Category: Cozy Mystery

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A Case for the Winemaker by Candace Havens

Chapters & lattes

Title: A Case for the Winemaker
Author:Candace Havens
Series: Ainsley McGregor #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Location: Sweet River, Texas
Main Character: Ainsley McGregor
Other Characters: Greg, Shannon, Michael, Jake, Danny, Mrs Whedon, Rick, Kane, Helen, Irma
Pets: Ainsley’s Great Dane George (Clooney)
Stars: 5

This is the first book I have read by this author. but it won’t be the last.

As a proganist, Ainsley is someone I could be friends with. She is kind, devoted, humorous, and independent. George Clooney, her dog, is a fantastic supporting character in this book.
Ainsley McGregor left Chicago to get away from a bad situation that happened. She Needed a fresh start so, she moved to Sweet River, TX where her brother is the sheriff. She is getting ready to open her new business, Bless Your Art, an art shop where independent vendors set up booths to sell their wares. It’s opening day and everyone is so excited and working hard to get their booths ready. Everything is going great, that is until Ainsley takes her dog for a walk and he stumbles upon a dead body in the park. It just so happens that her best friend’s fiancé was seen arguing with the deceased earlier, so he becomes the prime suspect. Ainsley is convinced he couldn’t have committed such a heinous crime, and she is determined to prove it. Could this investigation put Ainsley in jeapardy?

This was a fun and enjoyable read. The characters are interesting and quirky. The author did a fantastic job of confusing the reader by including a number of suspects in the mix in order to hide the true murderer. Together with George the Great Dane, Ainsley and the other eccentric characters will inevitably win your heart. Wine and dogs make the ideal pairing for a captivating mystery. I am already so invested in the characters that I will continue to read the series to see what is next in Sweet River.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Hello Little Girl by Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes

Title: Hello Little Girl
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #10
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Main Character: Taylor, Lydia
Other Characters: Sam, Caleb, Mira Jill, Dom, Martha
Stars: 5

Another great book by Kay Bratt, the 10th edition of Hart’s Ridge does not disappoint.

The protagonist of the book, Taylor, has a loving family and a loving partner in life—everything she could ever want. She struggles to maintain a healthy balance between her personal life and her work as a sheriff’s deputy. She has dealt with an alcoholic father and a mother she believed to be dead, so her family means the world to her. She has taken on the roles of both mother and father for her sisters. She is passionate about her profession as a sheriff deputy and aspires to advance in her position. Is she putting herself in danger while doing this?

We also take a closer look at an earlier case involving a missing person whose disappearance remains unresolved. While her husband, Caleb, makes frantic efforts to locate his wife, Lydia remains in captivity and struggles to survive. She also needs to think about someone else. Is it possible for her to save herself without endangering everyone else? Taylor, who has been leading this case, has been taken off of it since she has been assigned an undercover case. Two additional characters, Jill & Martha, who are crucial to the plot, are also introduced to us.

Since the first book in the series, I have adored it. This is a compelling tale of strong women who will stop at nothing to survive. It’s about defending others while they attempt to preserve themselves, as well as hope, survival, and tenacity. This book captured my attention from the first page on. It’s a page-turner that was difficult for me to put down. The suspenseful tale of confinement, captivity, survival, and doing whatever it takes keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Even though these books are fiction, the author draws inspiration from actual events, which she discusses at the conclusion of the book. Check out her note at the end for information on the actual life events that inspired her.

This series is best read in order as each book builds on the previous one.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Deadly Deception by Tammy L. Grace

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Deadly Deception
  • Author: Tammy L. Grace
  • Series: Cooper Harrington Detective #5
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Main Character: Cooper Harrington
  • Other Characters: Annabelle, Ben, Camille, Charley, Michelle, Victoria, Author, Bridget, Joe, Randy
  • Pets: Coops loyal Golden Retriever Gus
  • Stars: 5

“I’m not always right, but I am never wrong”

Book 5 in the Cooper Harrington Series does not disappoint. I am really enjoying this series. The reason I began reading it in the first place was that it is set in Nashville, TN. It references places I am familiar with, so it’s easy to visualize being there. That’s not far from me, and I visit there often, so I was intrigued.

