Tag: small town oregon

Witch and Tell review

Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve enjoyed this series since the get-go and love all the twists and turns along with the awesome character development. Something hinky was going down in Wilbur, and Josie was determined to get to the bottom of it! Can’t wait to read the next book!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

Witch and Tell (Witch Way Librarian Mysteries Book 7)Witch and Tell by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always get a kick outta those two grandkids of Patty’s in this series, Thor and Buffy. They’re either mini con artists or entrepreneurs in the making. It’s hilarious how they’re always charging for their various services. You name it, if it’s legal (and it’s not after their bedtime) these kids’ll take money for whatever job you need done, lol.

Josie knew something had been draining her magic and since there were some newcomers to town, she wasn’t sure which one, if any was doing that. One of the lessons from Gran clued her into a nasty relative she had and ended up in a showdown with. But a new friend and some epic magic showed evil that it wasn’t welcome here and good ruled once more. I’m eager now to find out more about the good character Josie could be related to.

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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Mayhem at a Halloween Wedding review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Halloween Bookshop Mysteries by Emmaline Duncan, and it’s out in plenty of time for Halloween like last year’s book was. It’s pretty cool this is an annual thing since it just wouldn’t be the same unless it was set at Halloween since it’s in a Halloween-themed town. It’s definitely best to read this series in order too.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #EmmalineDuncan

My Goodreads review:

Mayhem at a Halloween Wedding (Halloween Bookshop Mystery, #2)Mayhem at a Halloween Wedding by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all the spooky names of the different businesses in this town and the idea of a Halloween themed wedding seemed fun, until it wasn’t. Between the bride’s bratty-acting sister who was mad she wasn’t maid of honor to the murder of a wedding party member, Bailey had her hands full since she was in the wedding too, then trying to sleuth out a murder.

Once she had a good idea of whodunit, I liked that the showdown was a planned trap for the killer. It was cool how Bailey figured it out and after that, the wedding was able to go off without any issues. Wonder what’ll happen in the series next Halloween.

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 Witch Is Back review

Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve enjoyed this series since its start and always look forward to the next book. This book had its main mysteries wrapped up but there’s a side mystery or two that was hinted at might be coming, so I’m really eager for the next book.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

The Witch Is Back (Witch Way Librarian Mysteries, #6)The Witch Is Back by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me a little while to warm up to Josie’s mom, Nora who had her own agenda for visiting spontaneously, but she was a pretty good sleuthing buddy and sounding board for Josie’s theories. Nora’s personal reason for coming worked out at the end, but along with the murder itself another mystery had cropped up, and the town expected Josie to solve it. Which was where Nora came in handy, if she’d embrace her witchy powers.

The showdown was a good one and Nora even got to help a little. Once both mysteries were solved, the town could breathe a sigh of relief and people were friends again. I was kinda disappointed in the actual ending, so that along with another possible side story have me eager to dig into the next book when it’s out.

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

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Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop review

Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series, Halloween Bookshop Mysteries by Emmaline Duncan who cozy mystery readers know from her Ground Rules Mysteries which I’ve read from the beginning and really enjoy as well. This series might take another book or two to totally convince me, but I did like the setting and the 24/7/365 idea of Halloween.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #EmmalineDuncan

My Goodreads review:

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop (Halloween Bookshop Mystery, #1)Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the concept of an all-Halloween town 24/7/365 and did like the key players. But somehow the book just didn’t speak to me like the author’s other series did at the very beginning. The addition of a possible guy for Bailey was cool, but I wished it could’ve been a little sooner in the book. The murder seemed to drag on forever without any action or that something that usually compels me to keep reading. I took a few breaks from the book but not because I didn’t like it, it just wasn’t moving at the usual cozy mystery pace I’m used to.

Since it’s the very first book, I’m definitely willing to give it a chance and read the next book when it comes out. I liked the side mystery of finding out who Bailey’s bio dad was—I was actually right in my guess and from sheer dumb luck I guessed the killer correctly too.

As far as characters went, I really wished we could’ve had more of Bailey’s grandpa around and in the picture. He apparently lives with her but aside from a couple scenes, he just wasn’t in it like half of the couple who’d ended up raising her. I hope he’s in the next book a little more. On the other hand, I didn’t like her brother at all and was just as happy he wasn’t in it much, lol. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the truth comes out about the bookshop, so maybe that’ll be touched on more in the next book 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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Gone with the Witch review

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.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

Gone with the Witch (Witch Way Librarian Mysteries #5)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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Spoon to Be Dead review

Tari Hann

This is the third and final installment in the very enjoyable Shake Shop series by Dana Mentink. I was a little sad it was coming to an end, but you can definitely tell by the ending that it’s wrapping up, so it shouldn’t be a shocker. And the author’s little message afterward was super sweet. I thought she did an amazing job of giving everyone a good ending, including Noodles the Lab and Scooter the parrot Trinidad adopted.

#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #DanaMentink

My Goodreads review:

Spoon to be Dead (Shake Shop #3)Spoon to be Dead by Dana Mentink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was definitely the adventure to end all since it did officially end this series of three books. There’s a really nice note from the author at the end of the book. Even if it wasn’t the last, I believe it’d still be my favorite. Secrets came out, but new friends were made as were apologies and new chances were given to those who might be needing them.

