small town wisconsin – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

At Death’s Dough review

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley, another fun series I’ve enjoyed since its beginning. It’s always fun to see what Delilah and her team along with her sweetie Colton get into.

#NetGalley #MindyQuigley #St.MartinPaperbacks #MinotaurBooks

My Goodreads review:

At Death’s Dough: A Deep Dish Mystery by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome story with Delilah and all her friends. She’s definitely not your typical main character in a cozy since she’s pretty much a control freak with a temper when pushed. But Delilah’s a fiercely loyal friend and her heart’s usually in the right place. Except Calvin Capone wished it wasn’t in his investigations, lol.

When Calvin had to sit out the current murder case, there was a lot more going on at the station regarding the police chief whose control-freakness made Delilah’s look mild. His ex did something at the end to get back at him that was actually pretty funny. Delilah had gotten in the crosshairs of another killer and made a narrow escape. I’m pretty sure all involved were glad to call this crazy case closed!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Sour Crime Donuts review

August 26, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the tenth book in the super enjoyable Deputy Donuts Mysteries by Ginger Bolton, a series I’ve enjoyed since the very first book. Dep’s just the sweetest little cat and she’s definitely got a nose for mystery! And she got to go along on a mystery with Emily and her friends this time too, doing what she did best.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Sour Crime Donuts by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emily and her two employees who were also good friends did some major sleuthing in this case and took little Dep with them a couple times. The cat had a nose for clues and dead bodies. When an old friend of Emily’s came to town, it was a fun reunion since the girl was now grown up with some impressive career goals.

When a body was found on the land Izzy was gonna own soon, Izzy was an obvious suspect, so Emily and her pals worked hard to help Brent get the clues in place to find the real perp. And when that perp came face to face with Emily, I’m pretty sure after what she did, they were really sorry they ever met her lol. I was so sure someone I had in mind was the killer, but I was wrong. 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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Blame It on the Beignets review

December 8, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the ninth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton, another favorite series of mine, and I’m always eager to read the next book. Dep’s such a cutie and one of the best clue-sniffing cats in mysteries. She didn’t disappoint! Anyone who’s read the series is gonna recognize the name Jolly Cops Cleaning, so we finally got to meet one of those awesome retired officers who have a cleaning business with Deputy Donuts as a client.

There was a lot going on in this book which included Samantha’s baby shower as well as a budding romance for one of Emily’s good business friends. Can’t wait to see what happens with that, it was just too cute! There was a cute little dog that kept popping up in the story, poor Dep wasn’t too sure about her, but both got to be in the showdown. What someone did to that perp was hilarious!

I thought this free photo from Pexels reminded me of Dep sitting on one of her shelves either in Emily’s office or at home.

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a visit to Fallingbrook to see what Emily and her sweet kitty Deputy aka Dep are up to. Emily’s new assistant Hannah and her sister Olivia who also worked for Emily were the employees featured. Hannah and a couple friends were indirectly involved in a murder, so I could just imagine how poor Olivia was worrying like crazy.

I love that Emily and Brent were settled in as a married couple now like her besties Misty and Samantha. They weren’t in the story a whole lot except for their roles as police officer and paramedic. I was glad the DCI detective that came this time was Rex who we know from previous books. Emily’s friend Summer was really glad to see him lol. I see a new romance starting up and Det. Rex may just have to make excuses to come to town more often.

The showdown was both exciting and fun in a comical sorta way. Everything that led up to catching the perp was pretty awesome and it was a group effort too. Heck, don’t bother with prison, just turn Madame Monique loose on a criminal—they’d probably beg for prison instead lol. I was secretly cheering her on because she had an excellent reason for what she was doing to the perp. I really enjoyed the ending and hopefully it’ll turn out amazing for a very special couple Emily and Brent were good friends with. 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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Sleep in Heavenly Pizza review

October 27, 2024October 27, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the super fun Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley which I’ve read and enjoyed from the beginning. The characters really changed and developed quite a bit, for good of course and I’ve enjoyed spending time time in Geneva Bay, WI with them. If you read this book while hungry, you might just start craving pizza, just sayin’.

My Goodreads review:

Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow Auntie Biz sure went through a nice transformation during the Christmas season. She was actually nice lol and didn’t even complain about Butterball the cat. There were so many secrets and little side stories but they all sorta contributed or were related to the main murder case.

In a surprising reveal of some of those secrets, a satisfying showdown followed. Now Delilah and her team could gather in their favorite thing to do: feed people and be with those they loved on Christmas Day which was an awesome gathering of family, friends and of course, great food.

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

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Double Grudge Donuts review

February 13, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton, and I’ve enjoyed this series from the very beginning. I was thrilled at the events happening in this book, but first a murderer had to be put away before Emily and Brent’s wedding. I loved that Jocelyn, donut shop assistant extraordinaire got to have a big part in the showdown. Can’t wait for the next book!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Double Grudge Donuts by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not gonna lie. I waited eight books for the last few moments in this book and I couldn’t’ve imagined it any better! Meanwhile the mystery itself was awesome and had a really exciting confrontation with a killer. I wasn’t even sure whodunit during the showdown until a certain clue came out. Jocelyn really got her moment to shine in the showdown and I’m sure Emily couldn’t be prouder of her well now that she’s safe and everything!

