senior sleuths – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Planted 4 Murder review

October 31, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in the long running Sophie Kimball Mysteries by a fave cozy author, J.C. Eaton aka Ann Goldfarb and her late hubby Jim Clapp. The seniors of Sun City West were in rare form once more as Herb came up with the crazy idea to rent spots in the community garden. Hilarity and hijinks guaranteed!

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My Goodreads review:

Planted 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another hilarious adventure with the seniors and Streetman the chiweenie in Sun City West—and Phee of course riding herd on all their mayhem. That dog gets into some of the funniest situations! Once again Phee was pulled into her mom’s book club antics and found herself once more involved in a murder investigation. Hilarity and laughter followed closely.

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

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The Spirit Moves review

May 25, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Haunted Haven Mysteries by Carol J. Perry who cozy readers know for her Witch City Mysteries. I’ve read a few in the original series but since this was a new set of characters, I started Haunted Haven when it first came out and I’ve loved every book so far. This one’s probably been my fave so far! Can’t wait to see what else Maureen and her friends get into!

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My Goodreads review:

The Spirit Moves by Carol J. Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love those four seniors Gert, Molly, George and Sam who live at the Haven House Inn and help out there as well. They’re the most awesome people and I know Maureen wouldn’t know what to do without them. I was happy that the thing I’d been rooting for between Maureen and Ted finally happened and all during a murder investigation too.

I’m crazy about Lorna and Reggie’s ghosts—those two crack me up! Actually Reggie got more of a part in this book than he’s ever had. Mostly it’s Maureen reminding him he’s not supposed to smoke in the building, but this time he was actually advising her on the case. I was as surprised as she was to find out he was actually qualified for that when he was alive, lol. And the piano player ghost Billy Bedoggoned always knows just the tune to play and how to make it sound like it’s just another player piano song.

Maureen got into a tense showdown with the killer but she used her head and kept them talking all while finding something to use against them. Good thinking on her part and now the town could have some relief, and the inn was able to enjoy some new prosperity as well. Can’t wait to read 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.

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Puzzled 4 Murder review

February 26, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fourteenth book in the Sophie Kimball Mysteries by husband and wife team J.C. Eaton better known as Ann Goldfarb and Jim Clapp. It’s always a fun time with Phee riding herd on her mom Harriet and Harriet’s friends, not to mention Streetman, the mischievous chiweenie! I just love Phee’s hilarious first person narrative with her own comments in italics LOL!

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My Goodreads review:

Puzzled 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The silly little chiweenie definitely caused his fair share of trouble but he did end up doing something pretty cool at the end. That little dog’s a Houdini when it comes to escaping his carrier. Poor Phee felt like she was herding cats once again trying to keep her mom and the book club ladies from getting into danger or trouble, whichever came first.

I always laugh a lot when reading in this series and this book was no exception, those book club ladies crack me up! After a crazy murder mystery that somehow tied into Nate and Marshall’s cold case they were looking into, the showdown was a good one and the ending was super satisfying. Maybe poor Phee’ll get a break—at least until the weather gets cooler lol.

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

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The Next Deadly Chapter review

February 23, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. (Valerie) Burns, and I’ve enjoyed and laughed out loud with every single one of this series. This one was especially hilarious because Nana Jo and all her sleuthing pals from the retirement village were staying at a fancy resort thanks to some crazy guy who’d heckled Sam during her book presentation in their community center.

It’s the usual resort and casino where Nana Jo and the girls always go playing the slots with Sam. Irma was on her A-game this time and her usual Irma-ness was a hoot as always! And Nana Jo was her usual force to be reckoned with especially where ole Stinky Pitt was concerned LOL! You gotta read the scene they shared at one point in the resort. Probably one of the funniest if not the funniest in the entire series! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book! Oh and the poodles’ faces are priceless as always on this cover! Their eyes always say it all! Lots and lotsa kudos to the artist for making me chuckle before even starting a book in this series! I just wish I could hug both those sweet pups!

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My Goodreads review:

The Next Deadly Chapter by V.M. Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this series and how Nana Jo and her friends from the retirement village always end up helping Sam with a case. Jenna even was in on the act this time since the tribal leader of the casino resort they were staying at requested her after a body was found in what was originally Sam’s room. Can you guess who was staying in her room instead of Sam? That might’ve been the start of Sam and her future mom-in-law getting acquainted, lol. Dr. Camilia proved to be quite human and useful to the case as well. And a certain detective found himself attracted to her—let that hilarity begin!

