Here is the chronological list of these mysteries:
ANNIE’S ATTIC MYSTERY SERIES
Main Character: Annie Dawson, Widow, Cleaning Out Grandmother’s Attic, Maine Coast
- The Lady in the Attic by Tara Randel
- Medals in the Attic by Cathy Elliott
- The Photo Album by Marlene Chase
- Letters in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson
- The Package by Sharon Dunn
- The Map in the Attic by Jolyn Sharp
- Rag Doll in the Attic by Jan Fields
- Boxed In by Karen Kelly
- The Deed In the Attic by K. D. McCrite
- Emeralds in the Attic by Jan Fields
- The Wedding Dress by Mary O’Donnell
- The Valise In the Attic by Jan Fields
- The Unfinished Sonata by K.D. McCrite
- The Stolen Canvas by Marlene Chase
- A Man of His Word by Karen Kelly
- The Key in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson
- Road Trip! by Jan Fields
- The Tapestry in the Attic by Mary O’Donnell
- Gunns and Roses by Karen Kelly
- The Legend of Fuller’s Island by Jan Fields (aka Ghost Island)
- A Stony Point Christmas by K.D. McCrite
- A Spicy Secret by D. Savannah George
- The Cats & the Riddle by Jan Fields
- Jazzed by Donna Kelly
- The Diary in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson
- Angels in the Attic by Mary O’Donnell
- Wild Things by Karen Kelly
- The Kennel Caper by Jan Fields
- The Legacy in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson
- Ring in the Attic by K.D. McCrite
Annie’s Crafts Company is the publisher of this series, as well as the three mystery series listed below. They are mysteries without profanity, and each book is written by a different author.
If you go to this page on my site, there is a list of all of the Annie’s mystery series:
Annie’s Mystery Series
They include:
Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series
Annie’s Secrets of the Quilt Mystery Series
Hearts of Amish Country (non-Mystery) Series
The Secrets of Castleton Manor Library
md says
ANNIE’S MYSTERIES (in order of publication):
The Lady in the Attic by Tara Randel
Medals in the Attic by Cathy Elliott
The Photo Album by Marlene Chase
Letters in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson
The Package by Sharon Dunn
The Map in the Attic by Jolyn Sharp
Rag Doll in the Attic by Jan Fields
Boxed In by Karen Kelly
The Deed in the Attic by K. D. McCrite
Emeralds in the Attic by Jan Fields
The Wedding Dress by Mary O’Donnell
The Valise in the Attic by Jan Fields
The Unfinished Sonata by K. D. McCrite
The Stolen Canvas by Marlene Chase
A Man of His Word by Karen Kelly
The Key in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson
Danna - cozy mystery list says
md,
Thank you so much for sending us the list of the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series. I looked, and looked, but was unable to find it. I should have thought to go to each of the authors’ websites, but I didn’t.
Thanks, again!
Diane says
Danna…..Could you let Kindle users know if these books even come out in Kindle format.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Diane, I can try, but I wonder if they ever will be converted to Kindle format. Hopefully someone will let me know when he/she finds out they are in Kindle format.
Donna says
Just a note to let you know all the books are sent to my kindle and amazon addresses when the book is mailed. Check it out. It’s nice to have them in both libraries……maybe check with Annie’s. Hope this helps.
Bev S says
Diane….
If you go to the Annie’s website, they offer the books as either hard copy books or ebooks…you just have to let them know your preference.
Mine are hard copy as they are purchased by my mother, she reads them and then ships them on to me….and my major complaint….so many books and so little time….
sandra b says
What a wonderful series. I can not wait until the next book is published.
patricia m says
The last book has been published and has been sent to subscribers. Sorry that this series has ended. It had so much more potential.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sandra B and Patricia M, the good news is that the publisher of the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series has started the Creative Woman Mystery Series, which has the same authors in their queue. Here is the link to the Creative Woman Mystery Series on my site:
Creative Woman Mystery Series
They also have the Quilted Mystery Series, which I will try to get posted on my site when I get home.
Quilted Mystery Series:
A Patchwork Murder by Jan Fields
A Midsummer Night’s Seam by Rachael Phillips
Raven Threads by K.D. McCrite
Innocent Until Proven Quilty by Claire Knight
Helen says
I just finished the last book and it was a fabulous ending, even though you had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was to happen. Thank you for a GREAT series of stories and hate to see it end. I LOVED EVERY BOOK SOOOOO MUCH!!!
Bev S says
Helen….there are two more series from Annie’s Publishing….
The Creative Woman series is set in Oregon and has about ten or so books out now….then there is the Quilt series and it is set in Massachusetts….I read on the site that there were to be only twelve books in the Patchwork Quilt series….and some of the authors in this series wrote the Annie’s Attic series.
The reason I’m sort of sketchy on the two new series is because my mother orders them, reads them, and passes them on to me….so I’m at the mercy of the mail and how fast she reads them….
I’ve read eight of the Creative Woman series and it is a great series too. Haven’t gotten my hands on the Patchwork Quilt series yet….but if all else fails, I’ll read the Attic series again….I like to read some books more than once….including my two all-time favourites….Little Women and Jane Eyre.
Take care….Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, I have the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series and the Creative Woman Mystery Series on the site, but am just getting the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series together. I wonder, since you are getting the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series, if you would send me the titles and authors as you get them. (It is not an easy series to get the full scoop on…) Thank you!
Bev S says
Danna….
Here are the first four books in the series, and an additional note, each book has the book number at the top of the spine….
1. A Patchwork Murder Jan Fields
2. Raven Threads K. D. McCrite
3. A Midsummer Night’s Seam Rachael Phillips
4. Innocent Until Proven Guilty. Donna Kelly
Additionally in the Creative Woman series, when you finish a book the title and first chapter of the next book in the series is in the book you’ve just finished.
Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, thank you.
Bev S says
Danna…
Another series that I read, and they aren’t mysteries, but good, clean books, is the Cape Light series by Thomas Kinkade, and the follow on series by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer. They are set in a small village in New England, almost like a coastal village in Maine, and the characters are almost like family as they grow on you.
If you are interested, I will dig out the titles and list them for you….they are the kind of book that you curl up with the book and a pot of tea…
Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, thank you for the information about Katherine Spencer’s Cape Light series. Do you know she also writes the Black Sheep Knitting Mystery Series as Anne Canadeo?
It had been a while since I last updated Anne Canadeo’s Katherine Spencer books. I had no idea she had written so many with Thomas Kinkade. (I went ahead and updated both pages for her. I see that Katherine Spencer is continuing to write both of the Thomas Kinkade series…)
Katherine Spencer & Thomas Kinkade page.
Tim says
Those books you mentioned are wonderful. They are a little more involved than Annie’s attic but I love the continuity of Them. They change. Life moves on. Not a fan of a series where everything stays the same.
Carol says
I am devastated!!!!
I so loved these books and felt as if the characters were my friends. I often thought throughout the days, until another one arrived..I wonder what they are up to today?.
It’s like I have lost friends. I know I know :)).kinda dramatic but true.
I just happened upon the series in the magazine THE GOOD OLD DAYS. My gain for sure.
Thanks to all the writers and God Bless you all.
Virginia F says
Yup, I really loved those women! There are two new series currently going on and a new series that some of us are chaffing at the bit waiting for it to be announced.
I personally like the characters in Annie’s Quilted Mysteries series more than the Creative Woman Mysteries series. To me, that group of women more closely resemble Annie and her group of friends. Others may not agree with me though. Danna has links to both of those series. Cr. Mysteries has 13 books and the Quilted Mysteries has 12.
Virginia
Bev S says
And the new series is still in the thought process as there is still nothing on the website….and I’m patiently??? Waiting….and I’m not very patient….but they will be good books and also books you can give a teen niece or friend without worrying about their eyes rotting from the language….
Carol says
To Virginia, I don’t think I want to get connected again to a series… It’s too sad when It ends.
I guess I will just read novels. I am reading the ones from Guide Post now ” Tales from Grace Chapel Inn”.
They are very similar to “Annie’s Attic” But I don’t get connected to the characters at all. Just nice stories.
sigh…smilling.. Carol from Wisconsin
Virginia F says
Hi Carol!
I understand what you are saying as I really, really hated that the Annie’s Attic Series came to an end. However, I am really stoked about the prospect of their next series and learning about the ladies (mostly) in the books. The Annie’s Patchwork Mystery ladies have earned a spot in my heart and I look so forward to receiving a new book in that series. While reading the Creative Mystery Series, I just have never warmed up to those ladies in the same manner. Am now waiting for the last book in that series to be shipped to me as I was invested enough in the series that I wanted to see it through to its conclusion.
Virginia
Carol says
Virginia?
what’s the word on” Annie’s mystery unraveled”?
I got the postcard to mail back yesterday. I always take the pictures of the characters and make a bookmark out of them. There is a description of each person and photo..Not sure what I think..any HELP out there?
Virginia F says
Hi Carol!
I’m impatiently waiting to receive my first book. All I know for sure is that we meet up with Kate and Vanessa Stevens again. Kate has moved to Texas and Vanessa is attending college nearby. Kate is now writing for a publishing company. In the preview, she gets a call from Mary Ellen who has checked into Kate’s contract and find some “issues” with it.
I also think that there will be a renewed love connection with Kate and the detective who investigated the murder at the needlecraft convention the gang attended in Texas in the “Road Trip” book by Jan Fields.
That’s about all I can tell you for now. My book is to ship out tomorrow so it’ll be about 2 weeks before I’ve devoured each and every word.
Hope this helps!
Virginia
Carol says
Virginia..thanks BIG Bunches. we mailed the card back this morning on the way to church
carol
Wanda W says
I really loved the Grace Chapel Series. I ordered the 1st 2 books from Guideposts and then found out my local library had them. There are about 25 books in that series. I guess “to each his own.”
Debbie T says
Am so sorry that the series has ended. Does anyone know why. These books are so good and there is so much more that they can do with the series. Have read the first 18 and am looking forward to reading the rest. I know that there are different series you can get, but really enjoyed this series and hope that they will continue if enough of us are interested.
Virginia F says
Hello!
There are actually 30 books in the series. I think you are missing “The Legacy in the Attic” as well as “The Ring in the Attic”.
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Series concludes when Annie (FINALLY) marries Ian Butler, the handsome Mayor of Stony Point Maine.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Virginia F, for reminding me to update my blog entry. When I wrapped up the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series page up on the Cozy Mystery site, I forgot to update this page.
Thanks, again!
Pearl F says
SORRY, TOO HEAR THE ATTIC MYSTERIES HAVE STOPPED
I SO ENJOYED AND THERE HAS TO BE MORE IN THAT
INTERESTING ATTIC
HAVE STARTED THE QUILTING SERIES AND ENJOY
I COLLECT SERIES BOOKS AND THESE LOOK NICE IN MY LIBRARY
Bev S says
Ladies….
If you go to the Annie’s Attic website, it gives a little information about the new quilted mystery series and it indicates that there will be only twelve books in the series…maybe we could coax some of the authors to think about writing more. I haven’t read any of these books yet, they are on the way to me…but my mother has read the first book by Jan Fields and she said after the first chapter, which was fast paced, that this set the tone for a really fabulous book…and like me she has been reading since she was old enough to hold a book.
I have started the Creative Woman series and have the first eight of them and am waiting for Mum to ship the next four or five to me….so I’ll have lots to read if we keep having snow…in fact this past week is the first really heavy snow Eve had in our neighbourhood and I’m in MD.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, it’s interesting that you brought up the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series. It is in the batch of “new to the website authors” I am readying for the site.
Bev S says
Danna…
If you notice, the first two books in the series are written by authors from the Annie’s Attic series. I did notice that so far all of the authors in the Creative Woman series are new to me.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev, I did notice the similarity of authors’ names. Here are the first four mysteries in the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series:
A Patchwork Murder by Jan Fields
Raven Threads by K. D. McCrite
A Midsummer Night’s Seam by Rachael Phillips
Innocent Until Proven Quilty by Donna Kelly
jackie says
thank for the information on the series
*Susan says
I’m not familiar with the series, and I can’t find much information on the net – it seems to be a fairly new series – but the series website (www.anniesmysteries.com) has a “Contact Us” address: customer_service@anniesmysteries.com
Perhaps they can help.
Best of luck,
Susan.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
*Susan, thanks for the email address, but between md’s and Shawn’s lists, I have already made the changes to the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series page.
Susan says
I’m glad someone was able to help! 🙂
Shawn says
Here is a list in order of publication:
The Lady in the Attic by Tara Randel
Medals in the Attic by Cathy Elliott
The Photo Album by Marlene Chase
Letters in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson
The Package by Sharon Dunn
The Map in the Attic by Jolyn Sharp
Rag Doll in the Attic by Jan Fields
Boxed In by Karen Kelly
The Deed in the Attic by K. D. McCrite
Emeralds in the Attic by Jan Fields
The Wedding Dress by Mary O’Donnell
The Valise in the Attic by Jan Fields
The Unfinished Sonata by K. D. McCrite
The Stolen Canvas by Marlene Chase
A Man of His Word by Karen Kelly
The Key in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson
I found this on DeAnna Julie Dodson website
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Shawn, for this list. I have made the changes necessary on the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series.
Again, thanks!
Rachel says
Emeralds in the Attic is #10 according to the listing I found on http://www.deannajuliedodson.com who wrote 2 of the books. I have 7 of them and didn’t know there are more. Thanks for the questions so I found more of these delightful books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rachel, I’m glad Julie asked the question, also. I had one of the mystery books out of sequence.
Brenda says
This is a wonderful series! I just finished book #4 and can’t wait for the next one! I had them read in 3 evenings – just love them so much!!! I’d love to live in Stony Point and have all these wonderful people in my life for real! I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves reading!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Brenda, for letting us know how much you enjoyed Annie’s Attic Mystery Series.
Ginger says
I found three of these books in an antique shop really cheap. Letters in the Attic, The Package and The Map in the Attic. Haven’t yet read any of them, but they all sound so good. Would I need to read them in order of publication, or can I just dig in??
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ginger, I hope you enjoy the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series. I know there are a lot of fans of the series. I’m sorry, but I don’t know if you they are better read chronologically, or not.
Lois C says
I prefer to read Series Books in order they were written
because sometimes reference incidents in earlier books..
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lois C, I totally agree with you about most series.
Ethel says
I enjoy the series. I suggest you read #1 Lady in the Attic
first. It explains the characters.
Once you start reading you hate putting them down.
Our library doesn’t carry them so the librarian orders
them from out of state.
Enjoy!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Ethel, for clarifying the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series’ order question.
Julie B says
I would recommend start with #1 they are better if read in order because of what is happening in them but you can tell when you have skipped one. I, also have had the library order them for me and have come to a standstill as they can not get any lately for me. Once I start one I can not put it down till done.
marion says
Can they interlibrary loan them for you? Some other library may have them. My library only charges two dollars a book for postage.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Julie B, thanks for the information about the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series.
linda says
This series really looks interesting. I will try to find this series. I have always wanted to go through old houses and attics to see what people had stored throughout their lifetimes. I’ll bet this is a wonderful series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, I hear from quite a few fans of Annie’s Attic Mystery Series…
Dreama says
My mother started getting these books and now I am hooked. I had kind of gotten out of reading, but not anymore. I love, love, love these books I just can’t put them down. I hope there are many, many, many more to come. Awesome job keep on writing.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Dreama, Annie’s Attic Mystery Series seems to have a huge audience. You are not alone!
marion says
When I was a child in WV, we had both an attic and a basement and I just loved exploring in both of them so I’ll have to see if I can lay hands on some of this series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marion, here in San Antonio, basements are practically unheard of. (Rock, rock, and more rock under a thin frosting of soil.)
marion says
I live in the rocky western half of San Marcos, Danna, so I hear you. Go down a couple of inches and Clink! you’ve hit a rock! One reason I don’t have a garden….. I suppose basements may be more prevalent in ‘Tornado Alley’ but I suppose some of those may be just functional storm cellars. You don’t hear of too many attics either, although they may be in the historical homes for all I know. I have a crawl space but I would never go up there. The house we lived in WV was built in ’28 on the side of a hill. Come to think of it, most buildings in WV are probably built on the side of a hill, lol. MY POINT IS that the hill side gave you room for a basement. It was a big basement too, the dimensions of the whole first floor. Fruit cellar, laundry area, work room for my father and play area for us children. Our attic was a whole room too.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marion, my neighbor has a beautiful garden, but her husband had it built up in a huge railroad-tie box. Even with that, in this hear I wouldn’t want to stay outside long enough to garden.
marion says
My sister had a little ‘railroad’tie’ garden here for her tomatoes. A friend of mine here in town plants year-round but she is on the east side of town where she doesn’t have trouble digging. She grows greens and lettuce in the winter. I can’t do yard work any more and I don’t try to grow flowers in pots in the summer but it dawned on me that with the “cooler” weather coming on, I may try a some annuals in a few weeks. There’s a good greenhouse out Hwy. 21 where I have bought before. Lowe’s annuals are usually in bloom and past their prime, to my experience, although it’s a good place to buy supplies.
Ann says
Re: Annie’s Attic Mystery Series
What happened to the Fall sweater with all the wonderful colours in it, the birthday in Texas, and Christmas. Thank you Ann.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ann, it looks like none of us know what happened to it. I’m sorry we couldn’t help you.
Dorothy R says
On the Mystery’s in the Attic series, which books come next after Key in the Attic? I have four books I haven’t read yet starting with Key in the Attic and there is no way of knowing what order they came in. I think the Road Trip might be next but I am not sure so if anyone has that info I would greatly appreciate it as I want to get caught up but in the right order as they came.
Thanks,
Dorothy
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi Dorothy R,
Here is the chronological list of Annie’s Attic Mystery Series. Enjoy!
Marsha says
Hi, Dorothy,
These are the order of the books after The Key in the Attic.
Road Trip
The Tapestry in the Attic
Gunns and Roses
Ghost Island, which I believe is not out yet.
I hope this helps,
Marsha
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marsha, thank for listing the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series books. I went ahead and updated the page on my site.
Cordelia says
These are the titles that have been released so far in order. At least five books more are in the works.
1. Lady in the Attic By Tara Randel
2. Medals in the Attic By Cathy Elliot
3. The Photo Album By Marlene Chase
4. Letters in the Attic By DeAnna Julie Dodson
5. Package in the Attic By Sharon Dunn
6. Map in the Attic By Jolyn Sharp
7. Rag Doll in the Attic By Jan Fields
8. Boxed In By Karen Kelly
9. Deed in the Attic By K.D. McCrite
10. Emeralds in the Attic By Jan Fields
11. The Wedding Dress By Mary O’Donnell
12. Valise in the Attic By Jan Fields
13. Unfinished Sonata By K.D. McCrite
14. The Stolen Canvas By Marlene Chase
15. A Man of His Word (formerly The Dilemma) By Karen Kelly
16. The Key in the Attic By DeAnna Julie Dodson
17. Road Trip! (aka Death and Texas) By Jan Fields
18. The Tapestry in the Attic By Mary O’Donnell
19. Gunns and Roses By Karen Kelly
20. The Legend of Fuller’s Island By Jan Fields
21. A Stony Point Christmas By K.D. McCrite
Cordelia says
Actually received latest one today:
22. A Spicy Secret By D. Savannah George
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Cordelia, I just added A Spicy Secret to the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series page.
Bev S says
Danna…
Book #29 is titled The Legacy in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson.
Book #30 is out but I have no idea the title until I get it in the mail.
So far there are 10 books in the Creative Woman Series and books 8 and 9 have not been titled to date…
Hopefully there will be additional books in the Annie’s Attic series, but at one time there was a comment that there would be only 30 books.
All books are available for download through Annie’s page.
K.D. McCrite says
I wrote book #30, Ring in the Attic, which wraps up the series. I do hope I did justice to the series, the characters, and our readers. Thank you all for being so loyal! –K.D.
Bev S says
Sorry to see the end of the series, but am looking forward to the last book…will have it very shortly and if it is as good as the rest, I’ll be happy. But do have a question for K D McCrite…how could they take a group of characters and have several authors do equal justice to a story line. It almost appears like one single author with many pseudonyms, but I know this is not the case. Also will any of the authors who wrote the Annie’s Mysteries Series be writing some of the Creative Woman Series as it too is being written by several authors?
K.D. McCrite says
That’s a great question, Bev! We authors are provided with character profiles and, of course, we read one another’s work to help ground us in the series so that it flows as naturally as possible from one book to the next without losing our own style. Because we want you, as readers, to have a new book as quickly as possible, there must be a team of us writing all the time. A single author could not be so prolific and still have her sanity! 🙂
I haven’t written for the Creative Woman series but some of the other Annie’s Attic authors have. The wonderful folks at Annie’s Publishing will continue providing a fiction line for your reading pleasure. We hope you will see some familiar author names on the book covers for years to come!
K.D.
Diane says
I just finished “The Ring in the Attic” and realized at the end that it was the end of that series. I will so so miss these books. I have them all. Will I continue to automatically receive books from the new series, if not how do I go about ordering them. The Annie’s Attic books have given me so many wonderful hours of reading pleasure.
Bev S says
Diane…I was lucky enough to get the Annie’s Attic books from my mother…she ordered them, read them and passed the on to me. Now she is getting the second series, The Creative Woman series, and she got a flyer in her email advertising them, but you can go to the Annie website and order them either as hard copies or Kindle copies…and once again, I’m receiving them from my mother as she finishes them…and so far a pretty good series…set in a small town in Oregon with a group…Purls of Hope much like Annie’s group, the Hook and Needle Club…I’m thoroughly enjoying this series…am on the third book.
Virginia F says
I got an email from Annie’s Attic about the Creative Woman series as well as the Annie’s Quilted Mysteries series. I’m sure that if you go to the web page and click on either of those series, you will be prompted to “join”.
Virginia
Carol says
K.D. McCrite
Please PLEASE…write more Annies Attic..I could read them for the rest of my life…Besides I have all this extra money gangling in my pockets now….LOL
You all just can’t leave us hanging here…It’s kinda depressing…
SO, I’m 98 and whats a couple more years…JUST KIDDING..lol
I’m alot younger than 98 but I was hoping to shame you..snicker
K.D. McCrite says
Dear, dear readers! I love you guys! I so wish I could give you answers you want, but I can’t. The decisions are not up to the authors but the folks who run the company.
Let me assure you, though, that it seems the company plans several series of books in the future, and I think you will like them all. They will come out, one series at a time, one book at a time.
If I find out any information from the “powers that be” that I can share with you, I shall do so.
In the meantime, many of us write other books, not just “Annie books”. I have a wonderful series for kids (but adults love it too), “Confessions of April Grace.” Feel free to Google it, or find the books in your bookstore or Amazon or the Thomas Nelson website.
Thank you SO MUCH for your interest and loyalty. God bless you all.
–kd
Bev S says
KD….
Do you think you could share our ideas with the “powers that be” and if they realize how addicted we’ve all become to Annie and her friends, maybe further down the road there could be a continued series….we don’t mean to be pushy, but we love that series….
Thanks for anything you can do to help us…
Bev
Liz Penney says
Hi everyone
I’m one of the writers for Creative Woman Series (last book) and Annie’s Quilted Mysteries (7 & 11). Plus others to be announced. 🙂
I have shared your wonderful feedback with Annie’s editors and I will visit here once the next series are announced! Promise. Appreciate your interest so much!
K.D. McCrite says
I sent a link to this thread of comments to my editor. 🙂
Virginia F says
Hey K.D.
I said elsewhere in this thread that I did not think we would be able to sway the management about more Annie’s Attic mysteries. 30 is an awfully lot of books for one series, though I truly treasured each and every book. At the end of the series, it was like moving to a new state … knowing that you’ll probably never see your wonderful friends again.
