I really enjoyed this book, I loved the ladies of The Hive bookclub and how they all helped each other. It had me laughing out loud at times. I did not figure out who the killer was. The story was well paced and I enjoyed all the delicious recipes at the end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Story of the book-

Bailey Briggs is a successful mystery writer who has written several books about murder. However, nothing could have prepared her for the real discovery of the corpse of the founder of her hometown of Humble Hills, Colorado. Bailey was reared at Honeybuzz Mountain Ranch by her beekeeping grandmother Blossom Briggs, often known as Granny Bee, and her two quirky sisters Aster and Marigold, which is why, after suffering a horrible fall, she foregoes everything to return home and assist Granny Bee.

Her grandmother’s injured foot does not prevent her from running The Hive, her grandmother’s reading club, or from carrying on with the preparation and packaging of her bee-inspired goods. Bailey must use her fictional detective talents to assist solve the murder and “smoke out” the true perpetrator when her grandmother’s iconic “Honey I’m Home” hot spiced honey turns out to “bee” the murder weapon and her grandma becomes the main suspect.

This amateur investigator is determined to crack the case with the aid of Bailey’s clever best friend, two interfering aunts, the sassy members of The Hive, and her tech-savvy daughter. Someone is trying to get Bailey to abandon the inquiry, as evidenced by a vicious attack and a sinister threat, but she has no intention of giving in. Before her grandma is put in jail, she must utilize her investigative abilities to learn the truth and apprehend the cunning offender.

My review-

All of the Briggs family’s female members have flower-inspired names in this first novel of the series. It was so simple to love this cast. Finding a parent in a cozy mystery is always fun for me. I admired Bailey’s bond with her daughter Daisy and thought she was an excellent mother. Once Granny and the aunts are introduced, they might as well take the show. Evie and her grandmother Rosa complete the group and add some delectable snacks. The main character’s significantly older age compared to other cozy novels was a great addition.

I haven’t laughed so hard while reading a cozy mystery in a very long time. This is for you if you want a short, entertaining book with a solid mystery and a strong cast of characters! There are still many unanswered questions about Bailey, and we will certainly discover more about her in the chapters. It has a little more of a murder mystery linked than a summertime Hallmark movie, in my opinion. The only thing that bothered me was that I discovered a few grammatical mistakes that caused me to stumble over a few words.

At first, I believed this was a ridiculous novel since the first couple of chapters were so chaotic and bustling with a lot of rushing around and characters being crazy. But by the time I got to the middle, I was enjoying it. I was giggling uncontrollably at one point, then got shivers when Bailey almost got caught by the killer spies. Red herrings and hints are strewn throughout the story to keep you wondering right up to the very end. It does have a cheerful glow throughout, but for me, I missed out on the detective/detailed settings. I would recommend this book to someone who wants a trademark cozy atmosphere but is not serious or in-depth.

This is a fun start to a new cozy series! I love the members of The Hive and the deep friendships they have. The mystery was well done and quite intriguing - lots of misdirection and complexity. I can tell Marts is setting up some interesting dynamics that will continue evolving throughout the books.

Famous mystery author Bailey and her daughter Daisy are going home to Humble Hills, Colorado, to care for her grandmother, Granny Bee. Granny Bee had broken her foot and needed help around the apiary and cattle ranch. Soon after arriving, Bailey witnesses her grandmother run off the town’s mayor, Werner Humble, and threaten to kill him. Wanting to smooth things over (and figure out what was happening), Bailey goes to Warner’s house and sees him lying dead, covered in her grandmother’s signature hot honey. When her grandmother is brought in for questioning, Bailey is determined to clear her name. But in doing so, Bailey uncovers decades of deceit and blackmail. Warner wasn’t the upstanding citizen that the town thought he was. With Sawyer, the sheriff and her long-lost love, investigation tightening, Bailey is on a different deadline: To clear her grandmother’s name. Who killed Warner and why? Is Granny Bee innocent?

I had initially been on the fence when I saw this book. But I kept seeing it popping up in emails and on NetGalley’s homepage. It was a sign for me to download. I am glad that I did because I really enjoyed this book!! I was laughing my butt off at some of the jokes and quips sprinkled throughout the book. It isn’t often that a mystery combines with humor and works.

Take the Honey and Run was a medium to fast-paced book set in Humble Hills, Colorado. The pacing for Take the Honey and Run was good, but it could have slowed down some. I kept having to go back and reread the passage because I felt I missed something.

