Category: Cozy Mystery

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder, Music & Mischief by Greta Sinclair

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Title: Murder, Music & Mischief
Author: Greta Sinclair
Series: Hattie & Moose Cozy Mystery
Location: Nashville, TN
Main Character: Hattie
Other Characters: Gracie, Ruby Dean, Detective Bo, Velma, Lyle, Toby, Nico, Xavier, Laney
Pets: Moose the Chow, Cecil the Cat & a Yorkie named Minnie Pearl
Rating: 5

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it certainly won’t be the last. I chose it because it is set in Nashville, Tennessee, a city I know well.

This book is a charming cozy mystery that surpassed my expectations! From the very first page, I was drawn in by the Nashville setting, the quirky and lovable characters, and a plot that kept me guessing until the end. Sinclair’s writing is witty and engaging, perfectly balancing humor, suspense, and just the right amount of mischief.

Hattie, a private investigator in Nashville, lives above a country bar called The Crooked Note. One night, she and her friend Gracie go to hear their favorite country artist perform, but the evening takes a deadly turn. As soon as Ruby Dean steps up to the microphone, she collapses and dies. The autopsy reveals that she was poisoned, making Gracie the prime suspect. Determined to clear her friend’s name, Hattie teams up with the local detective to uncover the truth behind Ruby’s murder and discover who would want to kill the country star.

This book offered all the elements I love in a cozy mystery: engaging characters, a fun protagonist, a charming detective, a loyal best friend, a touch of humor, a hint of romance, a captivating mystery that keeps readers guessing, and, of course, pets. I especially adored Moose, the dog, as I always enjoy when a canine character is included in the story.

If you enjoy clever whodunits filled with humor and heart, along with witty pets, you’ll love Murder, Music & Mischief. I can’t wait to read more from Greta Sinclair!

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A Final Brush With Murder by Daisy Belle

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Title: A Final Brush With Murder
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Peak’s Point Cozy Mystery Club
Location: Peak’s Point
Main Character: Fiona
Other Characters: Ursula, Brenda, Iris, Sherrif Jack, Nathaniel, Harold, Tom, Martha, Eliza, Martin, Cooper
Pets: Pip & Watson
Rating: 4

“If it’s in cursive and tied with ribbon, it’s probably important.”

Daisy Belle offers another delightful installment in her Peak’s Point Cozy Mystery Club series with A Final Brush with Murder. In this second book, readers are immersed in a quaint town filled with secrets, intriguing clues, and a heartfelt heroine determined to uncover the truth.

Fiona’s latest sleuthing adventure blends quaint charm with keen intuition. When she joins a new calligraphy class and her instructor is found dead, Fiona—accompanied by her loyal dogs Watson and Pip—must navigate yarn-themed clues, cryptic notes, and gossip-laden suspects to unravel the latest murder mystery in Peak’s Point.

The author captures the charm of small-town life, featuring quirky residents and a slow-burning romance with Sheriff Jack. Although some twists felt predictable and the pacing lagged in the middle, the emotional warmth and playful tone more than compensate for these flaws. I particularly enjoyed the dog’s antics, especially those of Pip. For me, dogs always enhance the enjoyment of a cozy mystery.

If you love slow-burn, small-town cozy mysteries that feature crafting, loyal dogs, friendships, and a resourceful heroine who knits her way to the truth, then you’ll enjoy this series.

“The answer lies where the past crumbles into ash, where the old meets the discarded.”

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Murder Served Cold by Daisy Belle

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Title: Murder Served Cold
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Chloe Lane Cozy Myster
Location: Bramble Dale
Main Character: Chloe Lane
Other Characters: Rosie, Aiden, Greg, Detective Daniels, Detective Owens, Officer Wu, Brooklyn, Miranda, Tessa, Leo, Dani, Nadia, Olivia, Chief Kim, Benji, Luisa
Pets: Peanut, Chloe’s faithful Labrador Retriever
Rating: 5

I have loved this series since the very first book, and “Murder Served Cold” is no exception. The mix of cooking competition drama and murder mystery creates a captivating blend of “Bake Off” and amateur sleuthing, drawing me in from the very first page.

Rosie is both excited and a bit nervous about entering the baking competition. Imagine her surprise when the judge tastes her dish and suddenly collapses dead! Naturally, Rosie becomes the main suspect. Will her boyfriend, Detective Daniels, along with the help of Chloe and her loyal Labrador, Peanut, be able to prove her innocence?

Chloe Lane is the perfect protagonist: intelligent, witty, and unafraid to plunge into trouble when her best friend is named the prime suspect in a suspicious death. And who doesn’t love a dog at the heart of a mystery? Peanut, her loyal Labrador, has more personality than most of the contestants in that kitchen!

I love the small-town vibe of Bramble Dale. The suspects were intriguing enough to keep me guessing, and I particularly enjoyed the friendships and the lengths to which the characters would go to protect one another. The pacing was steady, and I appreciated how all the elements came together seamlessly without feeling forced. The story delivers a well-balanced blend of mystery, friendship, and a dash of humor.

