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"My life is about to change forever."

Private investigator Hannah Huntsford is about to win the lottery.

Not the big lottery. More like a little one. A tiny one.

Hannah is about to win her very own tiny house, nestled in a tiny community of other tiny homes.

She doesn’t know that yet, because the draw is still a week away. Hannah has no idea her streak of bad luck is about to turn around. The hard-working, recently divorced investigator is going to be a big winner, and she’ll have first pick of three adorable tiny homes.

Option 1 is a converted train caboose, with gleaming brass fittings throughout.

Option 2 is a miniature barn with a bold red and white exterior and farmhouse decorations inside.

Option 3 is the tiny home version of a grand Southern home, with a wrap-around porch perfect for entertaining.

Which one would you choose?

In just one week, Hannah will pick her new dream home and start her new life. That is, assuming she survives her current case tracking down a nasty killer.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2021

298 people are currently reading
184 people want to read

About the author

M.Z. Potts

15 books16 followers

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5 stars
178 (36%)
4 stars
140 (29%)
3 stars
104 (21%)
2 stars
47 (9%)
1 star
13 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Sabine.
602 reviews91 followers
August 10, 2022
Great start

This is a great start to a new series. But it seems more like an introduction....a very entertaining one nonetheless. It held my interest from start until finish - and I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,958 reviews42 followers
February 24, 2022
Non so cosa pensare di questo libro... Visto il titolo, credevo che ci fosse più spazio per le tiny houses, ma non è così. Poi la protagonista non investiga per nulla sulla morte misteriosa che avviene all'inizio del libro (di cui viene a conoscenza dalla televisione), inciampa solo sulla cosa che darà una svolta alle indagini (resto nel vago per non fare spoiler). Inoltre, la protagonista è una investigatrice privata e i suoi casi si risolvono tutti nel giro di un giorno! Mi sembra un po' improbabile... E quando viene minacciata da uno dei tizi investigati, si spaventa a morte: mi sembra un po' incredibile... Alla fine, nonostante il presunto tema "tiny house", non credo che leggerò altro di questa serie, ne ho già troppe iniziate che sono più appetibili.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
August 21, 2022
Tiny House, Big Mystery earns 5/5 Big Beginnings…Entertaining Gem!

It was a long shot that Lady Luck would be smiling on Hannah since they hadn’t been on friendly terms for awhile, but she had three chances to win free and clear one of the tiny houses up for raffle. Tired of living in an apartment, she was crossing more than her fingers. And the winner is…

Treasure Trove has blended the past with the present. It is known for its antique shops all along Main Street and, now, as the headquarters of the big tech company Zeggnix Corporation. But, the murder of one of Hannah’s friends, Eric Bellingham, who it is rumored was stabbed while wearing a Zeggnix virtual reality headset. From clients pleading for help to clients wanting vengeance, from curious VR experiences to successful stakeouts, from a threatening stalker to a handsome detective, from haunting memories to perilous predicaments, this story was very entertaining with a clever mystery, well-defined multigenerational characters, a surprising arrest, and a “tiny” bit of luck for the future.
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,647 reviews33 followers
January 26, 2024
I did find this a bit predictable. And as much as I did like the characters they do seem a wholesome for me. I do like a bit of gore or violence even in my cozy mysteries. I also found it odd that there would be a need for more than one PI in such a small town. But in to the second book - maybe it’ll get a bit better. I’d like to sit on the edge of my seat a bit (and not because I’m reading about a budding romance which I’m sure is to follow).
Profile Image for MaryAnn (EmilyD1037).
120 reviews
July 25, 2022
This was an interesting book. The story line was ok, a little too pat for me. The constant dialog was wearing on me. The ending was just too improbable, even in fiction. I am not sure if I will read any other books in the series.
6,261 reviews80 followers
June 1, 2023
A female PI is having a bad time. She almost gets caught by an adulterer she was surveilling. Another comes by her office. Somebody throws a rock through her window. On the plus side, she meets the usual handsome supercop de rigeur in the sub-genre, and wins a tiny house.

Not really a mystery, even though there is a murder.
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,486 reviews48 followers
April 20, 2022
Hannah Huntsford is a 48-year old private investigator and best friend Daphne Zellerback is a reporter for a local television station in Treasure Trove, Georgia. The women are not having any luck winning the lottery so Daphne in particular is intrigued by the odds of entering a raffle being sponsored by a local development company for the potential of winning one of 3 tiny houses. Option 1 is a converted train caboose, with gleaming brass fittings throughout. Option 2 is a miniature barn with a bold red and white exterior and farmhouse decorations inside. Option 3 is the tiny home version of a grand Southern home, with a wrap-around porch perfect for entertaining. Hannah thinks the ticket price of $100 is steep but the idea of owning a home without a mortgage and leaving her apartment neighbors far behind is beguiling.

I love viewing photographs of tiny houses and instantly was fascinated by the cozy description. However, Hannah and Daphne’s dialogue was a disappointment. There was a disconnect between the main character descriptions (i.e., ages, professions) and the dialogue that is best described as incessant chatter. Hannah's part of the conversations with the new detective in town makes her sound like an immature adolescent.

The "Author’s Note" shares
"I do apologize for being all over the place. You can see where Hannah gets her wild stream-of-consciousness from. A lot of it went directly from my head onto the page."
I appreciated the note but then felt as though I'd read the publication of an early draft.

The charming cover art welcomes and invites readers with curiosity of tiny houses. It was a quick and entertaining cozy to read but I simply don’t feel as interested in the characters to continue reading the series.
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,800 reviews26 followers
April 16, 2023
An interesting idea and an introduction to Hannah Huntsford. This was a fun cozy mystery, and I enjoyed Hannah's interactions as she solved the mystery. Her friend Daphne allowed for some witty moments. The idea of winning a house lottery was different. I enjoyed this quick read story.

I had a chance to listen to the audiobook, narrated by Stephanie Quinn. She added to the story, and I caught things that I didn't remember from reading the book. Nicely done.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
449 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2024
The tiny house aspect of the story was too tiny.
Profile Image for Jill.
1,225 reviews9 followers
January 4, 2025
Ehh, the dialogue and story was cheesy. For a private detective, Hannah sure was scared of everything. Short book with a ridiculous ending. First and only book that I will read by this author.
7 reviews
November 27, 2022
Kept Me Guessing

Wonderful mystery. Great people. Kept me guessing all thru the book. I would highly recommend this book for anyone. Grab a blanket and a cup of tea!!!
Profile Image for Mary.
1,853 reviews8 followers
April 10, 2023
This was a very good read. I loved Hannah and her friend Daphne.
674 reviews15 followers
January 26, 2022
Hanna Huntsford is a middle-aged Private Investigator. Even with a little over 20 years of experience, life can still surprise you. Hanna's new client thinks her husband is cheating on her and asks Hanna to find out. Unfortunately, the tailing job does not go quite as planned and Hanna is forced to run for her life. Hanna also hears a news report about the murder of her friend, Eric Bellingham. A new detective, Tyler O'Connor, is working on the case, but has very few leads. There are a limited number of suspects which will hopefully bring an early closure to the case.

Hoping to change their luck, Hanna and her friend, Daphne, decide to enter a raffle hoping to win a Tiny House in a new development.

Who killed Eric? Why was he killed? Will Hanna be able to escape the angry husband? Will Hanna or Daphne win one of the Tiny Homes?
Profile Image for Tess Ailshire.
783 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2023
This story gets a big "meh" from me. Not only was it superficial, but it seems the author is not at all familiar with the life of a PI or a cop. A PI who's been in business for 20 years and is totally and completely freaked the point of an *emergency* call to the cops about a broken window is more than a little suspect. A civilian who just *happens* to solve a murder simply by taking a walk? And the odds of the outcome of the raffle? Sorry; I'm not buying it.

After finishing the book, I know next to nothing about Hunter, Daphne, Ryan or the detective. Even writing this review the day after I finished, I find almost nothing in the story memorable.

If all you want is to read words (and some of them not very well put together) and not think, go for it. If you want even a little substance, find another.
Profile Image for Angela Angeline.
6 reviews18 followers
February 10, 2024
The main plot ended without much build up and seemingly out of no where.
There were full chapters made of just a single conversation where you would be forgiven if you forget who was talking as there was never a break or distinction. Furthermore, while a conversation started and the same one ended a chapter, the next chapter would pick up from almost a continuing conversation? Just continue the chapter!

Most of the conversations just felt like filler fluff which lead no where nor did it act as a plot device.

It was just a jumbled up mess.

Make it make sense!
50 reviews
December 31, 2024
Well, the story did keep my interest but other than the fact that they were waiting to see if they won the tiny houses, the story didn't feature tiny houses which was strange.

This book could have totally used an editor and all of the dialogue followed with "I said to myself" taken out. The murder was also pretty obvious and a wee bit anticlimatic.

That being said, I have got the 6 book series already on my kindle so I will read book 2. I can get over the annoying self-talk if the 2nd story is good because i think this series does have potential.
Profile Image for Celest.
719 reviews9 followers
August 13, 2022
NOPE

I didn't care for this book and I won't be reading any more Tiny House mysteries. I just didn't like the whole concept of a PI peeping in windows, it was creepy and dangerous. I think there was a whole chapter about Hannah eating cookies. Although there was the twist at the end that was really good.
Profile Image for Lesa Dierking.
201 reviews21 followers
February 6, 2023
I've read a lot of cozy mysteries, and very few did I not even finish. This I did not finish. I just couldn't get into it. It couldn't keep my interest, and seemed to jump around. Maybe I'll give it another try some day.
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,066 reviews4 followers
June 29, 2022
Hannah Hansford is a divorced 48-year-old private investigator. She’s had her share of ups and downs, crazy adventures, and fear for her life in the 20 years she’s been a PI.

The book opens with Hannah and her best friend Daphne waiting for a drawing of the 3 winners of 3 tiny houses.

Then the story rewind to 2 weeks prior when a murdered man’s body is found. I thought there would be focus on solving this crime, but instead there is the introduction of all the characters, including the handsome new Detective, Tyler O’Connor and Hannah’s boss, Ryan.

Hannah does a little PI work of taking pictures and videos for one woman trying to find out if her husband is cheating and then another case where a woman is trying to get custody of her son by catching her husband being less than fatherly in order to show the Court his indiscretions. Hannah is actually chased by the cheating husband when he sees her hiding outside his window and she fears what he may do if he catches her. She does get away, but not emotionally unscathed. Nightmares ensue.

The good ideas are there and I see this series has potential for being a great read, but there are so many different things going on that no special attention was paid to anything individually. There was no focus on each mystery. If there were about 200 more pages, I’d have loved that! A second body is found, too. Of course, everything is wrapped up in the end, but I just want more.

I liked the relationship between Hannah and Daphne - they are pretty witty, but maybe a bit dull. I picture Hannah like that cartoon character, Daria from the show…Daria. But Hannah is funny and I like that!

Maybe now that we know who the characters are, the second book “Tiny House, Big Murder” will be more of a winner.

I gave 4 stars rather than 3, because I do like the quippy and sarcastic remarks. I also liked how quickly I could read it but not be bored. I also like tiny houses! I just hope there is more talk about one in the next book, because they were more of an afterthought in this read even though Tiny Houses is right in the title of the book!
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews34 followers
February 18, 2022
TINY HOUSE, BIG MYSTERY is the first book in the Southern Midlife Cozy Mystery series. Though each will be a stand-alone cozy mystery, there is an on-going story that will make it more enjoyable to read them all and in the order of release.

I have read (or listened to) many, many books from Ms. Potts other nom de plumes. I have enjoyed them all. I love her family-friendly writing and have often mentioned that these could be shared books. That continues with this new pen name. What’s new is that Hannah is middle aged, divorced, and feels more mature than past leading ladies. I like Hannah, a lot!

The tiny houses that are being raffled off are featured prominently in the story and add a great point of interest. Add in that Hannah is a private investigator and there is the beginnings of true intrigue. She also has a great friend to bounce things around with and a possible new love interest to spark her life after that divorce. Yes, things just may be looking up for Hannah.

I’m looking forward to more in this series!

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: TINY HOUSE, BIG MYSTERY
Series: Southern Midlife Cozy Mystery #1
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 16+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: M.Z. Potts
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,238 reviews219 followers
March 23, 2023
4 Star review Tiny House, Big Mystery (Southern Midlife Treasure Trove Cozy Mystery #1)
by M Z Potts

Audio Review:

I don’t know how the author M Z Potts comes up with the titles for her books, but I love them. Tiny House, Big Mystery was a good cozy mystery with suspense, intrigue and enough clues to keep me guessing.

Life in Treasure Trove has been difficult after a bitter divorce but private investigator Hannah has moved on with her life. Being an investigator can be dangerous and she puts herself in the lie on a number of occasions. When her friend is murdered she has her suspicions. However keeping put of it is easier said than done and Hannah soon finds herself drawn in to the investigation.

This is a well written story that kept my attention. Narrator Stephanie Quinn did a good job and I enjoyed her performance although her southern drawl was a little difficult to understand on a couple of occasions .
Profile Image for Patty.
5,157 reviews55 followers
March 21, 2023
Tiny House, Big Mystery
Southern Midlife Treasure Trove Cozy Mystery, Book 1
By: M.Z. Potts
Narrated by: Stephanie Quinn

I absolutely love MZ Potts! She always gives me the best listens with her cozy mysteries! The introduction of Hannah in Treasure Trove is wonderful, as she is not the typical sleuth. Middle aged, divorced and with her witty friend Daphne, we go through the town of quirky characters to figure out who committed the murder of Eric. Treasure Trove is chock full of folks who have suggestions and love to put things through the rumor mill, so its a whodunnit until the end! And then we get to see who wins the three tiny homes! Stephanie Quinn is our narrator, full of the best voices for all the townsfolk. She just dives in and gives all the people the perfect sound! I love her! I truly enjoyed this quick listen and cannot wait for more.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
May 6, 2023
Tiny House, Big Mystery (Southern Midlife Treasure Trove Cozy Mystery #1) was a great read by M.Z. Potts. Hannah Huntsford is a private investigator that is about to win the lottery. Not a big lottery, a lottery for a tiny house, nestled in a tiny house community. She'll be able to pick from three adorable tiny houses. In just a week, Hannah will pick her dream home and start her new life as long as she survives her current case tracking down a killer. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
Profile Image for Connie Alderson.
102 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2023
Tiny House, Big Mystery

Hannah is on an unlucky streak. She and her best friend, Daphrene, decide to purchase lottery tickets to a local tiny home park that was giving away three free tiny homes. After much stress and anxiety with several of Hannah's private eye cases, she helps the new handsome police detective solve a murder case. On top of that, v both Hannah and her friend each win two of the three tiny houses! Life us good!
Profile Image for Amie.
82 reviews
September 17, 2024
Hannah is a private eye. I'm not really sure what I was expecting with this series. I was thinking cozy mystery, tiny houses, and a private eye....this will be good. Her private eye cases are WILD. I was listening to this on audio book and glad that I had earbuds in and that she doesn't go into great detail. All of that aside, I have enjoyed discovering this series and look forward to Hannah's next adventure.
Profile Image for Julie Houser.
260 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2022
Tiny House Big Mystery by MZ Potts

Will she be a winner?

Hannah and her best friend Daphne both buy lottery tickets for a Tiny House. Odds are good with only 1000 tickets sold. In the mean time, Hannah, being a private investigator, gets herself into some hot water. The good looking police detective, Tyler is always around to help her out of tight spots.

An easy enjoyable read.
136 reviews
March 4, 2022
A Good Start to a Really Good Series!

I have read several books by Ms. Potts, which is why I chose this new series to read. I also love looking at tiny homes and wish I could live in one! I'm pretty sure the combination will keep me coming back for more! I already have book #2 and am anxious to read it and see how things go!
412 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2022
Great

M.Z. Potts is a new author to me and I have to say that I put off reading this series for a while. This is a great easy read cozy. When Hannah, a private detective, solves her cases she is threatened by someone. The cute detective comes to her rescue and now because she wins a give away for a tiny house they are neighbors along with her best friend Daphne. On to book2.
1,323 reviews23 followers
October 3, 2022
This was a good book to read. A woman works as a PI and her friend want to enter a lottery so that they can win a tiny house. She has a few cases that she is working on and she also loves going to the bakery. She and her friend both are single buy the lottery ticket and there were a lot of tickets sold. M.Z. Potts hit the ball to the outfield and almost got to home but stayed on third base!
571 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2023
lots of intrigue

This was an enjoyable quick read. Hannah was a great private investigator. Her friends were Ryan, her boss, and Hannah, her best friend.
The story was fast paced, intriguing and a little bit of flirting with the new police detective.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
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