However, I would love to see a new series started where Annie decides to convert Gray Gables to a bed and breakfast that is dedicated to crafters. Don’t know if the powers that be would actually consider something like that. Bev S and a few others as well as myself were kicking that idea around further down in this thread. (Pardon my lack of good grammar on that last sentence — UGH.) Seriously think that could be a great series. Dedicate each book to a specific craft and of course there would be a corresponding mystery of some sort pop up. Just our crazy $0.02 worth.
Virginia
Bev S says
Hey, Virginia…
At least she will have some ideas to hand to the powers that be, and maybe that there will be another series, maybe the fifth or sixth one as these people seem to thrive on mystery tales.
On another note, my mother was telling me last night that there really was a person named Annie Potter and she purchased several large houses in the Big Sandy area. She figures that the lady is deceased and now the huge estate houses have gone to rack and ruin except the one that is used for the company…such a waste as one of the houses housed a craft market where you could buy yarns, patterns, etc. and another was a bed and breakfast….
Kevin C says
Hi Bev S,
Annie Potter is alive and well, in fact she called my Momma this morning. They have been close friends since Momma worked at Annie’s in Big Sandy, TX in the early 1980’s.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Bev S, I just added # 29.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Cordelia, I thought “Ghost Island” by Jan Fields was #20, and I didn’t know about the last two on your list. (I just added them to the list on the site.) Thanks, again!
Cordelia says
The original title of book #20 was Ghost Island, but it was changed to The Legend of Fuller’s Island.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
That explains it, Cordelia. Thanks a bunch!
K.D. McCrite says
Hello. I’m one of the authors for the Annie’s Attic Mysteries, and to see that there are so many fans who enjoy these books warms my heart.
I wanted to let you know that my own cozy mystery series (Eastgate Mysteries) debuts Saturday, December 15, with Eastgate Keeps on Singing. I would be honored if you’d like to feature it here. Thank you!
K.D. McCrite
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, K.D., for telling us about Eastgate Keeps on Singing and your new Eastgate Mystery Series. I’ll have to add you to the site!
Bev S says
Another way to determine the order is to look at the copyright number given by the Library of Congress…ie: Gunns and Roses is 2012910977… The Legend of Fuller’s Island is 2012912100…so by looking at the last four digits you can conclude that Gunns and Roses was published first. Also when I get these books the first thing I do is mark the inside cover where you might put a bookplate with the number of the book. I’m very lucky as my mother buys these books and when she finishes reading them, she forwards them on to me. A great series of books and really great authors. Keep up the good work.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Bev, for the chronology tip!
Deb says
Are any of these going to be available for e-books?
Bev S says
Emeralds in the Attic is book number 10… It comes after Deed in the Attic and before The Wedding Dress…enjoy and have no idea about e- books….could someone else answer the second part of the question. Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Deb, the only way I know to find out if a specific e-book is available is to go to the Amazon page for that book if you have a Kindle, or the Barnes & Noble if you have a Nook.
karen says
hi, i live in australia and only can get these through amazon, so becomes a bit costly but well worth it, just finished 14. cant wait to read the next 8 books. karen
Danna - cozy mystery list says
G’day, Karen! I have seen some of the resales online for the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series, and can imagine they get very expensive.
K.D. McCrite says
Regarding your interest in Annie’s availability as ebooks, I asked my editor and here is verbatim what he told me: “All of the books are available for Kindle and other e-Readers in various formats, but for club members only – we are not currently selling individual titles.”
I hope this helps.
Ilah D K says
I have “Angels Among Us” listed as number 21 in my list that is in Chronological order. Then the last book I have received is A Stony Point Christmas, which by the way is excellent.
I received Angels Among us before it.
Bev S says
I don’t have Angels Among Us and I think I have all of them up to, and including A Stony Point Christmas. Was Angels Among Us renamed as was Ghost Story. I know that my mother has all of these books as once she has finished reading them, I get them.
Another note, Amazon has an app, Kindle for iPad and I usually get my e-books this way…it works quite well, so if someone has an iPad and needs to download from Amazon, there you have it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, thanks for the info on Annie’s Attic Mystery Series.
Cordelia says
Number 21 is definitely “A Stony Point Christmas”; there is no “Angels Among Us.” I have all of the books up to and including “A Spicy Secret.”
Ilah D K says
Hi Cordella,
I’m sorry you don’t have Angels among us but I do and it is part of the “Annie’s Attic Mysteries” I would tell you the authors name but my daughter has the book as she reads them when I’m finished and at the moment she is at work and I can’t bother her.
Look on the Internet for a chronological order and then you can see it for yourself. Good luck
Ilah
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ilah, here is the chronological list of the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series.
Ilah D K says
Angels Among Us is from the series “Mysteries of Sparrow Island”, author is Ellen Harris. I have it and read it. Very good story.
Ilah
bambi says
How MANY books have you gotten to date:? I am wondering when the series will end and another start.
I know Ian and Annie will end up together but getting there is the ‘thing’, Love to know…. I nearly stopped the series cuz it’s dragging out, yet do love the books too, just spendy reading I want to gift them to Dtr, but not til series ends. The # and names are on back of the box. Last one I have is Angels in the Attic.. sigh.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Looks like it’s official, Cordelia. And, thank you for the info. Since I am not a member of the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series, I rely on people who are to keep me updated on new books.
Ilah D K says
Hi,
I am truly sorry, I also read, “Sparrow Island Mysteries” and I got the two confused. I am 79 years young and sometimes get confulsed. Hope I didn’t cause any problems for you.
Ilah
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Welcome to the Cozy Mystery site, Ilah. No problems here! By the way, I do that ALL of the time! That’s one of the reasons I began the Cozy Mystery site.
I got frustrated by not only buying the same books twice, but actually catching myself reading the same books twice. I would keep reading, thinking the book seemed very familiar. Finally, I started my “obsessive” lists of books, and thankfully, as long as I remember to keep my lists current and marking the books off as I read them, I usually can keep them all straight.
Again, welcome to the site!
Ilah D K says
Thanks, you too and glad to hear I’m not the only one that gets confused.
Enjoy reading and you might want to try, the mysteries of Sparrow Island. It is also a great series.
Ilah
Bev S says
Ilah…I too welcome you to the site…imagine how you would feel if you bought the same book not once but three times and I’m much younger than you…still think I’m 31 and if only I were.
Ilah D K says
Good morning All,
I’m glad to hear that I am not the only one that forgets. I am very thankfull that I can at almost 80 yrs. young drive 3 hours to spend the week end with my daughter that lives in the Pocono Mounts of PA. I drive a big Yukon XL and it takes me about anywhere I want to go. Have a good day everyone.
dlilchic825 says
that is soooo awesome that you get out and about!!! you go girl!!!
Cordelia says
FYI: Book 23 of Annie’s Attic Mysteries is out: “The Cats & the Riddle.” Also, have heard the rumor that this series will end at book 30.
Glad to hear that others are sometimes as forgetful as I am! I like to think that something of every book I’ve read remains in my memory–somewhere–but it’s not always easy to “fetch” those details. 🙂
Ilah D Karol says
Emeralds in the Attic fits between The Deed in the Attic and The Wedding Dress. It’s number 10. Hope this helps,
Ilah
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Ilah. (I went ahead and added the chronological list of Annie’s Attic mysteries to this entry, since I had to keep going back and forth to see what I had listed on the site.)
Ilah D K says
So glad it helped you. I love each and every one of the books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks for the info, Cordelia. Do you happen to know the author of The Cats & the Riddle?
Cordelia says
Jan Fields is author of The Cats & the Riddle.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Cordelia.
Bev S says
Strands of Fate by Linda Kozar…
Just had an email from Annie’s Mysteries and there is another series starting. It appears to have a nucleus of characters and each book is written by a different author, similar to Annie’s Attic Mysteries. The first book is available now either as a hard cover or e-book. I have read all of the first series so far and am looking forward to reading this series via e-book. So far their website states that books can be mailed to only the US or Canada but can be e-booked anywhere else.
Bev S says
The new series is called The Creative Woman Mysteries.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Bev, for the heads up about The Creative Woman Mysteries.
K.D. McCrite says
Referencing something earlier in this thread. Angels in the Attic, by Mary O’Donnell, will be book #26.
patricia m says
I cannot believe the Annie’s Attic Mystery series books will be ending with book #30. If this is true, I hope Annie and Ian will finally reveal their true feelings for each other and live happily ever after. Can’t imagine not having these mysteries.
Ilah D K says
I do hope that is not true, I love reading these books. Can’t imagine not getting them past #30.
Ilah
Kay says
Sure hate to see Annie’s Attic Mysteries come to an end. I have a hard time waiting for the next one to be delivered to me. Have other folks reading them too.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I know, Kay. I have a lot of people who write to me about the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series.
Judy D says
hi danna I was wondering if you knew how I could go about buying the annies attic books I have several but would like to get the later ones as well and I live in australia and we dont have them here and I cant wait to get the next lot so hope someone may be able to help me also danna what is mignon e ballard angel series is like sounds good but just thought you may know take care and keep up the great work many thanks judy
Cordelia says
Have received next book in Annie’s Attic Mysteries: “The Diary in the Attic” by DeAnna Julie Dodson.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Cordelia, for telling me about the latest Annie’s Attic mystery. I just updated the page to show the latest two in the series.
Becca C. says
What number is The Diary In The Attic? My daughter in love had the first four books, and loaned them to me to read. I am now on number 4, I love them. I thought 3, so far was the best. I am staying with my sister right now, I talked to the library and asked if they had heard of the books or had them available. They said they would have to get them from another library, because THEY ARE OUT OF PRINT. What ever that means. They are getting 5 and 6 for me. So glad to know there are more and I will let my daughter in love know, too.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Becca, I get quite a few letters from people who are fans of Annie’s Attic Mystery Series. You and your daughter-in-love are not alone.
Becca C. says
Again, could you please tell me what number The Diary In The Attic is and who is the author.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I’m sorry, Becca, sometimes it takes me a few tries before I get it. Here is the complete list of the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series, with all of the authors. (It looks like it’s #25.)
Cordelia says
Book #26 is out: “Angels in the Attic” by Mary O’Donnell
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Cordelia, for telling us about Annie’s Attic Mystery Series book #26. I have added it to the list.
Lois C says
I am reading #12, “The Valise In the Attic” byJan Fields.
On page 57 a previous reader has written or corrected, in ink, two words they think were left out. I do not agree that the words were needed. But what ready frosts me is when someone takes it upon theirself to do such a thing. They should only WRITE in their own book if at all.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lois C, I take it you’re reading a library book that has been corrected by another library reader. Or, perhaps the book was donated to the library by the person who corrected it in ink. I have encountered library books with corrections before, and I know exactly what you’re talking about!
Sandy says
Loved every book I have read so far, Got my 86 year old mother reading them also. Can you tell me if you can get the new series in big print? Hate to see Annie go!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sandy, I’m sorry, but I don’t know if they will be releasing their new series in large print. Maybe someone else might know and post a comment.
judy d says
hi all and danna I am having so much trouble getting the most recent annies attic mysteries I can only get them on kindle but have to go to the 1st in the series and I have so many this would be a waste i was wondering if anyone knew if and where I can get individual titles in book form this is the best series and I live in aus so not many will post here and amazon is out of stock of the more recent ones hope someone can shed some light many thanks to you all and danna judy
dlilchic825 says
i want to thank whomever posted this list of the Annie’s Attic Mysteries list…i am rather anal about the order in which i read books from a series and this helped me organize them. ty ty ty!!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
dlilchic, you’re welcome. I’m pretty obsessed with reading things in chronological order.
KristenN says
We just received Wild Things by Karen Kelly at the same time as Angels in the Attic (#25), so I assume that is #26.
KristenN says
Whoops. #26 and #27, I mean.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks for the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series information, KristenN.
KristenN says
And we have just received The Kennel Caper by Jan Fields. Assuming it’s #28. (We = a public library.)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, KristenN, for telling us about the latest Annie’s Attic mystery.
Barbara S. says
I just finished reading the 3rd book, The Photo Album and found an error on page 67. The last line includes the words ‘Betsy Dawson’s granddaughter’ instead of ‘Betsy Holden’s granddaughter’. Am really enjoying the books. Hope that I don’t find any more obvious errors like that. Guess publishers don’t have proof readers anymore as someone let that slip by them.
Ann says
Just called customer service for “Annie’s Attic Mysteries” there are probably only going to be 30 books total. She said it started out to only be 9, then 20 now 30 but that is where it will probably stop. I really enjoy them and hope the new series is as good, she said there are 5 of them already out.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ann, Annie’s Crafts Company are the publishers of the Annie’s Attic Mysteries. They are also publishing a new mystery series called the Creative Woman Mysteries. Both series of mysteries are written by different authors. As you know, the Annie’s Attic mystereis follow Annie Dawson in coastal Maine. The Creative Woman mysteries feature Shannon McClain, a crafter who specializes in one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry in Apple Grove, Oregon.
Sereta says
Have just finished number 7, Rag Doll in the Attic, these books are so well written, it’s amazing that there are so many authors involved and keep the details and timeline true. I am not usually a fan of this type of book, but the first one caught my attention and I was hooked!! The attention to small town life, craft nuance and emotional detail is so addicting!! I will certainly miss these books, but hope the last one will answer the question about Annie and Ian, he is so every woman’s dream of the perfect mate. I have also started the Creative Woman series and have to agree, it’s a great series, read in Chronological order, I started number 4 and realized I had missed 2 and 3!! Too much missing information!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sereta, I have read a few books out of chronological order, and most of them rely too much on the previous ones to be able to do that. Thanks for letting us know about your enjoyment of the Creative Woman Mystery Series as well as the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series.
KristenN says
The last two have arrived.
#29 The Legacy in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson
#30 The Ring in the Attic by K.D. McCrite (which is probably a hint as to how things turn out with Annie and Ian…)
nellie p says
I have read all of the 30 books and have enjoyed them very much . Congratulations to the writerswho have woven the characters of these 30 books to make it so interesting to read. I hope Annie and Ian have a full life together.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nellie P, how fortunate that the authors of the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series knew when the series was going to finish, rather than what happens to a lot of our authors who are dropped from their publishers, which in turn leave the faithful readers just wondering what might have happened.
Martha says
Thanks for listing all of the Annie Attic Mystery Series. My mom was reading them & then she passed them to me when I visited her. She has since passed away & I have been trying to find the rest of the series. Thank you so much.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Martha, how nice that your mom passed the books on to you. What a great way for you to reconnect with her, enjoying them while knowing that she enjoyed the series so much.
Marie says
I have read the first two books of Annie’s Attic and enjoyed them. My library could not find the other series. Now I know, because of the different authors. So now thanks to this site I can ask my library to recieve these for me inter- library loan . HAPPY AM ME!
patricia m says
I am so disappointed that this series has ended.I wish that there was a website we could go to so we could tell the people who started the series that they should continue this series. There are so many story lines that could be explored. Don’t these people realize when you have such a successful series that readers will not abandon this series??? There are so many authors to contribute to this series. Please re consider continuing this series!
ANN says
I AM READING ALL THE BOOKS IN ORDER/JUST WONDERED WHEN FIRST WAS OUT AND WHEN IT ENDS FOR ANNIES MYSTERIES. I SO ENJOY THEM ALL.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I’m sorry, Ann, but I don’t know the exact year the first Annie’s Attic mystery was published. I think it ended with book #30.
Bev S says
Last book in this series is number 30…The Ring in the Attic by KD McCrite…it was written a couple of months ago and I’ve already ready read it. There is a new series available through Annie’s and it is The Creative Woman series…set in Oregon and again has a group who like to solve mysteries…the first book is Strands of Fate and so far there are nine out that I’m aware of.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Bev, I have a page up for the Creative Woman Mystery Series, but so far I only have the first seven mysteries’ titles in the series. (I know the authors of the eighth and ninth books, just not the titles. I don’t even know how I did that!)
Bev S says
Book 8 is Guilty Treasures and Book 9 is A Tangled Yarn. I’m waiting for my mother to read this book so she can pass it on to me. At the end of each book is the first chapter of the next book.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you so much, Bev S. I just added the two titles to the Creative Woman Mystery Series page. (That’s really neat that both you and your mother read the same books. The reading for pleasure skipped a generation in my family. I don’t ever remember my mom reading a book… and I mean EVER!)
Virginia F says
There is a new series, Patchwork Mysteries. I’ve gotten the first one and the second Raven Threads is in the mail. Cool thing is that each book has a sampler piece for you to quilt at the end of the book. When the series wraps up, you will have a quilt “designed” by Cotton and Grace the heroines of the series. I love this series already. More than the Creative Mysteries series which I am reading but for some reason, I’m not as attached to those characters as these. Anyway, looks to be a great new set of books!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, I’m glad to hear you are enjoying the Patchwork Mystery Series. You might want to take a look at the Patchwork Mystery Series page on the Cozy Mystery site. So far I show that there have been 27 published.
Virginia F says
Hi!
This is a different series. The first book is called “A Patchwork Murder”, the second is “Raven Threads” Just pulled my book and the series is called Annie’s Quilted Mysteries.
Hope this helps.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Virginia F, for the information. Cordelia just sent us the site, and it looks like a really good mystery series. (Book #3 is A Midsummer Night’s Seam by Rachael Phillips and book #4 is Innocent Until Proven Quilty by Donna Kelly.)
K.D. McCrite says
Danna: The Patchwork Mystery Series you have in your link above is for the series by Guideposts. Annie’s Publishing has their own quilting mystery line, called Annie’s Quilted Mysteries. This is a new series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
K.D. McCrite, I see you wrote the second Annie’s Quilted Mystery >>> Raven Threads by K.D. McCrite. Congratulations!
K.D. McCrite says
Thanks, Danna! It was great fun to write, but the only one I am writing for this particular series. (Many irons in the fire for me these days.) And rest assured, Annie’s Publishing will continue to offer you fine mysteries for many years to come. –kd
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cordelia, thank you for the information about the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series. I had no idea that Annie’s was putting out another mystery series. (I’m going to go write a comment back to Virginia F, since I clearly was talking about an altogether different mystery series.
Thanks, again!
Virginia F says
I’m absolutely frothing at the bit for the Postman to deliver “Raven Threads”. Finished my sampler piece from “A Patchwork Murder” so cannot wait to see what piece we are quilting with “Raven Threads”. I really think that the sampler quilt that corresponds with the books in the series is an absolutely brilliant idea!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, what a clever idea they have regarding having different samplers in each mystery book that will later be connected. That’s neat!
Virginia F says
Finally, received KD McCrite’s “Raven Threads” in today’s mail. Cannot wait for quiet time tonight to start reading it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, that’s the one bad thing about book clubs where you have to wait for the next installments. Have fun reading!
Virginia F says
Just finished “Raven Threads” — it was absolutely fabulous. As always, they end long before I want them to. Plot lines have been resolved as they should be but I’ve just enjoyed them so much that I hate to see them come to a close.
I really do like these characters much better than the Creative Woman Mystery series and I’m not quite sure why. These characters are much like the characters in the Annie’s Attic Mystery series in that they endearred themselves to me instantly. It’s a much slower process with the Creative Woman Mystery characters. I’m puzzling over why that is the case and have no concrete reason. Personal tastes, I guess.
At any rate, I have my sampler block left to sew and than eagerly await the next installment in the series.
Happy reading everyone!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thanks for letting us know how good K.D. McCrite’s Raven Threads is.
K.D. McCrite says
Thank you so much, Virginia F, for the good words about Raven Threads. I am so glad you liked it! Good luck with your quilt. I hope it turns out beautifully.
K.D.
Jan Fields says
I just found this page while killing time on Google (when I should be writing). It brightened my wintry day. How lovely to see folks who enjoyed the Annie’s series and now Annie’s Quilted Mysteries. I didn’t work on the Creative Woman series, but I’m sure it’s lovely too. These stories have been such fun to write, so it’s always great to see them well received.
Jan
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you for stopping by, Jan Fields. I’m glad you were killing time on Google!
Virginia F says
Good Morning Jan!
Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for laying out the characters in the Quilted Mysteries series so well. For me, at least, you got the series off to a fabulous start! I immediately bonded with the characters and love that the series is located in Massachusetts (even though I’m from Nebraska). I love the history of Massachusetts. At any rate, loved the flow of the book and how the new characters were introduced to us. Tying a sampler quilt with each chapter of the book was a sensational idea. Hope to read more of your work on this series soon!
I’m definitely chomping at the bit for the next book in this series to be shipped to me.
Virginia
Jan Fields says
Aw, thanks. Wait til you get K.D.’s book (I’m pretty sure it’s #2) — it’s fantastic.
Virginia F says
Hello Jan!
I’ve read “Raven Threads” and it is absolutely fantastic! Hoping that the third book gets shipped to me soon.
Virginia
beverly says
How do I go about getting the last 5 books of the annies attic mystery series…????Had to stop because of the $$$ situation … but would at least like to have the last 5 for my collection…really injoyed each and every one….thanks
Bev S says
Did you get them originally through Annie’s website and if so, you might try contacting them and I’m sure they would send the last five to you as a continuation as they are still offering them for sale.
Virginia F says
You might also try eBay. I’ve seen some of the earlier Annie’s Attic books listed there.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, that’s a great suggestion. I’d check there, Beverly.
Virginia F says
As ya’ll by now know, I love the Quilted books and the Creative Woman series is slowly growing on me. Just checked my account and book three in the Quilted Mysteries series, “A Midsummer Night’s Seam” will ship out to me on Friday. Absolutely cannot wait to get it in my hands and settle down to savor each and every word. Also, can’t wait to see what the sampler piece for this book will be.
Hope everyone is well and happy!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series are in my next batch of authors I’m going to post. (It seems like it’s taking me longer and longer to stay organized!)
You sure make these mysteries look gooood!
Virginia F says
Truly, the Quilted Mystery Series has been absolutely fabulous so far (2 books in). I’m hoping that the rest of the books are just as good!
Liz Penney says
I too was happy to come across this thread on this site, which I visit often. I wrote Book #13 in Creative Woman series, Deadly Garland (as Elizabeth Blair), and I hope you all enjoy it! I’m also working on two for the Quilted Mysteries. It’s great fun working with this publisher, editors, and the other writers.
Bev S says
Liz….
How many books will there be in each of the two series….I think I read that there would be twelve in the Quilted Mysteries. I have the first nine in the Creative Woman series and know that I have several more on the way as my mother reads them and forwards them on to me….I think she said she has four in the one series and three in the other to send me….and I’m chomping at the bit to get them.
Bev
Liz Penney says
There are 13 in Creative Woman and 12 in Quilted. More series will be coming, too. Glad you enjoy them!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi, Liz-
Do you happen to know the title and author of the 13th Creative Woman mystery? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
Thank you!
Liz Penney says
Hi, I am the author. Deadly Garland, by Elizabeth Blair. (pen name)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Liz, thank you for telling us the name of the last Creative Woman mystery. How neat that you enjoy both writing and working with all of the people who bring these mystery series to us!
Virginia F says
I’m loving the fact that the authors of these books are posting on this site! Great people write great books!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I agree with you, Virginia F. It’s fun when the authors show up and tell us about their books.
Liz Penney says
Thanks for the warm welcome! We <3 our readers!
Virginia F says
Finished Rachel Phillips “A Midsummer Nights Seam” several days ago. Quite a good read with excellent character development. Written to keep you on the edge of your seat much more than Annie’s mysteries but not so much that the book is not enjoyable.
If I had my choice of knowing the characters and living in one of the three locations (Maine, Massachusetts or Oregon), I would definitely choose Massachusetts and hanging out with Grace & Cotton!
Happy early spring to everyone!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Virginia F, for telling us how good Rachel Phillips’ A Midsummer Nights Seam (from the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series) is.
