kensington cozies – Page 9 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

A Shimmer of Red review

July 23, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Odessa Jones Mysteries by Valerie Wilson Wesley, and I’ve really enjoyed it ever since the first book. I think this might be my favorite of the series so far. Everyone needs an awesome friend like Dessa. She’s like a mom to so many even though she and her hubby were never blessed with kids, and Dessa’s about the most faithful friend anyone could know. I love how she’s helped Louella heal and how she even helped her a little more when Louella had made a startling and sudden decision in this book. I’d recommend reading this series in order so you can get to know the characters and see how they’ve grown and developed. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the next book!

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My Goodreads review:

A Shimmer of Red by Valerie Wilson Wesley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anyone who has Dessa as a friend should consider themselves blessed ten times over. She’s absolutely the best and most faithful friend anyone could want and always wanted to see any possible good in people. I have a feeling Edgar was a little too far gone for that though, since he was just delusional and creepy as well.

What a great reveal at the end and a super tense but really good showdown. A good takeaway is if a loved one wants to add a find a friend app and have you join it, it’s a good idea especially if you have a habit of coming into contact with crazy people and killers. But seriously, I’m really loving this series more with each book and look forward to the next one.

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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Mischief Nights are Murder review

July 21, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the fun and hilarious Poppy McAllister Mysteries by talented cozy author Libby Klein. If you read Libby’s bio on GR, you’ll see she suffers from the same gluten issues as her main character, Poppy, so you know these recipes are gonna be authentic and actually delish. This book itself was probably the funniest book to me so far. Halloween brings sooo many great hilarity opps and I believe most of those were probably used in one way or another, lol. Join Poppy and her pals by picking up this latest and festive Halloween installment when it releases next week!

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My Goodreads review:

Mischief Nights are Murder by Libby Klein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when I didn’t think this series could get any funnier it proved me wrong…again. I snickered in tons of places, but actually laughed out loud a lot too. I mean, who else but Poppy could get herself involved in a showdown that’s actually funny, right? A well-placed clue somewhere around maybe halfway or before made me start suspecting someone and I ended up being right.

From the Biddies’ and Ginny’s crazy shenanigans to little ‘jobs’ Amber got Poppy involved in so she could spy for her on the various ghost tours, it was at least a laugh a page or two in some places. The description of what was going on along with the funny dialogue always are my fave things to read. That scene with Gia’s momma was priceless! I could pick out so many more but why not just read it and laugh for yourself! It’s available soon, Tuesday July 25, 2023. Oh and don’t forget to read the epilogue ’cause it’s gonna have you going “I neeeeeed the next book!” And the recipes sound pretty delish as well.

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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All That Glitters Isn’t Old review

July 19, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Whit & Whiskers Mysteries by Gabby Allen who also writes the Tallie Graver Mysteries as Misty Simon. I’ve read and enjoyed this series from the beginning and decided Whit’s island seems like a nice place to visit. I wouldn’t mind riding a golf cart around it to see the sights but when the first dead body might drop, I’d be outta there, lol. I’m sure the real place isn’t quite like Whit’s world. 😉 Enjoy this installment when it drops next Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

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My Goodreads review:

All That Glitters Isn’t Old by Gabby Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That Goldy just cracks me up! Whit was up and running as soon as the book started as far as riding herd on her outspoken grandma who’d feed me to the fishes if she heard me refer to her as a grandma lol. Pops, Whit’s grandpa’s probably my fave character. He sure loves his Goldy and despite some disagreements they had during the course of the book, all was well in their world again.

I don’t know that I ever liked Darren’s character mainly because I felt I couldn’t trust him, which was just how Whit felt too. But I definitely didn’t like Elsie since she wouldn’t leave poor Darren alone and be what he really was, not what she wanted him to be. The showdown was really cool and backup was there just when it was needed. Whit was getting a nice surprise from all this as well. This book releases next week on July 25, 2023.

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 Murder of Aspic Proportions review

June 23, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Sunflower Café Mysteries by Amy Lillard who also wrote the fairly recent cozy mystery Main Street Book Club Mysteries. These are the only two series of hers that I’m familiar with, but I’m interested in reading her Amish Mysteries as well. I’d really enjoyed the book club series and its characters, and I’m finding this series lotsa fun too as I’m getting more familiar with the various characters. Sissy’s little dog Rocky cracks me up! He’s tiny (Bethel also cracks me up calling him a rat dog but I can tell she means it fondly) but like all small dogs, he seems to believe he’s a giant and needs to live up to his name lol.

