Category: Cozy Mystery

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank

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Title: Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #1
Location:
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Joe, Violet, Betty, Daniel, Deanna, Suzanne, Agnes
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 4

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank was a fun and easy read. It seems strange to say ‘fun’ when there is a murder, but it was definitely a fun read. I loved the small-town Southern atmosphere and the blend of mystery with just the right amount of slow-burn romance to keep things engaging. Rose is an interesting main character, with all her naivete, and I enjoyed following her journey as she navigates her life while unexpectedly becoming the main suspect in a murder investigation.

Rose is a naïve twenty-four-year-old who has never truly lived and lacks understanding of life. By this age, most young women have experienced various aspects of adulthood, but Rose has been sheltered by her mother, preventing her from fully engaging with the world. One day, while at work at the DMV, she has a vision of herself dead. She is known to have visions, but this is the first one she has had of herself. This troubles her, but when her mother is the one who is found murdered, Rose becomes the prime suspect in the investigation. After discovering her mother’s lifeless body, she is desperate for help and turns to her neighbor, Joe, whom she has never met until now. But can Joe be trusted, or does he have secrets of his own?

Rose fears ending up in prison or dead, so she creates a list on the back of a Walmart receipt detailing twenty-eight things she has never experienced but wants to do before her vision becomes a reality. When she reaches number twenty-nine, she struggles to think of what to write in that space. As she works on her list, Joe is more than happy to help her complete it, except for number fifteen.

I really enjoyed this book; it was a light, easy read. Although parts of it were predictable, it still featured a surprise ending that I didn’t see coming. I really liked the characters Rose and Joe and their slow-burn romance. I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes in future books.

Overall, this cozy and entertaining mystery is filled with charm and heart. It’s the perfect book for when you want something light and enjoyable. I appreciated the surprise ending, which I didn’t see coming—it always enhances the story. Plus, it features a dog, which, in my opinion, adds to the story. I will definitely continue reading the series.

If you have read this series, please share your opinions in the comments.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Deadly Secret by Tammy L. Grace

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Title: Deadly Secret
Author: Tammy L Grace
Series: Cooper Harrington #7
Location: Washington DC
Main Character: Cooper Harrington, AB
Other Characters: Brooke, Tonya, S enator Beaumont, Mason, Savannah, Suzanne,
Charlotte, Grandma Adelaide, Mirian Thorne, Grandma Adelaide, Aunt Camille, Wyatt, Charlie, Kyle, Wyatt, Aiden, Nathan, Landon, Marlene, Sam
Pets: Coop’s Golden Retriever Gus
Rating: 5

I really loved Deadly Secret by Tammy L. Grace, the seventh installment in the Cooper Harrington Series. I’ve loved this series since the very first book and have become deeply invested in the characters. As with the previous books, this one captured my attention from beginning to end, and I found myself genuinely engaged in both the mystery and the characters’ journeys.

This book follows Cooper as he travels from Nashville to Washington, D.C., to investigate the murder of a young woman. Brooke, the granddaughter of a family friend of Cooper’s aunt, had gone to Washington, D.C., to intern for a Tennessee senator at the Capitol. When she is murdered, the police dismiss it as a mugging. However, Brooke’s family believes there is more to the story and has hired Cooper to uncover the truth behind the death of their daughter and granddaughter.

Coop is a strong lead character. I loved his determination to solve the case, even when it became complicated and messy. His persistence makes him a character you can’t help but root for. I also love AB. She adds depth to the story. Their dynamic was engaging and helped maintain a steady pace throughout.

I love a great story with a compelling family dynamic, and this series checks all the boxes—except for Coop’s mother! She is a total mess, but Coop is managing her. His relationships with his aunt and dad are amazing. He and his associate Abigail (AB for short) have a great connection. I keep hoping for a romance to develop there, but time will tell in future books.

This book is an engaging and well-crafted read, with strong characters, solid suspense, and emotional depth that keep readers captivated. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys mysteries filled with characters you can’t help but be invested in, along with a touch of humor. Coop is known for his T-shirts featuring funny sayings, which I love. AB is always there to keep him in line. Plus, who doesn’t love a story that includes a dog? Gus, Coop’s Golden Retriever, is a great addition to the story.

While this book can be read as a standalone, I suggest starting the series from the beginning to know the characters and fall in love with them, just as I have.

If you have read this series, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Echoes of Her by Denise Grover Swanks

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Author: Denise Grover Swanks
Title: Echoes of Her
Series: Maddie Baker Mystery #3
Location: Cockamamie, TN
Main Character: Maddie Baker
Other Characters: Noah, Aunt Diedra, Mallory, Joe, Neil, George, Dawn, Rebecca, Annamarie, Gina
Rating: 5


Hello, Book Lovers, and Happy New Year! I had a wonderful New Year’s Eve, and I hope you did too. This is my first review of the year, and I couldn’t wait to share it. I finished this book recently, and it truly kept me engaged—it was definitely a “hard to put down” read!

