Cozy Review: Buried to the Brim

* Book 6 in the Hat Shop Mystery Series * 

Scarlett and the gang are back! Harrison's aunt comes into the hat shop looking for a way to make her corgi stand out in the Pets and Wellness Society's annual dog show. Aunt Betty and Freddy have been previously been the runner's up. But this year they are determined to be the winners. Aunt Betty wants matching hats for her and her dog.

But Aunt Betty gets into trouble with the society when she announces that the dog food supplied by the sponsor made her dog sick and it's contaminated. Her paperwork goes missing and Scarlett's forced to step in as the Freddy's handler.

When Freddy discovers the sponsor dead on the course, Aunt Betty's the prime suspect. Scarlett and her friends are determined to uncover the truth and clear Aunt Betty.

My Thoughts: I was so happy to hear about this newest installment of the Hat Shop Mysteries! I love this series. And this book was super cute. I loved the dog show and reading about all the cute dogs. I loved reading about my favorite characters, especially Harrison and Scarlett after their engagement. I would be happy reading more in this series (including a wedding story!)

Cover Thoughts: Charming as always
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: This cozy series is an excellent addition to the library's mystery section.

Cozy Review: Assault and Beret

 * Book 5 in the Hat Shop Mystery series *

While Vivian teaches a hat making workshop in Paris, Scarlett noses around trying to find her cousins husband. Vivian plans on having her marriage annulled, Scarlett is only too happy to help locate William. When she finds him, she hears his side of the story. Struck by the romance of it all, Scarlett convinces her cousin to have dinner with him.

After the three of them eat, William insists on showing them something work related that Vivian will appreciate. Outside his office, he's kidnapped. Vivian's beside herself. Scarlett vows to uncover the truth about William's kidnapping and the stolen painting. 

My Thoughts: I adore this series. I loved the setting. I enjoyed learning more about Vivian and William. I'm glad that Scarlett's friends came by to help, especially Harrison. I loved the romance of this one, especially when Scarlett was able to confront her past. I liked the mystery surrounding this book, especially the art aspect. I'm sad this is the last one of the series, I would have read Many More of these. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable and perfect
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This series is perfect for cozy sections of your library - highly recommended!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Copy Cap Murder

* Book 4 in the Hat Shop Mystery series *

Scarlett's missing home, but she's happy to have a party as a distraction. It's her first Guy Fawkes day celebration. The night promises fun and adventure - but turns out deadly.

Scarlett has a man attack her. Luckily she's able to escape. But later the man turns up murdered. It's no leap of faith for the police to suspect her or Harrison as the murderer.

Scarlett knows that she and Harrison are both innocent. When the police reveal that Harrison is their prime suspect, Scarlett and her cousin get to work.They won't rest until his name is clear. But someone is more interested in keeping them from figuring out the truth. 

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the friendship and the romance. I love seeing Scarlett get closer with Harrison. They have some great moments together. I love learning more about Viv's romantic life. I liked the twists and turns as the mystery unraveled. I'm really looking forward to uncovering more answers in the next book (maybe on a road trip to Paris?)

Cover Thoughts: I like seeing all the hats and the shop from the inside looking out
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Another charming installment in this must read cozy series!

Mysterious Saturday Review: At the Drop of a Hat

* Book 3 in the Hat Shop Mystery Series *

Scarlett and Viv couldn't be more thrilled when a woman walks into their shop with an old hat designed by Mim. She needs it repaired for her upcoming wedding. The two cousins can't wait to get started, but when they don't hear back from Ariana, Scarlett goes to visit her office.

As soon as she arrives, Scarlett hears a scream. Following the noise, she rushes through the office to find Ariana leaning over her boss who fell from the roof. The police investigation quickly uncovers a motive for Ariana. She's soon arrested.

Deep down, Scarlett knows her new friend isn't a murderer and she's not about to let Ariana rot in jail while she has a wedding to plan.

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the hat shop, for the cousins, for the secondary characters, and for the investigations. I love the relationships in this series: between the cousins, between Ginger and Harry, between Scarlett and Andre and Nick, and between customers. I love how Scarlett embraces people and tries to help them. I love the setting. I love the differences in cultures - between Scarlett's American ways and Fee and Viv behaving more properly. A fantastic mystery filled with humor, intrigue, and a little danger. I can't believe the bombshell dropped at the end - and I can't wait to read more about that!

Cover Thoughts: Perfection
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Reading a new hat shop mystery is like sitting down with your favorite cup of tea, always relaxing and enjoyable.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Death of a Mad Hatter

* Sequel to Cloche and Dagger *

Scarlett and her cousin Vivian take on a client - an old fiend of their grandmother's. The woman has memory issues and believes Vivian to be her grandmother. Happy, to learn more about the woman they love, they agree to a job with a quick deadline.  They're creating Alice and Wonderland hats for an afternoon fundraiser tea.

The Grisby family has their quirks - family arguments and friendly banter. They're not afraid to argue in public and as their secrets come to light, it's not a total surprise when Geoffry (the heir) ends up murdered.

Since he was poisoned (and poison was found on the Mad Hatter hat that he wore), Scarlett and Vivian want to clear up this matter pronto and let the family grieve. 

My Thoughts: I love this series! I love the way that Scarlett and Vivian manage the shop - with the split between the creative person and the people person. I love their sisterly relationship - their banter, their loyalty, and how they care for each other. I appreciate Scarlett's frustrations with Vivian, who refuses to answer her questions. I enjoyed the Grisby family - but that ending sure threw me for a loop. I loved their idea of an afternoon fundraiser and the hats created sounded amazing. I would love to visit a hat shop in London one day. I enjoyed the mystery and the romantic tension. As much as I admire Scarlett for her pledge to remain single for year while trying to figure out herself without a guy, I wouldn't mind seeing her and Harrison date. They have great banter and great chemistry. Another win from a favorite cozy author!

Cover thoughts: Perfect
Source: Purchased

Mysterious Saturday Review: Cloche and Dagger

*Hat Shop Mystery Series #1*

Scarlett just learned the truth about her boyfriend of two years - that's he's been married the whole time. She looses it at an anniversary party for him and his wife. She throws cake at him, which unfortunately is recorded and the video put up on YouTube. 

Now she's an internet star - or humiliated  depending on how you look at it. Since she's also lost her job, her cousin insists that she comes back to London to the hat shop. Scarlett and her cousin co-own her the hat shop her grandmother used to own. 

For Scarlett, it's like coming home. She hasn't returned to London in three years. Still, she would have preferred her cousin meet her upon her arrival rather than send someone else. When Viv doesn't show up, Scarlett attempts to manage the best that she can. However, when a difficult customer turns up dead wearing a hat of Viv's creation, the police find it curious. Viv's a major suspect in the murder. Scarlett's worries sick about her cousin and hopes that she'll turn up soon and she's just off on one of her adventures. 

My Thoughts: I devoured this book - what a perfect first book in a series. I felt horrible for Scarlett - learning about her boyfriend's betrayal. I loved the hat shop and all the hats. Very interesting to read about the creation of hats and the people who purchase them. Although, I like Viv, I enjoyed watching Scarlett try to navigate the shop and the customers on her own. I loved how Scarlett met Nick and Andre. I love them - they're funny, witty, and sweet. I found Harrison entertaining - especially when he shared barbs with Scarlett. I can't wait to read more of this series and spend more time with the characters.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: Bought