kensington cozies – Page 6 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Murder by the Page review

October 23, 2024October 23, 2024 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 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.

View all my reviews

Death at the Dinner Party review

September 17, 2024 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 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.

View all my reviews

Six Stunning Sirens review

September 16, 2024September 16, 2024 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 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.

View all my reviews

Death of a Gingerbread Man review

September 15, 2024 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 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.

View all my reviews

Shear Terror review

September 14, 2024 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 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.

View all my reviews

Silent Nights Are Murder review

September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 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 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.

View all my reviews

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor review

August 26, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series, Food & Spirits Mysteries by Darci Hannah. If you’ve read either of her other two cozy mystery series, you’ll recognize a few of the team that Bunny MacBride was invited to join on their realty show dealing with food, of course, but the other type of spirits. 😉 I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #DarciHannah

My Goodreads review:

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talk about a great book hangover! I wanted it to go on, but the ending was absolutely perfect for it! I love how the author made some of the supporting characters spin-offs from her other books where they were mentioned first. I did really like the Beacon Bakeshop book (Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant) that featured the Ghost Guys and spun off those characters into this story. Bunny was a fun main character and I just love her Granny!

I was totally surprised by whodunit and hadn’t ever suspected that person. What a great showdown which showed Bunny how awesome it was to have a Gran that knew just when she needed her! (I think even non-medium grandmas are a lot like that anyway!) Understatement of the year here, but I 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.

View all my reviews

Trouble Is Brewing review

July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author, Vicki Delany aka Eva Gates of the Lighthouse Library Mysteries. I’ve enjoyed this series as much as her other ones. She’s always known for clever, fun characters and some cute pets like Eclair the Labradoodle and Robbie, Rose’s lap cat. Lily and her grandma really had their work cut out for them this time, what a crazy bunch of guests!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #VickiDelany

My Goodreads review:

Trouble Is Brewing by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What’s even worse than a bridezilla? A groom’s Momzilla, that’s what and Sophia filled that role like a champ. I didn’t care for her at all but her own mother-in-law Regina who was pretty insufferable as it was stood up to Sophia’s insults and petty comments about her. I agreed with Bernie, I kinda liked the old lady! Such is the life of B&B and tearoom owners Rose and Lily.

I’m pretty sure I’d never have the patience for doing their jobs but they were awfully good at it. And wouldn’t life be boring without a bestie like Bernie? She always cracks me up but somehow she and her total opposite Lily work out great as besties and bring out the best in each other.

I’d actually guessed the killer but not any of the reasons behind it and loved how Rose helped get a somewhat confession from the person. Nice and safe and working with Detective Amy too. I loved that Amy was taking the lead on this case since especially in the first book or two, Det. Williams was just jerk who wanted to solve a case fast and close it out. Maybe he was afraid of Amy, lol. He’s actually acting pretty decent in this book, but it was using Amy’s ideas that closed this case out.

The end brought a fun thing coming up for Rose, Simon and Lily so it’ll be interesting to see if the next book tells all about that. It’s sure got some possibilities but I won’t spoil what’s happening.

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

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop review

July 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series, Halloween Bookshop Mysteries by Emmaline Duncan who cozy mystery readers know from her Ground Rules Mysteries which I’ve read from the beginning and really enjoy as well. This series might take another book or two to totally convince me, but I did like the setting and the 24/7/365 idea of Halloween.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #EmmalineDuncan

My Goodreads review:

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the concept of an all-Halloween town 24/7/365 and did like the key players. But somehow the book just didn’t speak to me like the author’s other series did at the very beginning. The addition of a possible guy for Bailey was cool, but I wished it could’ve been a little sooner in the book. The murder seemed to drag on forever without any action or that something that usually compels me to keep reading. I took a few breaks from the book but not because I didn’t like it, it just wasn’t moving at the usual cozy mystery pace I’m used to.

Since it’s the very first book, I’m definitely willing to give it a chance and read the next book when it comes out. I liked the side mystery of finding out who Bailey’s bio dad was—I was actually right in my guess and from sheer dumb luck I guessed the killer correctly too.

As far as characters went, I really wished we could’ve had more of Bailey’s grandpa around and in the picture. He apparently lives with her but aside from a couple scenes, he just wasn’t in it like half of the couple who’d ended up raising her. I hope he’s in the next book a little more. On the other hand, I didn’t like her brother at all and was just as happy he wasn’t in it much, lol. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the truth comes out about the bookshop, so maybe that’ll be touched on more in the next book too.

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

A Cup of Flour, a Pinch of Death review

July 22, 2024July 22, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Baker Street Mysteries by a favorite cozy mystery author Valerie Burns, aka V.M. Burns when she’s writing the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries. I always love her characters and this series was definitely not an exception. It was awesome to read her comment on Facebook recently that she was working on book 4 of this series, yay!

I just love that big ol’ Mastiff dog, Baby! I never would’ve pegged book 1 Maddy as someone who’d grow to love a 250-lb. slobbery dog, but the two are pretty darn inseparable.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #ValerieBurns

My Goodreads review:

A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death by Valerie Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing conclusion for what was actually a story arc of related events. Maddy was finally gonna get closure on her beloved aunt’s death but not before the fight of her life. Not to mention her nemesis and ex coming to town. The book started out with a super funny scene and just kept getting better and better.

Maddy’s grown so much in these three books and I was so proud of the stuff she did in this book. Her dad the Admiral was in town too and I never thought we’d ever get to see the more human side of him, but I’ve got a new admiration for his character. And I know he approved of Maddy’s choice of a boyfriend this time, you could just tell.

That was one of the best showdowns I’ve ever read about and all I can say is that perp deserved everything anyone did to them in self-defense. In some ways, I wasn’t surprised at who it was. I’m super eager now to read book 4 that I saw on social was in the works.

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