I recommend this book if you enjoy cozy mysteries filled with quirky characters and a dash of culinary chaos. I can’t wait to see what adventures Chloe and Peanut embark on next!

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, DNF, Fiction

Delicious & Suspicious by Riley Adams

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Title: Delicious & Suspicios
Author: Riley Author
Series: Memphis BBQ Mystery
Location: Memphis, TN (My hometown)
Rating: 2

I am attempting something that I never do: writing a review of a book I couldn’t finish. I had hoped to enjoy it, but despite my efforts, I found it impossible to do so.

Since this book is set in my hometown, I picked up Delicious and Suspicious in hopes of finding a cozy mystery that would reflect the essence of the Memphis I grew up in. However, The pacing was slow, and the story lacked a smooth flow, making it difficult to stay engaged. While the setting evoked a nostalgic version of Memphis—possibly reminiscent of the 60s or 70s—it did not accurately reflect the city I know today. Memphis has evolved and is no longer the same city I grew up in, and that complexity was absent from the narrative.

I found myself frequently flipping back through the pages, struggling to remember who each character was. There were so many that I felt I needed a character guide just to keep track.

It was disheartening to feel so disconnected from a city that I expected to resonate with me. Sometimes a book just doesn’t connect, and this one lacked the charm and intrigue I had hoped for.

I made a strong effort to enjoy this book and continued reading in hopes that it would improve. However, I ultimately couldn’t finish it, as it failed to engage me or offer enough charm to keep my interest.

If you have read this book, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

The Judge’s Murder by Amy Muir

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Title: The Judge’s MurderAuthor: Amy Muir
Series: A Bayview Bookstore Cozy Mystery #2
Location: Bayview
Main Character: Andrea
Other Characters: Wes, Els, Kenny, Joe,Margaret, Judge Stanholt,Mary Stanholt, Mrs Finch, Paul
Pets: Bob the Parrot
Rating: 4

The Judge’s Murder is the second installment of the Bayview Bookstore series and it is the first book I have read by this author. Amy Muir delivers a delightful cozy mystery filled with twists, quirky characters, and a protagonist you will love and her Psychic Parrot, Bob, adds some humor to the story.

The Judge’s Murder is the second installment of the Bayview Bookstore series and my first book by this author. Amy Muir crafts a charming cozy mystery packed with twists, quirky characters, and a lovable protagonist. Her Psychic Parrot, Bob, brings an added touch of humor to the narrative.

I have never come across a book that includes a parrot in its narrative, so I found Bob to be a delightful addition. Bob is Andrea’s psychic parrot with a caffeine habit, offering both comic relief and unexpected wisdom. His quirky antics help ease the tension just when the plot starts to get murky.

I rated this book a four because, although the mystery is engaging, some clues seem rushed in the final reveal, leaving the ending feeling somewhat flat.

Overall I found this book to be an engaging, lighthearted mystery filled with heart and humor. Fans of small-town sleuths, bookstore charm, and feathered sidekicks will find this installment worth reading.

*** Disclaimer: This post includes links to Amazon; however, I am not a member of the Amazon affiliate program and do not earn any commission. I simply want to share the books I review with you.***

Happy Reading

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A Greenhouse Murder by Lilly Gibbs

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Title: A Greenhouse Murder
Author: Lilly Gibbs
Location: Willowbrook
Main Character: Lila, Detective Harper
Other Characters: Sarah,  Gerald Fitch, Caleb Fitch,  Jack Harper, Maxwell Stone, Margaret
Fielding,Vivial
Pets: Ella
Rating: 4

“Once More, the truth lies where the willow weeps, hidden by time and broken promises.”

Lilly Gibbs presents an engaging cozy mystery in A Greenhouse Murder, skillfully intertwining small-town secrets, unexpected betrayals, and a compelling sleuth to root for.

Journalist Lila Lawson plans a getaway to her friend Sarah’s B&B, which Sarah has just inherited from her aunt. Expecting a quiet retreat and much-needed girl time, Lila’s plans take a turn when they discover a dead body in the greenhouse, with Sarah becoming a suspect. This unexpected twist places Lila right in the middle of the investigation.

Lila is a compelling protagonist, but it’s her dog, Ella, who truly steals the show. The story guides readers through unexpected twists and turns as it unravels town secrets to reveal a killer. Despite being a short story, it offers a wealth of information without feeling rushed or overwhelming, making for a quick and engaging read.

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Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

The Ex Wives Club by Sally Hepworth

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Title: The Ex Wives Club
Author: Sally Hepworth
Series: The Alibis collection #2
Main Character: Anita, MJ, Rosie
Other Characters: Ian, Daisy, Max
Rating: 4

The Ex-Wives Club is an engaging novella that blends murder, mischief, and martinis into a captivating story. The premise is irresistible: three ex-wives of the same man gather at his restaurant every Friday night, until he is found dead in the freezer. What ensues is a rapid unraveling of secrets.