Usually, I would fill this with doom and gloom about reading previous books. But I’ll skip that because this is book one, and there are no previous books. Take the Honey and Run is the first book in the A Bee Keeping Mystery series.

The main storyline in Take the Honey and Run is the mystery of Warner Humble’s death, Granny Bee’s involvement (or noninvolvement), and Bailey’s investigation. I will say that this is the first time a honey allergy has been used (to my knowledge) to kill off a character in a mystery. I found it unique. I was very puzzled by who killed Warner. When Bailey started investigating, 3-4 other suspects besides her grandmother appeared. It made sense to me (and it should have to Bailey, with her being a mystery writer) that her grandmother would be the number one suspect because of the threat she made against him in front of the sheriff. I wasn’t a fan that Bailey took it upon herself to interrogate suspects and then didn’t share information with the sheriff. That is a pet peeve of mine when reading mysteries. It drives me up the wall when the heroine gets info and sits on it. But, saying that, Bailey did get some good leads and several great reasons why Warner would have been murdered.

A bunch of more minor secondary storylines fed into the main one. The author did use most of these as red herrings. And these storylines also outlined what scumbag Warner was.

I liked Bailey. Her wanting to clear Granny Bee’s name came from a good place, and I know she thought that with her background in writing mysteries, she could maybe stay one step ahead of the killer. But, honestly, while she got some great leads, she could have been better at it. The scene where she broke into Warner’s house and got her foot stuck in the toilet was funny and proved my point. I also liked that she brought a PI friend into the investigation, and that friend has sparks with Evie, Bailey’s best friend. I also guessed at her secret (the one she kept alluding to). It wasn’t tough to figure that out.

The secondary characters made this book. The Hive, as they are called, were the best friends a woman could have. They flocked (or buzzed?) around Granny Bee when everything happened. I liked that they were willing to take down a grown man (oh, did that scene make me laugh) because they suspected he killed Warner. But they also didn’t let a man come between them. Instead, it made their relationships stronger. Daisy and Evie also should be mentioned. Daisy because she was an awesome kid, and I liked that the author had her get into mischief while Bailey was out investigating. Evie, because she was Bailey’s ride-or-die. She was willing to help Bailey do anything with the investigation, including breaking and entering.

The mystery angle was well written. This plot was very twisty, with red herrings and misdirections being thrown like confetti. It made the book much more interesting to read. The reasoning behind Warner’s killing was sad and a little funny at the same time. I had no idea who the killer was. So, when it was revealed, I was shocked. I kept shaking my head and going, “No way.”

There was a hint of a love triangle between Mateo, Bailey, and Sawyer. It was enough to get me wondering. Will Bailey choose between her high school sweetheart or her best friend’s hot older brother?

Also, what intrigued me was why Sawyer disappeared. Bailey and Sawyer referenced it several times during the book. But it was when Evie and Bailey found the files, and Bailey gave Sawyer his file, the author answered that question. It wasn’t right what was done to him, and I am glad that the sheriff decided to go back. I do wonder what was in the Delgados and Granny Bees. The author revealed Bailey’s at the end, but nothing was said about it. It was very frustrating.

The end of Take the Honey and Run was exciting and sad. How will the missing files, what was in Granny Bee’s and Bailey’s files, and the want-to-be love triangle work out in the upcoming books? As I said, I didn’t see a twist about how the murderer was and why that person killed Warner. The author did leave the series open to book 2, though.

I recommend Take the Honey and Run to anyone over 16. There is mild language, moderate violence, and no sexual situations.

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley, and Jennie Marts for allowing me to read and review Take the Honey and Run. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

Bailey and her daughter Daisy come back to her grandmothers aka granny bee, bee farm to help out since Bee broke her foot. A murder takes place and Baileys grandmother is a top suspect. With the help of “The Hive” a bookclub that consists of Granny bees sisters and a sheriff, Bailey and Daisy try to solve the murder.
This book was cute and all of Granny Bees sisters were funny. I do think this book is a little too “cozy” though. It’s a fun light read perfect for the beach.
Thank you #netgalley and crooked lane books for the Arc copy

Thank you NetGalley, Jennie Marts and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of Take the Honey and Run. This is my personal review.
The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover. The next thing was it is the first book in a new cozy mystery series. A Bee Keeping Mystery is going to be a great series based on this book.
This mystery has a combination of things to move the story along so smoothly. Murder, family, bees, and humor all rolled into a mystery that kept me guessing from beginning to end.