Virginia F says
Anymore it seems like I’m the only one posting ; )
Anyway, for whatever reason, I was shorted 5 of the Annie’s Attic Mysteries. I’ve been ordering them one by one. Received Rag Doll in the Attic by Jan Fields Monday and I absolutely could not put it down until I had finished it. I’m pretty much that way with the Annie’s Quilted Mystery series too. The Creative Mysteries set just isn’t having the same effect on me. I read them and enjoy them but it is just a chapter at a time. Wondered if anyone else is having the same issue with them. I just don’t find them as riveting, the characters are just not as compelling IMO.
Virginia
K.D. McCrite says
What Annie’s Attic titles are you missing, Virginia?
Virginia F says
I was short “The Package”, The Map in the Attic”, “Rag Doll in the Attic”, “Boxed In”, and “Deed in the Attic”. Just logged onto my Annie’s account and they are shipping “Boxed In”. Once I finish that, I will ask them to ship “Deed in the Attic” and I will have the complete set. I’m not sure how it happened that I missed getting books 5-9. I didn’t know about this site at the time so I wasn’t aware that I was missing books.
Bev S says
Virginia….
I’ve finished all of the Annie’s Attic series and they were riveting….as soon as I got one of the books, and often I got several at a time as my mother gets them and then she sends them to me when she is finished with them…and the same with the next two series….I would start the book and read it until finished. I just received four of the Creative Woman books, 9 – 12 and have been reading them pretty quickly. I have the first of the Quilt series, but haven’t started it yet. My mother says she isn’t as impressed with the Quilt series and has no real desire to read the new book as soon as it arrives. The characters in the Creative Woman series are fine, but not as riveting as the Annie’s Attic characters….they were like friends you might have….not sure why the second set of characters aren’t as friendly, possibly because they aren’t as involved in the story line as the characters in Annie’s Attic were. Can’t comment on the Quilted Mystery series, but hopefully the characters will be more involved in the story line.
Virginia F says
Wow, I am SO glad to hear you say that Bev. I was afraid it was just me. I will be glad to hear what you think of the Quilting Mystery series. I immediately felt, just as with the Annie’s characters, like they were old friends.
If I had my choice in moving to one of those three locations, it would be the Quilted Mysteries Massachusetts location, next I would want to move to Maine with the Annie’s Attic characters and my last choice would be Apple Grove, Oregon.
The only character I’m not fond of in the Quilted Mysteries series is Emma’s aunt, Dottie Faye. She can be hilarious but a tad overbearing for my taste and her “South will rise again” is too over the top for me. I really like Emma, Kelly and, especially, Kelly’s mom, Maeve. I was in stitches when Maeve met up with the Medical Examiner as a favor for the two girls!!!
I hope that you will like the series as much as I do. I was disappointed that there are only going to be 12 books in that series but figured that, since there is a sampler at the end of each book, there wouldn’t be too many books in the series. It does have me anticipating Annie’s next mystery series!
Virginia
Bev S says
Hey, Virginia….
I like the commentary you have on the characters in the Quilted Mystery series. I would pick Maine first ( it is close to my home-home….I grew up in Nova Scotia) and probably Massachusetts second….I’ve never had any inclination to live very far from the Atlantic coast. And yes, I’ll let you know what I think of the new set of characters.
Another series of books that I read were the Cape Light series by Thomas Kinkade….the characters were like old friends…much like Annie and her friends. If you can get them at your library, you might try one of them….no mystery….just a nice book to read and one you could hand to a teen daughter without worrying about what she was reading.
I’m thinking that maybe I can make the series of quilt blocks into a small sampler using a counted cross stitch technique….will wait until I see the patterns. I’m always looking for new things to do with cross stitch.
Take care….Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, I have a page up for the Thomas Kinkade‘s and Katherine-Spencer’s (non mystery) Cape Light Series. Did you know that Katherine Spencer is Anne Canadeo, author of the Black Sheep Knitting Mystery Series?
Bev S says
Thanks for the information….I had no idea that Katherine Spencer had a pseudonym….but it doesn’t surprise me. Need to check this series out. Also need to check out any series dealing with genealogy as that is my driving passion.
A couple of other authors that I’ve gone back and read again are Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney, and Victoria Holt. They all wrote Gothic Mystery books when I was a teenager….and always nice to read an old friend.
Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, if you haven’t already, you should take a look at the Genealogy mystery theme.
Bev S says
Danna….
I looked at it earlier today and think I’ve got lots of new reading material coming….my poor husband, he says I’ve always got my nose in a book….he should have known me when I was a teenager….I read like a fiend…
Virginia F says
Hey Bev!
Incorporating cross-stitch with the sampler blocks sounds like a fabulous idea! I used to love to cross-stitch but my occupation (upholstery/alterations/general sewing) lends itself to carpal tunnel and cross-stitch has my right hand fingers numb and screaming at me in about 15 minutes so I do very little of it these days. I’ll pick up and put down without being able to finish much.
I’d love to read more — used to be a total book worm as well but these days, I’m doing good to keep up with the Annie’s books and our local paper. One more thing I hope to do more of when retirement arrives. Hubby says I won’t be able to stay retired but I think it won’t be a problem. LOL.
Take care!
Virginia
Virginia F says
Book listing for Annie’s Quilted Mysteries is incorrect. Just received Book 4 (identified as such on book spine) and it is Broderie Curse by Jan Fields. Innocent Until Proven Quilty is actually Book 5.
Bev S says
But if you look on the web page, it shows book 4 as what is actually book 5….I guess just a minor snafu….Virginia….how do you like this series, I haven’t started it yet, still waiting on the last book in the Creative Woman series and I think my mother is sending it out this week….or at least I hope she is.
Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you so much for this information. I just changed the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series page.
Thanks, again!
Virginia F says
I believe that I know what the next mystery series from Annie’s will be. Just finished Broderie Curse, which was fabulous as usual. There is a page dedicated to their customer service web page. At the bottom of that page, they have listed Annie’s Attic Mysteries, Creative Woman Mysteries, Annie’s Quilted Mysteries and, TA TA TA DOM, Annie’s Hooked on Mysteries, which has a crochet hook and a ball of yarn. My guess is that it is a crochet guild which for some reason gets hooked on solving mysteries. I did check the Annie’s website yesterday, under their books section, and no mention of the Hooked on Mysteries series of books yet. Nice to know what is coming down the pike though as I’m down to needing only 2 of the Creative Woman set and the last 8 of the Quilted Mysteries so I figured Annie’s certainly was working on the next mystery series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, sounds like you’ve been doing a little sleuthing of your own! Please keep us informed of when Annie’s Hooked on Mysteries begins. (What a cute name for a mystery series…)
Bev S says
And yes, I agree, it isn’t fair to taunt but at least we know there will be more books coming along….I still need the last in the Creative Woman series, and I have the first of the Quilt series but haven’t read it yet, want to finish the Creative Woman series first, and I know that my mother has four of the Quilt series waiting to mail them to me along with some Erica Spindler books and a couple Agatha Christie books….she is starting to clear out her books, and some are going to me and a lot are going to her library and to the senior’s center as she says there are books there that she knows I have my own copy.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, how neat that your mom is willing to part with her books and send them your way, and also to a senior center as well as her library. (And, that you both have the same taste in books!)
Virginia F says
Went to Annie’s Attic website again and still no mention of the new series. Also “googled” Annie’s Hooked on Mysteries books with no information as of yet. I’m not the patient sort so this drives me absolutely CRAZY!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, it’s almost unfair of them to taunt you!
Jan says
Psst. I wrote the first book of the Hooked on Mysteries series. Though I think they’re going to call the series something different, maybe. Hooked on Mysteries was the working title.
Virginia F says
Thanks for the info. I am really glad that you wrote the first book as I really thought you did a fabulous job of introducing the main characters in the Quilted Mysteries series!!!
I look forward, with great anticipation, to this new series!
Thanks again for sharing with us.
Bev S says
Jan…
Do you have any idea how many books will be in this series….the last two have been fairly short considering the Annie Dawson books had thirty books in the series.
Also, I must commend you on your writing…I thoroughly enjoy reading your work.
Be
Jan says
I believe it will be twelve, like the quilted mysteries. And thank y’all so much for the kind words about my writing.
Virginia F says
Jan, thanks for the info!
Do you have any idea when the first volume will be available?
Thanks!
Virginia
Jan says
No, I’m sorry. I generally know they’re out by the big box of author copies I get.
Virginia F says
Okey, dokey.
Hope they are out sooner rather than later.
Virginia
Cordelia says
FYI: Looks like the first book of new series is scheduled to go on sale June 20, 2014. Should be seeing something about it soon on AnniesFiction.com, but there’s nothing yet.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cordelia, I just went to that address, and was not allowed to see anything except for their advertisement for their
Annie’s Attic Mystery Series,
Creative Woman Mystery Series,
and the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series.
It looks like you have to be a member of the Annie’s Fiction Club in order to access any type of information. The good news is that Bev S and Virginia F can get into the site and learn more…
Cordelia says
When I have more information, will let you know. As I said, nothing is posted on the website yet, but it should be forthcoming.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cordelia, thank you so much! We would love to hear about the new series (and also new coming-ups of their current series!) but it seems like you have to be a member. Thank you!
Virginia F says
How are you getting your information from? Just curious as I’ve googled and also check their website frequently and haven’t found anything. My only clue was from the page in the Quilted Mysteries books.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
(Virginia F, I think I had the same problem as you did when I tried to find out more.)
Bev S says
Ladies….I decided to give contacting them a try….and hope I get a response from them….but here is what I did….I complimented them on several great series of clean living books, and then I told them that there was a rumour out that a new series was in the works and my two questions….is there any truth to the rumour and if there is a new series, when will it be available…now we wait and see if I get a response….never hurts to ask….and I NEED to know….I guess this is more of a want than need, but in my mind it is a need….
Be
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Way to go, Bev S! Please keep us posted.
Bev S says
I got a response back from Annie’s Publishing….not much in it….but here it is….so I still don’t know any more than I did before….except maybe there will be more books coming to me….
Bev
“Dear Beverley,
Yes, we plan to have a new series out sometime this summer. You can check back to our website in a couple of months to see any updates.
If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Thanks,
Mandi
Customer Care
Annie’s Fiction Series
(ETC.)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, thank you for telling us about their response… a little frustrating… I guess they don’t want any of the details to be made public, but I would think they would want to generate a buzz out there to get more people interested.
Thank you, Bev S!
K.D. McCrite says
I know I speak for other “Annie Authors” when I tell you how much it means that you readers enjoy the books so much. It is wonderful to know that, as we write our stories, they are being anticipated and will soon be read with pleasure.
We authors aren’t much help when it comes to what books will be released when, because we don’t know, either. I never like even to hazard a guess; I don’t want to pass on any assumptions or erroneous information. Rest assured, though, you won’t left be in the dark forever.
God bless you all.
K.D. McCrite
Bev S says
K D….
I’ve yet to read an Attic Publishing book that I didn’t enjoy…granted the first series set in Maine was my favourite as it is close to my home….I grew up in. Nova Scotia…and the small sea coast community was much like one I grew up in….everyone was there to help each other and not much has changed. I’ve never spent any time on the West Coast so this was foreign to me, but one thing I did enjoy was the ascots theme as my grandfather was from Aberdeenshire, Scotland. And I haven’t started the third series yet…but soon….I’m still waiting for the last book in the Creative Woman series from my mother.
The group of authors selected for the various series definitely compliment each other in writing style and content….
Will let everyone know what kind of response I get from Annie’s Publishing…
Bev
Virginia F says
K.D.:
I wholeheartedly agree with Bev’s comments concerning the Annie’s Attic and other mystery series.
My enjoyment of the books already mentioned, along with my anticipation of receipt of the new series accounts for my great lack of patience. If I hadn’t derived such pleasure from the previous books, I would not be chaffing at the bit to receive the next series.
Another comment I would like to add is that it is obvious that most of you authors have the pleasure of belonging to a cat. The description of Boots (Annie’s Attic mystery series) going into protective mode could not be written as it is without the author being very familiar with cats and their moods. One of ours takes particular displeasure from our male dog when he is in whiney mode. I have seen our cat take the same tactic with Jimmy when his whines reaches a certain level, irritating to both cats and humans. Fortunately for him, both cats have had their front claws removed. He doesn’t understand that and runs for the hills, tail tucked between his legs.
Virginia
K.D. McCrite says
I have had cats and dogs my entire life. In fact, what would life be without pets?? 🙂
Virginia F says
LOL! Boring at best. Bad days would be so much worse without our four-legged friends.
On an aside, did you see the video of the cat protecting the small child from their neighbor’s dog? An absolutely amazing act by the cat. Again, Annie’s cat had pretty much the same reaction. Kudo’s to everyone who portrayed Boots in such a realistic but hilarious manner!
Virginia
Debra says
i would like to order complete series of annie’s attic mysteries plus any new ones that come out.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Debra, you’re either going to have to buy them from someone who has read them on some place like Amazon or Ebay, or you can join their club at annies fiction . com
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, I looked and looked but all I could find was the annies fiction. com. Thanks!
Bev S says
Debra….
Annies fiction is correct…the page shows the three series available and the first book is 50% off….
http://www.anniesfiction.com
Sorry for the confusion….the series are found on several variations of the Annie site.
Bev
Virginia F says
Bev S:
Have you read Horseplay (CW #12) yet. I’ve got a couple of chapters yet. I’m a cheater and often go to the last chapter to see who the doer was. I was over half-way through before I cheated and was amazed to discover that I had solved the mystery so early. Too funny!
My serious question though was to get your thoughts on how the “doer’s” musings were written into the book as chapters. I understand it was to give us a sense of perspective as to what makes that person tick. The first chapter where that was done, I was totally at a loss as to what was going on. The next time this was done, I figured out what was going on. By the third time, I found it rather annoying. Just wondered what your reaction was to this.
Thanks!
Virginia
Bev S says
Virginia….
I finished Horseplay a few weeks ago and finally got the last book today, as well as two more in the Quilt Mystery. I already had the first one, and my mother sent me these on Monday….
I’m not sure what your question is, as these books don’t seem to stick with me….none of the authors was from the Annie’s series, and for some reason, even though they are good authors, they aren’t as good as the first group. I noticed that the new series has some of the same authors as Annie’s series, so maybe they will hold my attention better.
Right now I’m reading the latest Diana Gabaldon book, Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, the continuing saga of Jamie Fraser and Claire…it is time travel and brief synopsis (if you haven’t read the series) starts in Inverness, Scotland in 1946. Claire is an Army nurse and she and her husband have just gotten together again after the war and are spending time in Scotland. She goes out walking and falls through a stone ring into 1743. This is the basics of the first book, The Outlander….a good read and one where the characters are like family.
I remember one time I was at a counted cross evening and everyone at my table was reading these books, all except one lady. So we were discussing the characters and why did whoever do whatever, etc. the lady who wasn’t reading the series asked who we were talking about and did we all know this family. One of us was kind enough to tell her it was a series of books and if she wanted to sit our table next month she was more than welcome, but if she wanted to join the conversation, she might want to get the books from the library….she not only got the first one from the library, but before she was finished went out and bought the first four books and practically devoured them….as she said, she even had the boo in the kitchen….I wasn’t that bad, but they are great and especially if you like fiction based on actual history. The author has done a lot of research into the way of life in the mid to late 1700’s and especially things related to the American Revolution….
Virginia F says
Bev:
Yup, these books are pretty forgetable.
There are at least three chapters that are written as the “doer” (no spoiler alert here) is musing their thoughts/rationale for their behavior in the book.
The first time it happened, I was totally confused. The second time I figured out what the writer was doing. The third time it merely annoyed me. I think that is the last chapter written from the perspective of the “doer” as I only have 2 chapters left in the book.
I just wondered what you thought about this writing style. I didn’t particulary care for it.
Bev S says
I would agree and obviously I didn’t notice it while reading….so sure hope the Quilt series is better….
How often do the books come out or are you waiting for it to be written and there is a time lapse…..
Another thing, and my mother noted this, in Annie’s Attic, we were always updated about what each of the ladies in the Hook and Needle Club were doing and there was a lot of interaction between them and Annie.
In the Creative Woman series it is mostly about Shannon and what she is doing and every so often, they toss in something with the Purls….but not a lot…it is more about Shannon and her escapades….
I hadn’t really paid much attention until this was pointed out to me.
Wonder what the new series will be like and if we will find out any time soon about the next series….should be interesting, and then maybe a fifth series will be a series of Life Continues with Annie and Her Friends…..I can only hope.
Take care and have a great weekend….Bev….<3
Virginia F says
That may very well be the problem with the CW series. It’s mostly Shannon, a little interaction with her friends, occasionally we meet her mother, usually when Shannon is in serious trouble.
I think one of my problems with Shannon is that, although she is trying to help her friends, she just comes across as nosey and oftentimes just plain pushey. She just doesn’t come across as very likeable to me. I do like Kate quite a bit. Annie was always just trying to find the rightful owner of something that had been intrusted to her grandmother. And, with 30 books there was a lot more opportunity to witness the interaction between Annie, Ian and her circle of friends. At least that’s my take on it all.
In the Patchwork Quilting series, we always see Kelly and Emma together as they look for Rose’s killer. Rose was their childhood buddy. Frequent interaction with Maeve, Kelly’s mother, and Dottie Faye, Emma’s sometimes overbearing Aunt. Less frequently we see the other members of the Nimble Thimbles Quilting Group. It may be the fact that we see all of these other folks as much as we do, plus the fact that they are trying to find who killed their friend Rose. Though the Police Chief would probably say that Emma can be a little nosey, perhaps even pushey. There’s just a different tone in the Quilting books, at least to me.
As far as time frame goes. It is usually around 8 weeks between books. I’m through the first 4 and wondering when Innocent Until Proven Quilty will be shipped out. A definite lack of patience on my part. LOL.
Weather watching this weekend. We’re smack in the middle of a tornado watch right now. Just means that conditions are favorable. It’s very sticky outside and close so I wouldn’t be surprised to spend some time in the basement this evening. At least all of my “toys” are down there since that is where my business is located so if we don’t lose power from the storm, I could work while we wait out the storm. ; )
Hope your weekend is a good one!
K.D. McCrite says
As far as I know, here is how the series run: The first six books come out every other month, then once a month after that.
Virginia F says
Thanks K.D.
That makes sense as I checked my Annie’s account after posting this and they now have “Quilty” scheduled to ship out on Friday. So, another couple of weeks of impatience and the next installment will be here.
Virginia
Bev S says
These appear to be the first three books in the Annie’s Unraveled Mysteries….at least when you go to the page where they ask for your opinion, these are listed as the books in that series….still nothing on the website for the Hooked On series….
Designs to Die For
Unraveled Stalkings
The Azalea Bones
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Bev S!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S and Virginia F, I wonder if you would help me update the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series and the Creative Woman Mystery Series. As you both know, you have to become a member of these book clubs, or else it is just about impossible to find out the titles and authors of the books.
I would appreciate it if you would send me the titles and authors in both of these series.
Thank you!
Bev S says
Danna….here is the list of Creative Woman series with author and in order….
1. Strands of Fate. Linda Kozar
2. A Deadly Stitch. Susan Sleeman
3. Recipe for Deception. Rachael Phillips
4. What a Picture’s Worth. Susan Page Davis
5. Dog Gone Shame. Susan Sleeman
6. Patchwork of Lies. Sharon Dunn
7. Deadliest in Show. Christy Barritt
8. Guilty Treasures. Rachael Phillips
9. A Tangled Yarn. Pam DeVoe
10. A Matter of Wife or Death. Susan Sleeman
11. Murder in Two Acts. Christy Barritt
12. Horseplay at White Meadows. Marlene Chase
13. Deadly Garland Elizabeth Blair
Each of these books has the first chapter of the next book at the end of the book.
Quilted Mystery Series (and these books have the book number on the spine)
A Patchwork Murder. Jan Fields
Raven Threads. K D McCrite
A Midsummer Night’s Seam. Rachael Phillips
These are all I have to date, but will update for you when I get additional books, but I do know there are twelve in the series.
Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Bev. It will be great to be updated about the following books in the series. I do wish these book clubs wouldn’t keep everything so hush-hush.
Bev S says
Danna…
They still haven’t added anything to the site about another series after the Quilted Mystery series….so the members are as much in the dark as everyone else….and I don’t like being left in the dark.
Also, for anyone who is reading this blog and who doesn’t live in either the USA or Canada, you can download to Kindle and it is a bit cheaper as there is no mailing cost….the books are NOT being mailed to other countries at this time. Wonder if they ever will be….but just a thought….
Also, for anyone using an iPad, there is an iBooks app that you can download to through iTunes or there is a Kindle for iPad app that you can download from Amazon…the iBooks is loaded into the iPad when you get it, and the other is just a couple of clicks to download. With this being said, you don’t need to run out and purchase a Kindle….and also if you have the app downloaded to iPad, you can also read books on Smartphone….
Too many gadgets, but some people have the latest and greatest of gadgets.
Bev
Bev S says
Additional in the Quilted Mystery series….
Broderie Curse. Jan Fields
Innocent Until Proven Guilty. Donna Kelly
There is nothing more on the site…..they don’t seem to maintain the site as well as it could be, but the name of the next book is at the end of the current book…with a coming soon by…..
Bev
Virginia F says
Hi.
Broderie Curse is #4 in the Quilted Mysteries and the last one I have received in the mail. At the end of Broderie Curse, it showed #5 as Innocent Until Proven Quilty.
It’s been 2 months since I was billed for Broderie Curse so I’m hoping that I will be being billed for “Quilty” soon.
Virginia
Jan says
I’m going to be totally naughty and tell you that #6 in the Quilted Mysteries will be Ocean Selvage by Jan Fields. Beyond that, I really don’t know. I know which numbers were originally mine and the titles but sometimes things change in production. I do think Ocean Selvage is set as title and number though.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jan, shame on you for being “totally naughty” AND thanks!
Virginia F says
Rock on Jan and thanks!
I really, really love the Quilted Mysteries. Also, I’m always excited to see the new sampler block at the end of the book ; ) My motto is “Any excuse to quilt”
Virginia
Bev S says
Thank you, Jan….it’s always a joy to read your books….and have you been following the blog between Virginia F and me….and two others….we have come up with some really great ideas for another Annie’s Attic series with Annie and her friends….and to the best of my knowledge none of us are writers….closest I come is…I’m an English major.
Virginia F says
Well, I confess to having 21 credits in English. Kept transferring schools. Every time, they would tell me it was great that I had taken such & such English class but their requirement was for so & so English class. Finally quit transferring and had enough for a Minor in English. Oops! And by trade, I am an upholsterer/alterations/seamstress. Never a dull moment in my shop!
Virginia
Jan says
Okay, since I have zero self-control I’m going to tell another secret — promise you’ll still love me when I’m in the principal’s office… there WILL be another series with some of the original Annie folks. Watch for it, you should start hearing about it soon-ish, I would think. I wrote the first book for it. It isn’t quite what you thought of in your amazing brainstorming though, but I LOVE it.
Someone needs to write some Annie fan fiction to settle all the questions about Tartan and Boots. I suspect once Boots taught Tartan some pointed lessons, he’d give her the respect she so richly deserves and they’d settle down to just minor squabbles like old married folks.
Oh, and part of the reason you don’t get detailed answers when you write and ask is because these things tend to be in flux for a long time. I mean, the basic series concept is set, but the titles of the books (and even the series titles) and which books will come when (after the first one) tend to change, sometimes more than once. That makes it hard for the customer service folks to really answer because they just don’t know.
Bev S says
Jan…
It doesn’t matter that you don’t have any self control….most of don’t and most of aren’t very patient waiting for the next book…very thankfully I have all four of the first books in the Quilted series waiting for me as well as the last of the Creative Woman series. Very fortunately for me, my mother buys the books, reads them and then passes them on to me…I don’t mind that they’ve already been read….LOL…
As I stated earlier in my note to Virginia F. There is another series listed on the website and another one listed in the back of Broderie Curse….so appears there will be two more series…
And thank you so much for not being able to keep still about these books and series….and didn’t you like our brainstorming…we were trying to get KD to present our ideas to the owners, and now we can ask you the same thing….would they be receptive….I don’t want credit…I just want books….can’t remember when I couldn’t read.
