st. martin's paperbacks – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Death at the Door review

October 21, 2025 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries series by Olivia Blacke, and this one was just as good maybe even better than the first one. I just wish someday Ruby could be able to actually see and hear Cordelia, but somehow they make communicating work out the best they can. Cordelia’s brother Ian visiting kinda opened a can of worms, and now I can’t wait for the next book!

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My Goodreads review:

Death at the Door by Olivia Blacke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love this unlikely pair of friends, Cordelia, a ghost who’s old enough to be Ruby’s mom and Ruby, a girl of twenty who’s just trying to make her living in the city and learning adulting the hard way. Cordelia’s younger brother made an appearance and might’ve accidentally stumbled on a way for Ruby to see her ghostly roommate, so now I can’t wait for the next book.

The murder mystery was a good one, and the two friends worked to figure out the killer with Cordelia working her ghostly magic to help others be able to know who the killer was as well. I loved the stuff she could do to people she didn’t like, like frying their phones or computers. Luckily Cordelia didn’t need to do that too often. After the scene with Ian at the end, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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

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Lights, Camera, Bones review

May 21, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the 27th book in the long-running Sarah Booth Delaney Mysteries by Carolyn Haines, and each one gets a little more exciting and funnier since Sarah and her bestie ran a detective agency. Tinkie always cracks me up! She’s an awesome sidekick for Sarah Booth. And Jitty was top of her game this time too, lol.

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My Goodreads review:

Lights, Camera, Bones by Carolyn Haines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wouldja believe there’s a shark loose in the Mississippi? Didn’t think so, but when Sarah Booth’s on a case, I’ve gotten used to expecting the unexpected. I was completely surprised about the overall whodunit even though I’d wondered about that person earlier.

Jitty was at the top of her ghostly game taking on crazy shapes like she always does while giving cryptic clues. To me, her best one was a very cool nod to one of my all-time favorite skits from the 70s on that famous late show from Saturday night. And it was perfect for the theme of the book. 😉

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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A Smoking Bun review

February 17, 2024 Tari Hann

This is the eighteenth book in the long-running Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander who’s no stranger to the Ashland area which is why it’s described so well and vividly in her books. Jules and her friends/family are gonna steal your heart no matter where you start in the series. I always recommend the beginning, but I’ve broken that little guideline by not being able to resist these when they come up on NetGalley, so yeah, I’ve got a little catching up to do but it’s all good!

#NetGalley #StMartinsPaperbacks #EllieAlexander

My Goodreads review:

A Smoking Bun by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wild case and I always love it when Jules and Lance go sleuthing together. If anything, he’s probably the best dressed sleuth around, lol. He’s not all show and stage though since sometimes he did have some valuable intel to share or ideas to sleuth out.

I wasn’t ever really sure until the actual reveal of whodunit and there were some great scenes working up to that. I loved the final scene with everyone who loved the ski lodge gathered together for food and fellowship. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next in Ashland!

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

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Fatal Fudge Swirl review

June 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries by Meri Allen who most cozy mystery readers also know is Shari Randall who wrote the Lobster Shack Mysteries. I really love the key characters in this series. The sisters who work at the ice cream shop, Flo and Gerri, always crack me up with how different they are from each other. Riley’s got some good people working with her and bestie Caroline comes home for the weekends from Boston. Penniman sounds like a fun place and if you get the author’s newsletter you get little tidbits about what she’s writing and areas in Connecticut she’s based it on.

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My Goodreads review:

Fatal Fudge Swirl by Meri Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who wouldn’t love to visit Penniman at Halloween? It sounded pretty awesome with all the decorations and cool pumpkin carvings. Riley had her hands full with having to wrangle Sprinkles, the very-much-not-an-angel cat onto a film set because she was wanted for filming. Too hilarious how the cat from you know where took a liking to the lead actor but sure didn’t like the main actress, lol. And she had to keep up that America’s sweetheart image too, now that was pretty funny! Good ole Sprinkles can always produce a laugh from somewhere! But she couldn’t prevent murder.

