Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Magic Dogs and a cozy town during Halloween! Perfect. I love this series and the character development has been spot on. I think this is the 3rd in the series, and in each book we learn a little bit more about each of the characters. A sweet romance too!

Was this review helpful?

An awesome cozy that has everything. Setting, characters, a busybody and dogs! The busybody has ran around and annoyed just about the whole town but who was the most ticked off? Lots of suspects. Love this series! This is a MUST read for cozy fans! Thanks#Netgalley and #SevernHouse for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Was this review helpful?

Georgie knows her pal Tessa is not a killer and she, along with her Auntie O, boyfriend Callum and special dogs Flossie and Fancy set out to prove it in this third in the series that will also be fine as a standalone. It's Halloween and a newcomer to town has aggravated just about everyone by trying to take over events. But who was annoyed enough to murder? Classic cozy but I like this series for the characters and for the magic. The animals- not just Flossie and Fancy but all of them, make this a delight. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Was this review helpful?

Georgie likes a good murder mystery and so do I. But I prefer reading about it. This is a wonderful addition to this great series. Likeable characters, a good story, animals and some magic. I love that mix. I’m already looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Severn House and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The cozy mystery is my favorite genre. I like engaging mysteries and fascinating characters. I will read more books by this author.

Was this review helpful?

I have read almost all if Sarah Fox’s books, and I always enjoy seeing how her series develop. This series is very cute and wholesome. The magical animals are a nice touch. The mystery had lots of plausible suspects to keep things interesting. Fox is always good at setting ambience, but fall vibes might be her greatest strength, and this book is full of them. I definitely recommend this book and series to cozy mystery fans who like things super cozy and sweet.

Was this review helpful?

I have enjoyed this series since I discovered it, and this is the best one yet. There are always interesting mysteries in this series, and this one is no exception! I always find I enjoy the story more when the victim is really a nasty person, and this is definitely the case here! Even more than the captivating mysteries, I just love the setting and premise of this series. The small ocean Pacific town, the animal sanctuary, the wonderful characters, and the little something extra animals all make me very happy. Georgie lives at the sanctuary on the same property as her Auntie O, the sanctuary founder, the sanctuary caretaker and retired major league baseball player, Georgie's now boyfriend Callum and some really special pets. As Georgie is a screenwriter, her schedule often allows her to volunteer time with friends for town events like the Halloween pumpkin competition at the park and the haunted trail fundraiser for the sanctuary. When a newcomer to town comes in and tries to take over a lot of town traditional events and treats people badly, it is not surprising that someone might want her gone! But who? This is a wonderful fall, Halloween story with delightful decorations, sweet animals, and a mystery to test our favorite people. Many thanks to #Netgalley, #SevernHouse, and the author for an opportunity to read this delightful tale! #TailsfromtheCrypt #MagicalMenagerieMysteries #SarahFox #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

Was this review helpful?

“Tails” from the Crypt” by Sarah Fox the 3rd instalment in the "Magical Menagerie Mystery series”. I really enjoyed visiting Twilight Cove, Oregon and the animal sanctuary again especially during the annual Pumpkin Glow and the sanctuary’s Trail of Terror. A new, and rather unpleasant, resident stops at nothing to take over the town, the enemies she makes are numerous . . . and lethal!

Sarah is very good at descriptive writing so you feel like you’re right there walking amongst the woods, on the beach or walking main street and seeing the picturesque stores. I know I would love to live there and be part of Georgie’s friend group.

Who wouldn’t want to hang out with two magical dogs named Fancy and Flossie, a kitten named Stardust, a great horned owl named Euclid, and all the Sanctuary animals (including two new donkeys). Another thing I enjoy is the budding relationship between Georgie and Callum.

I wasn't surprised by what happened to Genevieve Newmont! Having all those suspects drew me in it was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Georgie did.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 4 to come out!

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Severn House and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of those books that you're sad when it ends. If the next book in the series was out, I would be reading it right now.

It's Halloween season in Twilight Cove. Georgie Johansen, her boyfriend Callum and her Auntie O are preparing for Trail of Terror, a fundraiser for their animal sanctuary. Georgie and Callum are also helping with Twilight Cove's annual Pumpkin Glow where the town center is decorated in pumpkins, including competing pumpkin sculptures.

The community is made up of a happy mix of volunteers. Unfortunately, the newest member of the community wants to take over the volunteer projects instead of just participating. She unsuccessfully tried to get the leading role in the Trail of Terror and succeeded in taking over the Pumpkin Glow.

After an evening of working on the Glow decor, Georgie's pups led her and Callum to a dead body in the woods near the park. It was none other than Twilight Cove's newest resident. There were many suspects, but the police were looking at Georgie's best friend. Of course, Georgie and her friends needed to find the real killer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

Pumpkins are aglow and murderers are on the go.