Take care….Bev
Virginia F says
I have been all over their website and no clue that I can find for the three new Annie’s Friends books. Please clue me in on where you are finding this info. It’s driving me NUTS!!!
Thanks
Virginia
K.D. McCrite says
I did send a link to my editor with your requests and ideas, two or three weeks ago. I haven’t heard anything, but our editors are busy, busy folks.
Virginia F says
Who hoo!
What excellent news. Thanks for sharing it with us!
I’ve been giggling and giggling about your description of Tartan and Boots learning to live together. Too funny! Cannot wait to get my hands on the first book in this series.
Thanks again!
Virginia
PS. I’ll have your back in the Principal’s Office!
Cordelia says
The link for the Unraveled series was up temporarily, but had some mistakes, so it was taken down. Will be there again shortly.
Bev S says
Thanks, Cordelia….
I went looking for it this morning and couldn’t find it and started to wonder if I was losing my mind….makes sense that would take it down….but at least we got a sneak preview…
Bev
Virginia F says
Cordelia:
Do you, by chance, work for Annies Fiction. You always seem to have some information that no one else is aware of. ; )
Thanks!
Virginia
Cordelia says
Since Jan and K.D. have commented, I will come clean (!)–I’m Mary O’Donnell (not the Irish one) who wrote three books for the Annie’s Attic series, and have one coming out in October for the Unraveled series.
Virginia F says
The Wedding Dress, Tapestry In The Attic and Angels In The Attic. I loved all three but The Wedding Dress is one of my favorite Annie’s books.
I will be looking forward to your contribution for the Unraveled series.
It’s nice to know that we have another of the authors posting. It’s interesting to hear from writers and other readers.
Virginia
Bev S says
Cordelia….
Your books, too, were very enjoyable….now I’m wondering if there any more ladies out there who need to “come clean”…
How did you like the brain storming that the four of us did to come up with ideas for a new Annie series.
I know you probably shouldn’t say, but is the new series similar to the older ones….set in one specific place with a group of characters and the books should be read in order. If you would rather not say, I understand as I know the meaning of the words “need to know” all too well from my working days.
Looking forward to the new series.
Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cordelia/Mary O’Donnell, you’ve got quite a few fans here!
Liz Penney says
I wrote the last CWM and two in AQM (7 & 11), to be released later this year. Will also be writing #9 in AMU. It’s a pleasure to “meet” so many Annie’s fans!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Liz Penney, for “coming forward”!
Virginia F says
Liz:
I’ve only read the first chapter in the last CWM and really liked it. Of course it’s set at Christmas time and there was lots of Christmas talk so that was a great start. I believe that it is scheduled to ship out to me the end of this week. Looking forward to seeing how you conclude this series. I’ve had my ideas as to how things would turn out since I read book one so we’ll see if I’m correct or not.
Looking forward, with great anticipation, to receiving the first of the AQM books!
Virginia
Bev S says
Liz….I just finished reading the last of theCreative Woman series and it was a joy to read this book and to visualize all the decorations in my head…..you did a really great job with the descriptions….
And now I’m ready to start the first of the Quilted Mysteries….have four of them sitting here begging to be read.
Bev
Liz Penney says
Hi Virginia, That’s great to hear! It was fun writing a book set at Christmas. Hope you enjoy the rest of it.
Virginia F says
Finally received your book in today’s mail. Have just barely had a chance to start reading but am thoroughly enjoying the description of all the decorations and holiday activities thus far.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Good Afternoon Liz!
Just wanted to take a moment to post about “Deadly Garlands”. I completely enjoyed every moment of your book. I’ve posted earlier that I just never got the emotional attachment to Shannon as I did with Annie and her friends. “Deadly Garlands” finally got me really liking Shannon. It seemed like she was drawn in similar to how Annie was and so she didn’t come across as being nosy. Also adding a dog into the equation made her much more likeable. In retrospect, I think that the authors writing about Tartan and Boots helped to ground Annie and Ian, making them appear much more “normal”. But I’m an animal lover so finding that trait in a character in a book immediately makes me like that facet of the character and, I’m sure, helps to start forming that relationship between the reader and the character.
So, at long last I found myself liking Shannon. Loved the ending, much as I hoped things would go for quite some time now. Look forward to reading your contributions to the “Unraveled” series!
Virginia
Liz Penney says
Thank you so much, Virginia, for your kind words! They made my day, heck, my month! I have also written two books for the Quilted Mysteries, #7 and #11, in addition to the #9 of Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled. I hope you enjoy those series, too.
Liz Penney says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. 🙂 It means a lot to me.
Virginia F says
Went to anniesfiction.com this evening and the Unraveled Series is back up. We are now finally able to subscribe to this series. Of course I did. Now waiting for Designs to Die For to arrive. We will be reintroduced to Kate Stevens, who apparently has moved to Texas??? That’s about all I know now. Other than now dancing with anticipation for this first book in the series to arrive!!! Oh, it’s by Jan Fields.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, I have the Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled page up on the site. If you wouldn’t mind, could you send me the titles of the books in the series? They are so difficult to get…
Virginia F says
I’d be happy to. You currently have all that I know about.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, that would be great!
Susie says
The author of the last ‘unraveled’ book, Finished Off, is Jan Fields
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susie, thank you so much for the Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled info. I have added Jan Fields to that page.
Jan says
I’m working on a book for that series right now and I’m putting in a few answers to what’s going on in Stony Point after Annie’s wedding. Y’all inspired me.
Virginia F says
I certainly hope that you provide graphic details about the encounter between Tartan and Boots. I can see it in my mind’s eye but know that you will have me rolling on the floor with your description of Boots not so gently letting Tartan know that Boots will always rule the roost!
Virginia
Carol says
wheeeeeeeeeeeeee..I am getting all confused finding what I responded to and whom.
a thank You from Jan is nice..thanks Jan.
I see the first book on mysteries unraveled is authored by you?
I wish the Annies series had never died so we all could grow old together….
K.D. McCrite says
I wanted sooooo badly to tell you ladies that you’d be reunited with a familiar Annie’s character, but there are certain clauses of confidentiality we authors must honor. I do hope you will enjoy the books. My book, Unraveled Stalkings, is number two, and I am right now working on the other book in this series I’ve been assigned to write.
Thanks so much for your interest, loyalty, and support!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
K.D., do the publishers “assign” certain books with an outline for you to follow? I mean, do they come up with the plot of the series and then have the authors put it down on paper or do the authors read all of the previous books in the series so they can continue the plot the way they want to? (It sounds like a really interesting way of writing a series.)
Liz Penney says
I’ll chime in here. The publishers establish the characters, setting, and often an overall series arc for some plot elements. We, as the writers, develop the plots for the individual books. It’s really fun. And we work together to make sure everything stays consistent.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Liz, that sounds like a really neat way to write a series. Thank you!
Virginia F says
Anyway, as Jan or K.D. suggested sometime ago, Hooked on Mysteries was indeed a working title. When I got through the 5th of the Annie’s Quilted Mysteries books, the back page now shows Annies Attic, Creative Mysteries, Quilted Mysteries and Unraveled Mysteries (used to be Hooked on Mysteries). Nice to have that straightened out, though I admit to being a tad disappointed that there wasn’t a 5th series due out in the near future. I swear Annie’s Attic has about 99.99999999% of my discretionary income. LOL!
Virginia
Virginia F says
Just a quick hint here for anyone who gets any of the “Annie’s” books that is considering signing up on line for the Unraveled Mysteries.
I signed up on the 8th and my book shipped out on the 14th. However, today I received an offer in the mail to get the first book, “Designs to Die For” for $1.99 versus the standard introductory price of $6.99 + shipping. 5 bucks is five bucks so I called customer service and asked that a $5 credit be applied to my credit card purchase. They are taking care of that for me but I would advise ya’ll to be patient for a few days to see if you receive the “Charter Member” offer in the mail as well.
Just absolutely positively cannot wait for this book to pop into my mailbox. WHO HOOOOO. Also, book 6 of Annie’s Quilted Mysteries is shipping out on the 25th so I’ll have several books to enjoy!
Have a great weekend all!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you for the money-saving information!
Cordelia says
I’d like to thank readers for their kind words also. I did write a thank-you note earlier, but for some reason it wasn’t published. I hope this one makes it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cordelia, my husband has installed two spam-catchers on this blog. (You would not believe how many “comments” I get with links selling products!)
Virginia F says
I’m not surprised. B4 I left Facebook, I couldn’t believe how many people were posting advertisements. This was a section geared for people who grew up in the 60’s in our hometown and you knew just by the names it was going to be an ad as they just didn’t fit. Then you would read what they posted and immediately hit the “Report” button. Quite irritating to say the least.
Virginia
Maxine says
I just finished #19 of Annie’s Attic series and would like to have a complete list of this series(someone posted 30 books) as I would like to know the titles so I can ‘budget” for them Thanks.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Maxine, here is the complete list of the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series. (It’s on the Cozy-Mystery site.) (Also, the entire list of the Annie’s Attic mysteries is listed at the top of this entry.)
Virginia F says
Jan:
I just received “Ocean Selvage” in the mail. Not too far into the book but had to comment on your reference to A Stitch In Time. Though not mentioned by name, Emma tells Kelly that Dottie Faye purchased it at a small shop in Maine that had a fabulous designer. I deduced you were referring to Annie’s favorite fabric/thread hang-out.
Loved your tying the two series together like that ; )
Virginia
Virginia F says
Oops,
Dottie Faye purchased a darling little crocheted sweater or maybe a sweater vest. Forgot to say what.
Have to run out the door in a few minutes to do an install for a customer on a very old vehicle (1912 EMF) so my brain is running on all cylinders, which is probably not a good thing.
Also, enjoying the book very much so far. A quilting cruise just really sounds like a great time. Some day when I hang up my upholstery tools!
Virginia
Jan says
I think a quilting cruise sounds great too. My plots often involve things that interest me at any given time — like themed cruises. And as to Dottie Faye’s buying from A STITCH IN TIME, yeah, I LOVE to do call backs like that. It’s just fun to imagine characters from one series interacting with characters from another. My version of fan fiction 🙂
Virginia F says
It was definitely a nice touch! Finished Ocean Selvage last evening and absolutely loved it.
Kelly and Emma remind me very much of Annie and Alice. Best friends forever and have a knack for keeping each other grounded. You did a great job with Dottie Faye. I have a hard time handling her sometimes with her “South will rise again” mantra. She always lets us know what she thinks of Northerners but wasn’t nearly so over the top in that regard.
At any rate, it was a great read and leaves me with great anticipation for the next book in the series, “A Deadly Pattern”.
Danna, I do not have the author information only the name. Sorry, will let you know the author as soon as I find out.
Virginia
Jan says
Dottie Faye is a delicate character to write because she does have such potential to be truly obnoxious. I like to think of her as someone who likes to provoke, so much of her Yankee talk is just to get a rise out of the folks around her (especially Maeve). When Maeve’s not around to provoke (such as at sea), Dottie Faye looks for other outrageous things to do and generally finds them.
Virginia F says
That all makes perfect sense. Dottie Fay definitely found lots of other outrageous things to do on the cruise. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion at her antics. She and Maeve have an oil/water relationship for sure. The bottom line though is that her heart is as good as gold when it comes to Emma, Kelly and their quest to find Rose’s killer.
Liz Penney says
Hi everyone, I’m the author of A Deadly Pattern! It’s set in Sedona, AZ. Hope you enjoy.
Virginia F says
WHO HOOOO!!
Mailman just left and deposited my copy of Jan’s “Designs to Die For” in my mailbox!! Sadly, I have many items on my to do list for the afternoon. Hopefully, I can get a good start on reading after supper and clean-up tonight.
Jan says
I hope you enjoy the book. I thought the cover they put on it was just lovely.
Virginia F says
It really is a gorgeous cover. Looks like a very inviting studio. I think I’m through the first 6 chapters. Your introduction to Vivi was fabulous — everyone should know a Vivi.
Very interesting getting to know Kate more intimately. Initially, I was surprised at her shyness and lack of confidence. After recalling her shyness in the Annie’s books, it did make sense — just gives us a more in depth knowledge of how very insecure Kate is. I’m hoping that as the series progresses, Kate will learn much more about herself and we’ll see her become a confident, poised woman.
Virginia
Jan says
The series is a spin-off from ROAD TRIP in the Annie’s Attic series. Did you read that one? It’s where we first met Peter.
Virginia F says
Morning Jan!
Yup, I recognized right off the bat that we were spinning off from “Road Trip” and that Peter was the detective who had investigated the murder there. He and Kate had a little romance during that book. I really like that ya’ll can weave different series together in this fashion.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Jan:
I finished “Designs to Die For” this morning and absolutely loved it. Vivi was introduced perfectly; as I posted earlier, everyone should know a Vivi.
I was hoping that we would meet Peter (detective we met during Annie’s Road Trip) since he and Kate had a mini romance. I don’t know how things will turn out between the two of them but it is certainly nice for Kate to have a romantic interest.
I was pleased to watch Kate absolutely take control of the mystery and resolving it (don’t want to say anything more, lest I spoil things for others). It will be fun watching Kate and her confidence grow.
Now, I find myself impatiently awaiting the next book in the series!
Virginia
Jan says
I just noticed I never said thank you for your kind words about Designs to Die For. Thank you. Today I am working on the last book in that series and waiting for the snowmageddon.
Bev S says
Jan….
How many books are in that series….I’m still reading the Quilted Mysteries books….I like to complete one series before I start the next…and because I depend on mother to send them to me, sometimes I get several at once.
Because she is already buying them, and she wanted a good home for them after she finished reading them, I’ve inherited all of the series to date.
And I must say, I like that you generally start the series and round out the characters really well. Only character I’m not too fond of is Dottie Faye…that woman would drive me up the wall.
Take care….Bev….
Jan says
Although the Annie series had a lot of books, I believe that every series since then has had twelve. Certainly all the ones I’ve taken part in have been planned to have twelve.
Bev S says
Thanks, Jan….guess I better clear off another shelf in my bookshelves…
angela says
is the CREATIVE WOMAN MYSTERIES done with 13 books? i would get my books from the local library. they have ANNIE’S ATTIC MYSTERY and CREATIVE WOMAN MYSTERIES so i saw that there are 2 more book series and asked if they would get them too but she said no that the 2 we have is enough. is there something that i can tell her that might change her mind? if you could tell me about the other books and i hope that i can get her to get them. LOVED the two book series, i too did not want the Annie’s attic to end. Thank you so much.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Angela, here are the links to all four of the Annie’s Crafts Company mystery series:
Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series
This series features the women members of the Nimble Thimbles Quilting Group in Mystic Harbor, Massachusetts. The series opens with something terrible happening to one of the quilting group members. Her friends are determined to find out what happened to her. (There will be twelve books in the series.)
Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled
Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled is published by the Annie’s Crafts Company. They are mysteries without profanity, and each book is written by a different author. All of the mysteries in the series star a single mother (Kate Stevens) who works as a crochet designer in Sage Hills, Texas.
Creative Woman Mystery Series
This series follows as Shannon McClain attempts to claim her grandmother’s inheritance in Apple Grove, Oregon. Shannon is a Scottish widow, mother of twins whose profession is beading one-of-a-kind jewelry. (The mysteries are written by different mystery authors.)
Annie’s Attic Mystery Series
A site reader (who prefers her mysteries without profanity) told me about this series of mysteries. Each book in the series is written by a different author. This mystery series follows a woman who is cleaning out her grandmother’s attic in her old family home in coastal Maine. As she is going through the items in her grandmother’s attic, she discovers baffling things – which then lead her to the different mysteries she solves.
Does your library do interlibrary loans?
angela says
yes we have interlibrary loans for the libraries in Iowa. do you know if there are any more Creative Woman Mystery books ?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Angela, there are only thirteen mysteries in the Creative Woman series.
Virginia F says
I’m a HUGE fan of all of these books. The Creative Woman series was my least favorite (all except for the last of those — book 13 — which I absolutely loved). The Quilted Mystery series is really fabulous, plus there is a sampler at the end of each book and when the series has concluded, they will give you directions for finishing the sampler quilt. A brilliant idea as far as I’m concerned. So far, I have only received book one in the Mysteries Unraveled Series. It was as good as I expected, even better actually. In the Unraveled Series, we have Kate and her daughter Vanessa, moving to Texas. We are also reintroduced to a Texas detective, Peter, who we met in the Annie’s “Road Trip” book. Kate makes some phone calls to Mary Beth, owner of “A Stitch in Time”. I loved catching up with old friends. I am hoping that as the series progresses we will also hear from Gwen, Stella, Alice, and, of course, Annie.
My $.02 worth is that I highly recommend all four of the Annie’s series to anyone! They are well written, leave you wanting more (a sure sign of a great book) and are written without cursing and smut. I don’t mind the occasional curse word in a book if it is germane but too often it appears that the authors are trying to see how many curse words they can use, just to be “artsy” or whatever. None of that in these books and there certainly have been situations where I wouldn’t have blamed one or more of the girls for letting one or more of those “7 words that you used to not be able to say on TV” slip but they always manage to take the high road.
Gotta get back to the salt mine. Crazy busy right now. No rest for the wicked (me) — not even on a Sunday.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Ah, excitement reigns. Just checked my Annie’s account and the second Unraveled book — “Unraveled Stockings” is due to ship out this coming Friday. Rubs hands together gleefully!!
Now out to the garage and the VW from Hades with its replacement headliner/top.
Virginia
K.D. McCrite says
Virginia, I hope you like it. But, tell me, did the title show up as “Unraveled Stockings”? Because it’s supposed to be “Unraveled Stalkings”. –kd
Virginia F says
LOL — hides her head with much embarrassment. My brain retained it as “Unraveled Stockings”. It indeed shows up as “Unraveled Stalkings” — I think it is trying to tell me to take a break from working non stop. My apologies! I know I will love it!
K.D. McCrite says
Virginia!
Don’t be embarrassed. I’m relieved your brain perceived it wrongly. Now, I don’t have to call my editor and say “What in the world…!?” 🙂
–kd
Virginia F says
K.D.
Received your book weeks ago and demolished it the day I received it. I just could not put it down. It is so nice to have Kate and Vanessa back, as well as phone calls, emails, texts from the other ladies.
There was just enough mystery to keep me interest piqued, not enough to freak me out. I would think that is tricky to get the right mixture. It really is fun watching Kate’s character grow. I’m glad the powers to be selected Kate for the center of the series.
Sorry, I haven’t posted before about it. Lots of minor crisis between MIL in nursing home, a sick dog that has really had us worried, the VW from hades and many many other things. Anyway, lots to do today but wanted to let you know just how much I did enjoy “Stalkings”
Virginia
K.D. McCrite says
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for saying so. 🙂 I hope everything settles down for you soon. God bless.
Virginia F says
Danna:
Just wanted to let you know that I received Book 8 in the Quilted Mystery Series: “Unsavory Notions” by Amy Lillard.
Book 9 will be “Seam of the Crime” but I do not know the author’s name at this point.
So far “Notions” is fabulous but I’ve only had a chance to read the first five chapters.
Burning the candle at both ends seems to be how I operate these days. :sigh:
Hope everyone on here is healthy and happy. Everyone must be busy as no one is posting anything.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you so much for telling us about books 8 and 9 in the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series. If it weren’t for you, we just about wouldn’t know any of the series’ book titles!
As for postings here, we are still doing a lot of commenting on other threads. You’re right about the Annie’s Attic threads not being busy, though.
Thanks, again!
Jan Fields says
SEAM OF THE CRIME is one of mine.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jan, thank you for letting us know. I have added “by Jan Fields” to SEam of the Crime on the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series page.
Virginia F says
Jan:
I’m looking forward to receiving it!
Thanks for the info.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Just received book 3 in Mysteries Unraveled, Mary O’Donnell’s Azalea Bones.
Also finished Unsavory Notions in Quilted Mysteries and it was, of course, excellent. Truly enjoyed it. Seam of the Crime is due to ship out to me on the 24th. Will be sad to see this series conclude as I really love all the characters, even “The South Will Rise Again”, Dottie Faye. I have warmed to her.
For all you dog lovers out there, we had to put one of our dogs down 3 weeks ago. She, and her brother, are almost 12. She was having bowel issues, a lot of straining and not able to control herself and she was one of the best housebroken dogs we’ve ever had. Four trips to the vets and different meds but nothing would fix it. Once the meds wore off, the straining would start. Her last morning she also started vomiting blood and that’s when we knew we would be doing her a disservice to have any intrusive tests done on her. Her brother has been very sad. Over the weekend, we took a one year old boxer home from the Humane Society. She was gorgeous, already house broken but they didn’t know how she would handle cats. The answer was that she, at least with ours, did not like them and wanted only to eat them. I returned her, with a very heavy heart, yesterday. I fell head over heals in love with her in 5 minutes. Hoping that she finds a good home that is right for her sooner rather than later. The thought of her in that cage again brings me to tears every time.
Hope all are well and happy.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, I am so sorry to hear about your dog. I know how difficult it is to make the decision you had to make, and what a sense of loss you must be feeling right now. I feel bad for her brother, also. Poor little guy!
What a shame that the year old Boxer didn’t adjust well to your cats. If she’s housebroken, chances are that she has already found a home without cats. We had a terrible time house training our Sprite, and I have told my family that if we decide to get another dog, she will definitely not be a puppy who needs training. I’m pretty sure there are other families with the very same house training criteria, so she probably won’t have a difficult time getting adopted.
Bev S says
Virginia….
I’m truly sorry about your loss….we had to have our cat put down a couple of years ago….he ended up with Cancer, and as you say, it would have been a disservice to him to try anything new.
We did find two cats who are rescues and they get along well…we’ve had them for a little over two years and couldn’t ask for more living children.
Still waiting for my next series of books…my mother has them ready to ship and I hope to see them this week.
Dottie Faye….too Southern for me…
Jan Fields says
Virginia — I’m sorry about your dogs — both the one that passed and the one who couldn’t quite fit in. Both losing and adding new family members can be hard. I hope you enjoy “Seam” — in it, Emma gets a new family member of sorts.
Bev — Dottie Faye can be an acquired taste, but she always makes me laugh so I have to admit, I do love her. But then, I have kin I use for inspiration when I write for Dottie Faye.
Virginia F says
Good Morning!
Thanks everyone for the well wishes. Hubby and I talked and we are thinking a spring puppy is a good plan. Puppies tend to be more respectful of cat paw’s (even if declawed).
Jan, you are correct about Dottie Faye being an acquired taste. The first several books I really struggled with her “Southerness”. I do feel like that has been tapered down a bit as well as emphasizing what a big heart she truly has. I remember having conversations with Bev S about Dottie Faye. Now I find myself looking forward to what kind of a mess is she going to get into in the new books. Too funny. I don’t have any relatives like Dottie so she is definitely a new experience.
Still waiting for “Seam” to ship out and arrive and am working my way through “Azalia” in the Mysteries Unraveled. So far it is an excellent read, quite well written and very enjoyable. I just read one or two chapters at a time and am doing good to get that done. Just can’t seem to quite get caught up. That is good I suppose. I am looking at hiring a high school girl to help with alterations and that would let me focus on bids/upholstery. We’ll see how that works out ; ).
Virginia
Virginia F says
Just received an email concerning a new series from Annie’s attic. Vineyard Craft Mysteries, set in Missouri wine country. First book is “Threads of Deceit”, co-authored by Mae Fox and Jan Fields and second is “Pattern of Betrayal” co-authored by Mae Fox and Amy Lilliard. Offer is to get both books for $14.99 so I’ll probably take them up on it (down to 3 books remaining in Quilted Mystery Series).