Cooper and AB are at a secluded estate for a fundraiser gala that features a staged murder mystery. While looking for clues to the staged murder, Coop and AB stumble upon a real murder. The victim is a prominent politician who is currently running for office. The event organizers are concerned that this may damage the gala’s reputation, so they hire Coop to investigate and find the person who could have committed this crime. With the attendants of this gala being politicians and the rich and famous this will not be an easy task.

Until the murderer is found, this book immerses the reader in the political realm and the private lives of the elite through deceit and intrigue. If you are a fan of a great mystery with a lot of suspects, twists & turns and a surprise ending, you will love this series.

Since the first book, I have adored Coop. The reader is captivated by the eccentric characters’ unique characteristics and is eager to learn more about them. And then there’s Coop’s faithful friend Gus! It’s impossible to resist falling in love with the golden retriever.

“IT WAS ME. I LET THE DOGS OUT.”

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery

The Firework Frenzy by Kathi Daley

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: The Firework Frenzy
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: Tess & Tilly #17
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Location: White Eagle, Montana
  • Main Character: Tess
  • Other Characters: Tony, Bree, Mike
  • Pets: Tess & Tony’s Dogs Tilly 2 cats named Tang & Tilly
  • Stars: 5

The Firework Frenzy is the seventeenth book in the Tess & Tilly series. I have loved Tess and Tilly since the very first book. It is hard to not get invested in their characters and see where their life may lead them

The yearly fireworks in White Eagle are almost ready to begin as the Fourth of July draws near. When Tess finds out that the fireworks show will now take place at the little lake close to the wildlife rescue, she becomes upset. She worries about what might happen to the local wildlife as a result. Wilton Arlington, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, is unyielding in her attempts to reason with him. Unfortunately, she was witnessed threatening Mr. Arlington if he didn’t move the fireworks back where they have always been. When Mr. Arlington is killed by a fire at his home caused by fireworks being detonated, Tess becomes the prime suspect. Tess is attempting to establish she is innocent of this crime, assisted by her brother Mike and husband Tony.

Even though they are working on clearing Tess’s name and proving she couldn’t have committed this crime, most of the book is them talking about the 4th of July cookout they are going to have at Tess & Tony’s home on the lake. Tess tries to convince her mother out of inviting Uncle Garrett because, as readers of the rest of the story will know, Uncle Garrett is actually Tess and Mike’s father who is presumed dead.

I love Tess & Tilly and all the characters I have come to know in this series. I enjoy the mystery surrounding Tess & Mike’s dad and we find out more about that in this book. The characters are well thought out and 3 dimensional. The mystery wasn’t hard to figure out, but I still enjoyed the book. You can read the books out of order but I highly recommend reading them in order so you can get to know these characters and fall in love with them as I have.

Happy Reading

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Dead Wrong by Tammy L . Grace

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Dead Wrong
  • Author: Tammy L. Grace
  • Series: Cooper Harrington Detective #3
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Main Character: Cooper
  • Other Characters: AB, Ben, Chandler
  • Pets: Coop’s Golden Retriever Gus
  • Stars: 5

“Don’t blame yourself, let me do it,”

This is the 3rd book in the Cooper Harrington Detective series. I am enjoying this series. I did like the book prior better, but this one is good. I really like Coop and all the T-shirts he wears with funny sayings. It really brings some comic relief. Gus is my favorite, but I am a sucker for a story with a dog.

Coop is contacted by Chandler, a college acquaintance. Chandler’s business partner has been killed under mysterious circumstances and he is the prime suspect. He swears he didn’t do it and he wants Cooper to prove his innocence and find the really killer. With all the evidence pointing to Chandler, this may be a tough one for Coop. Coop wants to believe his friend but as he keeps investigating even he may doubt his innocence.

Turns out there are quite a few suspects but no proof as to who could have done it. It is looking like Chandler has motive and opportunity which doesn’t look good for him. As Coop keeps digging, he undercovers some secrets which leads him in the direction of the killer. This one takes some twists and turns with plenty of surprises to find a killer. Could Coop find out that Chandler really is a killer or does the evidence send him a different direction?