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My Goodreads review:

A Murder of Aspic Proportions by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sissy had a super unlikely sleuthing buddy in this case where her Amish cousin had confessed to a murder everyone knew she didn’t commit. She and Aunt Bethel set out to find the real killer knowing there’s no way Emma did this. Bethel surprised me by initiating trips to either visit Emma in jail or talking to possible suspects. And that little stinker Bethel’s secretly a fan of Agent Gibbs, who knew? I’m betting there’s lots of secrets we don’t know about this mysterious little woman who I’m pretty sure Sissy wishes was a teeny bit more loving.

The showdown was almost funny in parts, you’ll see when you read it. Sissy had a side story going on concerning a new hot guy in town, but I’m pretty sure nothing’s gonna come of that. She’s not even sure if she thinks of Gavin in that way. At least he’s a good friend to her which is what she needed still being fairly new to the town. I think it’s pretty cool though how Sissy found all these people she’s related to and really took to them and enjoyed their get-togethers. I’m definitely hoping another book comes out! It’s available Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

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 Is a Piece of Cake review

June 22, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Baker Street Mysteries by Valerie Burns who cozy mystery fan know as V.M. Burns from her Mystery Bookshop series that’s still running and her other two smaller series, Dog Club Mysteries and RJ Franklin Mysteries. I’ve not read any of the RJ ones yet, but I love how in all her other series, the author has the camaraderie of a group of friends solving the mystery. That’s not to say the main sleuth, in this book Maddy, doesn’t go out on her own sometimes and may or may not get into some hot water. 😉 I love how her friends are just an extension of Maddy’s family (she actually calls them family too) and how well they all work together. And who couldn’t just love that big, adorable English Mastiff Maddy has? Baby’s the star of the book at times!

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My Goodreads review:

Murder is a Piece of Cake by Valerie Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maddy and Baby were at it again, except by now Maddy’s gotten pretty good with baking certain items. When a guy showed up then was killed, poor April had to sit out from the investigation since said guy was once her husband or as he claimed, they were will married. Now it was poor Leroy since he had a big crush on her. Even with the good ol’ boy mentality of Trooper Bob, Maddy actually managed to find his weak spot, his daughter, lol. I wasn’t sure about the good trooper for a while, but he proved to be pretty useful and seemed happy to get the heck outta town when the real killer was found, so at least April’s job was safe.

I liked the idea of the tunnel between the stores, it was a little spooky and mysterious–and made for some good sleuthing by listening inside it. The showdown was awesome and even Baby got to help a little. Although Aunt Octavia was right (along with Rapunzel) that a good skillet can work wonders! I’ve got some suspicions now and can’t wait for the next book to see if what I’m thinking might actually be true. And word has it the Admiral might be coming for a visit. Oh, Maddy, I guess you’ll be herding him next time.

A good Spring Festival was had by all, and Baby’s new girlfriend Daisy (a Mastiff who’d belonged to a murder victim and someone unsavory) got a forever home. Maddy was glad because her sweet doggie would be able to visit his girlfriend whenever he wanted, lol. Don’t miss this super fun book when it releases next Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

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Give Fudge a Chance review

May 28, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the eleventh book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco aka Nancy J. Parra, and I’ve loved and devoured every one of the series so far. Haven’t tried any fudge recipes but they did inspire me and the fam to visit Mackinac Island in 2018. We hope to return again soon because the place really is magical–and without any gimmicks to make it that way. The magic’s in the whole experience of Mackinac, yep gotta go back! I loved Allie and Jenn’s latest adventures but since Jenn’s having a baby, Allie wouldn’t let her physically go sleuthing, so she turned once more to the senior ladies’ “book club” as they called their slightly undercover murder board club, lol. Fun, laughs and of course, fudge recipes are gonna be had when you read this!

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My Goodreads review:

Give Fudge a Chance by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to escape back to Mackinac Island where life’s fun and carefree…until somebody gets themselves killed, that is. The first murder was at the haunted house attraction for the county fair, and when the second came along, Allie wouldn’t be the dyed-in-the-wool sleuth she’s become if she didn’t believe they were connected. As in true Allie fashion (but hey, I wouldn’t have it any other way!), she sleuthed when she was told not to and had a close call or two…but she always gets her perp.

That was some exciting showdown and events leading up to it! Yay for Carol whose transition from just Mrs. Tunisian walking her dog in the first books to being a full-fledged, kick-butt sleuth in this book, well it’s been an awesome transition. She wasn’t too shabby in the last few books either, since she and the ahem, “book club” love helping Allie with cases. I’ve got a feeling Allie won’t feel so much like she needs to protect these older ladies, ’cause Carol sure proved that!

