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Sunny Meadows Mystery #3
Trouble in the Tarot
For psychic Sunshine Meadows, sometimes fortunes can be deceiving . . .
Lately Sunny has been experiencing a period of big opportunity: her business in Divinity, New York, is thriving, and Detective Mitch Stone has finally agreed to take Sunny on a date. But thanks to her clairvoyant abilities, Sunny knows better than anyone that life deals out bad cards along with the good.
When Sunny agrees to read tarot cards at the annual Summer Solstice Carnival, she meets her Granny Gert‘s “arch nemesis” Fiona Atwater, and is overcome by a vision of Fiona in a violent argument. Sunny knows trouble is brewing when Granny and Fiona start having squabbles all over town. But the fighting comes to a head when a local baker gets run over by a big white Cadillac—and Granny and Fiona are found at the crime scene.
Sunny knows she should step aside and let Mitch handle the investigating, but she’s not about to ignore her visions and leave her granny’s life in fate’s hands . . .
Lately Sunny has been experiencing a period of big opportunity: her business in Divinity, New York, is thriving, and Detective Mitch Stone has finally agreed to take Sunny on a date. But thanks to her clairvoyant abilities, Sunny knows better than anyone that life deals out bad cards along with the good.
When Sunny agrees to read tarot cards at the annual Summer Solstice Carnival, she meets her Granny Gert‘s “arch nemesis” Fiona Atwater, and is overcome by a vision of Fiona in a violent argument. Sunny knows trouble is brewing when Granny and Fiona start having squabbles all over town. But the fighting comes to a head when a local baker gets run over by a big white Cadillac—and Granny and Fiona are found at the crime scene.
Sunny knows she should step aside and let Mitch handle the investigating, but she’s not about to ignore her visions and leave her granny’s life in fate’s hands . . .
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 5, 2013
100 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
Kari Lee Townsend
54 books460 followersNational Bestselling Author, Agatha, RT Reviewer's Choice & Golden Duck Award Nominee. Kari lives in Central New York with her husband & Samoyeds. She's a lover of wine & travel, obsessed with reality TV, and loves a good book with mystery, romance & humor. Inspired by TV shows like SMK, Moonlighting, Bones & Castle, she writes cozy mysteries & upper Middle Grade as Kari Lee Townsend, romantic suspense, romantic comedy & women's fiction as Kari Lee Harmon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 25, 2013
This series improves with each book, and Trouble in the Tarot was a really fun read! I wanted to yell at both the old ladies for acting like children, but mostly, I just giggled. Morty is really staring to come into his own and Sunny's character has matured enough to cheer her on. (Although I gotta say - the Monster Truck Rally scene? Big Mistake - waaay too over the top and TSTL.)
The plot was really well done - lot's of suspects, lots of red herrings and more than one mystery to solve. Little plot twist at the end too, though it didn't really affect the outcome. I didn't find this book predictable at all and it had a nice quick pace that didn't dwell or rely on internal dialogue or introspection for too long at any one time.
The ending of the book was fun too - left a smile on my face - and I'm looking forward to the next book.
The plot was really well done - lot's of suspects, lots of red herrings and more than one mystery to solve. Little plot twist at the end too, though it didn't really affect the outcome. I didn't find this book predictable at all and it had a nice quick pace that didn't dwell or rely on internal dialogue or introspection for too long at any one time.
The ending of the book was fun too - left a smile on my face - and I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 14, 2013
Sunny agrees to read tarot cards at the annual Summer Solstice Carnival and that’s where she meets Fiona Atwater. Fiona and Granny Gert are bitter enemies and whenever they get near each other a war of words breaks out. When a local baker get run over by a big white Cadillac that just happens to belong to Granny and both she and Fiona are at the crime scene they must cast their differences aside as they find themselves in very close quarters.
Sunny knows she should keep her nose of the investigation and let Mitch handle it but she can’t ignore her visions and leave Granny’s life in fate’s hands.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Each installment to this series is better than the last and the first two were excellent.
In this 3rd Fortune Teller Mystery, Sunny’s cat Morty just steals the show. He is a fantastic feline with very special capabilities that put him in the right place at the right time always looking very fine in his bow ties.
The ongoing feud between Granny and Fiona drives the story. They each try hard to outdo each other is everything from crafts to baking. They are both determined to win the Bake Off at the carnival but a dead body puts the kibosh on both their plans and brings Sunny’s parents for another visit.
Plus Quincy Turner from the Parks and Recreation Department is not happy that the proceeds from this year’s carnival are not coming to him but instead going to Ozzie Zukerman’s Animal Angels to support his new animal rescue shelter. This creates a riff between this men that boils over to effect things way beyond the local park.
Townsend has created more than one clever mystery with a “murder” and someone sabotaging the carnival. She has also added some colorful new characters and the romance between “Tink” and “Grumpy Pants” hits a few bumps in the road.
I started this story and could not put it down until I reached the last word. Kari Lee Townsend writes fun mysteries with a feisty psychic protagonist that are destined to be loved cozy readers everywhere! You don’t need to be clairvoyant to see a bright future for this author!
Sunny knows she should keep her nose of the investigation and let Mitch handle it but she can’t ignore her visions and leave Granny’s life in fate’s hands.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Each installment to this series is better than the last and the first two were excellent.
In this 3rd Fortune Teller Mystery, Sunny’s cat Morty just steals the show. He is a fantastic feline with very special capabilities that put him in the right place at the right time always looking very fine in his bow ties.
The ongoing feud between Granny and Fiona drives the story. They each try hard to outdo each other is everything from crafts to baking. They are both determined to win the Bake Off at the carnival but a dead body puts the kibosh on both their plans and brings Sunny’s parents for another visit.
Plus Quincy Turner from the Parks and Recreation Department is not happy that the proceeds from this year’s carnival are not coming to him but instead going to Ozzie Zukerman’s Animal Angels to support his new animal rescue shelter. This creates a riff between this men that boils over to effect things way beyond the local park.
Townsend has created more than one clever mystery with a “murder” and someone sabotaging the carnival. She has also added some colorful new characters and the romance between “Tink” and “Grumpy Pants” hits a few bumps in the road.
I started this story and could not put it down until I reached the last word. Kari Lee Townsend writes fun mysteries with a feisty psychic protagonist that are destined to be loved cozy readers everywhere! You don’t need to be clairvoyant to see a bright future for this author!
July 23, 2022
Unlike this other series I’m reading, these books have been getting better :). Sunny is slowwwwly maturing as she investigates the murder and mayhem in her new town. While she still sometimes rushes headlong into danger, it’s now tempered with some common sense such as letting others know when and where she is headed, and actually talking things through with others.
In this book, Granny Gert and an old nemesis are on the hook for the murder of rival for the fire captain’s affections. Put on house arrest with Sunny as their keeper, no one know how long the house, Morty, or Sunny will survive these two. Sunny and Mitch are working through their relationship issues, Mort is being Mort :)
It’s nice to see the secondary characters playing more of a part in the book as Sunny becomes more entrenched in the town and develops friendships and relationships.
The murder was interesting and I actually didn’t guess the killer so that was a good one. 3.5-3.7 stars
In this book, Granny Gert and an old nemesis are on the hook for the murder of rival for the fire captain’s affections. Put on house arrest with Sunny as their keeper, no one know how long the house, Morty, or Sunny will survive these two. Sunny and Mitch are working through their relationship issues, Mort is being Mort :)
It’s nice to see the secondary characters playing more of a part in the book as Sunny becomes more entrenched in the town and develops friendships and relationships.
The murder was interesting and I actually didn’t guess the killer so that was a good one. 3.5-3.7 stars
March 14, 2013
The fabulous and fun A Fortune Teller Mystery series continues with TROUBLE IN THE TAROT, and it's my favorite one so far. This time around, Sunny's grandmother finds herself in a whole lot of trouble. First, Granny Gert's lifelong enemy Fiona comes to town wanting to outdo her in the Summer Solstice Carnival bake-off. Then they're arrested for murder when the local baker is hit and killed by Granny's huge Cadillac, and both ladies are found at the scene of the crime.
Fiona and Granny are put under house arrest after evidence against them surfaces. Unfortunately for poor Sunny, the house arrest will take place in her house! She's helped with police investigations in the past, but this time her boyfriend Detective Mitch Stone wants her to stay out of it. Though, with Fiona and Granny's bickering enough to drive her crazy, Sunny is determined to clear their names, even if it means going behind Mitch's back to do so.
The mystery in this book was tricky - did not see the ending coming at all! There were several possible suspects who might have wanted Bernadette the baker out of the picture. Secrets, blackmail and bakery business make for a deadly combination in Divinity, New York! I loved how Sunny used her smarts and fortune telling gifts to solve the case.
TROUBLE IN THE TAROT was an enjoyable cozy mystery filled with suspense and humor. I had to snicker at Fiona and Granny Gert as they flirted with the men in town and constantly tried to outdo each other. Morty the mysterious magical cat takes center stage several times too. Love him! I'm hoping the next book comes out soon. 4½-stars!
Review copy courtesy of the publisher.
Fiona and Granny are put under house arrest after evidence against them surfaces. Unfortunately for poor Sunny, the house arrest will take place in her house! She's helped with police investigations in the past, but this time her boyfriend Detective Mitch Stone wants her to stay out of it. Though, with Fiona and Granny's bickering enough to drive her crazy, Sunny is determined to clear their names, even if it means going behind Mitch's back to do so.
The mystery in this book was tricky - did not see the ending coming at all! There were several possible suspects who might have wanted Bernadette the baker out of the picture. Secrets, blackmail and bakery business make for a deadly combination in Divinity, New York! I loved how Sunny used her smarts and fortune telling gifts to solve the case.
TROUBLE IN THE TAROT was an enjoyable cozy mystery filled with suspense and humor. I had to snicker at Fiona and Granny Gert as they flirted with the men in town and constantly tried to outdo each other. Morty the mysterious magical cat takes center stage several times too. Love him! I'm hoping the next book comes out soon. 4½-stars!
Review copy courtesy of the publisher.
March 24, 2013
Psychic Sunshine (Sunny,) Meadows finds herself in an unique situation. Her Granny's car is named the murder weapon of Bernadette, the main contender to win the bake-off for a local charity. Granny is already under the eagle eyes as she and her decades old rival, Fiona Atwater have escalated their own war to the point of being almost arrested. Now, their squabbling has made them both number one murder suspects, and have managed to be placed under bracelet-house arrest in Vicky, Sunny's Victorian home.
Time is racing as Sunny loses her patience living with the two active ladies. Sunny begins her own investigation when her boyfriend, Detective Mitch tries to keep her out of it. Morty, the cat, has his own reasons for wanting this crime solved.
As Sunny delves into the witnesses, she learns there is a level of crime lurking beneath the quiet lands of Divinity, New York that she had no prior inkling of.
This book was a multi-layered mystery novel. Many crimes, and romances as well. The humor was well paced and kept you interested in the characters. I can't wait to see what happens to Sunny next!
Time is racing as Sunny loses her patience living with the two active ladies. Sunny begins her own investigation when her boyfriend, Detective Mitch tries to keep her out of it. Morty, the cat, has his own reasons for wanting this crime solved.
As Sunny delves into the witnesses, she learns there is a level of crime lurking beneath the quiet lands of Divinity, New York that she had no prior inkling of.
This book was a multi-layered mystery novel. Many crimes, and romances as well. The humor was well paced and kept you interested in the characters. I can't wait to see what happens to Sunny next!
May 4, 2015
Bleh. The characters all do things that seem completely ridiculous. Granny is over-the-top annoying, and if I were Sunny I would have kicked her out long ago. Not to mention cutting ties with her parents. If all your family does is annoy you, then don't speak to them! She's an adult; how has she not figured this out? I gave up about halfway through, skipped to the end to see how the mystery was solved, and I'm done with this series. Bleh once more, for good measure.
February 6, 2015
This by far is my favorite book of the series. Grannie Gert and Fiona are a dual that makes you laugh and of course we can not forget Morty. A great read. Will be adding more to the review later on.
February 3, 2022
I’m not a fan of slapstick humor and this had so much of it in this. I love the premise of this book but the story did not live up to it. It was overly cutesy and silly. The mystery was OK but was definitely overshadowed with the antics of Sunny, her grandmother and Fiona. The author has recently added a few more to the series and I will try the next one to see if time has given Sunny a chance to mature.
May 21, 2013
Sunny has agreed to be the fortune teller at the Summer Solstice Carnival, a weeklong event for charity, organised by the local Sewing Sisters. Sunny’s Granny Gert is a member of the Sewing Sisters, so how could she refuse the request? So instead of doing the readings in her own Victorian house she called Vicky, she is doing tarot readings in the park’s gazebo. With her cat Morty as moral encouragement.
Her first customer of the day is a very vibrant older lady, about her Granny’s age, but she could not be more different. Granny Gert dresses very oldfashioned, she makes her own aprons out of flower sacks, as she lived through the depression. Even though she has more than enough money, she still turns every penny around. Nothing is wasted when Granny Gert is around. But this lady, Fiona Atwater, dresses like a modern woman, with a nice hairdo. She wants to have an adventure and asks Sunny if that is in the cards for her. But Sunny does not see a lot of positive things in the cards in the future for Fiona; she appears to have an enemy who really has it in for her. Envision her surprise when Granny Gert happens to be that person! Apparently they once were great friends, until they both fell in love with the same man, and Frank chose Gert. Ever since, they have been rivals. And now the Sewing Sisters are about to engage in battle with Fiona and her Knitting Nana’s!
Whose crafts bring the highest price, and especially, who can bake the most delicious goods! And when Fiona sees that Gert has a soft spot for Captain Walker, the battle is on. They have to fight and make a scene where ever they meet, and in a small village, that is way too often. Sunny is totally done with it; she doesn’t even recognize her sweet Granny anymore.
And when both Fiona and Gert are the prime suspects in the murder of their main competitor for the bakery contest and for Captain Walker’s attentions, Sunny really is done with them. She needs to call her mother, who is one of the best defense lawyers in the country, to come and get her own mother out of jail. And to her horror, both Gert and Fiona are sentenced to house arrest in her house! They even get ankle bracelets! The bickering doesn’t stop for 5 minutes and Sunny is fed up with so. So even though she is not supposed to get involved in the murder investigation, she wants this over, and fast! So when her prospective boyfriend and police detective doesn’t want to share with her, she will start investigating on her own.
This is a real funny cozy mystery series, with a paranormal twist, especially in the form of Morty, Sunny’s cat. I really want to find out more about Morty, and I am very happy that he had a bigger part in this book.
I like Sunny, she knows what she wants, and she goes after it. Although she is a bit insecure about Mitch, as their dates keep getting interrupted, she seriously wants to give it their relationship a try. Mitch, or as she calls him, Grumpy Pants, has a lot to learn about women and relationships, as he keeps offending Sunny and her psychic powers. But I think this time Morty does convince him there is more going on.
The mystery plot was a convoluted one, with multiple criminal things going on. One involving an animal shelter, the chosen charity for the fair, and I am very happy with how that issue was resolved.
This is a fun cozy mystery series, the main characters sure are unique and quirky and lovable. Except for Sunny’s parents, I really don’t like them. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
9 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
Her first customer of the day is a very vibrant older lady, about her Granny’s age, but she could not be more different. Granny Gert dresses very oldfashioned, she makes her own aprons out of flower sacks, as she lived through the depression. Even though she has more than enough money, she still turns every penny around. Nothing is wasted when Granny Gert is around. But this lady, Fiona Atwater, dresses like a modern woman, with a nice hairdo. She wants to have an adventure and asks Sunny if that is in the cards for her. But Sunny does not see a lot of positive things in the cards in the future for Fiona; she appears to have an enemy who really has it in for her. Envision her surprise when Granny Gert happens to be that person! Apparently they once were great friends, until they both fell in love with the same man, and Frank chose Gert. Ever since, they have been rivals. And now the Sewing Sisters are about to engage in battle with Fiona and her Knitting Nana’s!
Whose crafts bring the highest price, and especially, who can bake the most delicious goods! And when Fiona sees that Gert has a soft spot for Captain Walker, the battle is on. They have to fight and make a scene where ever they meet, and in a small village, that is way too often. Sunny is totally done with it; she doesn’t even recognize her sweet Granny anymore.
And when both Fiona and Gert are the prime suspects in the murder of their main competitor for the bakery contest and for Captain Walker’s attentions, Sunny really is done with them. She needs to call her mother, who is one of the best defense lawyers in the country, to come and get her own mother out of jail. And to her horror, both Gert and Fiona are sentenced to house arrest in her house! They even get ankle bracelets! The bickering doesn’t stop for 5 minutes and Sunny is fed up with so. So even though she is not supposed to get involved in the murder investigation, she wants this over, and fast! So when her prospective boyfriend and police detective doesn’t want to share with her, she will start investigating on her own.
This is a real funny cozy mystery series, with a paranormal twist, especially in the form of Morty, Sunny’s cat. I really want to find out more about Morty, and I am very happy that he had a bigger part in this book.
I like Sunny, she knows what she wants, and she goes after it. Although she is a bit insecure about Mitch, as their dates keep getting interrupted, she seriously wants to give it their relationship a try. Mitch, or as she calls him, Grumpy Pants, has a lot to learn about women and relationships, as he keeps offending Sunny and her psychic powers. But I think this time Morty does convince him there is more going on.
The mystery plot was a convoluted one, with multiple criminal things going on. One involving an animal shelter, the chosen charity for the fair, and I am very happy with how that issue was resolved.
This is a fun cozy mystery series, the main characters sure are unique and quirky and lovable. Except for Sunny’s parents, I really don’t like them. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
9 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
March 7, 2013
Trouble in the Tarot
By Kari Lee Townsend
Copyright: March 2013
Publisher Berkeley Prime Crime
For psychic Sunshine Meadows, sometimes fortunes can be deceiving . . .
Lately Sunny has been experiencing a period of big opportunity: her business in Divinity, New York, is thriving, and Detective Mitch Stone has finally agreed to take Sunny on a date. But thanks to her clairvoyant abilities, Sunny knows better than anyone that life deals out bad cards along with the good.
When Sunny agrees to read tarot cards at the annual Summer Solstice Carnival, she meets her Granny Gert‘s “arch nemesis” Fiona Atwater, and is overcome by a vision of Fiona in a violent argument. Sunny knows trouble is brewing when Granny and Fiona start having squabbles all over town. But the fighting comes to a head when a local baker gets run over by a big white Cadillac—and Granny and Fiona are found at the crime scene.
Sunny knows she should step aside and let Mitch handle the investigating, but she’s not about to ignore her visions and leave her granny’s life in fate’s hands . . .
Sunny didn’t quite agree to read tarot at the annual Summer Solstice Carnival. Granny Gert pushed, pulled, chivvied, and basically guilted her into it by playing on her love of animals. The money raised from the profits of the carnival was going to the new animal shelter in town.
So here she sits setting out her fortune telling supplies while her cat Morty (who has a traditional fortune telling turban tied on his head) give her what in our house would be the traditional “duh, ya think?” look. Granny Gert group Trixie’s Sewing Circle was in charge of the carnival this year and they’d chosen .
So on an early Friday morning Sunny (not an early riser) was setting up her booth in the Gazebo, set in the middle of the park. After hanging her shingle (five times) from the roof which reads Sunny’s Sanctuary, a gentleman named Harry fixed it so it would stay up. Thereby giving her hope that maybe this week would turn out better then she’d hoped. Sunny offered to do a reading for Harry as sort of a thank you payment but he declined, explaining that he has a fishing pole waiting for him back at Divine Inspiration, the Inn her parents always stayed at.
Setting up the table by putting a silk scarf over it and setting out elemental symbols around the table representing the earth, air, fire and water. Little knowing that her week would devolve into a murder , with her Granny Gert as one of the prime suspects.
I love this series (and own all of them) and think the characters are very well thought out. Between Sunny, her disapproving parents, her cat Morty who knows Sunny is his, and Granny Gert, along with the ancillary townspeople make this a treat to read and twisty enough to have you wondering till the very end.
I’m not going to say any more… Not because of spoilers, but because I want you to be salivating at the thought of getting a copy of the book into your hot little hands and spending a wonderful afternoon or evening enjoying the story.
FTC FULL DISCLOSURE: I was given a copy of the book by the author who only requested a fair and impartial review.
By Kari Lee Townsend
Copyright: March 2013
Publisher Berkeley Prime Crime
For psychic Sunshine Meadows, sometimes fortunes can be deceiving . . .
Lately Sunny has been experiencing a period of big opportunity: her business in Divinity, New York, is thriving, and Detective Mitch Stone has finally agreed to take Sunny on a date. But thanks to her clairvoyant abilities, Sunny knows better than anyone that life deals out bad cards along with the good.
When Sunny agrees to read tarot cards at the annual Summer Solstice Carnival, she meets her Granny Gert‘s “arch nemesis” Fiona Atwater, and is overcome by a vision of Fiona in a violent argument. Sunny knows trouble is brewing when Granny and Fiona start having squabbles all over town. But the fighting comes to a head when a local baker gets run over by a big white Cadillac—and Granny and Fiona are found at the crime scene.
Sunny knows she should step aside and let Mitch handle the investigating, but she’s not about to ignore her visions and leave her granny’s life in fate’s hands . . .
Sunny didn’t quite agree to read tarot at the annual Summer Solstice Carnival. Granny Gert pushed, pulled, chivvied, and basically guilted her into it by playing on her love of animals. The money raised from the profits of the carnival was going to the new animal shelter in town.
So here she sits setting out her fortune telling supplies while her cat Morty (who has a traditional fortune telling turban tied on his head) give her what in our house would be the traditional “duh, ya think?” look. Granny Gert group Trixie’s Sewing Circle was in charge of the carnival this year and they’d chosen .
So on an early Friday morning Sunny (not an early riser) was setting up her booth in the Gazebo, set in the middle of the park. After hanging her shingle (five times) from the roof which reads Sunny’s Sanctuary, a gentleman named Harry fixed it so it would stay up. Thereby giving her hope that maybe this week would turn out better then she’d hoped. Sunny offered to do a reading for Harry as sort of a thank you payment but he declined, explaining that he has a fishing pole waiting for him back at Divine Inspiration, the Inn her parents always stayed at.
Setting up the table by putting a silk scarf over it and setting out elemental symbols around the table representing the earth, air, fire and water. Little knowing that her week would devolve into a murder , with her Granny Gert as one of the prime suspects.
I love this series (and own all of them) and think the characters are very well thought out. Between Sunny, her disapproving parents, her cat Morty who knows Sunny is his, and Granny Gert, along with the ancillary townspeople make this a treat to read and twisty enough to have you wondering till the very end.
I’m not going to say any more… Not because of spoilers, but because I want you to be salivating at the thought of getting a copy of the book into your hot little hands and spending a wonderful afternoon or evening enjoying the story.
FTC FULL DISCLOSURE: I was given a copy of the book by the author who only requested a fair and impartial review.
February 27, 2013
Trouble In The Tarot is the third book in the A Fortune Teller Mystery.
GO, Granny, GO!!!!!!!!!!!
Things are looking up for Sunny Meadows. She loves Divinity, New York, her fortune telling business is doing well, romance might be around the corner,her Granny Gertie has moved in and Granny has her drivers license. Okay four out of five isn't bad.
The annual Summer Solstice Carnival is about to get underway and Sunny has been talked in to reading her tarot cards at the festival. Proceeds from the carnival will be going to Ozzie Zukerman's Animal Angels, an animal rescue. Quincy Turner had hoped that the proceeds would go his Parks and Rec program. As things get started it seems that someone is trying to sabotage the festival, quite naturally Ozzie and Quincy are at odds.
Sunny first customer is Fiona Atwater, who's group The Knitting Nana's have decided to vacation in Divinity. As she is doing the reading, Sunny sees Fiona in an argument with another lady. Sunny can't hear what is being said, but it is very heated. Fiona it turns out is an old nemesis of Granny's. Now the race is on to see who can outdo the other. Since both Granny and Fiona are wonderful bakers they are looking forward to the grand finale of the festival, the bake off. But before that happens, Bernadette Baldwin, owner of BB's Baked Goods, is found dead. She has been apparently run over by Granny's Cadillac. With Granny and Fiona's baked goods found in the car and their desire to win the bake off, they are arrested for the murder of Bernadette.
Now it is good news, bad news time. The good is that Granny and Fiona are released from jail. The bad news is that they are on home detention with ankle bracelets. To keep her sanity, Sunny must really now get busy trying to find the killer. Things aren't progressing as Sunny had hoped with her hunk, Detective Mitch Stone, so it is helpful to have something to keep her mind occupied.
I really enjoyed the first book, but with the addition of Granny Gertie in book two, she made it even better.
Looking forward to the next book and hopefully more Granny escapades.
GO, Granny, GO!!!!!!!!!!!
Things are looking up for Sunny Meadows. She loves Divinity, New York, her fortune telling business is doing well, romance might be around the corner,her Granny Gertie has moved in and Granny has her drivers license. Okay four out of five isn't bad.
The annual Summer Solstice Carnival is about to get underway and Sunny has been talked in to reading her tarot cards at the festival. Proceeds from the carnival will be going to Ozzie Zukerman's Animal Angels, an animal rescue. Quincy Turner had hoped that the proceeds would go his Parks and Rec program. As things get started it seems that someone is trying to sabotage the festival, quite naturally Ozzie and Quincy are at odds.
Sunny first customer is Fiona Atwater, who's group The Knitting Nana's have decided to vacation in Divinity. As she is doing the reading, Sunny sees Fiona in an argument with another lady. Sunny can't hear what is being said, but it is very heated. Fiona it turns out is an old nemesis of Granny's. Now the race is on to see who can outdo the other. Since both Granny and Fiona are wonderful bakers they are looking forward to the grand finale of the festival, the bake off. But before that happens, Bernadette Baldwin, owner of BB's Baked Goods, is found dead. She has been apparently run over by Granny's Cadillac. With Granny and Fiona's baked goods found in the car and their desire to win the bake off, they are arrested for the murder of Bernadette.
Now it is good news, bad news time. The good is that Granny and Fiona are released from jail. The bad news is that they are on home detention with ankle bracelets. To keep her sanity, Sunny must really now get busy trying to find the killer. Things aren't progressing as Sunny had hoped with her hunk, Detective Mitch Stone, so it is helpful to have something to keep her mind occupied.
I really enjoyed the first book, but with the addition of Granny Gertie in book two, she made it even better.
Looking forward to the next book and hopefully more Granny escapades.
April 12, 2013
I think this is the end of the entire series and part of me is glad and another part of me is definitely wanting more.
When relationship concludes; say, when boy gets girl; vice versa, when they get engaged, when they say the I love you, or when they get married, i always wanted it to end. They got their love, no need for sequels to complicate matters. Im a simple happy ever after girl and since this book sort of...concluded the relationship b/ween the hero and heroine, it would be nice to end it to that to escape some further fights or awkward moments that follows the relationship. Frankly, i find some boring when they finally say the 'i love you' part. There's no more chase or the things that makes things interesting.
Yes, i enjoy reading about a good chase.
However, i really like this series and want to know more, despite my feelings, about the town and want more mystery. The author can really write some good mystery where it doesn't bore you and some mini-twists in the way, mostly moments to build up character romance; i am a sucker for romance, so in reading this, you might figure out why i really like this book.
It has a great romance without it covering the mystery, say the author balanced the two elements well and that made me fell.
When relationship concludes; say, when boy gets girl; vice versa, when they get engaged, when they say the I love you, or when they get married, i always wanted it to end. They got their love, no need for sequels to complicate matters. Im a simple happy ever after girl and since this book sort of...concluded the relationship b/ween the hero and heroine, it would be nice to end it to that to escape some further fights or awkward moments that follows the relationship. Frankly, i find some boring when they finally say the 'i love you' part. There's no more chase or the things that makes things interesting.
Yes, i enjoy reading about a good chase.
However, i really like this series and want to know more, despite my feelings, about the town and want more mystery. The author can really write some good mystery where it doesn't bore you and some mini-twists in the way, mostly moments to build up character romance; i am a sucker for romance, so in reading this, you might figure out why i really like this book.
It has a great romance without it covering the mystery, say the author balanced the two elements well and that made me fell.
January 16, 2016
I love this series!
This book is another great story about Sunny Meadows. Though I have to tell you, the cat, Morty, steals the show! I'm more intrigued by that cat than anything else. I really want to know his story. He's just so darn mysterious.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt it was more romance than mystery this time around. I was all geared up to read a cozy, but what warmed me was the fire between Sunny and Detective Stone. Along with Jo's upcoming wedding, Abbys' recent wedding, it felt like romance was everywhere. Even the ladies in jail had a strange love triangle going on. I suppose that made it sweeter for the month it was read in.
Another upside, you don't have to read these books in sequence. It can be read as a stand-alone and you won't really miss anything. Each book is a new mystery.
This book is another great story about Sunny Meadows. Though I have to tell you, the cat, Morty, steals the show! I'm more intrigued by that cat than anything else. I really want to know his story. He's just so darn mysterious.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt it was more romance than mystery this time around. I was all geared up to read a cozy, but what warmed me was the fire between Sunny and Detective Stone. Along with Jo's upcoming wedding, Abbys' recent wedding, it felt like romance was everywhere. Even the ladies in jail had a strange love triangle going on. I suppose that made it sweeter for the month it was read in.
Another upside, you don't have to read these books in sequence. It can be read as a stand-alone and you won't really miss anything. Each book is a new mystery.
November 8, 2013
NOTE: EDITED DOWN TO 2 STARS! 3 stars is overly generous for this book. It wasn't as bad as a 2, but not as good as a 3, but I'm in a generous mood so I gave it the 3 only because of Morty the cat! He's the best and most interesting character in these books. I just don't like Sunny, she of the RIDICULOUS name, and don't care about her one way or the other. Her granny drove me nuts this time out, and though I hadn't figured out the "bad guy" until the end, I found I really just didn't care much. I kind of like Mitch, but Sunny's stupid name for him (Grumpy Pants? REALLY??) just makes me want to scream! Last one for me in this series. I said that with the last one, but this one finally sealed the deal for me!
September 16, 2014
This book was definitely not as good as the first 2. The things that first drew me to this series were few and far between than the things that seemed to annoy me. Likes: Vicky the house, Morty the cat, Sean the bartender, Jo her faithful friend, and the fortune telling. Annoyances: Sunny and Mitch being cutesy, Granny and Finona's constant bickering, the addition of a dog fighting scandal, the monster truck rally, too many character that could have "done it" and too many story lines going on at one time. Glad I did read this book simply because I did enjoy the other 2. However, if there is a fouth, I will think long and hard before pick it up.
April 20, 2013
Kari Lee Townsend's Trouble in the Tarot is, as of now, my favorite in the Fortune Teller series. It is a fun read with Sunny Meadows' granny Gert stealing the show. Her one time friend but now arch enemy, Fiona, comes to town and becomes embroiled in the murder of a resident of Divinity. With Gert's car seeming to be the murder weapon, both older ladies are house-bound with Sunny and, of course, Morty. Anyone familiar with the series knows that Sunny has to be desperate to call her mother for help. Then the fun begins. . .
July 13, 2016
Mediocre
I was warned away from this book by what I consider a clumsy title, but a title is not necessarily indicative of a clumsy work. It could have been chosen by the publishing company. As an example, I much preferred my working title "A Very Parfit Wight" to the Tolkien quote chosen for the RPG module, "Darker than the Darkness."
The whole book, though adequate light reading in spite of the cat's apparently deus ex machina powers, was far from well written. Not recommended unless you run out of other reading.
I was warned away from this book by what I consider a clumsy title, but a title is not necessarily indicative of a clumsy work. It could have been chosen by the publishing company. As an example, I much preferred my working title "A Very Parfit Wight" to the Tolkien quote chosen for the RPG module, "Darker than the Darkness."
The whole book, though adequate light reading in spite of the cat's apparently deus ex machina powers, was far from well written. Not recommended unless you run out of other reading.
June 1, 2013
Another cute installment in this cozy series! I love the crazy Granny Gert and Sunny's relationship with doubting detective Mitch! The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was because of a huge surprise with Mitch at the very end. Wowsa! That really came out of nowhere and was completely unnecessary. Still, I can't wait to read the next book. Morty the cat is a hoot, so if you're a cat lover, this would be a fun read for you.
March 14, 2013
I enjoyed Sunny's latest adventures in Divinity as well as more background on her family. As always Morty, the cat, steals the show.
March 26, 2013
I loved this story, the mystery was truly a mystery. I enjoyed the characters interactions, especially granny and Fiona. This book is a fun read with quirky characters.
April 10, 2013
Finished today....I like the development of the characters in Granny Gertie and Sunny. Mom and Dad get a little tiresome at times.
April 30, 2013
Book 3 in the Fortune Teller series keeps up the good tone set in the first 2 books! I like the skills used, the mysterious cat, and supporting characters!
May 28, 2013
I love this series!!
November 23, 2025
Trouble in the Tarot
Sunny Meadows Mystery #3, by Kari Lee Townsend
In a Nutshell:
Sunny is swept into another mystery when a feud between two town matriarchs turns dangerous. Unfortunately, the silliness of the series peaks here — thank goodness for Morty the cat.
Story Vibes:
🪄 Tarot predictions
💫 Feuding matriarchs
🪄 Chaotic psychic heroine
💫 Gran losing her grip
🪄 Small-town theatrics
💫 Cat saving the day (again)
The Plot:
Sunny agrees to read tarot at the annual Summer Solstice Carnival, only to be pulled into a long-standing rivalry between two wealthy community leaders. When the feud turns serious, Sunny ends up in the middle of the trouble, despite barely being able to manage her own life. Granny Gert, usually the voice of reason, seems to have caught Sunny’s “stupid bug” and is more hindrance than help.
The Protagonist:
Sunny remains as immature as ever — impulsive, clueless, and careless with the truth. She lies easily, and not in any clever or strategic way, but like a child fibbing to get out of trouble. Her behaviour, combined with a complete lack of development by book three, makes her difficult to root for. The disappointment this time is Gran, who normally brings sense and spark but here dips into the same silliness. Morty is, once again, the only one behaving with any intelligence.
Themes & Style:
Cosy paranormal touches wrapped in carnival chaos, small-town theatrics, and a rivalry that escalates far more dramatically than it should. The tone leans heavily into the absurd, losing the charm the author usually brings to her other work. Compared with the Southern Sass series, this feels noticeably flimsy.
My Thoughts:
Frustrating. I enjoy paranormal cosies and I like the author’s other books, which is why I gave this series a chance, but this instalment feels especially silly. Sunny’s lying and childishness, Gran’s sudden foolishness, and the general chaos made the book hard to take seriously. Morty is the saving grace, and without him I doubt I’d have finished. This series doesn’t come close to the depth or charm of the Southern Sass books.
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violence: mild
Would I read the next one or reread?: Possibly, but expectations are low
Star Rating: 2★ – Finished the book; it was okay.
Sunny Meadows Mystery #3, by Kari Lee Townsend
In a Nutshell:
Sunny is swept into another mystery when a feud between two town matriarchs turns dangerous. Unfortunately, the silliness of the series peaks here — thank goodness for Morty the cat.
Story Vibes:
🪄 Tarot predictions
💫 Feuding matriarchs
🪄 Chaotic psychic heroine
💫 Gran losing her grip
🪄 Small-town theatrics
💫 Cat saving the day (again)
The Plot:
Sunny agrees to read tarot at the annual Summer Solstice Carnival, only to be pulled into a long-standing rivalry between two wealthy community leaders. When the feud turns serious, Sunny ends up in the middle of the trouble, despite barely being able to manage her own life. Granny Gert, usually the voice of reason, seems to have caught Sunny’s “stupid bug” and is more hindrance than help.
The Protagonist:
Sunny remains as immature as ever — impulsive, clueless, and careless with the truth. She lies easily, and not in any clever or strategic way, but like a child fibbing to get out of trouble. Her behaviour, combined with a complete lack of development by book three, makes her difficult to root for. The disappointment this time is Gran, who normally brings sense and spark but here dips into the same silliness. Morty is, once again, the only one behaving with any intelligence.
Themes & Style:
Cosy paranormal touches wrapped in carnival chaos, small-town theatrics, and a rivalry that escalates far more dramatically than it should. The tone leans heavily into the absurd, losing the charm the author usually brings to her other work. Compared with the Southern Sass series, this feels noticeably flimsy.
My Thoughts:
Frustrating. I enjoy paranormal cosies and I like the author’s other books, which is why I gave this series a chance, but this instalment feels especially silly. Sunny’s lying and childishness, Gran’s sudden foolishness, and the general chaos made the book hard to take seriously. Morty is the saving grace, and without him I doubt I’d have finished. This series doesn’t come close to the depth or charm of the Southern Sass books.
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violence: mild
Would I read the next one or reread?: Possibly, but expectations are low
Star Rating: 2★ – Finished the book; it was okay.
October 14, 2025
#3 in the Fortune Teller Series. Our MC, Sunny, is clairvoyant, and uses tarot and other methods to heighten her abilities. Her house is considered haunted by the townfolk of Divinity, NY, and she's likely to go into a trance while telling your fortune. When Sunny has a vision of her grandmother in an argument with an old rival who has come to town for the summer carnival, well, it does not bode well. And when her granny's car seems to run down a baker all by itself, there has to be a rational explanation. Who wanted Bernadette the baker dead? And how did they do it?
I jumped into the series without having read book 1 or 2, so I was a bit lost as to some of the characters (my bad, no fault of the author), but I picked up pretty quickly. I liked the writing style, the romance was well played (not just with our MC), and the story moved along nicely. There were a couple of clues I picked up on, but nothing was in your face. All in all, a good read and while I won't go back to book 1 and 2, I will most probably move forward with book 4.
I jumped into the series without having read book 1 or 2, so I was a bit lost as to some of the characters (my bad, no fault of the author), but I picked up pretty quickly. I liked the writing style, the romance was well played (not just with our MC), and the story moved along nicely. There were a couple of clues I picked up on, but nothing was in your face. All in all, a good read and while I won't go back to book 1 and 2, I will most probably move forward with book 4.
June 20, 2023
Well, this is the last one in the series, and Mitch has realize that he cannot be without Sunny. Without even going out really, he proposed. Instead of accepting which in my book, is the correct move for Sunny, that she suggest that Mitch move in first and see if they can be together after all every time they are together, it is to solve a mystery. what about normal everyday life? are they going to be boring?
Maybe detective grumpy pants can get a better nickname.
Just think of that house inhabitants?! The mysterious cat, granny, Sunny, and The Detective. gotta be more fun things happening.
One other thing, why is everyone calling Granny "Granny!" everyone else has a name except Granny.
Maybe detective grumpy pants can get a better nickname.
Just think of that house inhabitants?! The mysterious cat, granny, Sunny, and The Detective. gotta be more fun things happening.
One other thing, why is everyone calling Granny "Granny!" everyone else has a name except Granny.
October 29, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. I wanted Sunny to develop as a character and mature. So many disappointments. The murder itself was also a disappointment.
Let’s start with Sunny. She wants Mitch to believe in her psychic ability, yet she does not believe in his detective abilities. Really? How open minded is that? She never listens to Morty, yet Mitch does. What kind of psychic ignores animal and universe messages?
Don’t even get me started with Granny Gert and Fiona. Public nuisance, dangerous driving, property damage, temper tantrums - are these ladies 5 year olds or in their 60s? So annoying and over the top.
I enjoy over the top characters. Not a fan of women sabotaging other women.
What I did enjoy was the further development of Jo and Cole.
Let’s start with Sunny. She wants Mitch to believe in her psychic ability, yet she does not believe in his detective abilities. Really? How open minded is that? She never listens to Morty, yet Mitch does. What kind of psychic ignores animal and universe messages?
Don’t even get me started with Granny Gert and Fiona. Public nuisance, dangerous driving, property damage, temper tantrums - are these ladies 5 year olds or in their 60s? So annoying and over the top.
I enjoy over the top characters. Not a fan of women sabotaging other women.
What I did enjoy was the further development of Jo and Cole.
April 30, 2022
Ugh now I see why there were 8 years in between me reading this book & book #2 in the series. The cat, Morty, makes me giggle & I’m not a cat person & the rest of the book annoyed me to no end. Was it a romance novel or a mystery? Why does Sylvia (Sunny) have to treat anyone older than her like they’re 5 years old? She didn’t work at all in this book…how does she afford that old Victorian? For as much as she yammers on about she’s soooooo independent, she acts like she 14. There’s more, but I’ve wasted enough time on this book/series. 🤷🏼♀️
Omg the ending!! Really????? They haven’t been on an actual date!!!
Omg the ending!! Really????? They haven’t been on an actual date!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2018
I would give this book a 3.5. I like the characters but they’re getting close to being parodies and maybe that’s what the author wants for amusement. Lots of potential for this series. I would recommend going for outright laughter and would encourage the author to develop the humorous angle of the series because there are some great characters. Nancy Martin is an example of an author who does this well. Anyway - still a very talented author.
July 19, 2018
I've been reading various styles of cozy mysteries, so a small part of me had hoped that this one would include tarot reading spreads. It does not. The main character has a few psychic moments, but otherwise very little tarot anything takes places. The mystery portion was quite good, did not see the suspect or their reasoning coming right away so would feel confident recommending to my Library patrons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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