The ending had a search going on for a young girl who might’ve witnessed the murder or heard something, so luckily she was found and the perp was named. Lots of family and friends time was enjoyed in the book as well. I thought Riley’s dad and stepmom were just too cute how they ran that bookstore together and now were part of the movie being made. Nice nod to one of everyone’s favorite cute romance/mystery channels too! The book releases on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 and I hope you’ll find like I did it’s nice little escape.

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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Hard Dough Homicide review

May 25, 2023May 25, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries by Olivia Matthews, and I’ve loved both of the first books. What’s not to love about this amazing family that loves each other so much and just wants to be a contributing and thriving part of the Little Caribbean community? Their bakery sounds pretty darn delicious too! From its great characters and location to its family camaraderie, I’m hoping this series sticks around for a good long time.

UPDATE: I just spied with my little eyes that the third book’s coming out in December, and it’s called Coconut Drop Dead. (not an affiliate link.) And it’s listed on Goodreads, but it’s not under its series name.

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPaperback #OliviaMatthews

My Goodreads review:

Hard Dough Homicide by Olivia Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love Lyndsay and her awesome family! Granny just cracks me up with how she wants to help sleuth, and Lyndsay’s always having to worry about keeping her feisty little granny out of trouble, lol. I really like how this family loves one another unconditionally and always has each others’ backs. Even any bickering done is always good-naturedly, and I also think it’s pretty awesome how Lyndsay and her family start each day at the bakery with a prayer.

This was a really baffling mystery, but with the help of her family going over motives and possible means, Lyndsay and Granny set off to solve this once and for all. Lyndsay’s always been super gracious and again credited her entire family with solving the case (her kickboxing training came in handy again too!). And to top off being declared completely innocent, the fam got a nice surprise at the end of the book. I can’t wait to see what mystery adventures Lyndsay and crew get into in the next book!

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

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Tell-Tell Bones review

May 16, 2023May 16, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the 26th in the long-running Sarah Booth Delaney Mysteries by Carolyn Haines. I’ve loved every one that I’ve read, but admittedly, I’ve been known to skip around in this series, usually something more unheard of for me. But I’ve never felt lost whether it was the first book or the 21st book (probably saw it shiny and new at the library and just had to read it), or the 26th one here because Sarah Booth’s just a good and reliable character–and the author does a nice job of catching readers up completely without boring them over past details or giving away spoilers. Jitty (basically the house ghost) absolutely cracks me up and I love to see what person in history she’s gonna pop in as next. It’s out today, so enjoy Sarah’s Booth and Sweetie Pie’s latest adventure. Ok, Pluto too, can’t forget the kitty! 😉

#NetGalley #StMartinsPaperbacks #CarolynHaines

My Goodreads review:

Tell-Tale Bones by Carolyn Haines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the earlier books, I’d never have figured Sarah Booth and Tinkie would end up as such good friends let alone private investigator partners. And Tinkie’s a mom too, shut the front door! But she’s a really good mom and loves that baby like crazy. I liked how she always put her baby’s needs first, but she’s never a slacker in the investigation either.

This author did an amazing job of creating the most loathable character I’ve ever read about. I mean seriously, he needed a posse of good ol’ boys to just take care of him out in the north pasture. But I actually love what happened to this character eventually. Can’t really reveal a whole lot other than yup, baddies get their comeuppance in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. And sometimes that awesome hound Sweetie Pie gets to help!

What an epic showdown/takedown of the perp in this story. Don’t ya just love when a plan comes together?

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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Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust review

April 14, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley, and the characters quickly became some of my fave cozy characters. I hope the series continues because Dee and her friends seem to have a bunch more stories to tell. One character I got the biggest kick out of was Molly aka Mac who was Delilah’s hostess’s cousin. That girl was so hilarious and charismatic (she got Auntie Biz to smile!)–what’s even more fun is at the end where you find the recipes, you’ll see the first one written in the voice of Mac herself. Auntie Biz’s recipe was pretty funny too!

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My Goodreads review:

Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another visit to Geneva Bay around Labor Day was pretty exciting and not just because of the festival and local vendor food tasting contest. The place was rich in mobster history, and Delilah worried that maybe one was back to find something he lost while in prison. Auntie Biz was a little grouchier than usual and it turned out she had a good reason.

