poisoned pen press – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

In Farm’s Way review

February 20, 2023February 20, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Farm to Table Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower. I’m so crazy about that adorable pug (Huck) that Shiloh’s got. I just want to kiss his smooshy little face! My friend has Pugs and they’re too adorable–and that’s high praise from a dachshundaholic like me LOL! Just kidding, I love all dogs and kitties-dachsies just happen to be my fave 😉 Of course, I had to use a picture to represent sweet little Huck!

#PoisonedPenPress #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

In Farm’s Way: An Organic Cozy Mystery by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect winter read with the ice fishing tournament going on. I got a kick out of Sully and Hazel and how she stuck by his side determined to learn how to ice fish and eventually be the best in her age group. I really wish Quinn could get over it about not wanting Shiloh as anything but a friend–he’s really gonna be sorry if he doesn’t because a new interest was brought on board for her. I’m not a fan of triangles at all, so I hope this gets resolved quickly in the next book.

Wow that showdown was crazy and I have no idea what I’d have done if I was in Shiloh’s boots, but luckily backup came and she wasn’t in too terrible of shape. I hadn’t seen that person as the killer at all, a definite surprise. Shiloh got another surprise from her grandma when Hazel found something as she broke through the old porch. That’ll be interesting to see what happens next. I wasn’t a fan of the ending, so as I said, hopefully things get resolved in the next book.

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

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Cheddar Late Than Dead review

January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by cozy mystery author Linda Reilly who also wrote the Cat Lady mysteries as well as the older Deep Fried Mysteries. Carly hadn’t been widowed too long when the series first started, so I’m happy she’s got someone like Ari who’s willing to take things slow. She’s a strong lady, but even strong people need someone sometimes. I just love her little Havarti pup! He’s adorable and I think he knows it! 😉 I can wait to read the next book whenever it’s out. Look for this book today, January 31, 2023.

#PoisonedPenPress #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

Cheddar Late Than Dead by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great visiting with Carly and all her friends again-and still wishing her shop was real, lol. Carly had an almost locked door type murder mystery on her hands but thanks to her pestering, er I mean tenacity in getting a videographer to show her the murder day footage more than once, she finally came up with something. Hopefully it wasn’t too late! You’ll just have to read and find out but the showdown was pretty epic! Go Carly!

The side mystery of a missing person definitely tied in so I won’t give any details on that but just wanted to say I did suspect the right person fairly early and for the right reasons. There was something else I’d thought of that wasn’t even part of it though. Another side mystery concerned Carly’s new manager, but that ended up having an awesome ending too. And I love where Carly and Ari are in their relationship. Hopefully it’ll lead to much more eventually.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. It’s available today, January 31, 2023.

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No Parm No Foul review

July 26, 2022July 26, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly, a well-established cozy mystery author of a couple other series. Who doesn’t love a yummy and comforting grilled cheese sandwich? I knew I’d love this series when I first saw it and it’s not been a disappointment at all. There’re even some recipes at the end of the book for some of the cheesy sandwich goodness featured in the story.

I really loved this book and was thrilled to see I really won’t have to wait a year for the next book since Cheddar Late Than Dead releases January 31, 2023. (Be sure to click through to the Amazon page and read the synopsis–this sounds like another good one!) I know I can’t wait to catch back up with these book friends.

#PoisonedPenPress #LindaReilly

My Goodreads review:

No Parm No Foul by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this Halloween time visit to Vermont and Carly’s grilled cheese eatery. I wish that place was real! I’m not much on fancy grilled cheeses, but I bet she still would make an awesome regular one! I loved sweet Evelyn’s character and how she played a part in Carly figuring out whodunit. I’m happy that in the first book Carly reconciled with Gina and now they were the best of buddies especially when it came to sharing sleuthing secrets or tossing around case ideas.

There were a lot of possible suspects and I wasn’t sure until one clue stuck out then more started coming. The showdown was pretty exciting and help came from a super unlikely source, wait’ll you read about that, it’s pretty cool.

I’m really happy with where Carly and Ari are in their relationship especially at the end of the book! That makes me wish another book wasn’t a year away, but I guess I’ll appreciate it a lot more if I have to wait. I’ve really come to think of these characters as old friends now and once again I’m so happy that a main character actually has a good relationship with her mom and the mom is equally nice to her daughter. Even Carly’s stepdad’s a sweetie! Till next time, Carly and Crew!

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

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Buried in a Good Book review

May 24, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series, By the Book Mysteries by Tamara Berry, and I really enjoyed it so much! The author did a great job of combining humor and a little cozy suspense into the story. I could tell Tess really liked the sheriff, so I hope there’s some sort of future in store for them even if it starts out slowly and builds. Tess’s daughter Gertie was such a great character! I really liked her a lot more than I thought I would when the book started. I’m eager to see what kinds of adventures they get into next.