I love it when I come across a new cozy mystery series that is entertaining, funny and fun to read! I really enjoyed this book!

The basics: Bailey Briggs is a mystery author and busy with her life. But, when her grandmother is injured in a fall, she comes running to help. She doesn't realize this act of love will get her embroiled in a murder mystery with her grandma the prime suspect!

I knew from the start I would love this book. My grandfather kept bees, so the background theme of this cozy is totally nostalgic for me. Plus, the story is set in Colorado where I live. The story sucked me in from the start. I like the setting, the concept and the characters. Totally loved the grandmother -- warm and friendly with just the right amount of feisty!

The mystery moves at a nice pace with plenty of investigation, suspects and twists. I like the mix of mystery, humor and beekeeping. All in all, a very entertaining cozy mystery! I will definitely be reading the next book in this series!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

What a great start to a series! Granny Bee, her sisters , and the other ladies who make up the “Hive” are a hoot. Like most cozy mysteries this is filled with fun, honey, mystery and a little romance. Oh, and murder. Can’t wait for the next book!

Bailey is a mystery writer who has not gone home for several years. However, her grandmother needs her help. She and her 12 year old daughter go back to her grandmother’s farm in Colorado. Bailey is enjoying seeing her family and friends again. However, all too soon, Bailey’s granny is the prime suspect of the murder of a local politican. Why? Because her speciality honey seems to be the means to the murder!

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a free Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review. Growing up I had a close relative who was an entomologist. His speciality was bees. So when I saw this cozy mystery plus the brilliant title, I could not resist downloading this title.

I loved the fact that the main character was slightly older than in most cozies. It looks like she might rekindle her relationship with an old flame but there is also a possibility of starting a new one with an old friend. I hope that the possible love triangle does not last long since there is nothing that I personally can’t stand in a book. I whole-heartedly endorse this book. I gave it 5 stars. I am going to buy a copy for some of my relatives!

Bailey Briggs and her daughter Daisy are returning home to Humble Hills, Colorado, to her grandmother's ranch where she has bees and makes all things bee related. She runs into her high school sweetheart on the road and then finds her grandmother in a heated argument with the town mayor. The mayor is later found dead and its looking like her granny is the number one suspect and her ex-boyfriend is the sheriff.

Although Bailey is a successful mystery author, she will need all her sleuthing skills and the help of some great side characters (Aunties, best friend and more) to find the killer. There are plenty of suspects, everyone in town seems to have a reason. It was a great plot and it kept me guessing until the end.

This book was such a fun read. I didn't want it to end. I loved the all the characters and can't wait till the next book in this new series.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books!

This is a fun, easy to read mystery. I enjoyed the characters and their willingness to stand by each other. It kept me guessing and I look forward to more books in this series.

A geriatric gigolo, heart breaking secret from the past and a questionable injury all play an important role in this sometimes serious and sometimes funny mystery. Entertaining from page one and hard to put down until the end. It ends with one important question still unanswered, so I hope we see book 2 in A Bee Keeping Mystery series soon.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Take the Honey and Run
Jennie marts
Pub Date: July 18, 2023
Crooked Lane Books
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I found this cozy to be very entertaining! There are many twists and turns to the story which added to my satisfaction. The author even provides delicious recipes for her readers.
I highly recommend,

"As a successful mystery author, Bailey Briggs writes about murder, but nothing prepares her for actually discovering the dead body of the founder of her hometown of Humble Hills, Colorado. Bailey grew up at Honeybuzz Mountain Ranch and was raised by her beekeeping grandmother, Blossom Briggs, aka Granny Bee, and her two eccentric sisters, Aster and Marigold—which is why she drops everything to come home and help Granny Bee after a bad fall."
This is a good mystery! I liked this book but I thought that it might be better if it was shorter. .
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Take the Honey and Run
Jennie Marts


Jennie Marts is a wonderful writer whom I first read many years ago. She had a series Page Turners, which sadly ended after seven books. This is the first book in her Bee Keeping mystery series. I referenced her previous series because this book reminded me of my favorite components, women positively supporting and encouraging each other, along with multi-generational friendships. Take the Honey & Run, is more mystery forward, while still retaining romantic elements, all of which I really enjoyed!

This book starts with a bang...literally! Bailey, our mystery writing, intrepid future sleuth runs her car into a ditch after being shocked by a surprise sighting.

Bailey has decided to move back to Humble Hills, Colorado with Daisy, her tween daughter, and Cooper their golden. Soon after their return the “mayor”/founder, Werner is found dead! Now, the real action begins. Lies, deception, secrets, lust, assault, kidnapping, friendship, murder, and family! So, much happens in this book, yet it isn’t rushed or overly long at 243 pages. Jennie Marts’ new series looks to have something for everyone and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
5***** I highly recommend this wonderful read!




Keywords: Betrayal, Secrets, Bee Keeper, Sheriff, Preteen, Old romance that’s new again.

I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts is the first in her debut cozy Bee Keeping Mystery series. Bailey and her daughter, Daisy, come home to Humble Hills when her grandmother, Granny Bee is injured. The mayor of the town is murdered by some of Granny Bee’s famous honey putting her at the top of the list of suspects, so Bailey steps in to help clear her name. All the antics she gets into along with her bestie, Evie and members of Granny Bee’s book club, The Hive, makes this fun and entertaining. I loved the strong friendships in the story, women helping women without hesitation. I look forward to continuing the series for some fun mysteries and easy reading.

A good murder mystery. Going home for a visit becomes so much more when ex boyfriend Sawyer is also back in town. And he is now the sheriff. All the honey bee décor is fun. Grandma is all about honey. But that puts her as a suspect in the death by honey. I liked the sense of family and friends. Is Bailey ready to move back?

Great start to a new series. I'm hooked. Bailey Briggs, a successful mystery writer, answers her grandmother's plea for help after hurting her leg. It doesn't take Bailey (or basically anyone) long to notice that the leg/ankle brace occasionally moves from one leg to the other and that Granny Bee sometimes seems to forget to limp. She also fails to tell Bailey that Sawyer, Bailey's old flame, is back in town. Heck, even long time best friend Evie Espanosa doesn't tell her. It sure had to be fun to see Bailey all "atwitter", as Evie describes it, when she sees the adult Sawyer.

It doesn't take long before things get serious, however. Not only do Bailey and daughter Daisy arrive at the ranch (on a tractor, no less) to find not only her grandmother running the mayor out of her home, but threatening to kill him. Unfortunately, everyone hears the threat, including Sawyer. Bailey doesn't know it yet, but Sawyer is town sheriff. She finds out in an unusual way. In any case, the next day the mayor is found dead. Needless to say, Granny Bee is at the top of the suspect list.

The story is a great deal of fun with some hilarious scenes — wait till you find out how Bailey’s shoes got wet — and the supporting cast is already distinct and likable. Heck, even the town doctor/coroner is a hoot with some real groaner jokes. Even the suspects Bailey talks to are largely likable, even more so as Werner real self begins to be revealed. Let's just say shady and sleazy. In other words, the suspect list is long.

How long will now Sheriff Sawyer tolerate Bailey's interference? What does Bailey observe Werner's nephew stealing while the body is still on the floor? Will the book club, The Hive, be helpful or get them all tossed in jail? What does Daisy see that is worrisome? What clue does.... oh, never mind. Enough teasers. The book is fun, a relatively quick read, and has characters I'm looking forward to getting to know better. Even Bailey has her secrets.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLane for introducing me to Bailey and her family and friends. I'm looking forward to hearing more of that tractor story and Evie's creative profanity substitues, not to mention watching how Bailey deals with being "atwitter" around Sawyer.

A successful mystery writer returns home to Honeybuzz Mountain Ranch with her twelve-year-old daughter, Daisy, after she received word that her Granny Bee (Blossom Briggs) broke her foot. Granny Bee’s sisters, Aster and Marigold are there and part of “The Hive,” their active book club.

It doesn’t hurt that a teenage crush is back in town, as well as an old BFF.

Werner, the mayor, was deathly allergic to bees and not exactly a beloved member of the community but no way could Granny Bee do him in.

There are clues and twists. The dialogue is kicky and generational, banter between the oldsters as well as the young, and there is a doggy for fun.

I loved the cover with the dog, very atmospheric connotation, and must admit I stayed in the dark as to whom the perp might have been but still disappointed in the reveal.

A nice start to a new series but hope for more complete fleshing next installment as well as descriptions of the village and honey market. 3.5 stars