Georgie is helping her Aunt Olivia prepare for the annual Trail of Terror Halloween walk at her animal sanctuary, as well as helping with the local Pumpkin Glow festival. Along with her boyfriend Callum and best friend Tessa, Georgie is drawn into town drama as she stumbles across a dead body while volunteering. Luckily Georgie has plenty of help to investigate in the form of her magic-possessing dogs Flossie and Fancy.

This is my first of the Magical Menagerie Mysteries, and it's safe to say that I will be going back to read the first two books. This book will get you right in the autumn vibes, leaving me wanting to experience a Pumpkin Glow festival in my own city.

A fast-paced and endearing read, the characters are easy to love and the pets are standout stars. Who can resist two precocious dogs who can help you solve a mystery? The romance is also written in a very realistic way, reminding me of my own nerves amidst meeting my boyfriend's (now husband's) parents for the first time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed reading this book. Another good book in the series. I would highly recommend this book.A dead body is found and it's a mystery who murdered her

Was this review helpful?

An enjoyable, seasonal mystery that checks off a lot of the season tropes while introducing well-rounded characters and keeps you guessing until the end.

Was this review helpful?

This is my first book by Sarah Fox that I have read, and I wasn't disappointed. Yes, it's a magical book but it also comes across with this whimsical feel to it all on its own. I loved the story and that you could actually feel all the things you feel when fall is in season. And oh my gosh, I just fell in love right away with the animal sanctuary. I love all kinds of critters, but I have a special place in my heart for donkeys and reading about those poor neglected souls getting saved made me want to cry and cheer all at the same time lol.

Georgie, Auntie O, Callum and all the rest have such loving and generous spirits. You can feel that as well as read it. Anyway, I also really enjoyed the mystery. I love that it was a mystery inside of a mystery. Those are my favorite. And don't get me started on the magical pups! I loved them a lot and the fact that they had such personalities all on their own and that you can really envision them in this book and their purpose. I really enjoyed that. So often, pet counterparts seem to come off as more of the furniture in the background instead of being front and center. I really loved that.

This book has everything you need in it to imagine a clear crisp fall day and be able to snuggle up and read in a nice soft fluffy blanket. I recommend this book.

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Sarah Fox for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.

Was this review helpful?

This book had such a fun twist and I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this. I had it on my list for summerween reads and it fit perfectly.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!!

A clever, cozy mystery with just the right amount of chills and charm! Sarah Fox delivers a delightful blend of suspense, small-town secrets, and endearing characters that keep you turning the pages. A must-read for cozy mystery fans!

Was this review helpful?

In Tail from the Crypt, the town is preparing for Halloween and the animal sanctuary is sponsoring a fundraiser event. A newcomer to town, Genevieve wants to be the leader of every event, but she is rude, overbearing, and does no actual work while antagonizing everyone she deals with. Soon, Georgie is once again looking for clues in a murder, along with her two unusual dogs and an owl. A fun mystery with sweet dogs, cats, and donkeys and just a touch of romance makes a delightful cozy mystery for Halloween.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Cute & cozy! This is a fun spooky mystery that will be perfect to read in the fall. I'm a sucker for animal sidekicks so I will for sure check out the series again.

Was this review helpful?

3.5/5

This was a super quick and fun little spooky story!

We've got some spooky small town drama, a mysterious and suspicious newcomer that is sticking their fingers in all the pies, crime, and a murder mystery! All wrapped up in some coziness that I pictured taking place in any town from a Halloween movie from the 90's or early 2000's.

Oh, and how could I forget, the dog sidekicks?! And yes, they are literal sidekicks. As in, they help solve crime! It reminded me a bit of that AirBud Halloween movie in a way.

And there is just a teeny tiny scooch of romance, but it's not really a major player. But I did like the depth it added to the characters, it was done very well.

I definitely see myself going back to this series. And I especially plan on doing that once we get closer to Halloween (but luckily, I am in a majorly Summerween mood, so this was perfect).

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

Was this review helpful?

This book is technically part of a series, but I jumped in without reading the earlier books and had no problem keeping up. However, keep in mind that there are some mentions of previous cases.

This was such an easy and cute little cozy mystery! If you’re into Halloween vibes, adorable (paranormal) animals, and a solid murder twist—you’re in for a treat 🎃🔪

I really loved the characters, and the romance is so cute, without steamy scenes. Sometimes you just want a murder mystery without all the steam, y’know?

Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC. Needless to say, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Love the author's books but somehow missed this series! This one combines my favorite themes: rescue animals, pets, cozy mystery, romance, and supernatural aspects. No disappointments, definitely a cute cozy!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Severn House via NetGalley.
#TailsFromtheCrypt by Sarah Fox @the_write_fox #magicalmenageriemysteriesbk3 @severnhouseimprint Pub Date Sep 02, 2025 ***** review #goodreads #bookbub #librarything
#cozymystery #cozymysteries #amateursleuth #romantic #family #secrets #lies #murder #family
#supernatural #dogs #halloween #friendship #fundraiser #localcops #animalsanctuary #friends

Was this review helpful?