Hey look what I found when I went to the series page, the next book’s coming in November! It’s called On Spine of Death.

#PoisonedPenPress #TamaraBerry

My Goodreads review:

Buried in a Good Book by Tamara Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked Tess and Gertie’s characters, well at first I wasn’t so sure about Gertie, but she sure made one heck of a good sleuth and surprisingly enough, she took to the remote life better than I ever thought a teen her age would. Nicki was a pretty awesome character too, and later on that was even truer! Tess met a wannabe author in Deputy Ivy from the sheriff’s department and was surprised to find out that the lady was really a good author.

There were some fun cozy mystery creepy parts but not super creepy, and I wasn’t sure who all could be trusted, but once I was pretty sure of it, I just followed as Tess and Gertie with the help of their new friends solved the case. I hadn’t quite guessed the killer until Tess did. She cracked me up with how she compared the real life sheriff to the detective character she wrote in her books. And it was even funnier that he was a fan of the books as were some of the people in town who also thought he reminded them of the fictional Detective Gonzales.

After an exciting, planned showdown, all was explained and wrapped up. There’d been some other hinky stuff going on as a side mystery, so that was looking like it’d be an ongoing mystery or investigation. Now I’m really eager to read the next book!

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

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A Sprinkle in Time review

May 23, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Shake Shop Mysteries series by Dana Mentink, and I’m really liking these characters the more I get to know them. I always get a kick out of Trinidad’s grandpa, Papa. Poor guy found a dead body in his beloved car’s trunk this time! Pick up a copy this week and see how this unfolds!

My Goodreads review:

A Sprinkle in Time by Dana Mentink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had a nice review written the day I finished this, but apparently Goodreads cyber gremlins ate it. Hopefully I can recreate it here. And no, I didn’t read this twice as GR seems to want to think I did, but I can’t figure out how to fix that.

This was a fun fall festival until a body was dumped in Papa’s car. Trinidad went into full-on sleuth mode without trying to be too conspicuous about it. I loved that her new unlikely friends or sisters as she calls them are none other than her ex’s other exes. But that’s better than feeling like scratching out their eyes, right? Trini even loves Bonnie’s sweet little daughter Felice aka Fee like she’s her own niece.

Quinn had a side mystery going on but eventually came clean on it with Trinidad having not even told his brother Doug this particular secret. I like that they’re growing closer and realizing they shouldn’t have secrets from each other.

The showdown was peaceful yet a nail biter if that makes sense since it was kinda planned. With another successful case solved, everyone gathered at the end for explanations, food and fellowship. Finally Trinidad felt at home!

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

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Pleading the Fish review

March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the seventh (and sadly the last) book in the Seaside Café series by Bree Baker who’s also known as Julie Anne Lindsey, Julie Chase and Jacqueline Frost in the other cozy mysteries she’s written. She did the best/innovative ending for a series that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. If you’ve followed the whole series like I’ve done, you’re gonna want some tissues for the very last parts. One part in particular got me, but as I said in the GR review, a book cry always equals a good thing!

#PoisonedPenPress #BreeBaker

My Goodreads review:

Pleading the Fish by Bree Baker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew going into this book I was eagerly waiting for it but dreading when it was over. The way the author gave this series its sendoff was just amazing and so perfect! I absolutely loved the ending and I’m not gonna lie, there was a LOT of eye leakage at one point, but hey it’s beloved series and having a good book cry is perfectly fine. I know I can revisit the series anytime I want simply by reading it again.

Everly got into a real pickle this time when hunting down the killer. The showdown was epic and so cool that her self-defense training with Grady came in handy. There was a side story involving Amelia and some good news she’d gotten as well as the aunts who were at first avoiding some guy they thought was stalking Clara. But that turned out as good news as well.

I’ve never read the total ending of a series that I liked as well as this one! As I said before, it was absolutely perfect! I’m not going to give away one little clue ’cause you’ll need to read it to really appreciate it! I may have picked up the ARC for this book so I could read it sooner, but I’m definitely buying the Amazon digital version of it too. It’s that worth it!

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Put Out to Pasture review

February 17, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Farm to Table Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower who’s written quite a few successful cozy series. I always enjoy her characters for being unforgettable but real people. Some are quirky, hilarious and just plain amazing. Usually there’s a funny and/or cuddly animal involved (think Jethro from the Amish Candy Shop), but I know when I start one of her books, I usually get lost reading and don’t want to stop till the story’s done.

