small town michigan – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

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!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #ValerieBurns

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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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.

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Murder on Tour review

November 27, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries by V.M. Burns aka Valerie Burns, and I’ve read it from the beginning. It didn’t take but that first book to make me love these characters so much that I couldn’t wait to go back for another visit. Aside from the main characters, I think my fave of Nana Jo’s friends has to be that rascally Irma, she’s such a hoot! And I always get a kick outta when Ruby Mae comes up with yet another relative, lol. I already can’t wait to see what everyone gets into in the next book!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #ValerieBurns

My Goodreads review:

Murder on Tour by V.M. Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love getting together with Nana Jo and her pals from the retirement village when they all get together to help Sam solve a murder. It never gets old to read Irma almost saying something she shouldn’t and the group going “Irma!” I love every one of those ladies’ characters and I know Sam feels blessed to have her grandma and her awesome friends as her sleuthing buddies. Everyone’s banter keeps me chuckling off and on throughout the book and Sam’s private thoughts and commentaries are usually pretty hilarious too!

I was never really sure whodunit until the final reveal. Hints were given but there was a good little twist and just as I was sure someone did it, they either died or were proven not guilty. I loved the authors references to a couple old TV shows and also thought Sam’s publicist’s name was a pretty clever mashup homage. 😉

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!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #ValerieBurns

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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Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder review

August 28, 2022August 28, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new cozy series called Baker Street Mysteries by Valerie Burns or V.M. Burns as she’s known in her other cozy series, Mystery Bookshop and the Dog Club Mysteries. Her V.M. Burns Goodreads page gives more of a bio and her other series.

I’ve loved all the characters she’s created and knew I was gonna enjoy meeting these characters as well. I absolutely love that book cover–isn’t Baby the cutest? There were times I couldn’t read fast enough just to see what happened next, but of course, once I got to the end, I was wishing the book wasn’t finished. I really can’t wait for the next one now!

#KensingtonCozies #ValerieBurns

My Goodreads review:

Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this! Maddy might’ve been a spoiled daddy’s girl, but I had to hand it to her for her determination to break that mold and prove she could take over Aunt Octavia’s bakery. Once I learned who all I could trust, I was totally drawn into the key characters along with Maddy. And that sweet, slobbery dog Baby! He was such a good boy and like Maddy, I trusted him to ferret out the killer. Baby did end up playing a heroic part in the showdown too.

The Baker Street Irregulars group was too cool and it reminded me of Nana Jo’s friends’ group in the author’s Mystery Bookshop series. Miss Hannah was one of my faves! She didn’t let dementia stop her one little bit and was sharp as anything most of the time while being one of Maddy’s best advocates. It was great how Maddy’s new friends took her under their wing and tried to make her feel more at home. And Maddy sure did a nice job of promoting the shop even when they needed to be closed after the murder.

That showdown was a tense one and I wasn’t sure how Maddy was gonna get herself out of this mess! But with some friendly help, the perp definitely wouldn’t be bothering anyone again.

The ending of the book was great, and I loved how Maddy didn’t waste time in going after what she wanted! If you’ve read and love this author’s other cozy series, you’re in for another treat! I can’t wait for the next book! This one releases this coming Tuesday, August 30, 2022.

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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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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Bear a Wee Grudge review

December 8, 2021December 8, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear series by Meg Macy. It quickly became one of my favorite series. I mean, who doesn’t love an adorable teddy bear, right? I’m not sure I’d want to be in on the making and sewing of said teddy bears, but I’d sign up for testing them for cuddling!

There was such a sweet surprise toward the end of the book, and now I can’t wait to read the next!

My Goodreads review:

Bear a Wee Grudge by Meg Macy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No festival in Silver Hollow would be complete without the seemingly-requisite murder. (At least it was of someone mean and nasty!) But the worrisome part was the detestable detective Hunter zoning in on Sasha’s dad as his only suspect. Call in the reinforcements, Sasha’s back on the case!

This was really a wild and confusing case with any number of people who’d have wanted to kill the dead guy. The man’s widow was a real piece of work! At least the detective that Sasha knew from a previous case, Mason was around this time and available to relay information to. She really didn’t have to deal with Hunter much. The showdown was super exciting, and a couple of people had a good hand in helping.