Little Dep was just as adorable as ever and living up to her mystery sniffing reputation. I’m sure she’s gonna be thrilled that the current second favorite person in her life would be joining her and Emily in their home soon. Can’t wait for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book and my opinions are my own.

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Cinnamon Twisted review

April 24, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the seventh in the Deputy Donuts Mysteries by Ginger Bolton (aka Janet Bolin), and I’ve devoured every single book since they first came out. I absolutely love these characters and that adorable kitty, Dep aka Deputy Donut. She’s just the sweetest little thing and always helps find a clue or maybe even attack a killer! I was super excited to learn that books 8, 9 and 10 are in the works! Check out Ginger Bolton’s website!

#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #GingerBolton

My Goodreads review:

Cinnamon Twisted by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Brent was away and the new police chief seemed determined to pin a murder or any crime on Emily, I was so glad to see Brent was instrumental in getting the cavalry to come in the form of Agent Rex Clobar. I’d enjoyed his character before since he reminds me of a certain agent Gibbs! At least Emily felt more protected from a possibly bad lawman when Rex was in town. I wish Rex could stay and replace that new police chief!

Misty and Scott’s wedding went off like a charm, but after that was when the murder happened. Emily had a new sleuthing buddy but wasn’t sure if she could trust him or not. There was a pretty awesome showdown followed by Brent’s homecoming when he was done teaching the police course. I absolutely loved the very ending! Slight tissue warning, but happy tears, no worries! And Dep’s soooo darn cute! You’ll see what I mean when you read it. Don’t miss this when it releases Tuesday, April 25, 2023 (tomorrow).

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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Six Feet Deep Dish review

August 23, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in the brand new Deep Dish Mysteries series by Mindy Quigley. I felt drawn in by the characters immediately and had a hard time putting the Kindle down when I needed to! I was excited to see that the next book’s already listed on Goodreads as coming out in April 2023, and it’s called Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust. The blurb definitely makes me eager to read it, and I was pretty fast to add it to my ginormous WTR shelf. I’m glad we don’t have to wait a whole year!

This book definitely fits the description of a fun cozy mystery that has some strong characters, but there’re a lot of family vibes going on too. I could already see the team camaraderie among Delilah’s employees and how she and her aunt were very close. Sometimes I don’t get those feelings about a book right away, so when I do, I feel like it’s a sign of a strong series that’ll survive well.

#St.MartinsPaperbacks #MindyQuigley

My Goodreads review:

Six Feet Deep Dish by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the start of this new series! When characters grab my attention as quickly as these key characters did, in my book that’s a winner of a cozy mystery. Biz and Delilah were a little out of the ordinary type cozy characters since Biz was definitely not your typical cute, squishy-huggy great aunt and Dee (as Delilah was called) was a real force to be reckoned with but still had her soft side moments.

The ladies were both strong yet didn’t mind (too much anyway) having people look after them when needed. Although Dee could get on my nerves a little bit being such a control freak, lol. I’m not sure I could work for her, but her team sure seemed happy, so that’s the main thing. I mean, I thought I was bad at giving up control over certain things, but that lady’s got me beat haha! Some of the stuff she wanted to say to people absolutely cracked me up because it’s just what I would’ve been thinking of saying but not saying, particularly when it came to teen employee Carson!

Wow what a showdown! I honestly had the actual perp in mind but not for the reasons they ended up being the killer. It almost made me feel sad for the perp, but that’s all I’m gonna say about it without going and spoiling things. Kind of a case where the person killed was a pretty lowdown scoundrel and some people figured the person deserved it. I enjoyed the ending and hope we find Delilah and Cal becoming better friends in the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin’s Paperbacks via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Tailing Trouble review

January 12, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Furry Friends Mysteries by Laura Scott. I noticed some of the books showing up on the page listed for her name in GR aren’t her titles, so I’ve linked her name to her Amazon profile where you’ll see a nice picture of her and the two cozies along with the romance books she’s actually written.

I loved this book as much as the first one and hope the author and publisher have more in store for us! Gramps cracks me up and needless to say, he’s my favorite character. Roxy the Boxer took a bit of a back seat to boarding guest Standard Poodle Domino, but she should be happy Domino was there at a crucial time or her mommy might not be!

My Goodreads review:

Tailing Trouble by Laura Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I get to the end of a book and tell myself, “Oh wow, that was so good!” I know I’ve found a winner. I remember doing that same thing at the end of the first book in this series when I read it too. I absolutely just love Gramps’ character! Maybe it’s because I’ve been without my own grandpa for so long that I just devour anything that has to do with an awesome grandpa/granddaughter duo. I had to laugh at different parts when he’d make Ally pick him up, or she’d give in going somewhere knowing he’d find a way to get to wherever it was he wanted to investigate anyway. The running joke of him shouting into his cell phone might seem corny, but it makes me giggle! He should probably just get a bullhorn and stand outside to call to Ally, lol.