I enjoyed the premise of three women from different generations, all ex-wives of the same man. Each woman is full of personality, and the dynamics between them are both intriguing and humorous. The story employs alternating perspectives and clever interview snippets, which keep the pace engaging.

The only reason this didn’t receive a full five stars is that I craved more depth. The ending felt unsatisfactory, and I was hoping for a more rewarding resolution. While the story had a fantastic premise full of potential, I felt the conclusion ultimately fell flat.

Happy Reading!

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Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Misty Blue Malice by Emily Oberton

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Title: Misty Blue Malice
Author: Emily Oberton
Series: Hadley Home Designs #6
Location: Darlington Hills
Main Character: Hadley
Other Characters: Dennis, Aunt deb, Roy, Brady, Jana, Garth, Michael, Akari, Martha, Bernie, Fiona, Vivian
Rating: 5

Emily Oberton has done it again with Misty Blue Malice, the sixth installment in the Hadley Home Design Cozy Mystery series. This five-star cozy mystery skillfully combines intrigue, small-town charm, and a touch of romance, captivating readers from start to finish with its expertly crafted plot and compelling characters.

Hadley Sutton, an interior designer turned amateur sleuth, is busy preparing for her aunt Deb’s wedding at Ladyvale Manor when a shocking poisoning at a pre-wedding celebration disrupts the festivities. Discovering that the poisoned wine glass was meant for someone else complicates the situation further. As she investigates the mystery, she begins to uncover a connection between this poisoning and her uncle’s mysterious drowning five years earlier.

What I enjoy most about this author is her ability to craft a story filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end. Just when I think I’ve figured it out, she introduces another twist that leaves me guessing again.

Misty Blue Malice is a must-read! If you love unpredictable plots filled with a captivating whodunit, hidden town secrets, a determined sleuth and a touch of romance, this book will keep you entertained and guessing until the very end.

This book can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading it in order. Doing so will help you become familiar with the recurring characters and allow you to fall in love with them, just as I have. I am already looking forward to the next book.

I received this book as a member of the ARC team, and this review reflects my personal opinion.

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Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Every Little Thing by Kay Bratt

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Title: Every Little Thing
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #12
Location: Cabo San Luca, Mexico & Hart’s Ridge
Main Character: Taylor, Lucy
Other Characters: Sam, Cate, Ellis, Gia, Madison, Brady
Rating: 4 stars

Every Little Thing is the twelfth installment in the Hart’s Ridge Series, which I have thoroughly enjoyed since the first book. This episode offers a captivating mix of suspense and emotional drama, making it an engaging read. However, although it contains strong moments, some elements could have been even more impactful.

In this book, we alternate between Taylor’s story of a kidnapping in Mexico and Lucy’s journey of self-discovery.

Taylor’s investigation in Mexico stands out as one of the book’s highlights, filled with intrigue and tension as she seeks to unravel the mystery of the missing bride and her friend. However, the resolution of the kidnapping storyline lacks impact. A more intense climax, featuring unexpected twists—such as a shocking revelation or a high-stakes rescue—could have heightened the suspense and provided a more gripping conclusion.

Lucy’s personal journey, while meaningful, did not engage me as much as the rest of the book. At times, her storyline felt disconnected, and its pacing didn’t align with the urgency of the central plot. A stronger link between her narrative and the primary mystery could have made her arc more compelling, but as it stood, I found myself less interested in Lucy’s story.

Despite these elements, Bratt’s storytelling and character development remain strong, making the novel a valuable addition to the Hart’s Ridge series. It is an engaging read with emotional depth. While some moments could have been more impactful, it still earns a solid four.

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Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Unforseenl Murder by Daisy Belle

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Title: An Unforeseen Murder
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Sammy Brook’s Cozy Mystery
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Main Character: Sammy Brooks
Other Characters: Emily Jax, Edwina, Gertie, Sabastian, Jasper, Bobby, Wade, Sherrif Donovan, Poppy, Pete, Maude, Dylan, Agatha
Pets: a Golden Retriever named Cinnamon
Rating: 5

“Beware the twister of wills and words.”

An Unforeseen Murder skillfully combines intrigue, charm, and unforgettable characters. From the first page, Daisy Belle captivates readers with a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Her vivid and engaging storytelling creates a cozy yet suspenseful atmosphere, making it ideal for fans of classic whodunits.

When she arrives and waits for the housekeeper, Gertie, to fetch Ervina, she suddenly hears a scream. Rushing to find out what happened, she discovers Ervina lying on the ground, dead after having fallen through a barrier. While the sheriff deems it an unfortunate accident, Sammy believes a more thorough investigation is necessary. Sammy, along with her friends Emily and Jax, and her loyal Golden Retriever companion, Cinnamon, embarks on their own investigation.

This book is a true gem for fans of cozy mysteries. It’s clever, with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Heartwarming and thoroughly satisfying, I couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a captivating read filled with lighthearted humor and suspense.

I received this book as a member of the ARC team, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

Happy Reading!