Nana Jo was at her hilarious best and my favorite scene with Det. Pitt getting off the elevator and Nana Jo’s reaction was hysterical! For this and tons of other fun stuff (like one of my favorite returning jokes when Irma almost says something naughty and they all go, “Irma!”—gotta love it!), don’t miss this latest installment! This mystery was truly a group effort when it was solved after a tense showdown. That perp never saw what was coming lol.

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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Pinned 4 Murder review

July 16, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the thirteenth book in the Sophie Kimball Mysteries by husband and wife team Ann Goldfarb and Jim Clapp who write as J.C. Eaton and from what I’ve read, this couple lives in Sun City West and borrows ideas from the people there and their pets. Their own sweet chiweenie Streetboy crossed over Rainbow Bridge last year, but I’m betting he lives in on in all the antics of that adorable Streetman, Harriet’s chiweenie. What a sweet little clown!

For some odd reason, someone added another J.C. Eaton page to GR, but their actual bio page is what I linked above, trust me I’ve read a lot of their books and it’s the one I always use. I need to get a GR friend who’s a librarian there to fix this issue. And book 13 needs to be with the other books on the series page as well.

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My Goodreads review:

Pinned 4 Murder by J. C. Eaton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, I always have the best time reading books in this series and laughing my head off at different parts. The parts which usually involve Streetman getting loose and terrorizing a village, the dog park, someone’s house…or a bowling alley. That little rascal, oh now I sound like Harriet lol. Yep, what you see on the adorable cover really happened!

The main mystery sure seemed complicated and there was a side mystery that showcased a character we didn’t usually see much, Gloria Wong, friend of the book club. Well we usually heard more about Thor her Great Dane. Poor thing was going through a cyber scam she refused to believe was real. For this and other tense but fun and hilarious moments, don’t miss this installment in the Sophie Kimball series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC oft this book provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Three Fudges and a Baby review

March 26, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy CoCo and I was happy to see that it’s finally leading to what I’ve hoped would happen since the first book, which is gonna be in the next book. This and another cozy series inspired my love of Mackinac Island and a visit there in 2018.

Meanwhile, besties usually get married and have their babies before main characters, so that’s what Jenn was gearing up for in this installment, a baby. And Allie was juggling about a million things including an unexpected visit from her mom and Allie’s old high school boyfriend along with trying to prove Jenn’s doula’s innocence. Never a dull day at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop!

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My Goodreads review:

Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has to be one of Allie’s craziest cases yet but hey, at least she didn’t end up stuck in a tunnel or a basement far but near, lol. I actually figured out the killer fairly early on and stuck with my guess while still enjoying the red herrings presented. Glad I stuck by my first choice because I was right. I liked the short and effective showdown, and to yay Allie for getting the evidence she needed as well. After twelve books, she’s getting really good at that!

I absolutely love what happened with Allie and Rex! They’ve been through so much in this series and it really came as no surprise. Carol and her senior book club ladies helped out again, but I believe Carol was happy to stay on the researching end instead of the action end! I always love how there’s a preview chapter for the next book included at the end, so of course I always devour that. I can’t wait for the next book now!

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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Revved Up 4 Murder review

February 20, 2024February 20, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the twelfth book in the Sophie Kimball Mysteries by husband and wife team J.C. Eaton aka Ann Goldfarb and Jim Clapp. Their characters are always super entertaining no matter which of their series you read, but I guess I’m biased and love this series best because of little Streetman. Isn’t he adorable in his mechanic’s cap on the cover? The cover art for this series is just the best! Streetman might be a stinker and a thorn in Phee’s side, but sometimes he’s really useful! It’s fun how Nate and Marshall’s cases usually have some connection to the murder at hand in which Phee’s trying to wrangle her mother and the book club ladies…and those pinochle guys. They’re all a hoot!

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My Goodreads review:

Revved Up 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when it seems this series can’t get any funnier, Streetman has some stellar aka hilarious, crazy incidents that only that silly little chiweenie could get into. I laughed the hardest at the fishing boat incident, but he was also pretty helpful in digging up clues and running away with other clues.

I was never sure who ultimately was at fault until the showdown and explanation. Rolo was in this one a lot and upped his usual kitchen gadgetry payment to something more than usual lol. In all fairness, he did help tremendously. I’m pretty sure Phee, Marshall and Nate’s rewards are gonna be getting some actual decent sleep now!