If I get a chance later, I’ll scoot over to the Annie’s web site and see if there are any details on the major characters (profiles). Crazy busy as always with major consternation on the stupid volkswagon-LOL.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you, thank you, thank you! If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be made aware of these Annie’s Crafts Company Cozy Mysteries!
Oh, and thank you!
Virginia F says
Calling out to Jan F. Since you co-authored the first book, I wondered if you could tell me whether or not the books will be sent automatically or if I need to go to Annie’s web site periodically to see if the next in series have been released? I hope not as I have major time problems and won’t do well trying to remember one more thing right now.
Jan Fields says
The new series, set in Missouri wine country, will be available in bookstores (which the previous books have not). I don’t think they’re going to go out automatically like the other series. The books likely won’t come out as often since they’re going to be marketed in stores. The quilter’s inn is a nice setting and the new main character is a very confident and capable person with a love of adventure.
Barbara says
several month ago i began reading the annie’s attic series, ordered a few through mail, but had to stop, due to the expense. so, went to our library, which is small. but, it takes forever to get them from other libraries. at a loss on how to get the books faster. I am now waiting for book 8 “Boxed In” Love these books.
angela says
my library got the first two book series but not the other ones and my librarian said that not many library’s would get them. i live in Iowa and i would love to read the other books series too.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Angela, I think that because they were books that you had to buy from the publisher on a monthly basis, a lot of libraries weren’t able to get them. I have heard about libraries getting them through donations, though. Have you asked you librarian if they have inter-library loans?
Virginia F says
Next book in the Quilted Mysteries – Book 10 – is Celtic Chains. It is in my “to ship” queue at Annie’s. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. I do not know the author yet.
Hope everyone is doing well. I finally splurged and am now in the current century as far as my sewing machine. I’ve had a Singer for years and it’s been an absolute workhorse but … Hates sewing more than a couple of layers, embroidery hoop is prohibitively small and even on rabbit speed, I still feel like a tortuoise. (sp?) Went into my shop a few weeks ago to get a spool of thread for my upholstery machine and walked out in love with one of the new Bernina’s. Does everything (quilt, embroidery, sew). Up to 12 layers of fabric, has a speed regulator for the quilter and the upholstery part is absolutely to die for. Picked it up a few days later. Have taken one embroidery class and will take more. Am signed up for a quilting class the first fri in December. Bought it just in time too as I’ve gotten several embroidery projects since I bought it that I wouldn’t have been able to do on my Singer or my dedicated Janome embroidery machine.
I’m going to keep my Singer as a back-up but need to get a picture taken of the Janome to advertise locally. Seems like maybe a good time to sell with Christmas coming up (crosses fingers).
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you for the Celtic Chains information.
I don’t know much about sewing machines. I have a Singer that I get out when I absolutely have to do some quick repair, but I use it so rarely that I now have my printer on top of the sewing machine table. However, I do enjoy watching Sewing with Nancy, especially the last ten minutes of each show when she introduces the audience to someone who has done something special either sewing or quilting. (Not that quilting isn’t sewing!)
Again, thank you…
Kim says
I am anxiously awaiting book #14 in the Annies Attic Mysteries and book 12 from the Creative Woman Mysteries. I definitely will order the Quilted Series once I’ve read the last book in the Creative Woman Mysteries since I close to the last book.
What I do have for you is book #4 in the Mysteries Unraveled series that was just mailed to me.
The title is “Larceny and Old Lace” by Marlene Chase.
Can’t wait to dig into this next book too!
Virginia F says
Ahhhh, cannot wait. That one is on its way to me! WHO HOOO!
Still thinking about the new series that you have to go to Annie’s and order each time it is available. I’m not real good about that due to time constraints. Wish they would just set it up as a series and mail it out like the others have been done.
They will lose me as a faithful reader if this is the way the new series will be set up. I have loved the fact that all I had to do was sign up and then just wait for the books to arrive. I don’t need one more thing in my life to have to do. This just won’t work for me.
Virginia
Kim says
Hi Virginia,
Me too, work full time, so my unwinding from work is a couple chapters from a book from one of these series,
I understand both the new Vineyard series and the Quilted series have a quilt block at the end of each. Can’t wait to try them!
Also just started another series called The Traveling Tea Ladies, and it has recipes and how to properly steep the right cup of tea.
Another idea for up coming Annies Attic series would be quick and easy craft projects. I certainly would look forward to something like that.
Jan says
Though the Vineyard series is going to have the more traditional method of release (at least at first…who knows what may happen in the future of that one), there WILL be more series coming with the subscription type release style that you’ve enjoyed with the Annie series, and others.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kim, thank you so much for telling me about the fourth Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled. I truly appreciate it!
Bev S says
Ladies….
For anyone who is interested, I was able to find four of the Annie’s Quilted Mysteries on eBay and Amazon Resale. The seller in both cases was willing to work with me to sell these books.
What happened, my mother mailed the box of books to me, including four from the Quilted Mystery series, two from the next series and several other books from other series. Well the long and short of it, the post office damaged the box and so I had an empty box delivered to me…very disappointing, but I’ve been able to piece together what is missing, and both of the sellers on eBay and Amazon are keeping an eye open for me.
When you look at either place, make sure that you check the price as there is one person on eBay had one of these books and was selling it for $60. I lucked out, I paid $15. For each of my books.
Bev
Bev S says
Kim…
How many books in the Traveling Tea Ladies and is it available in book stores…might be a series I would like to read as I’m a tea drinker.
Thanks for your input….Bev
Kim says
Hi Beverly,
Sorry about the late reply – I believe there are 5 books so far in the series; and I believe the author is still writing them.
I found this series through an interview the author did with the magazine Tea Time. A magazine devoted to all this tea, tea parlors and of course high tea.
I ordered my first two books from Amazon.
As a fellow tea lover you will enjoy the recipes and how to brew the perfect cup of tea found at the end of each book!
Enjoy!
Bev S says
Thanks, Kim….I’ve been a tea drinker since I was old enough to stand alone and beg a few sips from my grandfather.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, I just found The Traveling Tea Ladies series. They are by Melanie O’Hara. Here is a page that has them listed:
The Traveling Tea Ladies by Melanie O’Hara
Bev S says
Thanks, Kim….appreciate your help….
Virginia F says
Danna:
Hope that you had a great Christmas!
Just wanted to drop a quick note. Received Stab Stitched but with the Holidays and projects for customers, I haven’t had a lot of reading time.
Last book in the series is “Unraveled Secrets” but I don’t know who the author is at this point.
Happy New Year to all!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you for the Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series information. I will go add Unraveled Secrets to that page. I can’t believe the series is going to be all wrapped up. It seems like it just started!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well.
Thanks, again.
Jan says
I wrote the last book in that series. It’s one of my favorites.
Bev S says
Did a bit more research and found the following….
Vineyard Quilt Mysteries
The first two books are…
Threads of Deceit by Mae Fox and Jan Fields
Pattern of Betrayal by Mae Fox
Don’t know how many books in the series or when they will be available….
Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, thanks. Here is the Cozy Mystery link for Annie’s Craft Company Vineyard Quilt series: Vineyard Quilt Mystery Series. This series will be available in book stores, instead of being only available through their automatic monthly club.
Virginia F says
Thanks!
Also, #10, “Celtic”, is by Donna Kelly. Hate to see this series end as I really like these ladies, even slightly obnoxious and overbearing Aunt Dottie Faye.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, again, thank you!
Bev S says
Understand there is another series getting ready to start…set in a vineyard in Missouri.
My mother had a card stating she could purchase the first two books for $7.99 each or both for 15.99. She’s going to order them, so I will eventually have them.
Don’t know anything else about them, but I do know they will be a good read.
Happy New Year, Everyone and continued success in 2015.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, this would be the Annie’s Craft Company Vineyard Quilt mysteries. I have a page started for the series over on my site: Vineyard Quilt Mystery Series.
Virginia F says
Bev:
Scroll up a few comments and you will find some discussion on these books. Unless Annie’s has changed their mind, they are not sent automatically. You go to the Annie’s website and purchase them each time they become available. Vineyard series is like the Quilted Mysteries in that there is a sampler block at the end of each book.
I haven’t even found time to hit the site to order the first 2 books. Just can’t see me remembering to check their site to keep on top of ordering this series. I just remember that old military adage:
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
To me, this is a huge marketing mistake on Annie’s part. Just my $0.02 worth.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia and Bev S, I will be adding the Vineyard Quilt Mystery Series books to my monthly Cozy Mystery New Books Release entry. From what I have been able to dig up on the internet, Mae Fox will be the co-author on every book, so when I search out new monthly releases, she will be one of the (many!) authors who I search for. The first book in the Vineyard Quilt Mystery Series, Threads of Deceit, will be released in April, and Pattern of Betrayal will be the second book, and it will be released in May.
Just make sure to watch for them on the Soon to be Released Mysteries page (both of the books are already on that page of the Cozy Mystery site) or look through the Monthly New Releases I post on this blog area.
Liz says
Hi Virginia, just so you know–I have passed this feedback along to the editors at Annie’s. Maybe they can offer subscriptions for this series, too. I do know there will be others sold along the sub format. 🙂 That’s all I can say right now. And they will be awesome.
Virginia F says
Received Jan’s “Unraveled Secrets” in Monday’s mail. About 5 chapters in and absolutely love it thus far. Business is crazy busy as usual. All my boat customers thinking about warm weather and wanting new seats. To top that off, we finally adopted a new puppy and he is running me ragged. We named him Joe Cocker. He’s lab/retriever/blue heeler, very smart but also has a mind of his own. A little over 3 months. He and brother and sister were abandoned and rescued, taken in by the Humane Society. He shows no ill effects of his earlier treatment, except maybe his preoccupation with food. Hubby tells me that is normal for puppies of his age. Just wanted to fill y’all in since I had shared earlier about having to put our Carly down. Oh, and cats are still not sure this was a good idea ; ).
Again, loving Jan’s book. Just not enough time to read as much of it at a time as I’d like to. Sad to see this series conclude as I like these ladies very much!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, ooooooh….. I wish I could take the plunge and adopt a new pet. Every time I get really close, I am reminded of all the work (like Joe Cocker running you ragged!). I am pretty sure I would have adopted a dog already had our veterinarian listened to us when we told him Sprite was in constant pain. During the last couple years of her life she seemed like she was in pain (to us) but every time we took her to the vet he would a$$ure u$ that $he was very happy. I still feel guilty about that. I’m now sure he saw her as a money pot, and I kick myself for not taking her to another vet earlier.
Virginia F says
Yah, that was the hardest part about putting Carly to sleep. She didn’t act like she was in any pain. Ran up and down the steps to Sew & Sew. Half the time, she beat me down here. All of her blood work looked great but her last morning, she started throwing up blood and that was when we knew we had to do something. Our Vet would have done exploratory had we ok’d it but I just couldn’t see submitting a 12 year old dog to that kind of pain. Plus I was pretty sure the outcome was going to be the same.
Joe is learning pretty quickly. This morning, he ran to the back door. I asked him if he needed to go outside and he started jumping up and down. As soon as he hit the yard, he squatted down and started to pee. That’s pretty impressive for a dog that we got on the 28th of January!!! If only I could get the same results when I tell him that my hands and arms are not chew toys. My left hand and arm look horrendous. He doesn’t seem to like my right hand and arm as well, for some strange reason.
I’ve gotten quite a bit more read in “Unraveled Secrets” and it is a great read. Sometimes, I’m able to figure out who the doer is and if there is a connection to the overall series but so far, I haven’t got a clue. I just love how Jan writes though. Her style is fabulous and she makes everything flow really well. I’m so glad that she wrote the last in this series!
Gotta get going. Joe is taking his mid-morning nap so I need to get some work done before he wakes up.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, I love that you have to work while Joe is napping! Sounds like he’s house-training you just the way a puppy should!
You may be really lucky house-training him. In just two weeks he’s already getting the idea? He’s a quick study!
Virginia F says
Danna:
He’s got me trained all right. He was playing with one of his balls last night. Kept throwing it under a chair and then “digging” to get it out. He knew I would come and get it before I could get sat down the last couple of times, he had tossed it back under the chair. Finally had Bob tip the chair and I pulled out everything he had tossed under there and had Bob put it all up high for the night. LOL. Joe was NOT pleased.
He is VERY smart. You have to watch his signals and if you do, he will not mess in the house. Last accident was on us. One of the cats got him stirred up at night. We should have taken him out and didn’t and he peed. That is the only accident we have had all week. I should say that I am getting up in the middle of the night to get him out as I know he can’t go all night yet. Tomorrow night, we move the alarm half an hour forward. Do that every 3 or 4 days without an accident until we get the alarm to my normal wake-up time. It’s kind of a pain but very effective. Other alternative was to kennel him or lock him up in the bathroom. Neither one is much fun for him or us. Accidents have been minimal and he’s much happier so we are much happier.
Finished “Unraveled Secrets” yesterday. Jan tied everything together nicely. I was not shocked as to the murderer’s identity but did not think it would be who it was. I was pleased with the ending of the book but will really miss reading about these ladies. Am enjoying the “Mysteries Unraveled” series in Texas as well. Would still love to see some kind of an Annie updated series.
Joe’s up and running loose down here so I’m outta here to chase after him. ; )
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, Joe sounds like he never gets tired of the throwing the ball and having you get it. >>> Sort of like he’s training you to “fetch” the ball! From what you have written about him, I can see that he’s bringing a lot of joy into your home. That’s one of the things I miss the most about Sprite. No matter how bad one’s day might have been, she would make things so much better! Pets are truly a comfort!
I have never heard about your alarm system of taking a dog outside. It sounds like a keeper!
Now go find out what Joe is up to!
Virginia F says
We had Joe neutered yesterday. I was up all night with him because he had a reaction to the anesthesia. Threw up horrendously. Finally quit throwing up around 3:30. Poor little dude. He’s eating and drinking now, just in very small portions. Hopefully we’re over the hump now.
The next book in Mysteries Unraveled is “Brass Chains” but I don’t know who the author is yet.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, poor Joe! I know how difficult it is to take a pet to be neutered/spayed, but it’s the best thing to do. It’s just so hard to see how miserable they are for a few days after the procedure.
Thank you for telling us about Brass Chains. I have added it to the Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled list.
Jan says
Just popping in to thank you for the kind words about my writing and about UNRAVELED SECRETS — it’s actually my favorite in that series as sometimes I even made myself laugh in that one. [Also wanted to say that Joe sounds like a charmer — I miss having a dog so much.]
Virginia F says
I can see how you could be laughing while writing. I do that sometimes when posting a message. LOL.
Joe can be many things, depending on his mood, and charming is certainly one of them. He’s snowbound today and has a horrible case of cabin fever so today’s description would be adorable terrorist. He has one of our cats absolutely beside herself. I did take him outside for about 15 minutes (23 below with wind chill) and let him run like crazy. Sadly he is still running amuck in the house. I am downstairs hiding out in Sew & Sew. ; )
Virginia
Virginia F says
Hi!
“Brass Chains” is written by Donna Kelly. Just received her book in today’s mail. WHO HOOO
Now, just have to settle Joe down this evening so that I have time to read. Bob & I did leave the house together this morning for the first time since Joe’s arrival. To my amazement, the house and contents were just as we left them : o
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you for the Brass Chains information. I just added Donna Kelly to the Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled page.
I can’t get over you being able to leave Joe in the house alone and him not damaging anything! What a good boy!
Virginia F says
“Proper Tension” is the latest Mysteries Unraveled title. I do not have author information. Will know that once I receive the book (due to ship out on the 10th).
Slowly settling down here as we get MIL’s affairs in order. Joe was good as gold the 4+ hours we were at her funeral/luncheon. Of course he was a holy terror when we got home ; )
Virginia
Bev S says
Virginia and Danna….
New pets are a lot work and yes I understand about putting pets down…we had to put our cat Trouble (he was 16) down a couple of years ago. He had developed Cancer and it had metastized into his stomach…the vet offered chemo, but since I had just gone through chemo, there was no way I was going to put him through that.
About a month or so after we had him put down, we started looking at Petfinder and found two cats who needed homes. They aren’t sibs but have been around each other ever since Thunder (the male) was a kitten. He will be four this spring and Katie is almost nine…so this might be an option for Danna…older cats in need of a good home.
Still waiting for my last book in the Quilt series, and finally Dottie Faye has grown on me.
Virginia….so sorry about your dog and also your more-in-law.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you for the “Proper Tension” information!
It sounds like you really lucked out with Joe!
Bev S says
Should be mother-in-law
Rita M. says
I just love the series “Annie’s Attic Mysteries”. I am always looking forward to the next book. It was a blessing during the long cold winter in New York state.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rita M, it’s great when you have a Cozy Mystery series you can rely on. (I’m glad you wrote about Annie’s Attic mysteries. I meant to make up a main page for all the different series they publish.)
Virginia F says
Danna:
I didn’t know the author to “Perfect Tension” before. Just got the book on Monday and is written by Karen Kelly. She wrote 4 of the Annie’s Mysteries books, which were all quite well written.
Thus far, this book is excellent. I’m not quite half through with it as I allowed myself to close a few minutes early so I could veg out and read a bit. It’s been very intense around here since MIL passed between her last illness, house full of people here for the funeral and so forth. Still trying to get caught up. We had a heavy rain Sunday and a poor little bird got swept into one of our drain pipes and drown. He also clogged the drain and so I had water seep into the basement which is where my shop is located. I was down for the better part of 3 days getting the water out and things dried up. Still need to get vac’d and put things in their proper place. Seems it is always something! Now I need to get nose back to the grindstone and try again to catch up.
Hope everyone else enjoys Karen’s book when they read it. I’m finding it quite enjoyable!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, I’m sorry but I can’t figure out which Annie’s series Perfect Tension belongs in.
I hope you’re able to get back to normal soon. It sounds like you had quite a mess on your hands.
Virginia F says
Karen Kelly is the author of “Proper Tension” which is part of the Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you. For some reason, I got fixated on the “4” you mentioned “She wrote 4 of the Annie’s Mysteries books, which were all quite well written.” and translated that to be “4th”. Long story-short, I couldn’t figure out on which Annie’s series I didn’t have a fourth book listed. Thanks!
Virginia F says
Danna:
Book 7 of the Mysteries Unraveled is “Unraveled Tidings”. Book shipped out yesterday. Once I know the author, I’ll let you know.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Danna:
Book 7 in the Unraveled Mysteries series “Unraveled Tidings” is written by Jan Fields. Received it in today’s mail and cannot wait to get started reading it.
As a teaser for all of the Annie’s fans on this blog, one of our old Stony Point friends is getting hitched, and it ain’t Kate! I won’t say any more as I don’t want to ruin any surprises for anyone!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thanks so much! I just added Jan Fields’ latest Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled to the list. Also, thanks for the teaser!
Jan says
Virginia — I hope you like it. I had fun with that one. You’ll notice that I even slip in a reference to Boots and Tartan that was inspired by this comment stream.
Virginia F says
Jan:
Loved the book! I did chuckle a few times when you referred to Boots and Tartan working out the ins and outs of their new relationship. Hoped that our comments had inspired you.
I am enjoying watching Kate find herself since her move to Texas. I especially enjoy how uncomfortable it can make Peter at times. I will be sad to see this series end – I enjoy the connection to the Annie’s series and the references to those characters, especially the four legged ones.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Danna, book 8 in the Unraveled Mysteries book is “Double Strand Deception” but I don’t know the author’s name yet.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you so much! I’ll be sure to add it to the Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled Series page.
Virginia F says
Danna:
Double Strand Deception (Book 8 of the Mysteries Unraveled Series) is written by our own K.D. McCrite.
I’ve read the first 5 chapters and it is fabulous! I can see everything she writes so clearly in my head. I love books where I can picture what the author is writing about. The sign of a truly good writer, IMO.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you for the shout out about the Annies Mysteries Unraveled missing author!
Liz Penney says
Hi there, mine will be #9 and I hope you all enjoy.
Also there is a new series coming out June 26 and I wrote the first book. When it’s posted on the website I will link here. It features past/present mysteries and is called Secrets of the Quilt.
K.D. says
Virginia! What a sweet thing to say. I’m so happy when my books have made a reader happy. God bless. –kd
Virginia F says
K.D.:
I wouldn’t have said it if it were not true! Down to the last 2 chapters but had to stop and get some work done ; (
Love our puppy we adopted in January to death but he is definitely a time drainer. Lots of energy so I walk him (long) twice a day plus throw balls/Frisbee’s to him in the evening to use up some of his everlasting supply. Then I wonder why I have to work all weekend. Oh well, wouldn’t trade him for the world!
Thanks to Liz Penney for telling us about the new series. Cannot wait to see what information Annie’s is going to release about it! Back to the salt mines for me!
Virginia**
K.D. says
Sorry I took you away from work that needed to be done, Virginia! (Not very sorry, though — ha,ha).
Yes, dogs take up a lot of time. I told my daughters the other day that I think having dogs is more work than having kids. At least kids don’t shed all over the house and bark at nothing in the middle of the night. 🙂
kd
Virginia F says
K.D.:
Finished Double Strand Deception and loved every page of it! Did not see the culprit as being guilty up to the last minute. In the Quilted Mysteries Series, I usually had it pegged fairly early in the book. Loved the series and their characters, but for whatever reason, I could see where we were going.
Joe (puppy) is a combination of lab/retriever and blue heeler so he has scads of energy plus the blue heeler blood makes him absolutely THE most stubborn dog I’ve ever met. We have a daily battle about who is going to run the show. Actually went through obedience training as I was at my wits end (biting me hard enough to draw blood – though playing, being too rough with our almost 13 year old dog, not listening, not heeling on the lead, on and on). He’s doing much better but I have to make sure that we take some “training” time every day and build on what we learned in obedience training. Absolutely adorable but what a pistol he can be. We walked late last evening because of the heat and he just about drove me crazy until we walked. Ugh!
Cannot believe that we’re down to the last 4 books in Kate’s series. Very excited to see what the unveiling will be on Friday. Never did buy the series of books that were co-written (Missouri vineyards) and had to be purchased each month. I would NEVER have remembered or found the time to go online every month. I like signing up for the series and knowing that the book will magically appear in my mail box.
Stay out of the early summer heat everyone!
Virginia
Jan says
The Missouri Vineyard series actually ONLY has two books in it (at this point). The plan is not to add one a month. It’s meant to be written/released more like ordinary commercial cozy mysteries where you see far fewer books each year and the number of releases is based on popularity.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jan, I’m not sure how I should be searching for the Vineyard Quilt mysteries. I understand that Mae Fox will be the first listed author on all of the books, so I am entering her name when I look for the new releases. I hope that’s right…
Virginia F says
Just checked “Annie’s” website again and still nothing about the new series. Haven’t received anything in the mail as of yet either.
Virginia
Liz Penney says
Hi Virginia,
I checked and it will be next week! Will post here when it’s up.
Virginia F says
Thanks for the info Liz! As you can tell, I’m fired up for a new series! With only 4 books left in the “Mysteries Unraveled”, I was wondering what I would find to read.
I really love the books, always well-written and most of the time I love the characters (did have a hard time with Shannon in the Creative Woman Series). I really, really like being able to sign up one time and then can rest easy knowing that the books will arrive in my mailbox like clockwork. Since we paid off our mortgage, I’m supposed to be able to slow down a bit but so far, I see no signs of that happening. I’m doing a little less upholstery now but have been inundated with machine embroidery projects. Much easier on my body and I can whip them out in no time. What I like is that now I can pick and choose the projects. So, if a fun upholstery project comes along, I’ll take it. If it looks to be a stinker, I can say “Thanks but no thanks” and let someone else wrestle with it. I’d be perfectly happy to keep my upholstery limited to small boat seats. A lot of fun to do, especially if they turn you loose and trust that you have enough creativity to wow them. Boat seats are small enough that they don’t irritate fused back. Plus, you can generally move them in and out at a pretty good pace.
Anyway, thanks again for the info Liz. Looking forward to the information being released!