The showdown was really something and if you love dogs and how they can be heroes, you’ll have happy leaky eyeballs for a little bit while reading about sweet Noodles and his heroic act—and the cuddles he got afterward too. I really enjoyed this series a lot and while it’s bittersweet for it to end, it ended in the best possible way with some characters making amends where they were needed as well as some characters enjoying their happily ever after.

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

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Witch Upon a Star review

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!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

Witch Upon a Star (Witch Way Librarian Mysteries, #4)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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In Too Steep review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Misty Bay Tearoom Mysteries by Kate Kingsbury, author of The Merry Ghost Inn and Pennyfoot Hotel cozy mystery  series. I really like Viv and her team. Their work and off hours camaraderie’s a lot of fun, and that Gracie always cracks me up! She’s always so eager to sleuth, just love that girl! Now I can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

In Too Steep (Misty Bay Tearoom #2)In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m really enjoying this series and the fact that Vivian’s finally coming around to having a more than friendship relationship with Hal. Life’s too short to let a good someone go–now if Jenna would take that advice, she’d make Viv a happy camper!

I got a suspicion when a character was introduced that they might be the perp, and I was actually right. But wow what a twisted journey that little model of the Big Ben took! From one owner to another, how could this innocent decorative piece have gotten involved in a jewel heist? Vivian and her pals were determined to find out.

I like the side story with Hal and how this particular incident seemed to bring him and Viv even closer. And I believe there might be hope for Jenna and Tony too! That showdown was tense, but all ended up well with the right help coming along when needed. I’m eager to read more now that all three ladies seem to be in a good place with possible relationships! This book releases Tuesday, August 6, 2022.

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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Witch and Famous review

Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve loved this series from the very first book, and it just keeps getting better. That little rascal Rodney cat’s definitely a favorite character! He’s always instrumental in helping Josie with a case or warning her about danger. The books and Josie have come a long way too since the previous book, and she can do some seriously cool stuff with them. I’m always eager for the next book in this series especially now after Roz’s good news! I’m still hopeful for Josie and Sam getting together.

#KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

Witch and Famous (Witch Way Librarian #3)Witch and Famous by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this third book a lot because Josie’s come so far with her magic, and it was cool how she had the books dancing every morning before anyone came. The books could do a lot for her now just by thinking it to them. I got a kick out of the Indy 500 book, but collectively let’s just say “never underestimate the power of a good book” really came true in this book!

I didn’t like that doggone Daphne actress at all! She wouldn’t take her eyes or her hands off Sam, and despite how he’s been nice but made no romantic moves to Josie yet, I’m still confident they’ll find a way to get together. That was another way you’ll see how Josie’s grown as a witch when she has to make a more seasoned witch decision. I won’t say what she was trying to decide due to not wanting to spoil anything.

I love how the townspeople who usually spent time in Darla’s café were now hanging out in the library’s kitchen. Well I did feel sorry for Josie always having to keep order because they did sometimes get a little bit rowdy! But they were super interested in sleuthing for her and some of their info did come in handy.

I hadn’t really guessed whodunit and the whole thing got a little bit complex but it makes sense when you read it. The ending did sound more promising as far as a lot of things went, and even grumpy Roz got a happy ending!

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 Poisonous Page review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Sweet Fiction Bookshop Mysteries by Kitt Crowe, the pen name of Marie Harte who looks to be a romance author under that name. I’m glad she started writing cozies or I’d have never gotten to know her sense of humor and what fun characters she weaves. I absolutely love Uncle Jimmy and Uncle Elvis! They always crack me up and now that Elvis joined the Macaroons Murder Club, er I mean, Book Club, he’s having to actually do some reading. Well maybe not regular books, but they did accept his suggestion of a comic surprisingly well!

A Poisonous Page (Sweet Fiction Bookshop #2)A Poisonous Page by Kitt Crowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’d been a year since I read the first in this series, but it didn’t take long to catch up with all the hilarious antics and snarky comments/zingers these characters exchange on a regular basis. I love the author’s sense of humor, and that sweet Cookie dog! OMG I just wanted to hug her like crazy. Chad even sorta made friends with her by letting her be involved in a kids’ police safety event.

Boy this was one involved mystery! It was sometimes hard to keep track of who was with what person and when, but I got the general idea. I really didn’t zero in on one specific person but holy cow, at the end I was telling Lexi NOT to go somewhere! I’m totally Team Chad for her and hopefully she’ll realize he’s not really the jerk she thinks he is. Sometimes Lexi herself could be a real jerk to him too, so I felt bad for the guy. Cat and Teri crack me up wanting all the crazy details as every good bestie would, lol. And sweet Abe’s a heck of a lot nice neighbor to Lexi than his grumpy dad who got offed in the first book.

I loved that the whole book club got involved trying to solve the case and it was too funny how they hurried to hide their murder board whenever Chad came around. That showdown was wild, hilarious and super tense! All was explained in the end though, and now I’m eager to see what all these fun and crazy characters find themselves involved in by the time the next book comes out!

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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