I really had a hard time putting this book down, often reading late into the night when I should have been sleeping. From the moment I stepped into Maddie’s world, I was hooked. The author has a way of pulling the reader with emotion, suspense, and just a touch of romance, creating a story that will keep you reading till way past bedtime.

If you’ve read the first two books, you’re aware that Maddie’s mother was murdered when she was a child, and the case was never solved. Maddie is determined to uncover the truth about her mother’s death—a cold case that feels both impossibly tangled and personal. What captivated me most was Maddie’s relentless pursuit of justice. She just keeps pushing as she untangles secrets, which gets her closer to the truth. Could getting closer to the truth put Maddie in jeopardy, or is it best that it all stays buried? This is the type of mystery that stays with you long after the final reveal.

This book is captivating, emotional, and very hard to put down. If you enjoy mysteries with a lot of heart, strong characters, and a hint of romance, this series is for you.  I recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate Maddie and Noah’s journey and watch their relationship develop. Although this is the final installment of this series, which makes me sad, I am still holding out hope for the chance to revisit Maddie, Noah, and the other beloved characters in the future.

If you have read this series, please share your opinions in the comments.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday

Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits by Greta Sinclair

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Title: Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits
Author: Greta Sinclair
Series: Hattie & Moose #5
Location: Nashville, TN
Main Character: Hattie
Other Characters: Gracie, Tim, Hudson, Jack, Rose, Alex, Winter
Pets: a Chow named Moose , Yorkie named Minnie Pearl & Cecil the cat
Rating: 4

Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits is a such a fun read leading up to the holidays! I enjoyed the small-town atmosphere, the warm friendships, and the intriguing mystery that kept me guessing. The pacing was well written with just the right amount of suspense to keep things engaging.

Hattie is thrilled about her blossoming romance with Detective Bo and is looking forward to a double date with her best friend Gracie and Gracie’s boyfriend, Tim. They anticipate a quiet evening at the distillery, but their plans take a shocking turn when a dead body is discovered in a bourbon barrel. The victim, Quinn, is a woman who had been missing for years, with everyone believing she had simply left town. Hattie feels compelled to get involved in solving this cold case. How did Quinn end up at the bottom of a bourbon barrel? This question propels Hattie and Detective Bo into an investigation filled with unexpected secrets.

I really enjoyed the mystery and the investigation process, as well as the blossoming romance between Hattie and Bo. The only aspect that occasionally disrupted my immersion in the story was the portrayal of the animals. I love animals, especially dogs, but there were several instances where Hattie’s two dogs, Moose and Minie Pearl, along with her cat, Cecil, seemed to engage in their own conversations. This felt somewhat unrealistic and didn’t quite fit the story. While it didn’t ruin the book for me, it did momentarily pull me out of the mystery.

If you enjoy a captivating whodunit filled with twists and turns as you seek out the killer, along with a fun protagonist, a hint of romance, quirky characters, and entertaining pets, then you will definitely love this series.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Tell Me Why by Kay Bratt

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Title: Tell Me Why
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #14
Location: Hart’s Ridge, GA
Main Character: Taylor, Shane, Tula
Other Characters: Anna, Jo, Cate, Lucy, Deputy Penner, Cecil, Earl, Sheriff Dawkins, Lana, Helene, Waylon, Lorine, Dixie, Curtis
Rating: 5

This is the 14th book in the Hart’s Ridge series. You might expect the story to become stale after so many installments, but Kay Bratt has a remarkable talent for introducing new ideas that keep the narrative fresh and engaging. Tell Me Why is a story that lingers in your mind long after you finish reading. From the very first chapter, I was immersed in a world of resilience, love, and the quiet strength of women who refuse to be defined by their hardships.

A burned car with a body inside is discovered on the outskirts of town, prompting former cop turned private investigator Taylor Gray to investigation. When it becomes clear that the victim is a close family friend, Taylor is determined to uncover the truth and identify those responsible. As she joins forces with her former partner Shane, their investigation leads them through a thrilling series of twists and turns, culminating in a surprise ending that ties all the pieces together.

Tell Me Why is a rare story that resonates deeply and stays with you. Kay Bratt portrays emotions with remarkable honesty, allowing readers to connect with the characters almost instantly. I embraced their flaws and became fully invested in their journeys.

If you enjoy a story featuring a strong female lead, a complicated family dynamic where members prioritize each other, and an engaging mystery filled with twists and turns leading up to a thrilling climax, you will love this series. I recommend reading the series in order so you can really get to know the Gray family with the other recurring characters.