Delilah’s a great main character and I admire her strength but dang it, girl, can’t you just let people be nice and do stuff for you? LOL, she might be working on that. Lots of little side mysteries were going on but everything wrapped up nicely at the end. For a while though I was worried there was one part that wasn’t gonna be solved, but no worries! The ending was a little odd but I’m betting Delilah did the best thing for everyone concerned. Can’t let out too much, you’ll just have to grab this when it goes on sale Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

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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Curds of Prey review

March 28, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss and it’s quickly become one of my “don’t wanna miss this” series. I love the camaraderie Willa has both at work and outside the job with her employees now friends, Archie and Mrs. Schultz (who we learned does have a first name lol). Baz has been and keeps on being an amazing friend to Willa who like her seems to be looking for just the right companion of the opposite sex. But at least they can commiserate together when or if they’re neither one successful. I think it’s cool how he reminds Willa of her late brother.

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My Goodreads review:

Curds of Prey by Korina Moss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love a visit to this cute little California town to see what Willa and her friends are up to. Leave it to Willa to have one of the most dysfunctional but important families commission her catering services that ended up having a murder connected with it. Meanwhile, since her sorta-boyfriend Roman was sorta involved-ish, Willa had to sort out her feelings for him and if her future wanted to include him at all.

We met some interesting but suspicious characters, and all the investigating led to a good showdown where Willa did at least have some friends as backup. The Valentine’s Day party had been the reveal for the town pickpocket, so that side mystery was cleared up as well. Instead of sweating whether she had a date or not, Willa just enjoyed some good times with her amazing friends.

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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Primer and Punishment review

February 21, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the fifth book in the House Flipper Mysteries by Diane Kelly, and it’s become my favorite so far. There was a lot going on and tons of secrets people were keeping, so it wasn’t easy to zone in on one suspect. I definitely didn’t guess this one right but I sure enjoyed it a lot! If you’ve followed the series from the beginning like I have, you’re gonna love the ending! Can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

Primer and Punishment: A House-Flipper Mystery by Diane Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This might just be my fave of the series so far with a murder mystery set on a lake and with Whit’s bestie Colette getting married soon. That was a pretty cool flip and a great idea Buck had to buy and rehab an old houseboat. They were definitely lucky Buck had the foresight to ask the neighbor to move his boat out while he grilled, or Whitney and Buck could’ve ended up in the same shape as their neighbor which wasn’t too good!

I was really surprised by the killer since I had someone else in mind. The showdown was exciting and Collin ended up getting his perp. But he’d be sure to tell everyone that Whitney had lots to do with pointing him in the right direction. I liked Dep. Fire Marshal Landreth’s character. She was fair and actually was very open to Whit and Buck as far as accepting info on the case.

The events following the murder solving were just fun and the ending of the book was so darn sweet. Now I really can’t wait for the next book!

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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Against the Currant review

January 24, 2023 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series by Olivia Matthews who’s known for her Sister Lou and Peach Coast Library cozy mysteries. If you want to take a peek at her actual picture and info, her main bio can be found at Patricia Sargeant. Unfortunately, the way the book listing was done on Goodreads, somehow the series name wasn’t included as a link, but Amazon’s showing the second book for this series which comes out in May. Here’s Hard Dough Homicide in its Amazon listing. I’m not an affiliate and this is just the product link.

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My Goodreads review:

Against the Currant: A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery by Olivia Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved meeting Lyndsay and her big, awesome family. Her Granny just cracked me up–she was definitely my fave character! All the characters and descriptions really helped me feel like I was there in that section of Brooklyn even though I’ve never been shopping there. (My only quick Brooklyn experience included eating at Junior’s and seeing the house used for the exterior of Blue Bloods lol). Aside from the mean guy who was dead, most of these people were so amazing in how they protected each other and came together as family/good friends to support Lyndsay.

I was definitely surprised by the whodunit since I had someone else in mind all together. That was a great showdown and I was cheering the whole time as Lyndsay kicked some serious behind. She was more grateful than ever for the kickboxing she’d done since age thirteen. The ending was my favorite type with food, family and friends along with everything being explained completely. I’m eager to see what other kinds of adventures my new book friends come up with in the next book!

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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