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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Having a Fudgy Christmas Time review

September 21, 2023September 21, 2023 Tari Hann

Since this is technically a novella, I’m calling it #11.5 of the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy CoCo, another fave cozy mystery author, and this book comes out next Tuesday, September 26, 2023. I loved how it’s from Carol Tunisian’s viewpoint which kinda seemed to be the fun switch the author’s always taken in her Christmas-themed books.

Anyone who’s read from the beginning, knows Carol as Mrs. Tunisian who always saw Allie with Mal and usually about the time when Mal sniffed out a body. Carol’s definitely come a long way from those times and much to Rex’s dismay, Allie’s taught Carol and the seniors on the island (aka Carol’s “book club” and yep, you say it with quotes ’cause that’s basically what it is lol) all she knows about amateur sleuthing, so let the sleuthing begin by picking up this novella when it comes out.

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My Goodreads review:

Having a Fudgy Christmas Time by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve really enjoyed how Carol’s character evolved over the last couple books and how really involved she was with the previous mystery, so I loved reading this novella from her viewpoint. The seniors made a great sleuthing team after one of their own was murdered at the senior center not that long before the Christmas Ball was supposed to happen.

Allie made a great mentor for Carol as Carol consulted with her a couple times. Carol really used her head when her own house was broken into, and I was glad to read the satisfying explanation that eventually came. It was a relief to know certain parties weren’t involved. And who knew Carol and her hubby were such an adorable couple? 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.

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A Clue in the Crumbs review

August 5, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the thirteenth book in the long-running and fun Key West Food Critic Mysteries by Lucy Burdette. You’re always guaranteed a good mystery with some great book character friends and tons of good food with recipes too. I’ve always loved the closeness and family atmosphere Hayley and her houseboat neighbors have too.

I haven’t been to Key West in over forty years but from the descriptions of the different eating places there, I can see it’s changed a lot and I wouldn’t mind going back someday, especially to hit up some of the real places I know the author mentions in these books since she’s from Key West herself.

My Goodreads review:

A Clue in the Crumbs by Lucy Burdette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That Miss Gloria’s something else! She’s always been my fave of Hayley’s friends and in the last few books, she’s gotten even more of a presence which I absolutely love! Put her together with Bettina and Violet from Scotland and you’ve got a pretty awesome senior sleuthing trio. Those ladies even after a long flight from Scotland never stopped going and definitely kept Hayley on the move as well.

I eventually suspected whodunit but none of the exact details. The Scone Sisters’ agent was an odd character but he ended up with quite the tale to tell after he’d vanished right after the murder. The showdown was a crazy one, but everyone ended up back at Hayley’s for food, friendship and a little debriefing about the case. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Scone Sisters visit again, only maybe next time not have a baking contest, just some good old tourism mayhem! I’m sure there’d still be plenty for those ladies to see and do. Don’t miss this latest installment when it releases August 8, 2023.

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

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Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant

July 31, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah, and I’ve enjoyed this series from its beginning. The location’s amazing and I really like the main characters and how they sleuth together. The next book’s coming out in January, so here’s a peek at the cover and description from Amazon (I’m not an affiliate so go ahead and use the link to pre-order if you want.)

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My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m liking this series more and more as I read it and the characters/relationships all grow and develop. That Teddy that Lindsey hired as her baking assistant’s such a hoot, and I just love his character! He’s what the shop needed, and I’m sure he and Lindsey’s dad had fun baking together and sharing dad jokes, lol.

It appeared the good Captain Riggs wasn’t too crazy about having his lightroom overrun with ghost hunters, but he still helped out in the end. I’ve always enjoyed this little touch of ghostiness, just enough for a cozy creep factor but nothing ever scary! Capt. Willy does seem like a protector ghost. While I hadn’t guessed the perp, it didn’t come as a huge surprise since that person was one of the perps on my list.

The showdown was tense and a little long but that made it super exciting–I couldn’t read fast enough to see how Lindsey and Kennedy were gonna get themselves out from this situation alive! Thanks to them, some others were also gonna live who might not have made it. There was some bittersweet news at the end, but I’m sure by the next book, it’ll be back to normal. Can’t really say anything without spoiling it.

My fave type ending always happens in this series with food, family and fellowship. Ellie and Lindsey definitely know how to throw parties! All that food sounded amazing especially anything pumpkin. Can’t wait to read the next book that comes out early 2024!

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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