Virginia
Liz Penney says
Virginia, it is always great to hear from an Annie’s fan. We appreciate you!
Virginia F says
WHOHOO!!!
Thanks Liz! I’m all over this. Cannot wait until it is shipped!
Virginia
Virginia F says
Also should have said that I read the first two chapters (preview) and it’s going to be an excellent book! Makes me even more excited to receive the hardcopy. (Yes, I know I can get the e-version but I love the feel of a book in my hands, touching the pages — call me old-fashioned!)!
Virginia
Bev S says
Like you, Virginia, I like the feel of paper, the smell and the sound of the pages turning…so I will be looking forward to this series as well…
Did you read the Missouri Vineyard series….I think there are only two books in the series…
I just finished the last book in the Quilted Mysteries series, and was surprised at the killer, but shouldn’t have been…wasn’t a very nice person anyway….
Virginia F says
Good Morning Bev!
No, I have not read the Vineyard Series. I just cannot get excited over a series that I have to remember to find each time a new book is released and purchase it. I go in too many directions at once to be able to remember this. Seriously!
If things settle down ever, I would like to but I’m still meeting myself coming and going.
Yup, I did not see that killer (Quilted Mysteries) coming. Especially since that person had already been “cleared”. And yes, that was not a particularly nice person to begin with!
Virginia
Liz Penney says
Thanks so much Virginia! Glad you like the book.
DeAnna Julie Dodson/Julianna Deering says
Oh, so glad to see Annie’s has the new series page up! 😀
The name of Book Two isn’t “Lies of Splendor” anymore though. They changed it to “Decadent Deceit.” Just saw the final cover. Can’t wait to get books in hand.
BTW, LOVE your cover, Liz! Can’t wait to have a copy of that one.
Virginia F says
Good Afternoon All!
Hope that the summer heat is not getting anyone down!
Received Book #9 in the Unraveled Mysteries today. It is titled “A Model Mystery” and our own Elizabeth Penney wrote it. Hope to at least get it started this weekend. We are having some drainage issues in the laundry room so I’ll be spending time at a laundromat with the plumber coming bright and early Monday morning to roto rooter our main line in the plumbing stack. That’s my store room so I have to have it organized by the end of the weekend. Ugh!
Also got a flyer on the new Secret of the Quilt series. Elizabeth has already owned up to writing “Castle of Whispers”. Book 2 is “Decadent Deceit” and book #3 is “A Dangerous Tide.” No author information on either of those two books.
Virginia
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Hi, Virginia!
I’m the author of Book Two, “Decadent Deceit.” It’s a story set in Versailles during the French Revolution. Due out at the end of August. 😀
Danna - cozy mystery list says
DeAnna Julie Dodson, thanks for the information about your book, Decadent Deceit.
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
You’re welcome, Danna. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you so much for all of the Annie’s information. I wish they wouldn’t be quite so secretive on their site!
Thanks, again AND good luck with your drainage problems.
Virginia F says
OK, finished both “A Model Mystery” Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled and “Castle of Whispers”, the first book in the Secrets of the Quilt series. I have Whispers upstairs but if memory serves me correctly Elizabeth Penney wrote it. This book is absolutely incredible! I fell in love with all of the recurring characters. The book is well written, characters are introduced fabulously and flows nicely! I could hardly bear to put it down. My feeling is that the Secrets of the Quilt series will be as compelling as the original Annie’s Attic mysteries that got us all hooked.
I encourage all of Annie’s fans to buy “Whispers” and my feeling is that if you do, you will wind up loving this series as much as you did Annie’s series. Cannot wait for book #2 to arrive.
Virginia
Liz Penney says
Virginia,
Thanks so much for the fantastic review of Castle of Whispers! I am thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. I think you will enjoy the others in the series, too, we’ve got a great line-up of writers. I am doing 3 more of the 12.
Best,
Liz
Virginia F says
Liz, I have to tell you that when I first discovered that you alternate between the two different timelines of characters I wasn’t sure. I’m not a fan of TV shows that jump back and forth between “current” and “xyz timeframe” but you managed to pull it off beautifully.
Virginia
Liz Penney says
Good to hear, Virginia. Have to admit writing this type of book was a challenge.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you for all of the Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled and Annie’s Secrets of the Quilt news! I made sure I had them listed on their respective pages.
Thanks, again~
DeAnna Julie Dodson/Julianna Deering says
Thanks for listing the books in the Secrets of the Quilt series.
Decadent Deceit is Book Two, but not Book Four. I don’t know what Book Four is, but Book Two will be out sometime later this month.
Thanks again. 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
DeAnna, I don’t know how I keep messing up your Decadent Deceit. I think I had it as book #4, then you told me it was book #2, and when I added it to the page, I forgot to take it off as book #4. Thank you for writing to let me know. I think I finally got it right!
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Heh heh . . . not a problem. I know I get confused when they change titles and book order and all that. Thanks for straightening it out. 🙂
Virginia F says
Book #10 of the Mysteries Unraveled series is called “Toxic Designs”. It is due to ship out to me today so as soon as I receive it, I’ll let you know the author’s name.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, thank you! I’ll go add it to the Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled page.
Carol says
Surprize SURPRIZE!!!
My brother just bought 2 buildings in Berne Indiana.
The flower shop and the Gathering place building. Unfortunately the restaurant wasn’t successful but he is going to set up an antique general store in the bottom which he can totally furnish with authentic everything from signs to brooms ..EVERYTHING. and pristine.
but he sent me literature on Berne and LO and Behold..head quarters of ANNIES. I am so excited for HIM. He will surely be an asset to Berne.
I told Him I own part of Annies. lol
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carol, what fun for you when you go visit your brother!
Virginia F says
Danna:
Was just going to catch you up on the last 2 “Unraveled” book titles plus the second and third of the “Secrets” series but see that you already have all the information posted.
Have been extremely busy so I haven’t had a chance to even look at my computer. Finally had a chance to sit down today and post a bit.
Thoroughly enjoyed the last 2 “Unraveled” books. I will certainly miss reading about Kate and Vanessa. I will say that part of the ending of book 12 I did not expect. Don’t want to say anymore lest I ruin a surprise for anyone.
The “Secrets” series is absolutely incredible. I cannot wait for book 4 to arrive and will probably devour it in one or two sittings once it arrives. The writing has been positively superb. I am as attached to all of the “players” in “Secrets” as I was with the original “Annie’s” series. I do hope that people give it a whirl. I think everyone will be well pleased with it.
Gotta get back at it. Still not enough hours in the day for me.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, your help on these pages has been incredible!
I know exactly what you mean about the hours in a day not being quite long enough. My husband and I just got back yesterday afternoon from visiting our daughter, and I am so behind with everything! I’m glad you at least were able to take a few minutes to sit down and relax…
Virginia F says
Thanks Danna!
I’m really trying hard to put myself on a more reasonable schedule so that I’m not constantly strapped for time. Now that is extremely unhealthy.
Hope you had a good visit with your daughter. That’s one of the holiday perks is seeing people that you don’t get to spend as much time with as you would like (even if they are in the same town)!
I’m happy that I can be of help with the book/author titles. I just really enjoy these books and hope that others will find them as pleasurable as I have.
Back at it. Enjoy all of your Holiday celebrations everyone! Hope the New Year finds everyone healthy and happy!
Virginia
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Hi, Virginia! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the “Secrets” books. More on the way! 🙂
Virginia F says
Hi!
Just received book #5 in the Secrets of the Quilt Series: “Arsenic and Old Silk” by Mary Blount Christian. Book could not have come at a better time as I am on the couch, not quite into my first week of six weeks without putting weight on my broken right knee. I’m going totally and completely stir crazy.
How it happened: we put our 13+ year old dog to sleep the first of the year as his hips had just about completely disintegrated. A couple of weeks later we had an 18+ inch snow fall so I was really glad that poor old Jim did not have to try and deal with the snow. It would have been horrible for him.
Rowdy old Joe needed a dog that can keep up with him. I had been watching the listings at our local humane society and they listed a cute little girl dog that I thought would be perfect for Joe. We took Joe in for the mandatory meet and greet and the two instantly hit it off so we took her home to foster for 2 weeks. The first day, hubby said that we were keeping her. So we now have Missy and Joe.
Missy is a live wire and always runs at the speed of light. She was outside at the other end of the yard from me. I was going towards the house, she was running towards me at full speed ahead. I saw her, tried to get out of her way but didn’t completely make it. She hit the right side of my right knee and my official diagnosis is tibular plateau fracture. Less pain every day so I must be doing something right but it’s very hard for me not being able to get up and move when I want to. And, yes, before anyone asks, Missy is a keeper and it wasn’t her fault.
All this makes me very glad that Arsenic and Old Silk has arrived. I’m almost through the first two chapters and as always it is well written and I’m already hooked.
I always check the last few pages of the book to see if they are springing a new series on us and the answer is YES, YES, YES!!!!
All of the existing book series are listed as well as one that is called “Amish Inn Mysteries” … my curiosity is very well piqued!!! Hopefully more information will soon be available as I am especially impatient at the moment.
Hope everyone else is well and happy!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, Missy sounds like an absolute cutie. However, your injury sounds awful! I know how difficult it is to say goodbye to a family pet, but it sounds like Missy is doing her part to help you and Joe not feel the lose of Jim quite as much. I hope she’s keeping you company on the couch while you read… and that your couch-ridden (sort of like bed-ridden >>> I think!) time is not too much of a bother for you.
Also, thank you for telling us about the Amish Inn mysteries. It sounds like Annie’s Attic is keeping a lot of authors very busy.
Virginia F says
Yup, Missy is a doll. 30 pounds of pure adrenaline. A heart full of love though, despite having been in at least 3 other homes and 2 shelters. You would never know it as affectionate as she is.
You are correct about being couch-ridden. Our bed is high to begin with and then we got a new mattress about 2 years ago that is thicker than most. I have a step to get up on it. So, I have no chance in you know where to get up on that bed right now, plus having paranoia about hubby kicking it during the night. So, I live on the couch 24-7 unless I’m in the bathroom or at the table eating. Looking at 5 weeks + 2 days unless I don’t heal correctly.
I’ve read about 1/3 of “Arsenic and Old Silk” and it’s great! Totally keeps in line with the first four of the series and this author does just as great a job as the previous authors. All of my books from the previous series are downstairs so I can’t get down to verify it, but I don’t recall reading anything from Mary Blount Christian before. She’s doing a great job on this book for sure!
Cannot wait to find out information on the Amish Inn Mysteries as far as how many books and when they will be available. I always get stoked about a new series.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, hearing about your Missy makes me think about our beloved Sprite. These little girls sure make life a lot more fun. (Other than making us sofa-ridden!)
I’m looking forward to hearing about the Amish Inn series. They sure keep things a secret over there at Annie’s!
Virginia F says
Man, am I ever excited. I went to Annie’s website and they have the Amish Inn series listed already. So I hopped out to the entryway to retrieve my billfold and signed up for the new series. I called customer service about another matter and she told me that the first book in the series has already shipped out and that they’ve gotten good feedback from people who have received it. Hopefully I’ll get my book in the next 10-14 days as I really need stuff to read. 5 more weeks if everything heals correctly. Ugh.
Virginia
Bev S says
Hey, Virginia…
Hope you heal quickly as it is very hard to stay down when you are really active.
On another note, when my mother got her notice about the Amish Inn Mysteries about a month or so ago, she also got one about a new series set in a flower shop…and she had the first three or four titles, but the second series isn’t shown on the Annie’s site yet….wonder when it will be available….hope soon as I’m getting caught up on my knitting and now have some time to read.
Guess the Vineyard series isn’t going to continue as there are still only the two books listed…might have been a good series….or at least different.
Take care….Bev
Virginia F says
Thanks, I’m trying but it’s absolutely driving me crazy. Plus both of our dogs are high energy so they drive Bob crazy which drives me crazy. I’m hoping in the next couple of weeks, I’ll be able to do a little more (as opposed to nothing) which will help. Biggest problem is that Missy (newest) is a digger. I’d been out in the yard working with her and we were making real progress. She’s slipped big-time since I haven’t been able to keep my eye on her. Know she’ll outgrow it but …
I never received notice in the mail about the Amish Inn series. Found it on the last page of book 5 of the Quilts series and then went to the webpage. I always check to be notified of new series so don’t understand why I didn’t get anything from them. Haven’t heard about the flower shop series yet either. But bring them on I say.
I remember one of the co-authors telling us that the Vineyard books were supposed to be more like the books that come in series that you buy in a bookstore so they would come out like one every year. My feeble brain does not remember when those two books were made available as a “set” to purchase through Annie’s website. I was irritated that you would have to keep checking to see if the next book was up yet and so I didn’t buy them. Seems like the next book should have come out by now so I’m glad I didn’t buy.
I do love the series that have been made available through Annie’s but I may have to move if they keep adding more series. My basement is going to fill up with all of these series. I was thinking about donating some of them to the Nursing Home my MIL was in but she passed while I was still procrastinating about it. I hate to give away such good friends. Right now, I’m wishing I didn’t have them in my downstairs bookcase as it would be a great opportunity to reread the original “Annie’s”. So it goes.
See the ortho today for an x-ray to see if everything is in place correctly. Was scheduled at my original visit. I’m a tad nervous as I took a serious tumble when I tried to use crutches so I’m hoping that I didn’t make things worse. Went back to the walker. Will try crutches next week but Bob will be following me so that he can catch me should I have a problem. Just cannot fall again while I’m supposed to be keeping weight off itl Gotta go and get cleaned up so I’m out of the bathroom when Bob is ready.
Virginia
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
I just turned in Book Five of the Antique Shop Mysteries, which is about a mysterious pirate ring.
Good fun! 😀
Danna - cozy mystery list says
DeAnna Julie, this sounds great.
By the way, I know I have mentioned this before, but I wonder why Annie’s Attic doesn’t have an area on their site where people who read the different series can talk to each other. It seems to me that there would be a lot of interest in this. Do you happen to know if one of the various authors has a place on their site where Annie’s Attic fans can talk about the different series? I think there would be a lot of interest in this…
Bev S says
Danna…
I just sent you the flyer I got from Annie’s about the Antique Shop Mysteries….they show four of the books but don’t list the authors…
If I didn’t know better, I would think they all worked for a company where the motto is “Need to Know”….we don’t get a lot of information until the book is available.
I really like your idea of a blog site at Annie’s for readers of the various series, I’m sure there are more of us than just the handful who regularly blog here….I like to get other folks’ opinions of books that we’ve all read.
Bev
Virginia F says
i’m down with that too. I’d love an Annie’s blog.
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Danna —
I think that’s a great idea! I will pass it on to someone at Annie’s and see what they think. 🙂
Virginia F says
Finished “Arsenic and Old Silk” which I thoroughly enjoyed. Just when I thought I’d go crazy, the mail came with the first Amish Inn Mysteries book. It’s out in the foyer as I’ve been reading it while I keep an eye on my rowdy dogs (Missy has decided she likes to dig) so I sit on the step with my leg propped up, read a chapter, stand up and watch Missy and Joe romp a while, sit back down, read another chapter, and so on. Hesitate to post the name as I’m not sure of the book title but it’s written by Rachel Phillips and she’s done an outstanding job of introducing characters that I suspect we will see throughout this series. I’m down to the last 2 chapters and sooooo sad that I’ve prety much finished the book. A great read and I’m going to love these ladies as I get to know them.
I will say the first few chapters had me ROTF due to Sadie’s intrusion on the peace and quiet Liz thought the Inn was going to bring her. So very funny. Timing of the book could not have been better. With luck, I’m down to 2 more weeks of couch potato’ing and then I’ll be allowed to gradually put weight on my knee again. At least I’ve finally learned to use the crutches and have quit getting twisted up in them and falling flat on my face. So lucky that I didn’t hurt anything else the last time I fell on the crutches.
Enjoy the spring weather everyone!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thank you so much for all of this Annie’s Publishing information. I have started putting together some pages that I hope to get put up in the near future.
It sounds like your leg is improving and that Missy is bound and determined to keep you “on your feet” as much as you can be. We were lucky with Sprite, she never enjoyed digging…
Virginia F says
OK, 1st book in the Amish Inn Mysteries is “Secrets of the Amish Diary” by Rachael Phillips. I double checked the spelling of her first name as it an unusual spelling.
Book is absolutely fabulous! So many new friends to learn about. I rank it right up there with the first Annie’s Mysteries Series. Cannot wait for the second book to arrive!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thanks again!
Virginia F says
Hi Danna!
I owe you a bunch of books/authors. Will try to get that done tonight. They are upstairs and I’m downstairs. Just wanted to make sure that you are going to put up a link to the Annie’s Antique Shop Mystery series. I just signed up for them today so am now anxiously awaiting the first book “Stranger in the Looking Glass” which is written by our own Jan Fields. I always LOVE her books.
Knee is finally healed. Two more weeks of rehab but I can pretty much do what I was doing before. Haven’t tried going for walks yet as it is soooo hot now.
Hired a competent contractor so my office expansion should get finished the end of this week or the first few days the following week. I could write a series of books on that whole disaster. UGH. Very definitely will be fabulous when they are done.
I still love the Secrets of the Quilts series. Love the going back and forth between the timeframe that pertains to the quilt block being researched and present day. Also one book was set in Omaha NE and I lived there for a year right out of high school so that made that book really fun for me. I’ve also gotten the first three books of the Amish Inn mysteries and they are such fun to read. There is a lazy old beagle (I think that is his breed). His name is Beans and he is an absolute hoot! I always love the series that start of with the heroine having an animal. Makes it easier for me to relate to her.
Will try and get you caught up on names/authors tonight if time permits.
With the remodel and trying to get caught up from 9 weeks on the sofa, I’m meeting myself coming and going more than usual but I am almost caught up. Then I’ll just have to get reorganized after the contractors leave. That will be such fun as I finally have a real storage room.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, it sounds like your summer has not been the type of “vacation time” that is sometimes associated with this season. As you’re aware, I finally put up Annie’s Antique Shop, Annie’s Amish, and the Sugar Creek Amish mystery series. Since Annie’s is so very secretive about the books in their series, I rely on people who get those series. So, thank you!
Your office expansion sounds like it has been a headache for you, but in the long run, it will all be worth it!
Thanks, again, for all your help on the Annie’s mystery series!
Virginia F says
Danna:
Good Morning! Want to get this done real quick before my day gets crazy. Book #6 in Secrets of the Quilt is Target for Revenge by Marlene Chase and Book #7 is Deadly Angel by Kristi Holl. Both were great reads. Target for Revenge is the book set in Omaha — I particularly enjoyed that one, being both a Nebraska girl and having lived in Omaha for a year or so after i graduated High School.
Book #2 in Amish Inn Mysteries is Plain Deception by Tara Randel and Book #3 is Simple Lies by none other than Jan Fields. Both were superb — I absolutely adore old Beans, who is a bulldog not a beagle as I posted yesterday. Beans and the Material Girls absolutely keep me in stitches. These ladies truly remind me of the close knit group of ladies in the Annie’s Attic Mysteries. I’m curious if anyone else has started this series and, if so, if they get the same feeling. I just immediately felt like I knew them and that was how I felt with the Annie’s Attic ladies. It’s just a nice, comfortable feeling.
Gotta get at it. Contractor is due any minute — ugh. Hope this is the last week. Since this project was started by the “other” contractor (fired for total ineptness and lack of a work ethic), I am sooooo ready for them to be out of my hair and to start enjoying my expanded work areas.
TTYL
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thank you >>> again! It seems like I’m always thanking you for letting us know the titles and authors of these series.
Virginia F says
Good Afternoon Danna!
Just wanted to get you updated on book titles/author’s names.
I’ve been inundated with books lately, and having a hard time keeping up as my remodel is finished. Also finished PT on my knee so I’m walking the dogs again. A total hoot. Joe and his 70 pounds keep me on my toes as I cannot let my guard down with him for a second. Missy is close to 35 pounds now and just a breeze compared to him. Good to be back out walking. Hopefully it will help me to shed my couch potato pounds I put on while my knee heeled.
New books:
Secrets of the Quilt:
Book #8 Mist on the Moors by Elizabeth Penney was another fabulous read.
Book #9 came in yesterday’s mail. It is The Thief of Hearts by Mary Blount Christian. I’ve only read the first few chapters but I’m sure that it will be as enjoyable as the others in the SQ series.
Amish Inn Mysteries:
Book #4 is Murder Simply Played by Rachael O Phillips. It also came yesterday and I’m reading the SQ #9 first.
Antique Shop Mysteries:
Book #1 is Stranger in the Looking Glass by Jan Fields. I love Jan writing the first in the series as she sets them up so perfectly.
Book #2 is the Secret Letter which ships out this Friday. Don’t know the author’s name yet but will let you know.
I know you have the links up for the last two series but I’m having a hard time finding them. Found them one day and now I forget how I found them. Must be a senior moment thing today.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, wow! It sounds like you’re back to normal again… zipping around with not only one large dog, but two! (Yes, even Missy sounds large to me!)
Thank you so much for all of the help with the Annie’s books. I have found that I can now access the Guideposts series, but these: not so much! I have left the “Annie’s” in front of some of the series’ titles since Annie’s publishing has some of them listed with the “Annie’s”, which might make finding them on the site a little iffy.
Here are all of the Annie’s pages on my site:
Amish Inn Mystery Series
Antique Shop Mystery Series
Annie’s Attic Mystery Series
Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled
Annie’s Quilted Mystery Series
Annie’s Secrets of the Quilt Mystery Series
Creative Woman Mystery Series
Vineyard Quilt Mystery Series
However, if you’d rather just go to their main page, all of the series are listed on this page:
ANNIE’S MYSTERY SERIES
Thanks, again!
Virginia F says
Hi Again!
Right after I posted my ignorance ; ) , I figured out what I was doing wrong. Hopefully I will remember next time how to find them.
It’s great that you post all of the new series like you do! Just wish more people would post a comment on them as I’m always curious if people think the same thing, for instance, about Beans (Amish Inn) as I do. I know I’m not the only subscriber or they would not keep coming up with new series 2 or 3 times a year.
Back to the salt mines & thanks again!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, I’m glad you mentioned not being able to find all of these series because I had one of them marked wrong. I thought the Antique Shop sereis was called Annie’s Antique Shop series. I wonder why they keep the “Annie’s” in some of the series titles and not in others.
Virginia F says
Danna:
The Antique Shop series is actually under the “Brand Name” of Country Sampler, which is an offshoot of Annie’s Attic I believe. Diversification I guess, I’m not sure of another explanation. I’m hoping that book #2 arrives today as I’m just about finished with Murder Simply Played in the Amish Inn series. The Secrets of the Quilt book was outstanding as always and I’m enjoying “Murder” as well.
Have a great week everyone!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, as if it wasn’t already difficult enough to keep everything straight!
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Hi!
You have the following in the Antique Shop Mysteries:
Stranger in the Looking Glass by Jan Fields
The Secret Letter by Mary Blount Christian
The Christmas Riddle
Pieces from the Past
Just thought you’d like to know that I wrote Book Five, A Ring of Deception. Should be out in September.
Thanks for keeping up with all these series! 😀
Liz says
I wrote Pieces from the Past and will be writing several more in this great series!
Bev S says
Liz..
Am I correct that there will be only twelve books in this series as well, or is that still a secret.
I definitely understand the words “need to know” from many years of working.
Really enjoy your books and look forward to any book in any of the series, this is a great group of writers and you seem to balance each other really well.
Thanks for another great series.
Bev
Liz says
I so glad you love these books! Re: continuation, I can’t announce anything until Annie’s does. But they do seem to do that sometimes.
Virginia F says
Bev S.
I think that you can call Annie’s and they will tell you how many books are in the series. If I remember correctly, I did that with the original Annie’s series (before I found this blog) as I felt like I had missed some books and I had.
The Antique Shop series would be the one series I could see exceeding 12 or 13 books simply because you can draw parallels between it and Annie’s Attic (as far as having lots of potential story pieces). Of course, I can easily be wrong and they will have things wrapped up in 12 or 13 books.
No matter, I love all of these books! I’ve been thinking that I might bring the original Annie’s books upstairs and read them again. It’s been several years since I first read them so I think that I could thoroughly enjoy them again. I want one of these other series to wrap up first though as I’m currently bouncing between Antique Shop, Amish Inn and Secrets of the Quilt so I don’t think I need another set of characters to keep straight in my mind ; )
Have a great weekend everyone!
Virginia
Bev S says
Virginia….
Right now I’m flipping between the Secrets of the Quilt and the Antique Shop Mysteries.
Have the first few books of the Amish Inn, but haven’t started them yet, and have four series from Guideposts that I haven’t touched yet…so many books and so little time…
Spend a lot of my time transcribing census records for a friend in Nova Scotia.
Have started a king sized afghan for our bed….I’ve made so many things and given them away…plus we try to take one week a month to go camping…so busy, busy, busy…and I wonder how I ever had time to work.
Take care….Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
DeAnna, thank you for the info. I have added your book #5 to the page. Now I have to go add it to your Julianna Deering page on my site! Thanks, again!
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
That’s great, Danna! Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to seeing the book in September. I hope you all like it. 🙂
Bev S says
Danna and Listmates…
One of the things I’ve started doing lately is keeping lists…not just any lists, but lists on iPad Notes.
Each new list is the names with authors of every book in a series…so when I get a new box of books from my mother, of which there are about eight different series, some Annie’s and some Guideposts, I can go to the list and number the inside front cover of each book.
One list has a notation beside book ten….the title and author and then in large letters, Missing….so I know that I don’t have the book, haven’t loaned it to anyone and didn’t misplace it…makes for an easier way to keep up with so many books.
Hope this idea may be of some value to someone and it definitely helps to keep me organized.
Have a great weekend….Bev
Virginia F says
I’ve been threatening to do this for quite some time. Finally remembered to grab “Lady in the Attic”, the first book in the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series and took it upstairs. It’s been years since I read the series and I’m going to reread all 30 books from start to finish. I would have happily done this when I was laid up with my broken knee but they were downstairs and I was upstairs and hubby has trouble with stairs so didn’t want to send him on this mission. Plus he would have been overwhelmed by the number of books I have in my “Annie’s” bookshelf down here. : )
I actually need to reorganize as I have 8 to 10 upstairs that belong down here. The book shelf gets started tomorrow. Not looking forward to that chore as I will want to start reading each and every book. Not good for my productivity. But book shelf is in my Sew & Sew area that had remodeling done and so there is at least an inch of construction dust on everything. Book shelf is about the last area that I need to hit. I break everything into small chunks and try to get one chunk cleaned first thing each morning before I start working. Speaking of work, it’s time I get going.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia F, my goodness! You’re going to read all thirty mysteries back-to-back? That’s dedication to your favorite series! It sounds like you have finally finished a lot of remodeling, now for the even worse part to have to live through >>> the clean-up/organization stage! Every time my husband and I talk about down-sizing, memories come rushing back about how much of a hassle cleaning/re-organizing is.
Virginia F says
Danna, glad the reno has been completed and am actually enjoying the cleaning/organizing part. It’s just nice to finally have adequate storage and my customers absolutely rave over how great my new multi-purpose room looks. Part of it is a changing area for my alteration customers. Walled off on three sides, a dedicated light, very comfy bench to sit on, hooks on the walls for purses, coats, etc and saloon type swinging doors. As close to Macy’s, etc., as I could come.
I’m about half-way through “The Lady in the Attic” and am enjoying it immensely. It’s been long enough since I initially read the series that I have forgotten a lot of the details of the books. Love how we are introduced to the characters and their evolution just in the first book. To anyone who logs onto this blog and discovers, much to their dismay, that the series has been concluded, I advise you to put the books away for a period of time and then re-read them. I suspect that you will fall in love with the series again.
I would still be a cheerleader for more books in the Attic series but we do run into our old friends in other books and Kate got her own series. I won’t be surprised to meet up with one or more of the characters in other series from the Annie’s Publishers. They did an incredible job with the Attic series, as they created a very likeable heroine and her supporting cast is absolutely fabulous. Each book is well written and I enjoyed them all immensely. Kudos to all of the writers whose work made Attic such a success!
Virginia
Bev S says
Virginia….
Remember too that you will pick up on details that you may have skipped over in the first read…for as many times as I’ve read Jane Eyre, there is always something new that I learn…and I think it is that way with any good and well written book.
Take care….Bev
Virginia F says
Finished “Lady in the Attic” this afternoon and I brought up “Medals in the Attic” to start tonight or tomorrow.
I had forgotten how incredibly well written “Lady” was. If memory serves me correctly, each book continues in that vein.
I’m very glad that I decided to reread them. I originally read “Lady” in April 2011 and 5+ years is definitely enough time to have forgotten a lot of the intricacies of the book. It also makes me realize why some of us were so vocal about the series ending. These books are superb and I’m betting that I’ll experience some of those same emotions after reading “The Ring” again (in 28 books).
Virginia
Virginia F says
I just started the 11th book in the Annie’s series yesterday. I am so glad that I made the decision to start rereading them. These books definitely are worth of being read a second time (maybe even a third years down the road). Bev S was absolutely correct about picking up on details that I had missed (or forgotten) the first go round. I’m having a ball perusing through these books again. Of course, I’m not getting as much done as I would like but my enjoyment factor is off the charts so it’s still a win-win in my book.
Hope everyone is enjoying this gorgeous fall weather. Love watching the leaves turn colors. Absolutely the most beautiful season!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, I’m glad you’re enjoying the Annie’s series again – I wish I had time to reread more books, though now that I’m writing about some of my old favorites I’ve managed to make time. Here in San Antonio we’re not getting any “gorgeous fall weather” yet though >>> sure looking forward to that!
Virginia F says
Danna,
I grab a few minutes here and a few minutes there. Bob is terrible about reading the paper, periodicals, so forth at meals so I retaliate by reading my books at meals. I hang out with the dogs when they are out playing since they decided to dig up out underground system last winter. So while they are romping and running amuck in general, I sit on the porch steps and read 2 or 3 chapters.
So, I get a bit read each day that way. I’d love to find a day to just hang out on the couch and read all day but so far that hasn’t happened. If this week is any indication, it won’t be happening any time soon either.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, it sounds like you’ve found some good ways to work regular reading time into your daily schedule. That was what I used to do with reading at night – but as I’m getting older falling asleep seems to be quicker and quicker. I guess I just need to find another place where I can really get it into my routine.
Bev S says
Just started the Amish Inn Mysteries….finished the first book and have two and three sitting there looking at me….but reading isn’t my first priority right now…? Have a list of ten baby afghans that need to be knit, DAR papers to finish getting together, been camping off and on all summer….we are trying to go one week a month while both of us are healthy enough to go as there will come a day when we wont be able to enjoy this….but I’m still loaded down with books so lots to read this winter.
And like Virginia, I. Thinking about re-reading the Annie’s Attic series again….maybe this winter.
Bev
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev, I know what you mean by reading sometimes not being your highest priority, even if it is what you might want to be doing. Sometimes it feels like I do so much work getting the lists on the site together that I just don’t have time to actually read anything on them!
Bev S says
Danna….
I’m thinking about setting up a scheduled reading time each evening….maybe a couple of hours when I would normally watch something on TV…and specifically when my husband is watching Fear the Walking Dead and Walking Dead…I don’t watch either of those programs….but usually find myself transcribing late into the evening…I’m working on transcribing the Canadian census for Nova Scotia for a friend’s website…so instead of devoting ten hours a day, maybe just transcribe seven and read for three, but then time gets away from me and I find myself up till all hours of the next morning finishing a book….and yes we grew up with books and no TV….
Have a great week and hope you are staying dry…its been raining here for the last three days…
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev, I used to read a bit before going to sleep every night. Nowadays though I find myself falling asleep as soon as I start reading, even if it is during the middle of the day >>> so I guess that sort of backfired.
Weatherwise, yes, it is dry… still too hot though. 92 degrees for mid September is definitely too hot.
Virginia F says
I love the A. Inn series. Beans just leaves me in stitches every time they mention him. The leading ladies are all great and their antics have me chuckling as well. I’m glad I don’t live near them though as their penchant for pie would have me weighing about 400 pounds ; ). Nice reads. I’ve read the first four and #5 is on its way, as long as book #12 in the Secrets of the Quilt series (really liked those books) and #3 in the Antique Shop mysteries. I like the AS series. I feared it might be too similar to AA but so far they are doing a great job of keeping it unique. All in all, all of these series are nice reads.
Gotta get charging. Homecoming dances coming up as well as a lot of fall weddings so my closet is full of gorgeous dresses in need of alteration. All without much time to get them out the door. No rest for the wicked this week for sure!
Virginia
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Just FYI, I recently got my copies of Antique Shop #5 — A Ring of Deception. I expect they’ll be sent out to subscribers, soon. 😀
Danna - cozy mystery list says
DeAnna, thanks for letting us know – it is always a little tricky for me to keep track of this sort of book that doesn’t really get a wider release.
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Yeah, I don’t know how everyone keeps up with all of these — but it’s fun. 😀
Virginia F says
The fun part is when you are going back and forth between the three new series and then start rereading the Annie’s mysteries as well. Occasionally, I get my characters confused ; ) . I think Bev S once told me that she stockpiles the books until she has completed the series that she is working on, then starts the next. I’m far too impatient for that. I’m always on pins and needles waiting for the newest series to come out.
Just checked and I have 7 different series’ from Annie’s, though the last one is under the Country Sampler umbrella. My bookshelf is beginning to get crowded. I’ll have to do some reorganization pretty soon.
Have a great day all!
Virginia
Bev S says
Virginia….
You are correct, I try to read only one series at a time, and because I get these books from my mother, I usually get a box of books about once a month or so with about twenty books at a shot….
She has been sending me all of the various Annie series and also either four or five series from Guideposts….the ones I’m sure of are the Silver Peake series, an Amish series, and then two others…one about Blueberry Hill and one about Mary’s Library….so have lots to catch up on….
And I’ve found another way to squeeze in reading time….standing in line at the grocery store and also waiting at the doctor’s office whether it be for me or my husband….
And those dresses sound beautiful….did you finish the car reupholster….I remember you talking about it and what a huge and frustrating project it was….
Take care….Bev
Virginia F says
Afternoon Bev & All!
All dresses are totally gorgeous. I keep seeing on TV shows that bridesmaid dresses are supposed to look ugly so that the bride doesn’t get “out-shined” but that has certainly not been the case with any of the many dresses I’ve worked on over the years. Nor was it true with bridesmaid dresses I wore back in the day.
As far as the car, yes got it finished and have pretty much sworn off upholstery. Takes up too much of my time for what people want to pay. I can get a lot more alterations done in less time and I think I come out ahead financially. A lot less frustration and much easier on my aging body.
I haven’t started reading in check-out lines yet but always tuck either a magazine or a book in my purse before I leave for the doctor’s office.
I was mistaken in my earlier post. Said that book #12 of the Secrets series was enroute but I believe it is actually #10. I will be sad to see that series end. Takes me a bit each book to get used to their telling the stories from two different era’s but each of the authors do it very well.. It’s just that if I’m feeling harried because of my work day, I can get a bit confused with the back and forth. When that happens, I reach for another book and read Secrets when I’m having a calmer day.
Already wondering about what the next series will bring us. Will definitely have to reorganize my bookshelf for the next series though.
Gotta get back at it. Might have a quiet weekend if I keep pushing all day today.
Virginia
Bev S says
Hi Virginia and All…
A suggestion for reorganizing your bookshelf….I’ve double shelved, so have almost all of Annie’s Attic on the top shelf with a bookend at each end of the shelf to keep the books from going into the small space between the end of the shelf and where the shelf actually meet….I think I have 25 of the series on the self, pushed them back against the back of the shelf and then started the second row of books on the same shelf and in front…so I’m double rowed…but now I need to do something with the next shelf as it too will be double rowed….
Must say I really love the tricks that Beans gets into in the Amish Inn series….I read the first three books this past week and they were great…Beans definitely has his likes and dislikes when it comes to people….?….
Just got back from a week of camping on the Eastern Shore of Virginia….we had a prime spot for Looking at the ships coming up and down the Cheseapeake Bay.
Virginia….several months ago, I had a list of four books that were supposed to be a new series from Annie’s….never saw anything on their site and gave Danna the list, but like me she never saw anything more….it was supposed to be a series about a Flower Shop….or at last I think it was….did you ever receive a flyer from Annie’s advertising this….I got my information from my mother….and yes, Annie’s does keep everything quiet until they are ready to publish.
Another series I’ve been reading is the Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber and it is really good, and there is a spin off of five books Rose Harbor Inn, and also by Debbie Macomber….in case you run out of books….but I assume there will be another Series from Annie’s shortly….
Take care…..and slow down….
Hugs….Bev
Virginia F says
Hi Danna!
Wanted to take a few minutes and update on books.
Book #3 in the Antique Shop series is written by Susan Sleeman (A Christmas Riddle).
Book #5 in the Amish Inn Series is To Love and to Vanish and is written by Tara Randel.
Book #10 in Secrets of the Quilt is All That Glimmers and is written by Marlene Chase. Book #11 in Secrets of the Quilt is Where Summer Never Comes and is written by Kristi Holl.
All of these ladies wrote some of the original Annie’s Attic Mysteries.
All of these books are fabulous. Just finished Elizabeth Penney’s “Pieces of the Past” (Antique Shop Mysteries) and I could hardly bare to put it down.
My last three books (#11 in SQ, #4 in AS and #5 is the AI) all came within 4 days of each other and the timing could not have been more perfect. Joe (70+ pound lab/retriever/heeler mix) and I were enjoying a fabulous fall walk Saturday morning when my left foot found a pot hole (could not see it due to leaves falling and covering it up). I was sure that I had broken it as I heard the most horrendous popping sound and the pain was absolutely excrutiating. But I was able to gingerly walk the last 3 blocks home with Joe. Took my sock and shoe off when I got home and it was barely swollen so I grabbed Missy real quick and got her walked before I had time to think about what I was doing. One of my nephews came over right after lunch to dig up grass on one side of our sidewalk that leads to my business. We planted day lilies on the other side last fall and they were gorgeous this summer so I ordered more and Kris and I planted them after he dug up the grass. My job was to shake the dirt out of the grass as last year he threw out a ton of dirt (I left him unattended).
Once I got Kris back home and I sat down, I knew that it wasn’t broken but definitely a very bad sprain. I wrapped it and kept it elevated and iced all evening but when I took the wrap off Sunday morning, it was huge.
So, I’ve spent most of the week on the couch with my ankle iced and reading the three books that came in the mail. Made the time go by so quickly and was almost enjoyable having a bum ankle. I’m walking much better today, swelling down but still very tender so I’ll pretty much chill for the rest of the weekend. Hope to be back walking (using an ankle brace) first of the week as the dogs are absolutely insane after not walking for 4 days now. Ugh!
Hope everyone is fine and enjoying whatever fall weather comes your way!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thanks as always for the update! I really rely on you to get these particular pages “in order” >>> as following this particular series has always been a bit of a headache for me.
I’m sorry to hear about your injury but at least it wasn’t broken – and there is a bit of a “silver lining” that you at least were able to do some quality reading in your down time! I’ve actually been laid up a bit the last few days myself – I pulled a muscle my foot falling down the other day and thought it might be broken myself. (It was bad enough that I ended up going to a local emergency room for an x-ray – not a fun experience.) Like yours it has been getting better day by day, but it is one reason I haven’t been replying to some of these posts as quickly as I should have!
Virginia F says
Danna:
Ouch! Falling is never fun. The older we get, the harder and longer the recovery seems to get.
Bob’s going to go to CVS this morning and get me an ankle brace to wear instead of the Ace bandage I’ve been using. Just feels like it needs a bit more support but I’m putting weight on it with no issues and pain is manageable. Both dogs are really getting frustrated about their lack of walks. It’s a bit unseasonably chilly so I’ve been throwing them out when they get squirrely so they can run off their excess energy. They seem to be over their need to dig up sprinkler components but I don’t leave them out for an extended period of time.
I’m on book #14 “The Stolen Canvas” in my quest to reread all of the Annie’s Attic mysteries. I am thoroughly enjoying reading these books. When I first start reading, I don’t know who the “bad guy” is but I find that it comes back pretty quickly. I don’t mind that at all though as the books are so well written and, as Bev S pointed out, I find that I’ve forgotten things from my original read. Not sure if I’ll be game for a third read sometime down the road or not. I’ll keep them until I’m certain I don’t want to read them again and then donate to a nursing home or our local library or something when that happens. I know I’ll have to do something or Annie’s books will take over my basement. LOL
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, fortunately I’m out of my own brace as well already – after a day or two the effort of putting it on and off outweighed the relatively minor pain I was still in. Really for me the first day was the worst >>> though I’m still not completely at 100%.
Bev S says
Ladies,
Several years ago, I tripped over a piece of carpeting in our fifth wheel RV and landed face down, but I was able to twist my ankle and it was really painful, but after a few days in the walking shoe and then a trip back to the doctor, he suggested a brace…almost like a support stocking, but just the heel and came up over the ankle….worked really well and now the only time it bothers me, and you will find this too, is when the weather changes.
And hey, Virginia I like the idea of giving these books to a nursing home or even an assisted living facility. I know I donated some books to the local seniors center, and unfortunately, they grew feet and walked away, so everyone who wanted to read them didn’t get a chance.
And like you, I’m going to need another bookcase….so many books and so little time….I have a bunch of other projects going as well, so need to divvy up my time to cover all bases.
Tomorrow will take the turkey out of the freezer to thaw for Monday’s Canadian Thanksgiving dinner, so a Happy Thanksgiving to both of you….
Bev (a displaced Nova Scotian)
Rhonda H. says
My mom got started on Annie’s Attic Mysteries, with myself and my niece reading them now. Wonderful easy reads. I would think they would make a nice series for TV.
Bev S says
Rhonda….
There are thirty books in the series and then there are additional series but not related to Annie and her group, but all great reads.
Like you, my mother started buying these books and once she finishes with them, I inherit them….so you are are very fortunate to inherit these books.
Take care and have a great weekend.
Bev
Virginia F says
Rhonda!
So glad that you discovered this great series. I loved them so much that I am in the process of rereading them. I hope you continue to love these ladies and books!
Virginia
Virginia F says
Hey Danna!
Received the last book in the Secrets of the Quilt series yesterday. “A Fatal Journey” by Elizabeth Penney.
I will miss these ladies and the fascinating stories behind the quilt blocks! This book deals with the maiden, and only, voyage of The Titanic.
Of course the bright spot of this series ending is that it brings us that much closer to the next series from Annie’s. I’m always excited for a new series to begin!
The Quilted Mysteries series has a sampler quilt. The end of each book gives you one sampler block and book #12 gives you the last book, as well as directions for finishing the quilt. I got through the first 2 sampler blocks. Started the 3rd block but didn’t like how it turned out and needed to redo it. Things got hectic, then broke my knee and then sprained my ankle. Finally got sampler block #3 finished over the weekend and got block #4 done yesterday. It went much easier than the first three did. Have blocks #5 and 6 cut out.
Has anyone finished their sampler quilt from the Quilted Mysteries books?
Virginia
Bev S says
Hey, Virginia…
Like you, I will be sorry to see the end of this series….have started the Amish Inn series and it is good too.
When you finish the quilt will you post a picture of it, I would love to see it.
I’m not a quilter, my fortes are knitting, counted cross stitch and Genealogy….oh yeh reading too.
Have a great weekend….Bev
Virginia F says
Oops, I mistyped. Title of #12 is “A Lethal Journey” by Elizabeth Penney. Sorry for my mistake.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Danna:
Received book #6, “Law & Old Order” written by Jan Fields, in the Amish Inn Mystery the first of the month. Just opened it this morning. Also received book #5, “A Ring of Deception” written by DeAnna Julie Dodson, in the Antique Shop Mystery series. Started “Law & Old Order” this evening. I had only read about 3 pages when I started laughing out loud. I do love the characters in this series so much!
Finished reading all 30 books in the Annie’s Attic Mystery series yesterday (that was why I hadn’t opened either of my new books as I was close to finishing that series and wanted to finish it before starting the new books). I thoroughly enjoyed rereading them. Though I was pretty irritated with both Annie & LeeAnn in the last book. Not wanting to give away the book to anyone starting the series, I’ll just say that I felt like Annie should have sent LeeAnn a new pair of “big girl panties” instead of kowtowing to her and also that Annie treated Ian terribly and was extremely fortunate that he didn’t tell her to take a hike. Also, Ian could have kept things from getting so out of hand had he explained his relationship to Caz. Ah well, all’s well that ends well as the old saying goes. I was extremely surprised at my own reaction to book 30, “Ring in the Attic” as well as book 29, “Legacy in the Attic” as I found myself tearing up often while reading them and I am quite sure that I did NOT have this issue when I originally read them.
Glad that I read them a second time as I had forgotten a lot of the details. Would love to have a sequel published that would catch us up on Annie & Ian, Gwen, Mary Beth and Stella. If you read the Mysteries Unraveled series, you learn a lot about Kate and one of the books involves Alice and her beau. I also have great curiosity as to how Tartan and Boots resolved their issues.
Need to get going! Hope everyone has a great Holiday Season!
Virginia
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Hi, Virginia!
I’m so glad you enjoyed The Legacy in the Attic (the second time). And I hope you like A Ring of Deception, too.
Thanks so much for being such a great supporter of Annie’s Fiction!
Virginia F says
Thanks! I would be lost without all of my Annie’s mysteries to read.
I’m almost through with ‘A Ring of Deception’. I think I have 2 or 3 chapters left. I was hoping to finish it yesterday but duty called. I’ve been swamped this year with Christmas related sewing projects. I had a lady who wanted me to sew her a quilt from start to finish, complete with embroidery on the quilt top and bottom, as a Christmas present and another lady gave me a completed quilt that only needs to be quilted that is a Christmas present for one of her daughters. Then had a bridesmaid dress that was too tight in the bodice. Only issue was the bridesmaid was in Omaha and I’m in Grand Island so I had to take them at face value as to what I needed to do to make it fit. I lucked out and the dress fit her perfectly (wedding was last Saturday). Quilt I designed was picked up last night and I will quilt the finished quilt when we get back from breakfast and our store run this morning.
With all that going on, it has really cut into my reading schedule. Life will settle down once I get that other Christmas quilt done. Though the lady that picked up last night was so pleased, she now wants me to design and quilt a lap quilt for her as well. Feast or famine as the old saying goes.
I have been thoroughly enjoying ‘A Ring of Deception’ I laughed so hard when Snickers, the cat, ran off with Maggie’s PB&J sandwich. Cats do eat weird stuff sometimes. Hubby and i once had a cat who would steal my graham crackers and just lick the crunchy stuff off the top. Then he would leave them to wither away.
Now that I’ve finished the Annie’s Attic mysteries and after I’ve finished “Ring”, I’m going to re-read the Creative Woman mysteries. I admit that Shannon kind of vexed me before. Maybe part of it was her Irish heritage, don’t know. I know that I didn’t like her attitude that our police are incompetent and that if she didn’t solve the crimes, they would be unsolved forever. I also found myself liking her more in the last book when she adopted the dog as that made her much more likable.
I’ve just decided to give all the series another go and will read them again, from start to finish, in the order I received them.
Not a cozy book but a classic. I found my copy of ‘Gone With the Wind’ one day last week when looking for cd’s to listen to while I was sewing my fingers to the bone and want to read that as well as the sequel to GWTW, though not written by the same author. It is just someone’s idea what would have happened to all of our favorite characters. Not nearly as good as GWTW but I enjoyed it none the less. It’s probably been 20 years since I read either one so I will certainly enjoy reading both of them.
Merry Christmas to everyone and a wonderful, peaceful 2017 to all.
Virginia
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Merry Christmas! I’m glad you’re enjoying the book. I just turned in one for a new series that ought to be a lot of fun. 😀
Virginia F says
Belated Merry Christmas to you as well!!!
I’ve been wondering when the next series would start since Mysteries of the Quilts last book has been mailed to those who started the series at its inception. I received Book #6 of Amish Inn and Book #5 of the Antique Shop and seems like the general rule of thumb is 12 books. That puts us at the half-way mark of one and close to half-way of the other.
I really loved Mysteries of the Quilts. The flipping back and forth between time-lines could mess with my head if it had been a long day but as long as my brain was sharp, I could focus and just loved all the characters.
The Amish Inn has me in stitches all the time, mostly because of Beans but there is great character development as well and I must say that Snickers is rivaling Beans for comedic development. I was definitely laughing out loud when he filched Maggie’s sandwich. Our big dog, Joe, got into the trash Saturday night while we were working a jig saw puzzle and pulled out a couple of empty ice cream cartons. I could hear him shredding something but each dog got a new rawhide treat for Christmas and it sounded like he was going to town on his “doughnut” as we called their treats. After I got tired of stretching over the work table, I went back into the living room and Joe was happily surrounded by the remnants of 2 cartons. He had just started on the second lid and he did start dashing around the house. He wanted to take it downstairs to “Sew & Sew”, my business, but I gate the steps when I’m done for the day so he was foiled in his escape attempt. Bob grabbed him and wrestled the carton lid out of his moth and Joe was none too pleased as there was a morsel of ice cream still on the lid. Once I got all the little pieces of containers picked up, I was busting my gut. I could just imagine how much he was enjoying himself with those cartons. He’s a funny boy, all 70+ pounds of him.
Hopefully it won’t be too long before Annie’s releases information about the new series. I am all but rubbing my hands together in anticipation of the books hitting the streets, and more importantly, my mailbox!!!
Virginia
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Aww, you’re such a great fan!
I have heard that Annie’s will have a page on their website in January. That’s all I know so far, but it’s coming! 😀
Virginia F says
Thanks for the info and the compliment!
January is almost upon us — hopefully the info will go up closer to the first of the month as opposed to the end of the month!
Virginia
Virginia says
Hey Danna!
Just wanted to let you know that book #6 in the Antique Shop “Loom and Doom” is written by Susan Sleeman.
Book #6 in the Amish Inn Series is “Law and Order”, written by Jan Fields. Book #7 “A Silent Betrayal” is written by Rachael O. Phillips.
Finished “A Silent Betrayal” this afternoon and just started reading “Loom and Doom” in the Antique Shop Mysteries.
Absolutely loved “A Silent Betrayal”. Very well written with lots of humor as well as the areas of suspense. I’m only about 2 chapters into “Loom and Doom” so not much of an opinion yet.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia – thanks as always for the updates! Keeping up with these series can be a bit tricky. I’ll update the lists and make some new series pages soon – it’s way too late right now, but I just realized I haven’t looked at comments today!
Virginia says
Just checked Annie’s Web and the new series is up – Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries.
“Double Fudge Murder” by Jan Fields is the first book.
“Guilty Confessions” is second and “Sugar Coated Lies” is third – no author information available.
Virginia
Virginia says
Geez Louize, there is another series – The Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library.
Book one is “A Novel Murder” by Liz Penney.
“The Grim Reaper”, “A Deadly Chapter” and “Bitter Words” and the next books but I’m not sure of the order.
When it rains, it pours!
Virginia
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
I just turned in Book Five in the Castleton Manor Library series, An Autographed Mystery. 🙂
Virginia says
I’m waiting for a bit to order either series. Every time I order off the web page, in a few weeks I get a card from Annie’s Attic. The price is much cheaper through the card. It’s a hassle getting the credit back to my account so I’m trying to wait a few weeks. Very hard to do as I’m so very excited about both of the new series!
Virginia
Bev S says
Have a suggestion, and don’t know if it is something they would do, but I would contact them, tell them that I saw these two new series, that I’m a long time customer, have all of their series to date, and will there be a card offer coming out in the next few weeks….as I’m interested in both series, but won’t be ordering them any time soon.
Just a thought…hope all is well with you….
Take care and Happy New Year….Bev
Virginia says
Great idea Bev. Hoped to do that today but I’ve been struck by the winter crud. Had a customer drop off a pair of pants first of the week. She didn’t come in as she had the “crud”, called her yesterday to let her know the new zipper was installed and to pick up when she was healthy. She came by, still barking like a dog. I’m pretty run down from my mad Christmas rush and it took like nothing to get me down to my knees.
Hot, then cold, sore throat, head in a vise feeling, yup I’d call it the crud. UGH!
At least it fits what the weather will be. We, as well as most of the central States, are waiting for the great Ice Storm 2017 to hit. Ice should start falling around noon tomorrow. Sometime Monday, it will turn to a snow/sleet mixture. Cannot wait, yah right. Predicting weather outages and lots of broken tree limbs. Sounds like a great time for all. Hopefully, it won’t be as bad as predicted. We stocked on groceries on Friday so no need to go outside in this mess at least.
Stay safe and warm all.
Virginia
Carol says
Carol, Where are you located Virginia?
We here are awaiting the ice storm tonight and thru Tuesday I guess. I am on the Wisconsin Illinois border
Virginia says
Hey Carol:
Central Nebraska (Grand Island).
Fortunate, temps did not drop as forcasted. Lots of rain with some ice but so far no power loss. Hope things go well for you!
Virginia
Bev S says
Virginia….
Hope you start to feel better soon….we had flu shots the end of October and I think this has helped us to stay healthier than a lot of others, plus we aren’t out in the general public since we retired. If someone is sick and they want to visit, I have no qualms in telling them to stay home. Don’t need the illnesses that are going around.
Been super busy with our basement rebuild and then trying to catch up on knitting and reading….need more hours in a day….
When you decide what you will do with these two new series, let me know as I may decide to buy them….still getting some books from my mother, but she may or may not buy the two new sets….not only has she gotten all of the Annie’s series to date, she has also purchased either three or four of the Guideposts’ series….so yes I’m swamped with books.
Take care and feel better….Bev
Virginia says
Feeling much better, thanks! I would have asked customer to come when she was well when she dropped off her pants but she did not call. They were probably filled with germs and when she started barking, on pick up, was just the last of my resistance. So it goes.
Will probably try to call Annie’s today if I get a free minute. I’m thinking, I’ll order both immediately if they give them to me for the card deal – it ends up being around $7 with shipping. Otherwise I’ll wait until the first of the month as we’ve had tons of unexpected bills this month and I’ll have another A. Shop and Amish Inn book each that generally ship out the end of the month so don’t need $100 total going out to Annie’s that close to the end of the month. Have a feeling that I’ll be swamped today as not even one phone call yesterday and that is unusual. Our whole town just basically closed, even fast food joints. Most people couldn’t even get into their cars and it’s just not worth risking your life. Glad our employers around the area took the high road and closed for the day. It rained till mid afternoon. Temps were between 30 and 32 degrees all day so the rain did finally freeze on our trees, sidewalks, etc. We have a lot of branches down by one tree but most are fine. Never lost power, for which i’m grateful.
Working on quilt #2 for a customer. First quilt was for her daughter for Christmas and now making one for her, almost identical. Her husband died unexpectedly. She brought over a bunch of his shirts and I made memory pillows out of them for her grandkids and kids, other than daughter. Used remaining fabric for lap quilt and the left over fabric will make her quilt. All have embroidered sentiments on them. The first lap quilt turned out very well. She was very pleased with it!
Also have a bid out on replacing a bimini for a guy’s pontoon and am working on a bid for some outdoor furniture for a gentleman. BIL wants me to reupholster their two Easy Boy recliners. They are huge, like a chair and a half. Told BIL I would if he got the mechanics off and on so that I only have to recover as no way would those bad boys get down my basement stairs otherwise and tear out is the worst part of my job. Just warned George to take pics every step of the way so that he can get them put back together. Plus we’re only doing one chair at a time so he’ll have the other chair for reference.
Also have a niece expecting her second, so I’ve started piecing a baby quilt for her wee one and found an adorable patchwork pieced tote bag that you embroider cat’s profiles on that I hope to finish before one of my SIL’s birthdays. Not until May but my schedule doesn’t leave a lot of down time most days. I’m ready to start embroidering the cats and hope to at least get one done today.
Oops, way off track. Sorry Danna!
Stay warm and healthy all!
Virginia
Virginia says
WHO HOO!
Got my introductory offer card in the mail today for the Chocolate Shoppe Series. Called and signed up for that one as with shipping it is $6.43 or something like that. I asked the CSR about the Carleton Manor Library series and she said that they would most likely make that offer available at some point in the near future but that she had no information so she could not sign me up.
Now, I’m just waiting for the post office.
Also, did get the bimini job. I should come out smelling like a rose on that one. Have 3 chairs coming in next week, no sewing–just remove old fabric and stretch new stuff, staple and reattach. Easy, peasy. Plus, 2 or 3 people just showing up almost every day with alteration projects. So, I just have to figure out WHEN I will find time to read the new series. Not complaining mind you!
Virginia
Virginia says
Went to Annie’s website last night and saw that book #7 in the Antique Shop, book #8 in the Amish Inn and book #1 in the Chocolate Shoppe series have shipped out. A huge YAEH, especially on the new one, though I hope I won’t get too many chocolate cravings while reading the books. The special offer came with a recipe for chocolate cupcakes that sound to die for. Resisting the temptation to make them. GRRR!
All of these new books aren’t helping me in my re-reading schedule. I’m about half-way through the third book in the Creative Woman series. Guess the common theme in all of these different series is that each heroine has this close knit circle of friends. Is it just me or is that unusual? I moved around a lot in my teen years. Graduated and moved to “The Big City” (Omaha), then joined the Army and moved around a bunch more. Bob and I got married in ’82 and we were in the same town, same house even until ’05 when we moved back to our home town. Haven’t moved since.
I always had a good “work” friend but we always went separate ways at the end of the day. We would go shopping from time to time and would yak on the phone some on the weekends. Now that I run my own business, time is always at a premium and, honestly, my husband is my best friend; but still, this tight knit circle thing has me feeling like I missed something. Anyone else?
Virginia
Liz says
I’ve felt the same way. The great circle of friends is part of the “fantasy” world of cozies, which include inheriting gorgeous mansions, eating all you want without gaining weight, and living in wonderful small towns. 🙂
Virginia says
Now that you mention it, every small town in each of these series is absolutely fabulous. I want to live in whatever town I am currently reading about. Go figure.
My MIL truly seemed to have a circle of friends similar to these heroines. When she was younger, she had a group of 4 or 5 women that she went out to lunch or coffee with, yakked on the phone constantly with, they all went to the same church, they were on committees with and on and on. Out of that circle, only 2 of the group is left and they were the much younger two that always seemed like 2 adopted daughters than friends. I always wondered how my MIL did that. If you had asked each of these women who Mom’s best friend was, they would have told you that they were. That was one of Mom’s best abilities, to make everyone feel like they were truly her best friend.
Back to the fantasy world of cozies, I’ve got no desire to live in a huge mansion (I can get lost in my bungalow style house some days), but love the circle of friends in each series. Close second and thirds are eating without gaining weight and living in wonderful small towns!
Virginia
Virginia says
Talk about a red letter mail day!!! Got three books in the mail today. Book #8 in the Amish Inn Mysteries — “Humble Pies and White Lies” by Elizabeth Penney; Book #7 in the Antique Shop Mysteries — “Six Feet Undertow” by Elizabeth Penney; and Book #1 in the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries — “Double Fudge Murder” by Jan Fields.
I will start in with the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries book; even though the Amish Inn Mysteries always have me in stitches.
Virginia
Elizabeth Penney says
Ha, two written by me, Virginia. What are the odds! Hope you enjoy.
Virginia says
Yup, thought the same thing when I typed up the list for Danna to update her listings. Feel almost guilty for reading Jan’s before Amish Inn but I am always excited to read the first of a series. Wanted to get a feel for the new characters. Way too busy to have had a chance to read the chapter preview that came in the mail along with their introductory offer.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Have finished all three of the books mentioned above and saw that the next book, in all three series’, has been shipped out.
Beans and Snickers, from Amish Inn and Antique Shop respectively, as usual amused me greatly. Both of those books are great reads from start to finish.
The introductory book to the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries did a terrific job of introducing new and, I presume, recurring characters; all the while weaving a plot full of twists and turns. I did guess the murderer but just a chapter or two before the big reveal so Jan did a great job in her writing.
I’m very excited for all three books to arrive. Meanwhile, I’m re-reading book #4 in the Creative Woman Series.
Virginia
Virginia says
Hi Danna!
Just wanted to give you names and authors of the latest set of books I received in the mail today.
Book #2 in the Chocolate Shoppe series is Guilty Confections, written by Karen Kelly.
Book #9 in the Amish Inn series is Deceptive Hearts, written by Marlene Chase.
Book #7 in the Antique Shop series is 6 Feet Undertow, written by Elizabeth Penney; book #8 in the Antique Shop series is Death Takes a Holiday, written by Susan Sleeman.
Just started reading Guilty Confections – book #2 in the Chocolate Shop series. Still learning about characters.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia – thanks for the update! I’ve added the author information to the appropriate pages.
Virginia says
Finished Guilty Confections and it was quite excellent as it gave us more information about all of the recurring characters. A very enjoyable read. I’m about 3/4 the way through Deceptive Hearts and it is a fabulous read as all of the Amish books are. I’ll start on Death Takes A Holiday as soon as I’ve finished Deceptive Hearts. I am really enjoying these three series very much! I still haven’t received any information in the mail about a special offer for the first book in the Castleton Library series. If I have a few minutes of down time next week, I’ll try to call customer service again and feel them out about it.
Virginia F says
Way late in getting this posted. Life could not be any crazier! Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries – “Sugar Coated Lies” by Jan Fields — Another really fun book by Jan; Amish Inn Mysteries – “Stolen Past” by Tara Randel — I’m a huge fan of the Amish Inn series and this one was just as great as the previous books in this series; and Antique Shop Mysteries – “Framed for Life” by Kristi Holl — I adore Snickers the cat. Snickers is so funny and makes the books all the more enjoyable. Antique Shop is a great series. Both Amish Inn & Antique Shop series are rapidly approaching conclusion and I’ll miss all of the recurring characters greatly. Also will miss Beans the dog and Snickers the cat horrendously! I’ve become really attached to both!
Enjoy Spring all!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thanks for the update!
Virginia F says
Danna:
Book #11 in the Amish Inn Series is actually book #9 of the Antique Shop Mysteries (“Framed for Life” by Kristi Holt).
Book #10 of the Antique Shop Mysteries is “Season of Misdeeds” by Kay Marshall Strom. Book #11 AIM and Book #4 CSM have shipped, just not received yet.
Season of Misdeeds was great! If Snickers gets any funnier, I’ll die laughing. Such a great character. I love how we’re starting to learn more about Emily finally!
I’ll let you know these book names/authors when they arrive.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Danna:
Thursday, I received Book #4 in the Chocolate Shoppe Mystery series, “Honey Dipped Secrets” by K.D. McCrite; and Book #11 in the Amish Inn Mysteries, “Grave Inheritance” by Rachael O. Phillips. Also, I finally got a card in the mail today from Annie’s. They offered the 1st book in The Carleton Many Library mysteries for $1.99 + shipping which is an exceptional deal so I called Customer Service and signed up for that. The preview is excellentl
Falling asleep at the keyboard here so I’d best conclude for now. Hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather.
Virginia
Heidi says
Hi. I just wanted to give you the titles of the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library series. The 2nd book is Bitter Words by Jan Fields and the 3rd is The Grim Reader by Margaret Welch. I love these series. I got into them this fall when my mother in law gave me several in the Annie’s attic mysteries. I read them as I fed my baby in the night. I am a little sad that they are doing away with the built in book marker (The Grim Reader did not have one). They are handy when I read them with one hand.
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Hi!
In case you want to add to your list, I did Book Five in this series, An Autographed Mystery, and I’m about to turn in Book Nine, Pride and Publishing.
I hope this helps. 🙂
Virginia F says
I just ordered the first one. I stuck to my guns and waited until I got the promo in the mail. First book $1.99 + shipping. Hint: If you buy any more of the new series as they come out, as a customer, you will eventually get an offer in the mail to purchase the first book for $1.99. I get emails to purchase the first for half price + shipping. I just sit tight and wait, oh so impatiently.
I just got book #4 in the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries and I have a hard time putting it down. These characters are really fabulous in that series.
Having read your comments, I cannot wait for that book to arrive.
Danna, I’ll pull out the last 2 books I got and post the names and authors tonight. Life is truly crazy right now! Good crazy!
Virginia F says
Danna:
My post from a few days ago has name & author of book #11 in Amish Inn Mysteries and name & author of book #4 in Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries. I was exhausted when I wrote the post so thought I had dreamed it but it is from May 12th.
Thanks!
Virginia
Cindy says
I just read The Ring in the Attic. As I read the Epilogue I realized it was the last book in the series and was more than disappointed. I wish the series continued with Annie’s life after her marriage to Ian Butler; it was what I was waiting to read. So sad to see it won’t go on.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cindy, yes, it’s always a real disappointment when a favorite series ends – particularly one as long and beloved as this one.
Virginia Fahnestock says
Many of us were. After 30 books, Annie and her friends had become like flesh and blood friends. The sign of well-written books, for sure! One of the other series is written about Annie’s friend, Kate, and her daughter. Mysteries Unraveled, I think. We do hear a bit about Annie in this series.
The other series are great books and worth your time and money.
Heidi says
I have four more books to read in the Annie’s Attic series and will also be sad to see it end. I love all the other series they publish so much that I keep signing up for another one.
Carol says
Cindy, Boy can I relate to that!!!!
I miss Annies Attic so much. I got several series of other books after that but Never cracked the covers yet. I too wished that the series would have continued after Annie got married..Matter of fact I wish they would have continued ” Until death do we part” LOL
Bev S says
Carol and Heidi….
I have read all of the other series of books since Annie and yes I miss Annie and her group, but like Virginia says, there is one series and it is specifically about Kate and her daughter Vanessa and it is well worth the read. We see more of Annie and her group as they are mentioned from time to time in this series.
Currently, I’m just finishing up the Amish Innkeeper’s series and find it to be just as interesting and as well written as the original series…we continue to see the same authors in each of the additional series, and they complement each other as they write.
And each of the new series, instead of being thirty books long, has shortened to twelve books each.
Hopefully you start reading some of the books you have purchased as they are well worth the read, and if you have the series, Mysteries Unraveled, it is the series with Kate and her daughter Vanessa and a nice bridge from Annie to other series.
And who knows, maybe one day we will see a series with Annie and her group again…
Bev
Carol says
Bev, I am Just finishing up another series Tales From Grace Chapel Inn( Guidepost) I am on book 46.. Loving them , Here we go again !!!!
sniff sniff…I got them from Church. They do have an Omish Series also. I am wondering if it’s the same as you mentioned?
I have soooooooooo many unread books that came after Annies. I do have the UNRAVELED series I do believe and I am not sure I even remember Vanessa anymore.LOL
….as if this is the biggest problem we have in life…laughing.
BUT I am thankful for writers who help us escape..at least for a little while.. can I get an AMEN?
God Bless and carry on….
Carol
Bev S says
Hey, Carol…
The Amish Innkeeper is the series in the Annie’s Fiction set while the Amish Sugarcreek Mysteries is the Guidepost series.
I have both of these series as my mother gets them and once she reads them I acquire them. There are several good series in both groups and like you I have so many books that I’ll never run out of reading material.
My mother like me is a rader and she subscribes to at least ten different series between Annie’s and Guideposts…
Vanessa is Kate’s daughter from the original Annie’s series…but another series that I’ve been enjoying is the Mary’s Bookshop by Guideposts.
Take care…
Bev
Elizabeth Penney says
Hi everyone
I always read these comments with appreciation…I have written for a number of Annie’s series and now am writing for a new Guideposts one. Not sure if it’s been announced yet. You will also see some other Annie’s writers working on those too!!
It’s such great fun writing these cozies and I so love hearing from readers.
Carol says
Bev, Maybe I should get me a book on SPELLING!!!
AMISH..thanks for spelling it right. I bet Yah’all wonder how I can even read. LOL
When I talk no one knows I can’t spell some of the words I am saying…Just a little humor.
Thanks Again.
Once I read the series I am sure I will know how to spell it..
Virginia Fahnestock says
The Amish series in Annie’s is now on Book #13 and I don’t think the series has concluded. Need to go to the website as once you have received the last book, it drops off your view page.
I have read all of the series and enjoyed all of them immensely. One I was iffy on until they humanized the heroine and gave her a dog and then she was “just like the rest of us”.
There are currently 4 different series that I am reading. Of then, it is a pretty close tie between Amish Inn and the Castleton Library series as far as which I enjoy most. I chalk that up to Beans (A. Inn) and watson, aka Rumpy, (C. Library) being such characters.
Y’all need to have a wake or memorial or the like for the Annie’s series, have a good cry, blow your nose, dry your eyes and move on to another series. You are denying yourself so much pleasure by holding onto your love for Annie and her friends. I did reread Annie this winter and it took her off her pedestal.
Virginia
Carol says
Virginia, I laughed out loud where I read your comment about ” Moving on from our love of Annie…hahaha.
I am a new reader of sorts and The Annie’s attic series was my first series. I am an Artist and am busy painting for shows so I decided to take a break and read the series…It was a new beginning for me but I have alot of things to distract me…..Being careful not to get paint on the books pages for one. I do yardwork and trim my bushes with scissors into Topiary trees etc…Crazy eh? LOL
Reading is a nice distraction at least it gets me to sit down but sometimes after a few pages my eyes seem to droop…
Any of you have that problem???
It makes the books last longer..
God bless and carry on
Bev S says
Virginia….
Since we have both read whatever has been written by Annie’s Fiction, the only series I didn’t really enjoy as much was the one with Shannon….their was too much Shannon and not enough of her friends…
Currently reading Book 9 in Antique Shop Series…and have the first book in Chocolate and also Castleton to read….looking forward to starting both series…
So many books and so little time…
Virginia Fahnestock says
I was alluding to that, just didn’t want to name names; lest I turn someone off a series that they might enjoy more. Also, I did “Kiss & Make-Up” with Shannon when she adopted the dog (Book 12?). FWIW, after I finished Annie the 2nd time, I started re-reading Creative Woman. I find Shannon easier to take the second time around. Maybe because I know it’s coming. About half-way through those 13 books but I’m now balancing 4 series at once so CW is on the back burner until I run out of new material to read. Also busier than a one-armed paper hanger. Maybe 3/4 finished with the Grand Island restaurant and then Hastings to do. Plus a set of dining room chairs to have done by Aug. 18th and 2 other upholstery projects waiting for me after I’m finished with Hastings so time is definitely a premium for me right now.
Bev S says
Carol….
I never noticed until you pointed out the spelling and the. I had to go back and look, but I read it correctly….
In the various Guidepost series there is a series The Tearoom Series and it is very good, and have thoroughly enjoyed the Mary’s Bookshop series…hers could be my dream job, but np might not sell many books as I’d be vbusy reading them….?
K.D. says
In perusing comments and messages posted here over the last few years, I am feeling blessed to have been a part of something that has made so many people happy. As a writer AND a reader, I know how good it is to escape into another time and place for a while. Doing so refreshes us, body, mind, and spirit.
Thank you, ladies, for your continued interest and support in books offered from Annie’s. God bless you. — kd
Danna - cozy mystery list says
K. D. thank you very much for your kind words!
Heidi says
I am now receiving several of the series. When I receive a postcard from them, I can’t help but send it in. