The Mysterious Package: A Hannah and Tamar Mystery, Book 1

A Hannah and Tamar Mystery #1

by Christa Nardi

Hannah and Tamar are looking forward to spending Thanksgiving break with their grandparents. On the long ride to Vermont, the sisters are quick to offer assistance when a fellow passenger - a girl in her late teens - is hassled by a rough-looking young man. Grateful as she may be for their help, Gwen is in no hurry to make friends, not even as she thrusts a mysterious package into Tamar’s hand and disappears in the Rutland train station. Puzzled by her behavior, Hannah and Tamar set out to locate Gwen and unravel the secret of the mysterious package.

Fans of Nancy Drew will enjoy this mystery.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

Audible Audio

Published November 11, 2021

About the author

From childhood, as a fan of Nancy Drew, Dana Girls, Perry Mason, and the Hardy Boys, it was inevitable that Christa Nardi would continue her love of books and particularly mysteries. With a career in technical/nonfiction writing (under real name), it is not surprising that her love of mystery transformed into not only reading but writing mysteries. Christa combines her love for reading and writing on her blog.

Reviews

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two teenagers have a package thrust into their hands. The mystery unfolds in a simple manner and both the two characters trying to solve the mystery were enjoyable. Sweet story.

[Carol Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will appeal to those in high school, or middle school. Hannah and Tamara are sisters who are in high school, and are off to visit their grandmother over Thanksgiving. It was fun to actually read this during the Thanksgiving season! On the train they help a girl who is being hassled. At the train station, she gives them a package, which they don’t open. Their grandfather, a retired police offer, gets involved helping them to reunite the package with the girl – or is she actually the rightful owner? And what is actually in the package, anyway? The girls’ also become romantically involved with two boys from the area. This is a clean book, with relatable people and situations. Well done! The audio narration was good. I received a free copy of this audiobook, with no obligation.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 star book, not a 3.
This was a fun story to read in a day. There was nothing really complex or super exciting, but it was an interesting mystery. The main characters, two sisters, are unique but similar. There was definitely a feeling of Nancy Drew or some other childhood mystery series to this, but no murders, no evil person lurking behind the bushes, no children doing things behind their authorities back, and most of all, no stupid police! There were some good laughable moments. And I really enjoyed that it took place over Thanksgiving! Not many Thanksgiving books around.
Each of the sisters does have a boyfriend they go out with, and it mentioned that each was kissed once. But there was no description of the kiss, and no romantic conversations.

[Kristine Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating Clarification: 3.5
HALL WAYS REVIEW: When two of my favorite cozy mystery authors told me about their collaboration to create a new YA series, the Hannah and Tamar mysteries, I was super excited and ready to review! I have read Cassidy Salem’s two books in her Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth series, and two of Christa Nardi’s Cold Creek series, and I enjoy each author’s unique style and characters. As Cassidy explained to me about the new young adult series featuring two teen sisters, I realized (and got confirmation) that the two authors are also sisters. The C-Sisters! That made reading the books even more appealing – how cool to write a series with a sibling! (You can read my interview with the authors and my reviews of their books on my blog. https://kristinehallways.blogspot.com...)

I was a faithful Nancy Drew reader growing up and as an adult, I have even read some of the new iterations of that series. I was expecting something along those lines in Hannah and Tamar, the main characters of the C-Sisters’ series. Though that influence is there (the C-Sisters are also Nancy Drew fans), the Hannah and Tamar books have their own vibe. The girls aren’t really as much sleuths as problem-solvers, and I like that each girl not only uses her own strengths to figure out dilemmas and get answers, but each also knows when to get help. The books are a quick read at around one hundred pages and so far, they are stand alone. Apart from the girls and their parents, there aren’t even any repeat characters from book one to book two. My hope is some of these same characters show up again in the next book, The Missing Dog (coming August 2017).

The C-Sisters do a great job at sliding in some subtle life-lessons, and as an adult reader, I appreciate that adults are not only present and important to the teenagers, but they are respected by the teenagers, and adult opinions are valued, even if disregarded. Hannah and Tamar and their immediate circle of friends (and romantic interests) are teenagers who model some great behaviors without being cheesy about it. Fear-not! They also have some fairly typical teenage concerns and fascinations.

The Mysterious Package is book one of the series, and readers are put into a crisp fall setting with Hannah and Tamar (high school senior and junior, respectively) riding a train to visit their grandparents over Thanksgiving break. Right away, I loved where things were going. As a Texas girl, for me a train ride in itself is a mysterious and interesting thing, and add in the allure of traveling sans parents – score! Quickly, there is some conflict, and I like how the girls’ response is a thoughtful and natural one. There is a nice balance between the serious (homework, college, career) and the fun of being a teen girl (clothes, boys, dreaming). There were a few things bothered me about this book including giving expired food to the homeless, a few helpless female overtures, and some inaccuracies about college residency requirements -- and the big mystery, when finally unraveled, was a little anti-climactic (but also very unique). Overall, I think it has good bones and enough going on that readers will stay engaged and satisfied without being bombarded by the ubiquitous underage drinking, sex, drugs, and violence found in many YA books.

Both books in the series need more thorough copy editing to correct errors in capitalization, punctuation, and usage, but that’s the beauty (some would say curse) of eBooks – they can continually be revised. As a Grammar Policewoman, I have only the utmost respect for authors who not only have great stories but who are brave enough to write them down and share them with the world. My goal in critiquing is always to help, not harm.

Thank you to the C-Sisters for sharing their books with me in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. Full review + more features on Hall Ways Blog https://kristinehallways.blogspot.com...

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first one says Available Kindle Unlimited but it seems to free so maybe perma free, coming across it because had read Cassidy Salem's Think Murder and then Dying for Data, but this one was more hardy boys or 2 nancy drew type thing, relatively quick read being that type and overall enjoyable as such. It seems to be one of those types that while I like it, I don't luv it, but that could just be me and not reflection on the book. The combo pack for this and the next one {got it as ARC myself} currently at 99 cents for the pair.

I do like the stories all right, just a bit too nancy drew or something for me, and really never cared that much for any of that type when younger but again on ku so hey nothing much to lose, and it is a decent enough mystery of sorts. Noticed had not done the goodreads review for this one when was looking up the review spot for the second book so date off.

A Hannah & Tamar Mystery
The Mysterious Package 1
Mrs. Tedesco's Missing Cookbook
The Misplaced Dog (Hannah & Tamar Mystery Series Book 3)

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The girls are on their way to visit their grandparents for Thanksgiving break. A girl on the train gives them a package and runs off. They are trying to solve the mystery of who is the girl, why did she give them the package, and who is the guy that she was talking to. It's a very good mystery for young adults.

I liked both Hannah and Tamar. Each had their own personalities that were likeable and relatable.

I would have liked to have seen more mystery solving and fewer scenes with them helping their grandparents. However the author created a great relationship between both the girls and the girls and their grandparents. I would recommend the series two young girls who enjoy a mystery.

You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Kyla Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Hannah and Tamar as soon as they stood up for a girl being hassled on a train by a scuzzy dude. Even though they are teenage girls still in high school, they fearlessly came to the mysterious girl’s aid. When the girl, Gwen, thrusts a small package in Tamar’s hands and then takes off, the mystery really begins. Luckily, the sisters have a great pair of grandparents—Grands in particular. He helps the girls try to figure out what’s in the package who exactly Gwen is. This is a fun, clean mystery in the vein of Nancy Drew, suitable for all teens.

[Janell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but it was to .youthful for me, I felt like I was back in elementary school. I can’t put my finger on it but something was really off with the story it’s definitely designed for a much longer audience. The really nice part of the book is it’s a very clean read but the characters weren’t well developed and most teenagers would not be as helpful in doing dishes and other household chores as the two sisters were. I hope others enjoy this book more than I could.

[fred jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good YA mystery with echoes of Nancy Drew. Well written and narrated. The story follows Hannah and Tamara as they investigate a package. The story is written for a young adult audience but can be enjoyed by all ages. I liked it and I am 57. I liked then characters and their relationships to each other. The narration is excellent. I received a complimentary copy from the author and am leaving a honest voluntary review

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mysterious Package: A Hannah and Tamar Mystery, Book 1
By: Christa Nardi , Cassidy Salem

Teen sisters riding train to grandparents for Thanksgiving find themselves in a mystery. This is a fun short listen that younger listeners would like. Anyone can find it entertaining. There is a hint of next adventure at the end.


The narration was well done by,Julie McCarthy.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have
voluntarily left this review.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, enjoyable story. Sisters Hannah and Tamar find themselves unwittingly involved in a mystery. Will they be able to solve it ?

I loved the relationship between the girls and their grandparents. This is a lovely book with a good mystery and although aimed at YAs it can be enjoyed by any age.

[Krystyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vibes of Nancy Drew

A gentle mystery with vibes similar to the Nancy Drew stories. What is in the package that had been thrust into their possession? Is it a ploy to exhort money? The girls more or less just let things unfold on their own. If you ever read the Drew or Hardy books then this will be a good trip down memory lane.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery was charming and as the blurb stated very reminiscent of the Nancy Drew mysteries that I read in my youth. I enjoyed it and I recommend it to others who enjoy this genre. Julie McCarthy's narration was good and fit the story well. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

[Kathy Fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery without murder

This is we'll written,, with a well thought out plot. The characters are strong an personable. I enjoyed reading a mystery with no murder involved. I am looking forward to the next installment.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good plot and characters.

While I enjoyed this story, I found the writing was stilted and unnatural. It was a narrative, but not entirely. The character development was good. I think with time, practice and a good editor this author could be quite good.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters, Hannah and Tamar are excited to visit their grandparents. Finding a mysterious package becomes front and center as the girls try to find a few answers. This is a quick read that would be great for teenagers. The author writes a fun mystery tale.

[Kaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only redeeming feature in this very juvenile story is the shortness of it.

[hana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young Adult Cozy Mystery

Sweet and family oriented. Sisters find themselves unwittingly involved in a mystery on the way to visit their grandparents for thanksgiving holiday.

[Rachael Fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy read

[Mette Barfelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book!
This is a lovely book for young girls. I liked both Hannah's and Tamar's personalities, and their relationship with their grandparents is great.The sisters are trying to solve a mystery and it's a fun read. This is a sweet and family oriented book.
The author has an easy way of writing that I really like, and the book is very well written. I'm waiting for the next book!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholesome

I truly enjoyed Hannah and Tamar. Such a wholesome book, but chocked full of mystery, as well as love. Love that it is family oriented also.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story – especially the end because I do that also. I also was an advisor at a Pennsylvania University and would love to talk to Hannah and Tamar about options. AND I highly recommend this book especially to those who are going through what Hannah and Tamar are,

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the The Mysterious Package A Hannah & Tamar Mystery by Christa Nardi and Cassidy Salem. Mrs. Tedesco's Missing Cookbook is the next in that series.

A Hannah & Tamar Mystery
The Mysterious Package 1
Mrs. Tedesco's Missing Cookbook

The first one says Available Kindle Unlimited but it seems to free so maybe perma free, coming across it because had read Cassidy Salem's Think Murder and then Dying for Data, but this one was more hardy boys or 2 nancy drew type thing, relatively quick read being that type and overall enjoyable as such. It seems to be one of those types that while I like it, I don't luv it, but that could just be me and not reflection on the book. The combo pack for this and the next one {got it as ARC myself} currently at 99 cents for the pair.

I do like the stories all right, just a bit too nancy drew or something for me, and really never cared that much for any of that type when younger but again on ku so hey nothing much to lose, and it is a decent enough mystery of sorts. Noticed had not done the goodreads review for this one when was looking up the review spot for the second book so date off.

[Barbara Flowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

High school aged sisters, Hannah and Tamar, lead the way in this new cozy series targeting the YA audience. Well written with an entertaining mystery, some touching family interaction and a few life lessons this book is worth your time. As I said the series targets YA's, but it's been a while since I fell into that age group, but I enjoyed the book.