If you have read any of the books in this series, please share your thoughts.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Rest in Peas by Ashley Albi

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Title: Rest in Peas
Author: Ashley Albi
Series: Scarlet James Cozy Mystery #3
Location: Spirit Lake, Iowa
Main Character: Scarlet James
Other Characters: Bree, Della, Ellie, Samuel, Lucas, Gabe, Zoey, Maggie, Tucker, Hudson, Maggie
Pets: Bentley – Della’s Beagle
Rating: 5

Rest in Peas is an engaging, twist-filled journey that I had trouble putting down. Scarlet James is the heart of the story; she genuinely cares for others, and her unwavering determination to solve the crime is inspiring.

Scarlet moved back to her hometown to take care of her grandmother and help out at Fireside Books & Cafe, little did she know she would end up staying.  Since she has moved back, finding dead bodies just seems to follow her. In this third installment she has stumbled upon yet another dead body. When her best friend appears to be the prime suspect,  Scarlet dives in headfirst, allowing readers to experience her courage and moments of doubt. 

This book takes the reader on twists and turns as Scarlett begins to piece together the clues to uncover the truth. The plot unfolds with clever twists that kept me guessing right up until the final pages. Will Scarlett put herself in jeopardy as she gets closer to the truth?

If you enjoy a cozy small-town mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, featuring a lovable protagonist you’d want as your best friend and a hint of romance, this series is for you. I recommend starting with the first book of the series  to get to know the characters.

There is also a subplot involving Scarlett and a cold case. I look forward to continuing the series to see how this cold case develops and what other mysteries Scarlett will encounter..

Having loved the first two books in the Scarlet James series, I was thrilled when the author reached out to ask if I would like to read and review the latest installment. I eagerly accepted the opportunity, as I thoroughly enjoyed Scarlet’s previous adventures. This opinion is entirely my own and was shared willingly.

If you’ve read this series, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Fiddling with Murder by Greta Sinclair

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Author: Greta Sinclair
Title: Fiddling with Murder
Series: Hattie & Moose #2
Location: Nashville, TN
Main Characters: Hattie, Gacie & Bo
Other Characters: Della Mae, Rachel, Dallas Raines, Wendell, Leslie, Loretta, Mick
Pets: Moose, the Chow Chow, and Cecil, the cat. & Mini Pearl, the Yorkie
Rating: 4

I just finished Fiddling with Murder, and I found it very enjoyable. I’m naturally drawn to anything set in Nashville or connected to the music world, so the premise immediately grabbed my attention. However, what truly made this story stand out for me was Hattie Leiper and her wonderfully chaotic crime-solving team, which includes Moose, the grumpy Chow Chow, and Cecil, the overly confident cat. Along with Mini Pearl, the Yorkie she adopted, they brought so much personality and warmth to the narrative. I enjoyed Hattie and Moose from the very first book. Anything with pets, especially dogs, always catches my attention.

The mystery is highly engaging. I especially appreciated the blend of old Music Row secrets, missing musicians, and the fiddle that belonged to a music star who disappeared years ago, which mysteriously appears at Hattie’s door. This combination created a nostalgic yet haunting atmosphere that beautifully enhanced the story. The pacing was mostly solid, making it difficult to resist the temptation to read “just one more chapter.

I enjoy the chemistry between Hattie and Detective Bo. Their connection unfolds slowly and subtly—more like a gentle simmer than a prominent romantic subplot. This added a nice touch of heart to the story without distracting from the mystery.

The reason this received four stars instead of five is that there were a few moments where I wished the plot had explored deeper. Some clues were resolved quicker than I anticipated, and I sometimes felt the need for more tension or a longer examination of certain suspects. This isn’t a dealbreaker—it’s just my desire for a bit more depth, especially since the setup was so strong.

Overall, this is a genuinely enjoyable cozy mystery featuring a great atmosphere and a fun cast of characters. If you love mysteries infused with Southern charm, musical backdrops, and a heroine you’d want to share a cup of coffee with, be sure to add this one to your reading list.

I will definitely continue the series—mainly because I need more Moose in my life.

If you’ve read this series, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Act Like you’re murdered by Daisy Belle

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Title: Act Like You’re Murdered
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Sammy Brooks #4
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Main Character: Sammy, Jax, Emily
Other Characters: Emily, Toria, Ben, Sherrif Donovan, Maude, Arthur, Mrs. Finch, Mr Finch, Mrs. Gable, Brayden, Trevor, Brenda, Detective Summers, Gary, Penelope, Marge, Sarah, Jessie
Pets: Cinnamon, Sammy’s Golden Retriever
Rating: 4

I have enjoyed Sammy Brooks’s since the very first book, and this one was no exception. I was captivated from the start—the premise was clever, the writing was sharp, and the main character drew me in completely. However, around the middle, the story began to feel a bit crowded. New characters kept appearing, which made it difficult for me to remember who was who, pulling me out of the whodunnit.

