kensington cozies – Page 7 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Gone with the Witch review

February 22, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve really enjoyed this series so much and hope there’ll be more coming! This book focused on Mrs. Garlington who now wanted everyone to call her Helen. During the earlier books, she was pretty much in the background playing the organ in the library or giving lessons, but she got a much larger part in this adventure. And I loved who Josie’s sleuth buddy was this time–only a witch could make something like that happen!

If you haven’t yet read this series, I’d recommend starting at the beginning for full enjoyment as events happen, relationships grow and Josie discovers her witchy powers which eventually grow too.

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My Goodreads review:

Gone with the Witch by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was so darn good! Lots of secrets were revealed and someone from the past made an appearance, or was it really that person? Was the death really a murder? Josie got the coolest sleuthing buddy ever and the two managed to untangle a really twisted-up mystery and long-buried secrets.

Meanwhile, a mysterious bookseller came to town who seemed to have Lalena extremely interested in getting to know him better. And Josie’s sleuthing partner said there was still something out there she needed to be careful about, so now I’m super eager to read the next book and see what’s up with that. I’ve already got some suspicions.

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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Five Furry Familiar review

February 21, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries by a fave cozy mystery author, Lynn Cahoon. I’ve enjoyed Mia Malone’s adventures since the prequel that started this series. I’d definitely recommend reading this series in order not due to spoilers but just to get the complete enjoyment from seeing Mia and Trent’s relationship grow as well as her interactions with other people in her life and how they started.

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My Goodreads review:

Five Furry Familiars by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another awesome adventure with Mia and her crew that’d really test Christina and Levi’s relationship as well as bring a new little life into the world. The houseful of cats along with a puppy someone gave Trent was pretty funny. Poor Mr. Darcy was probably not sure what to think about the invasion lol.

I knew who I wanted to be guilty but eventually I started putting some clues together and figured out one aspect of it. I liked the nice, offscreen arrest so at least there wasn’t a tense showdown although at a couple places I couldn’t read quick enough to make sure someone wasn’t in danger. Can’t wait for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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Double Grudge Donuts review

February 13, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton, and I’ve enjoyed this series from the very beginning. I was thrilled at the events happening in this book, but first a murderer had to be put away before Emily and Brent’s wedding. I loved that Jocelyn, donut shop assistant extraordinaire got to have a big part in the showdown. Can’t wait for the next book!

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My Goodreads review:

Double Grudge Donuts by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not gonna lie. I waited eight books for the last few moments in this book and I couldn’t’ve imagined it any better! Meanwhile the mystery itself was awesome and had a really exciting confrontation with a killer. I wasn’t even sure whodunit during the showdown until a certain clue came out. Jocelyn really got her moment to shine in the showdown and I’m sure Emily couldn’t be prouder of her well now that she’s safe and everything!

Little Dep was just as adorable as ever and living up to her mystery sniffing reputation. I’m sure she’s gonna be thrilled that the current second favorite person in her life would be joining her and Emily in their home soon. Can’t wait for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book and my opinions are my own.

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Murder at the Blarney Bash review

January 23, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Series Mysteries by Darci Hannah and we got introduced to a couple new characters opening a shop in Beacon Harbor. I’m sure Rory’s poor uncle didn’t know what he’d be getting involved in when he came to the states only to be accused of murder. You’ll have to read all the action and see what happens!

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My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Blarney Bash by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rory’s Uncle Finn was quite a character, a real hoot who cracked me up quite a bit while reading. Since he’s part of Beacon Harbor now I’m sure he’ll make another appearance or so in future books.

I was totally wrong on whodunit, maybe because I wanted a particular person to be guilty, who knows. It was fun getting the gang back together to sleuth this one out, a perfect reunion for Lindsey and her bestie. I just love sweet Welly and how that big pup always ends up helping with the case by either sniffing something out, looking intimidating, or both! It’ll be interesting to see what Lindsey and her crew gets into next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an AFC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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Easter Basket Murder review

January 22, 2024 Tari Hann

This is another fun holiday compilation of short Easter basket themed murder mysteries from some favorite cozy mystery authors. Not gonna lie, I’m still not ready to give up Christmas yet, so I wasn’t super eager to read about Easter. But reading a Hayley Powell story no matter what the length always puts me in a great mood and gives me something to laugh about. All three were the fun you’ve come to expect from the various series.

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My Goodreads review:

Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed these Easter basket themed mini murder mysteries by three of my fave cozy mystery authors. It’s always fun to visit Tinker’s Cove with Lucy, Bill and all their friends. I’d actually guessed the killer in that one. Boy was that an exciting showdown and Lucy got an amazing story from it to report.

When I got to the Hayley Powell story, it wasn’t so easy to guess that, and there was an awesome plot twist toward the end. We got to catch up with Mona, crazy as ever and now chasing a grandkid around who seemed oblivious of her. Hard to think of Hayley as a grandma as well but Mona was really cracking me up. We even got a really good Sergioism!

Julia Snowden in the third story was celebrating Easter on the island where they always had clambakes. The murder turned into a super twisty puzzle that seemed impossible to unravel, but Julia and Tom managed to figure it out. Once the perp was found, the ending jumped to Memorial Day which meant opening the clambakes was just a month away.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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Irish Mocha Murder review

December 22, 2023 Tari Hann

In another fun little anthology, three fave cozy mystery writers have their St. Paddy’s Day offerings for their series. The first, Irish Milkshake Murder is #2.5 in the Home to Ireland series by Carlene O’Connor; the second, Murder Most Irish is #9.5 in the Knit and Nibble Mysteries by Peggy Ehrhart, and last but definitely not least is Mrs. Claus and the Luckless Leprechaun, #4.5 in the Mrs. Claus Mysteries by Liz Ireland. These were all really good and even though it’s Christmastime right now, it was still a super fun book.

