small town oregon – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

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!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

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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In Too Steep review

August 7, 2022 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 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

July 27, 2022July 27, 2022 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 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

July 12, 2022 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 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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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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In Hot Water review

October 16, 2021October 16, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new series called Misty Bay Tearoom by Kate Kingsbury who some might know from her Pennyfoot Hotel House or Merry Ghost Inn series. She was a new-to-read author to me since I do have some of those series but just haven’t had a chance to dig in yet. After reading this book, what am I waiting for? She’s got a good blend of sweet cozy, tense moments, snarky characters (when needed), a li’l romance, humor and just an overall good mystery and fun characters. I’m eager to read the next book in this new series.

My Goodreads review:

In Hot Water by Kate Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an awesome mystery featuring three otherwise unlikely friends who were coworkers to begin with at Vivian’s tearoom. Vivian was settled into life as a widow but still missed her husband a lot. Jenna was divorced and somewhat jaded, but she was overall an awesome friend and worker for Vivian. And Gracie was like the bubbling-over, super happy little sister, who I guessed was about twenty-something. (and Jenna maybe thirty-something with Vivian around ten years older than Jenna.) I loved Gracie’s character, and when they started investigating the murder, she reminded me of Scrappy Doo with her enthusiasm lol! All three ladies had each others’ backs and would’ve done anything for the others.

I really enjoyed Vivian’s friendship with Hal, a super sweet, somewhat-older-than-her, man who had the pet store. He was so kind to her and gave her friendship and platonic companionship when she needed it. I have a feeling they’d both like to explore a more serious relationship though, so it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out in the next book. The usual trope switch-up was Jenna and the detective seeming to like each other. And Gracie was cheerleader for both of them. She had a fun little side story going on that turned out very sweet.

It was easy to be torn between some good suspect candidates as the threats ramped up and the ladies got closer to the answer. When Vivian had the answer, it was a race to the showdown. I enjoyed this book so much and can’t wait now for the next to come along.

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

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Digging Up Trouble review

October 13, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first in a brand new series by a new-to-me author named Kitt Crowe who has a great sense of humor in her writing, right up my alley! At least we don’t have to wait a whole year for a book because the next is scheduled for June of 2022, and I’ve been approved by #CrookedLane Publishing to read it. I loved some of the TV and pop culture references these friends tossed around along with their crazy and fun banter.

My Goodreads review:

Digging Up Trouble by Kitt Crowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this author’s wicked and fun sense of humor! It comes out in the form of her main character Lexi of course, and that girl cracked me up so many times! I loved it when she got together with besties Cat, Teri and two members of their bookclub for sleuthing. Stefanie was such a hoot, and her bestie Alison was a quiet but super knowledgeable lady having been an librarian before she retired. I liked that the run-ins Lexi had with Det. Berg were never to the point where he actually yelled or got overly angry. I thought the man was really pretty darn patient with Lexi and her snooping, lol.

There were so many possible suspects and just as I thought one person did it, I changed my mind. Lots of great red herrings and boy, what a showdown! Cookie, Lexi’s adorable dog (with klepto tendancies) ended up being a hero–I always love when the pet saves the day! There was a good twist I’d definitely not guessed although I wasn’t terribly surprised by something else. I did like this so much I requested the next book as an ARC that comes out June of 2022. Now that the book club has one case under their belt, I’m eager to see what they do with another.

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

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Seven Year Witch review

August 25, 2021August 25, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second book in a newer series called Witch Way Librarian by Angela M. Sanders whose other two series are Vintage Clothing Mysteries and Booster Club Mysteries. When I read the first book in Witch Way last year, I loved it and knew this was going to be a new favorite series (to add to my MANY favorite series lol). It was fun getting to know the characters in town even better this time, and I liked that Josie’s seems to have a good friend in Lalena. They made a good sleuthing duo, although Josie was on her own most of the time. I just wish we didn’t have to wait a whole year for the next in series!

My Goodreads review:

Seven-Year Witch by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great visiting with Josie and all her new friends in Wilfred, OR again. I’d forgotten how Josie could go check things out using her mind but in her cat Rodney’s body which was so cool!

This was a mystery I definitely couldn’t figure out, so I just went along for the ride and enjoyed the process. Josie was learning a lot from her grandma’s letter she’d left her, and I was happy to see how far she’d come as far as her powers went. I’ve hoped since the first book that Josie and Sam could get together, and they might be one step closer to that by the end of the book. I loved how the whole town pulled together at the end. The showdown with the killer was scary for two different reasons-you’ll see when you read it. I really wish the next one could come out sooner instead of having to wait another year!

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Pint of No Return review

May 23, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in what I hope is going to be a long and successful series, Ice Cream Shop Mysteries by Dana Mentink. These characters are a lot of fun, and one I failed to mention in my Goodreads review was Trinidad’s Cuban grandpa aka Papa. I loved that guy! He came up from Florida for the summer to help her out, but I’m secretly hoping he stays longer than that.

This book publishes this coming Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Who could go wrong with ice cream, right?

My Goodreads review:

Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m pretty sure this is going to be another favorite series for me. It got off to a nice strong start with some very likable characters. The twin teen boys who worked for Trinidad were really nice but cool kids, and I just loved her dog Noodles. I enjoyed the storyline that Quinn, a guy I hope Trinidad will be seeing as more than a friend one day, has some PTSD going on that’s mostly under control. It was awesome to see him caring for his challenged brother Doug who took great comfort in Noodles.

I was pretty shocked at who the killer was and honestly hadn’t seen it coming. It was great how the police chief did actually listen to Trinidad and helped her with the showdown. I was glad the ending wasn’t just cut off, and we got to spend a little more time with the characters once the case was solved. I’m definitely interested in reading the next book. I think the three exes of Gabe could be fairly good friends. It definitely seemed like Trinidad and Juliette were off to a good start.

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for granting my wish on NetGalley and letting me read and review this. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, and my opinions are my own.

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A Matter of Hive and Death review-updated a little for 2022

April 21, 2021March 18, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second (and for me at least, eagerly-awaited) book in the Oregon Honeycomb mysteries by Nancy Coco who also writes the Candy-Coated series set on Mackinac Island, as well as having written some other cozy series under Nancy J. Parra and Nell Hampton. (Her Nancy J. Parra Goodreads page contains the most info which is why I didn’t even link the Nell Hampton page.)

This book is an exclusive Barnes & Noble edition until 3/29/22. (Not an affiliate link; just here for your convenience).

PLEASE NOTE FOR 2022: Since this book’s making its entrance to the Amazon market, it’s no longer a B&N exclusive, so I wanted to be sure everyone knew that. I’m just recycling this blog post.

My Goodreads review:

A Matter of Hive and Death by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this visit with Wren, Aunt Eloise and Porsche, not to mention Jim who Wren might be letting get a bit closer. She kind of annoyed at me times when she’d get mad at Jim just for doing his job and not being able to share info with her. But I loved her passion for the bees and the cats her aunt loves so much. Wren, Eloise and Porsche make good sleuth buddies, and I did have to hand it to Wren for asking Jim to come along on trips that otherwise could have been dangerous.

I had no idea whodunit and was totally surprised at the reveal. There was a side mystery as well, and that perp didn’t surprise me much at all, lol. I got the biggest kick out of Aunt Eloise holding her rifle over a perp and not budging until Jim got his gun drawn and held on the person. She cracks me up, and I just love her character!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC paperback from Kensington Publishing, and my opinions are my own.

2022 note: I’d read this originally back in 2021, but a quick reread for NetGalley this year since the book publishes to Amazon later this month, March 29, 2022. I’m using the same blog post from 2021 though. I don’t think I could’ve said anything more ’cause it was great both times.

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