My Goodreads review:

Put Out to Pasture by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was good to catch up with Shiloh and her dad again especially during the fall season. Her dad’s quickly become my favorite character with Hazel being a close second. That kid is like 11 going on 19 or 20 lol. But boy is her grandma a piece of work. It’s just a shame that deliciously handsome Quinn comes with such a cantankerous mom, although Shi always got along well with Quinn’s dad, Chief Randy of the Cherry Glen PD.

Sometimes I just felt like knocking some sense into Shi with gorgeous Quinn right there who may or may not be hinting he wants more than friendship. Then another nice looking guy arrived, so she’s got a smorgasbord. In all fairness, I’ve never lost a spouse or fiance, so I can’t know the pain or how long it’d take to get to a dating point again, but for fiction’s sake, I really hope she picks one soon! And for the record I’m #TeamQuinn. He’s cute and he has a kid who’s pretty amazing too.

Poor Kristy was the suspect this time, and Shiloh was doing her best to get her bestie out of the limelight and find a real suspect. The showdown was definitely exciting and I absolutely loved what Sully did to help! Funny and awesome at the same time! I hadn’t quite seen the whodunit coming although it made total sense and I’d thought about that person at one point. Don’t miss this second book in the Farm to Table Mysteries coming out next Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

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

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Up to No Gouda review

January 16, 2022January 16, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries, a brand new series by Linda Reilly who also wrote the Deep Fried Mysteries and Cat Lady Mysteries. I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read of those series as well, but I absolutely devoured (yes, grilled cheese pun intended!) this book! I just loved Carly’s little work family! And sweet Havarti was a great addition! (Hint: he’s on the book covers!)

I just had to share what I found on Goodreads! The second book is scheduled to come out July 26, 2022, and the cover’s completely adorable! It’s called No Parm No Foul, so just tap or click that link and check it out.

#PoisonedPenPress

My Goodreads review:

Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this book even more than I first thought I would. I wasn’t sure how a restaurant in a cozy could be that interesting with only grilled cheese, but this was a fun surprise. I’m not one to experiment with grilled cheese. Kinda a plain American singles and if I wanna be adventurous, a sprinkle of cheddar inside. But I loved the names of Carly’s different creations, and that Grant was just a genius in the kitchen! Carly, Grant and Suzanne had a great dynamic in the restaurant…that is, until poor Suzanne was nearly charged with murder.

There were some side mysteries that did tie in with the main one, and it was pretty cool how Carly managed to sniff it out. I’d suspected someone randomly for my own reasons and was surprised when I was right. But there was another whole layer to things done and people caught for said things. I got a kick out of that crazy guy Don, the reporter and how Carly had babysat him once. The Dennis the Menace of the twenty-first century? lol. But he seemed like an okay guy now.

You know how awesome some books are, and you just want more after the showdown and perp or perps were caught? And in some books you get it and some you don’t. This book was incredibly generous (thanks to its amazing author) in providing just that perfect wrap-up ending. I really loved and appreciated how every single dangling thread was explained so thoroughly. One of my favorite characters was Becca, a homeless veteran. I have a special place in my heart for veterans (LOTS of them in our family!) and was so happy with her good ending! This is a book that if I had time, I could easily read it again! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. Don’t miss this book when it comes out January 25, 2022!

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A Murder Like No Author review

December 1, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Main Street Book Club by Amy Lillard, and each one keeps getting better! Arlo’s senior friends Helen, Fern and Camille always crack me up! I’m sure Arlo feels like their handler at most times, especially when Mads the police chief specifically calls her to come and control them, lol. But the ladies are so full of life and ideas, they just can’t help themselves. I’m always eager to read the newest book and see what they get into next!

My Goodreads review:

A Murder Like No Author by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s always an interesting trip to Sugar Springs, MS to visit with Arlo and her friends. If you ever wondered what it was like to herd cats or toddlers, follow Arlo around town as she tries to ride herd on her three favorite older ladies. I can tell she loves them all like surrogate grandmas, but sometimes they do try her patience, lol. But always in a good way. They’re sharp as can be and can be quite intimidating with their smartphones, cookies and “the look” that only a grandma-like lady can give! I just love those ladies and as a collective unit, they’re such a hoot, especially that Fern!

This time they were all over the murder that took place at the theater where the movie was premiering. I won’t rehash the plot, since you can read that in the blurb. There was a side mystery along with the murder which became solved in a twist toward the end. I hadn’t guessed the killer, and the showdown was a good one.

You can definitely read this book by itself since the author does a very good job of recapping the previous stories. But you might want to start from the first book because sometimes things are mentioned that might be a little confusing otherwise…and you’ll understand more about why there’s a movie premiere and what that book was all about.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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