As always, there’s a preview for the next book at the end of this one and all I can say is, I can’t wait!

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 Diva Delivers on a Promise review

May 24, 2023 Tari Hann

It’s hard to believe this is the sixteenth book in this long-running and fun Domestic Diva Mystery series by one of my fave cozy authors, Krista Davis. I love visiting with Sophie and all her friends who act as her support team whether she’s sleuthing out a mystery with her bestie Nina or just needing a plus-one for an event. I enjoyed the side mystery centered around ghost kitchens and how Sophie and Nina sleuthed that out. As always, I can’t wait for the next book!

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My Goodreads review:

The Diva Delivers on a Promise by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sophie and Nina got in a lot of sleuthing together in this mystery because there was plenty to sleuth out. I liked the side mystery of the ghost kitchen scammer, and we got to learn more about Officer Wong and her disastrous marriage. I liked Gerrie and her granddaughter a lot—it’d be fun if they showed up in a future book especially now they’ve got a furry companion. Nina always cracks me up with her love of food which is always a good way to get her to do something, like maybe a stakeout or two?

The showdown was a really good one with the perp finally being caught and hauled away. The ending was typical cozy Sophie style—friends, food and a warm fireplace. And pups, of course!

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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Witch Upon a Star review

May 23, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve followed the series since its beginning, and each book just gets better and better. I’ve really come to love these key characters and now that Josie’s sister’s had a visit, it’d be kinda nice to have her in on the action more often. The two did pretty well sleuthing together. I can’t wait to see what adventures Josie and her friends get into next!

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My Goodreads review:

Witch Upon a Star by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was fun to meet Josie’s younger sister, Jean but not so fun for Jean when the workshop she was attending became a scene for murder. For some parts, Sam let the sisters work with him in figuring things out, but there were only limited things he could disclose, so of course two sleuths are better than just Josie winging it on her own, right? Would Josie be able to tell Jean about her witchy powers? Or was Jean tuned in pretty well? You’ll have to read and see!

The showdown after the quiet was a good one and with Jean (along with Josie’s trusty books) helping, the perp was caught. Josie finally got the nerve to say something to Sam she’d been wanting to say for a while now…but did he feel the same? Another thing you’ll find out if you read this book. It’s just out today!

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

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Flat White Fatality review

May 22, 2023May 22, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Ground Rules Mysteries by Emmaline Duncan. It’s set in Portland, Oregon in the food cart scene among all the fun and hip people who design games or have startup companies. I sure didn’t like that guy that Sage and Harley used to work for or that she was worried they hadn’t seen the last of him. He just seemed like he’d be a jerk they didn’t need in their business lives anymore. Hopefully he’ll just belly-up and go away, lol, not him literally but his business. Join Sage and all her friends in this latest installment which goes on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

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My Goodreads review:

Flat White Fatality by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A good and interesting murder mystery that kept me reading! It seemed like an impossible case for both the real police and Sage who was determined to find out who killed her boyfriend’s employee in Sage and Harley’s roastery. It made Harley look bad since she might’ve been the last to see the woman alive. When the clues started coming together, I had an idea of whodunit and was right, but it was fun to see how the takedown would go.

The showdown was a good one–I love when the perp incriminates themselves and someone thought to record the whole thing. The very ending was super sweet and just plain awesome as Sage, Bax and Niko celebrated Halloween in a very special way! Don’t miss this latest installment of the Ground Rules Mysteries available tomorrow, Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

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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Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star review

May 19, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Desert Flowers Mysteries by Lee Hollis, brother/sister duo Rick Copp and Holly Simason and it might be my fave so far. I always love reading about Poppy and her investigator team that’s faced by Matt, an actor when he can get a gig. The ladies were definitely coming into their own and getting a name for themselves, so much that they were approached a few times in this mystery to be hired. Don’t miss this book that releases Tuesday, May 23, 2023 because Poppy’s side mystery in it had a super sweet outcome!

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My Goodreads review:

Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With all the secrets and underhanded goings-on in the entertainment scene, I’m sure Poppy and her team were super happy to have each other knowing they could at least trust the team members. Aside from them and the police, I wasn’t sure who to trust either, but as always Poppy plowed ahead and figured things out. Iris always cracks me up because she’s just so blunt and believes in telling it like it should be, and Violet’s grandson Wyatt’s just grown into an amazing teen and still shines as their tech expert.

The staged showdown was pretty awesome. Poppy had her own little side mystery that I was really happy had an amazing outcome! Gotta admit, at times I was a bit worried what she’d find out. Don’t miss this installment, available next Tuesday, March 23, 2023.

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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