The scenario unfolds as a movie crew arrives in Bar Harbor, only for the high school bully to be found dead during her final scene. When Sammy’s best friend becomes the prime suspect, she must take action to clear her name. This sparks chaos, introduces a host of other suspects, and brings into the spotlight a golden retriever named Cinnamon, who certainly deserves her own spin-off series. I loved the small-town charm and how Sammy navigates the mystery with both heart and comical blunders. It’s like watching your best friend to attempt to solve a murder while balancing a latte, a planner, and a dog that sniffs out clues better than the sheriff. (Honestly, Cinnamon should run for office.)

It’s not quite a five-star for me—there were a couple slow patches—but overall, it was still an entertaining mystery with plenty of attitude and a few twists I didn’t see coming. If you like your mysteries with a side of coffee and a dash of sass, You will enjoy this book. You can never go wrong with a dog as one of the main characters—it’s always my favorite!

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery

A Wisteria Manor Murder by Lilly Gibbs

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Title: A Wisteria Manor Murder
Author: Lilly Gibbs
Series: A Lila Lawson Cozy Mystery
Main Character: Lila
Other Characters: Edgar, Agnes, Detective Harper, Douglas, Clementine, Thonas, Langston, Tobias, Mae, Annabell, Vincent, EleanoR
Pets: Lila’s Collie Ella
Rating: 3-1/2

“A murder, an inheritance, and a big ol’ manor full of secrets? That’s enough to spoil anyone’s week!”

I truly wanted to love A Wisteria Manor Murder. The setting was beautifully depicted, and the author’s writing style was smooth and easy to follow. The atmosphere of the old manor and the charm of the small town were definite highlights. I particularly liked Lila’s Collie, Ella.

That said, the story a bit too slow for my taste, and I found myself anticipating a big twist that never materialized. The mystery felt straightforward, lacking the suspense and surprise I was hoping for. I felt it dragged on longer than necessary, and there were moments when it seemed excessive.

Overall, it’s a enjoyable cozy read, featuring vivid descriptions and likable characters. However, it didn’t captivate me as much as I had hoped for a murder mystery. That said, I admire the author’s talent for crafting atmosphere and tone, and I look forward to seeing how her writing develops in future books.

“Legacy is not a choice. It is a calling.”

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Now & Then by Kay Bratt

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Title: Now & Then
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #13
Location: Indiana & Hart’s Ridge
Main Character: Taylor, Sam, Anna
Other Characters: Janelle, Clem, Ed, Julie, Shelly, Thatcher, Jack, Rosana, Vernelle, Kelsey, Pete
Rating: 5

I have loved this series and its characters since the very first book, and this episode is no exception. Now and Then is the 13th installment of the Hart’s Ridge series.

This book swept me back into the world of Hart’s Ridge with the emotional depth I’ve come to expect from Kay Bratt. Taylor’s transition into private investigations felt seamless, and her pursuit of justice in a long-buried case was compelling and intricately layered. The pacing kept me engaged without feeling rushed, and I appreciated the gradual unveiling of twists that were both surprising and well-earned.

Janelle is Sam’s aunt, and her husband was convicted of murder ten years ago. She is convinced of his innocence and believes he did not commit this heinous crime. Recently, Sam and his wife Taylor have launched their private investigation business, and Janelle seeks their help to prove her husband’s innocence and uncover the real killer. The story takes several twists and turns as they work to determine whether Clem truly committed the crime.

In a subplot, we revisit Taylor’s sister, Anna. Since her divorce, Anna has faced numerous challenges and has worked diligently to rebuild her life for herself and her children. Her storyline adds tension and emotional depth to the narrative. Her determination to clear her name amid complicated accusations—especially those tied to her ex-husband’s powerful family—is compelling. I admire her resilience and the quiet strength she consistently demonstrates.

Kay Bratt excels at creating compelling female leads who balance vulnerability with determination. I appreciate the recurring family themes, emphasizing that even in difficult times, family always comes first and stays united. I couldn’t put this book down and stayed up late to finish it.

This book reminded me why I keep returning to this series: its emotional depth, compelling storytelling, and unwavering sense of justice. I highly recommend this installment to anyone who enjoys a mystery with heart.

Although this series can be read in out of order, I highly recommend beginning with book one so you can get to know the characters and their backstories.

Anyone who enjoys a compelling mystery featuring a strong female lead, brimming with heart and determination, will love this series.

Most of Ms. Bratt’s stories are inspired by real-life events, so be sure to read the end to discover the true experiences that this book is based on.

Happy Reading!