Even though this series could be read out of order, I strongly recommend reading them on order so the reader can really get to know Cooper and the other characters. In each book we are learning more and more about Coop and his family. I really love learning more about the characters and Cooper’s relationship with his aunt. I keep thinking the author is going to write a romance with Coop and AB but there is still a part of me that really likes their friendship and could a romance ruin that. I guess time will tell. I am looking forward to the next book.

“When I die, the dog gets everything”

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Deadly Connection by Tammy L. Grace

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Deadly Connections
  • Author: Tammy L. Grace
  • Series: Detective Cooper Harrington #2
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Main Character: Cooper (Coop) Carrington
  • Other Characters: Annabelle, Ben, Callie, Aunt Camille, Avery, Billy, Sadie, Hildie, Kate
  • Pets: Coop’s Golden Retriever Gus
  • Stars: 5

“Before you give me your best shot, I recommend you read my return policy.”

The Cooper Harrington detective series continues with this book, which is even better than the previous. The reader gets a better understanding of who Cooper is.

Coop becomes concerned that something is amiss when Callie is very late for an appointment. Coop and Annabelle go to Callie’s home to check on her. When she is found murdered, they find themselves navigating a maze of deceptions, cover-ups, and lies in an attempt to find a killer. It’s complex because there are numerous suspects and no clean motive for her murder.

This mystery is the kind that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I found it impossible to put it down, and the mystery—especially the motive—was challenging to unravel. I am enjoying getting to know all the regular characters in the book. Even though, each book is a separate mystery and can be read out of order, I highly recommend reading them in order so you can get to know the characters. I love learning more about Cooper and what makes him tick. Cooper is a superb private investigator who is determined to see the case through to its conclusion. To solve crimes, Coop collaborates closely with the local police detective.

This book will keep the reader guessing all the way to very end. I can’t wait to read book #3.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Killer Music by Tammy L . Grace

Chapters & lattes


Title: Killer MusicAuthor: Tammy L. GraceSeries: Cooper Harrington #1Genre: Cozy MysteryLocation: Nashville, TNMain Character: Cooper HarringtronOther Character: Annabelle (AB), Detective Ben Mason, Grayson Taylor, Emily, Tayler, Abby, AndyPets: Coop’s Golden Retriever named Gus

Stars: 4

Title: Killer Music
Author: Tammy L. Grace
Series: Cooper Harrington #1
Location: Nashville
Main Character: Cooper (Coop) Harrington
Other Charaters: Annabelle (AB), Detective Ben Mason, Grayson Taylor, Emily, Taylor, Abby
Stars: 4

This is my first book by this author and the first in the Cooper Harrington series. What drew me to tot his book is it’s location. It takes place in Nashville, TN and since I live about 3 hours from there, I visit frequently so I loved the idea of a book in a location I am famiia with.

Given that it is set in Nashville, it seems inevitable that the story will center around the music industry, at least in part. Cooper (aka Coop) is a lawyer turned private investigator. He worked with his uncle in his PI firm and when his uncle passed away, Coop took over the business. His new female companion invites him along to an event where some influential figures from the music and politics worlds are present.This really isn’t his thing, but he goes anyway, and in the process, he meets some interesting people including Music Mogul Grayson Taylor. Little did he know the next day, he would be investigating Grayson’s murder. There are not a lot of suspects in this case, since everyone seems to really like Grayson. As they dg deeper into the life of Grayson we find out he does have some secrets. Could these secrets be what got him killed? Since no one has a clear motive, this one is hard to figure out. It is a surprise who holds the key to unlocking this case wide open. Who else might be in danger before they find the killer!!