I get such a kick out of the widows fawning all over Gramps in a friendly competition for his attention. It’s cute how he’s got a different way he interacts with each of the ladies living at Legacy House, like playing cards with Tillie. I think if I was Ally, I’d be eating every meal I posssibly could there, lol. Harriet definitely knows how to feed her guests and seems to thrive on doing that. And Lydia’s a whiz with her knitting.

The stories about Ally’s clients and their pets are always entertaining, and I found out it pays to read carefully and not just skim these as not being related to the mystery. Sometimes someone who’s a client might end up being someone to pay attention to in the mystery–or a client knows a key player in the mystery. Now Gramps, he just seems to know everyone! 😉

The showdown was really exciting and I loved how Ally got the upperhand, and sweet Domino ended up being a hero. I nearly expected Ally to end up with three dogs by the time this was over, but everything worked out great. As to whether she’ll get to enjoy a nice date with “her detective” as Gramps was so fond of calling him, well I’m just hoping the next book will address all that and he doesn’t get called away!

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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Dogged by Death review

July 7, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first cozy mystery I can see in author Laura Scott’s works as well as being the first book I’ve read by her. I’m loving what I read in this new series called Furry Friends Mysteries, named after main character Ally Winter’s veterinary clinic. Ms. Scott’s written mysteries and romance books, and I think she’s done an amazing job of combining those talents and creating this cozy series. It’s got just the right elements a cozy needs along with a little bit of suspense but not the super scary kind. I just love Ally’s Gramps! He’s such a great character, and I can’t wait to read more about all these characters in the next book. Yep, I have the ARC already for the next book and might be tempted to dig in when I get a little bit better caught up on ARCs.

PS: The various little entries about Ally’s clients bringing their pets in were a lot of fun. I was especially happy that the little dachshund named Lola wasn’t one of the dogs who misbehaved, lol.

My Goodreads review:

Dogged by Death by Laura Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! It pulled me in from the first page and kept my attention until the very end. Gramps is the most awesome character, and I got such a kick out of how he managed to investigate and get information out of people, especially the women in town, since anyone over 60 was usually swept off their feet by him. Gramps wasn’t a player though and said no one would ever replace his Amelia. The three ladies in the assisted living house with him were such a hoot! They always heard the gossip almost before the police knew about it.

I loved how the story was so smooth and easy to read with natural-sounding conversations and very likable characters. That sweet Boxer Roxy had my heart from the first time she was mentioned! And she played a big part in the showdown (I love it when a pet can do that!). I actually enjoyed hearing about some of the cases Ally took care of. There were quite a few of them, and that made the story flow nicely with mixing those along with Gramps and Ally investigating.

I’m sure Noah and Ally will become lots more than friends eventually, but it’s sweet to see them reconnecting, and he only teased her a couple of times about her old high school nickname, lol. I really was happy about how Ally’s vet practice grew just from a few things she did herself like followup calls. It’ll be interesting to see if Lydia ever gets to work as receptionist in the next book. And I can’t wait to see what Gramps gets into with the next case.

The showdown was awesome, short and effective. I enjoy it a lot more when help or reinforcements come quickly! (less nerve-wracking haha) I’d started suspecting whodunit after the clues started falling in place, so it was just a matter of time as to when Ally had the same person in mind.

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

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Deadly Delights review

June 7, 2021June 7, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second in the Bookish Baker series by Laura Jensen Walker and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Lots of mystery, cute dogs, quirky/likable characters and yummy desserts to be had when you visit Lake Potawatomi. I love Teddie and her little trio of besties investigating. One scene with Teddie and Char was pretty hilarious, but someone didn’t end up thinking so! Not gonna spoil it, have yourself a fun read and good cozy time in Lake Potawatomi!

My Goodreads review:

Deadly Delights by Laura Jensen Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed visitng Lake Potawatomi again. The timeline of the story was the same summer as the first book. Teddie’s a great main character and so open about having had breast cancer along with all the decisions she made with it. I love that she’s got a sassy or funny comeback for pretty much everything and won’t take lip from anyone. Her dog is a total sweetheart too. I really like her two besties, Char and Sharon. Char is such a hoot, and it doesn’t hurt matters that she dates the chief of police. Sharon tends to take on the mom role of the trio, since she’s the only one with kids. Another character Astrid, the older artist friend of Teddie’s cracks me up too!

There were some good side stories going on, one which involved Teddie’s mom. I think it might have helped bring them a bit closer. After the murder at the baking contest, Teddie and her friends set out to investigate, mainly to clear Teddie and Sophie’s names and give blabbermouth Wilma something else to talk about. There was a twist I sure never saw coming, very clever though. The showdown was quick but awesome. A couple more sweet things happened once everything was cleared up. What a great ending!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. This book publishes tomorrow, June 8, 2021.

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