Toward the end, there was the sweetest surprise, and now I absolutely can’t wait to read the next book!

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

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Killer Words review

November 27, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the awesome Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. Burns (aka Valerie), another of my fave authors. I’ve loved this series since the first book, and each book makes me love it even more. These are some of the funniest and best characters in the cozy mystery world. How ’bout that Irma? She’s such a hoot! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!

PS: If you’re wondering why I used a koala image, you’ll just need to read the book!

My Goodreads review:

Killer Words by V.M. Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy, was this a good one! Poor old Stinky Pitt who was always a thorn in Nana Jo and Sam’s sides needed someone to prove he didn’t kill a guy. That was a pretty tall order as the evidence started rolling in, but the ladies were all convinced someone was pulling a frame job on their frenemy.

I really like how things were progressing between Sam and her sweetie Frank. And I just love all these regular characters! They’re like coming home to old friends. No book would be complete without the whole group going, “Irma!” when Irma was always about to say something a little raunchy, well maybe a lot sometimes, lol. The ladies all crack me up, and I think sweet Ruby Mae is related to half the state of Michigan. There was a side mystery with some internal corruption going on in either the town or police department…maybe both! I won’t spoil it and let you read for yourselves.

Everyone we love and care about in the series seemed to be in a really good place at the book’s end, but I’m hoping this isn’t really the end end, and that Sam, Nana Jo and the others are gonna return in a new book very soon! Or whenever the usual time is for releasing this series. Don’t miss this book! It releases this coming Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

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

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Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off review

September 25, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Beacon Bakeshop series by Darci Hannah, and I absolutely loved how it embraced the spirit of the Christmas season. Poor Lindsey had never really accomplished her dream type of Christmas, but I had to hand it to her for not giving up. Maybe this year would be better…

It was a lot of fun imagining what a town like this with a lighthouse would look like decorated for Christmas. I just love the book’s cover and think the artist couldn’t have captured it better! Three days and counting, then this book goes live September 28, 2021

My Goodreads review:

Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what an awesome Christmas mystery! If you don’t count the murder, lol. But the whole magicalness surrounding the lighthouse bakery sometimes was just the perfect Christmas spirit from the lights and decorations to the spirit of everyone working there. I can’t say too much, but I had my suspicions about something else (not the killer) and was super happy to find out I was right. Now the killer was another story, and I changed my mind as much as Lindsey and Crew changed theirs.

I loved the sleuthing dynamic that Lindsey, Rory, Kennedy…and get this, even Ellie Montague, ex-super model and mom to Lindsey wanted to join in. She did have a good idea that was right up her fashionista alley, and it started chipping away at the answer.

The showdown was wild, full of confession, and reinforcement arrived just in the nick of time. Honest, that wasn’t a Christmas pun! I loved how the book ended with the magic of Christmas, good friends, family and of course where Lindsey and her dad were involved, good food! One caution: Make sure you’re not hungry when you’re reading, ’cause you’ll want to eat your book or drool on your Kindle! There were so many yummies mentioned and not just dessert. The main dishes sounded awesome too.

At the end of the book, you’ll find everyone’s bake-off recipes, but there’s a link to the author’s website for more recipes. Hmm I should go there, ’cause maybe some of those main courses that Lindsey and her dad made are there!

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

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Farm to Trouble review

February 24, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series called Farm to Table by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower. I’ve mostly read her Ohio-based mysteries that also take place in Amish country, so this was a fun little change. I absolutely loved main character Shiloh’s little Pug named Huckleberry, what a sweetie!

My Goodreads review:

Farm to Trouble by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this new series kickoff book and the various characters in the small town of Cherry Glen. I think Quinn’s daughter Hazel was my favorite, Shiloh’s dad despite his being a little grumpy kind of grew on me, but her cousin Stacey needs to grow on me a little more. I liked the little side mystery that Shiloh found that appears to be an ongoing thing for the next book.

I wasn’t exactly sure who the killer was until nearly the end. The showdown was a good one, and I liked how everything was wrapped up and explained. I’ve found I like everything I’ve read so far that Amanda Flower writes, and I think she’s got a winner in this series!

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