My Goodreads review:

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

This was a cool trio of St. Patrick’s Day themed mysteries from three fun series. I liked how the Irish milkshake theme was incorporated into each one, but a little different in each one. In the Christmastown offering that was third, Wobbler the reindeer was cracking me up! But he turned out not to be as big of a coward as he claimed. Now we know how elves and Santa’s people spend St. Paddy’s day! Along with two other fave cozy series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of his book, and my opinions are my own.

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Deep Fried Death review

December 22, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth book in this long-running Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day otherwise known as Edith Maxwell. I’ve enjoyed it from the beginning and feel like Robbie, her hubby Abe and all the cast of regulars are old friends. It’s like going home again to a family reunion complete with awesome food.

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My Goodreads review:

Deep Fried Death by Maddie Day
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All my fave characters made an appearance in this book and Buck was on fire with his usual funny Buckisms, lol. I really enjoy his character! It was pretty cool that he, Wanda and state detective Octavia were in this book, and we finally got to meet Buck’s wife who was super nice (wouldn’t’ve expected any less) as well as another law enforcement officer who turned out being actually friendly after Robbie was worried the woman had suspected her.

Who knew it’d take being a mommy soon that’d make Robbie back off from her dangerous adventures she usually had during an investigation. I was super proud of her during the finale and loved that outcome. She’s got some of the best people on her team and they came up with just the perfect reward for the case being over.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

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A Twisted Skein review

November 28, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the seventeenth tale of four amazing friends whose love of knitting brought them together many years ago and they found they love sleuthing together as well. This long-running series is The Seaside Knitters Society Mysteries and it’s written by Sally Goldenbaum. I’m nowhere near being caught up in the series and when I saw I could read it as an ARC from NetGalley, I kinda just jumped in there but I’ve been collecting the series over the years. Everyone should have a set of friends like the knitters in this series!

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My Goodreads review:

A Twisted Skein by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another amazing visit to Sea Harbor and the Seaside Knitters who’re all like old friends to me by now. I felt so terrible for poor Jillian when her close friend from the high school where she was working was murdered. Her sister Rose seemed to act pretty weird about things, like she had a secret. Would Rose have killed Jillian’s good friend just to keep him away from her twin?

As always, the knitters put their brains together and came up with additional evidence for the police and the perp was taken care of. I sure hadn’t guessed that person at all! The near-ending was the food and fellowship as everyone learned the details from their detective friend. Then a project Izzy had been super nervous over was a smashing success.

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

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A Parfait Crime review

October 30, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the long-running Five-Ingredient Mysteries by Maya Corrigan, and while I’m not really caught up yet in the series, I’ve loved each of the books in it I’ve read. Val’s Granddad just cracks me up with his recipes and his love for sleuthing. It was pretty cool how parts of this book were like parts of the Readers’ Theater play that Granddad and his friends were performing, “The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie. Lots of secrets in this town!

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My Goodreads review:

A Parfait Crime by Maya Corrigan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome mystery in this series that’s also packed with some great-sounding food. I’m so proud of how far Granddad’s come with his cooking and his column. The name Codger Cook always cracks me up! I love his character and his crazy way of sleuthing, but hey sometimes he might be right. I guess Val figured there’s a fifty-fifty chance one of the two of them might be right about whodunit.

The showdown was really cool especially when more about it was revealed. Never underestimate the power of these seniors! They knew exactly what they needed to do to solve this case, and they did. I thought the ending was super sweet and now I’m eager to see what happens next in the series!

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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Christmas Mittens Murder review

September 27, 2023 Tari Hann

‘Tis the season for Kensington Cozies’ annual murder-filled Christmas mysteries threesome, and this time two new series joined the usual mix. It’s led off by Hayley Powell and Death of a Christmas Knitter (#16.5) by Lee Hollis. Following is a first timer to the threesome, Lynn Cahoon with her story of Two Christmas Mittens from the Kitchen Witch series, #4.5. And finishing out the trio is a regular contributor to this set or the spring anthology, Maddie Day with Murderous Mittens, which is what I’m calling book #0.5 in her new Cece Barton series coming October 24. It introduced Cece and her twin sister, so now I’m really curious to jump on into the ARC I have for the first book but knowing me and trying to get everything done on time, I’ll make it wait its turn lol.

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My Goodreads review:

Christmas Mittens Murder by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a good little collection of murderous mitten Christmas mysteries by some fave cozy mystery authors. The last was brand new and I’ll be reading the ARC of its first in series very soon. I liked Cam’s character a lot and thought she’d make a good sleuthing bestie for Cece if they didn’t live coasts apart.

The first mystery was my longtime fave Hayley Powell and I was pretty excited there were actually three Sergioisms even though it was a short story. Good old Sergio, I just love his character! And Mona’s especially a hoot at Christmas being her Scrooge-y self lol.

I love the Kitchen Witch series too and thought it was cool how Mia worked together with her Grans and Trent’s mom to rid her bestie and employee of a curse caused by what else…a mitten.

Festive small towns, family, friends and awesome food were also part of these stories and happen to be my favorite part of Christmas celebrations 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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