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I might’ve been hoping for too much humor this time around because even though I loved spending Christmas with Hayley and the gang, I was really disappointed there wasn’t much in the line of hilarious moments going on, especially my favorite Sergio-isms! I really missed those a lot and I hate to admit it but he was boring this time. Earl was the only person just slightly funny and Mona was kinda off her game too. We got a good dose of her usual craziness in the beginning but that was pretty much all. There was a humorous scene at a cooking lesson that Hayley gave but it didn’t involve any regulars.

I’m sure it had to do with the nature of this story though and wanting to make sure Hayley’s father, Dwight got a decent backstory and mystery which was the highlight of this book and of course a returning father would make for a more serious subject. I liked it as much as previous books, but I really didn’t have as much fun reading 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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Shear Terror review

Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Sewing Studio Mysteries by Dorothy Howell, and I’m liking the characters better with each book. Who wouldn’t love having an aunt like Sarah with a bakery and an awesome bestie like Caitlin?

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DorothyHowell

My Goodreads review:

Shear Terror (A Sewing Studio Mystery)Shear Terror by Dorothy Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’d forgotten how funny this series could be in places, and I also remembered what a smart kitty that Cheddar, the community cat was. He definitely knew what he liked or didn’t like. I was pretty sure I knew who was behind all the mysteries going on in the town. The ending was a really satisfying one and the very ending was really sweet 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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Silent Nights Are Murder review

Tari Hann

This is the ninth book and sadly, the finale of the Poppy McAllister Mysteries by Libby Klein. But I have it from a reliable source that it’s possible it could be revisited sometime. I absolutely love this wrap-up that one of my favorite series got and think the author did a fabulous job. There were extra doses of hilarity (LOTS of extra doses which I loved!), cuteness and just plain awww moments. And you’ve just never experienced Christmas in Cape May until you celebrate with Aunt Ginny!

Don’t miss this last in the series but do yourselves a favor and definitely read the entire series first. It’s honestly worth it to get the complete picture of characters, relationships, not to mention the total comedy scene as well. You won’t wanna miss one minute of any of the moments this series has to offer!

If I had time to reread, this series would be up there possibly first for me. If someone’s feeling sad, I can guarantee this series will bring a laugh or ten and make you feel tons better once you read about all of Poppy’s issues! But they’re always presented in a lighthearted and comical way, so it’s never anything too heavy. Poppy, Aunt Ginny, the Biddies and of course Gia and Henry will always remain among my most favorite cozy mystery characters! And who can forget Sir Figaro Newton! I didn’t know if I liked Fig much in the beginning, but now I’m crazy over that silly cat! (And…just don’t read when you’re hungry  because Poppy’s quite the chef!)

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LibbyKlein

My Goodreads review:

Silent Nights Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery)Silent Nights Are Murder by Libby Klein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My most fave of all the books! There was so much going on that was absolutely hilarious, I was laughing practically the entire time I read. The ending was just perfect and I loved that all this happened at Christmastime. The mystery case was solved and everyone went on and had an amazing Christmas Eve and Day. I’d loved to’ve seen that Christmas village display inside the B&B, it sounded hysterical! I never guessed the culprit for that or for the main case itself, lotsa great intrigue which kept me reading.

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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