I like Coop, he is a bit quirky with his crazy T-shirts. He is not much of a suit and tie kinda guy. He is more jeans and T-shirts with crazy sayings type of guy. I especially love his Golden Retriever Gus. Even though I enjoyed this book the characters lacked a bit of depth. I hope the following books dig deeper into Coopers past and we learn more about him and what makes him tick. I also wonder if there will be some romance between him and his assistant Annabelle. This book takes the reader on a ride through the music and political scene of Nashville with secrets, lies & Scandals. Without a lot of suspects, it is a surprise once all the pieces fall together to solve this high-profile murder mystery.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Last Night at the Beach House by Claire Harlow

Chapters & lattes

Title: Last Night at the Beach House
Author: Claire Harlow
Series: Sparrow Haven Cozy Mystery #4
Genre: Cozy Myster
Location: Sparrow Haven
Main Character: Olivia
Other Characters: Detective O’Malley, Millie, Richard, Ethan, April, Nate, Janel, Rose, Karl
Pets: Olivia’s Golden Retriever Barkley & Skye, Richards Bird
Stars: 5

This 4th book in the Sparrow Haven Cozy Mystery series is just as enjoyable as the previous books.

.This episode features Olivia and Millie during a party at Richard Bennett’s Beach House. When Richard is discovered dead, Olivia is sucked into yet another murder mystery. Since practically everyone Richard knows, even his own sister, has a motive to want him dead, there are many potential suspects. Could Olivia be putting herself in danger as she and Detective O’Malley sift through clues of dishonesty, manipulation, and jealousy in order to identify the culprit

Olivia is a great protagonist. She is someone I could be friends with. I love the bond she has with Detective O’Malley and the way he calls her kiddo. It’s like he looks at her like a daughter. If you love a small-town Cozy mystery with a surprise ending, you are going to love this series. Read the books in order so you can come to love the characters as I do.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder between the Pages by Cassidy Harlow

Chapters & lattes

Title: Murder between the Pages
Author: Cassidy Harlow
Series: A Captivating Tea Shop Cozy Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy: Mystery
Location: Willow Haven, Indiana
Main Character: Emily
Other Characters: Jane, Susan Oliver, Lilly, Detective Carter, Adam, Lean, Casey
Pets: Sophie (Lilly’s Cat)
Stars: 5

This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed this book and getting to know these characters.

Emily, the story’s antagonist, is interesting and multifaceted despite her love obsession with tea. Well since she is the owner of a tea shop, I suppose it is justified. Emily is an avid reader, so she is thrilled about the Writers Haven book festival, which takes place over the weekend. Oliver Blackwood, one of her favorite authors, will be the event’s keynote speaker, which excites her even more. The festivities don’t quite go as planned when the famous author turns up dead. Emily teams up with the new detective in town to try to find a killer. Emily begins to think that the author’s books have the answers to this murder.

A journey with lies, deceit, jealousy, and revenge culminate in a shocking revelation when the murderer is exposed. The reader will be intrigued and kept guessing till the very conclusion of this well-written novel.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Dying to Dance (Cha-Cha-Ahhh) by Marcy Blesy

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Dying to Dance
  • Author: Marcy Blesy
  • Series: A Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy Mystery #5
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Tuscon Valley
  • Main Character: Rosy,
  • Other Characters: Keaton, Stacy, Renee, Richard, Karen, Frank, Brenda, George, Amos, Jan, Alan, Officer Lona, Officr Dan, Zak, Lanie, Safia, Waylon, Mario, Celia, Lois, Tracy, Leo, Bob
  • Pets: Dog name Barley
  • Stars: 5

The residents’ shenanigans in this fifth episode of The Tuscon Valley Retirement Center will make you laugh out loud.

Everyone in the retirement community is giddy with anticipation as Rosi and Tracy prepare for a dance competition that will give residents the chance to perform alongside professional dancers. When the professional dancers arrive in the community, the locals are selected and matched with a dancer. Everything was going great until—you guessed it—an unexpected crime occurred. There’s always a mystery to solve when Rosy is around, and she has to apply her sleuthing skills to solve it. Will Rosy once again put herself in danger to find the culprit?

This book is funny and features an eccentric group of characters. Rosy is a fantastic protagonist and I am excited to see where her and Keaton’s relationship goes. I love Rosi’s parents and her relationship with them. You will be guessing until the very last page as the author skillfully crafts a compelling mystery.

Happy Reading!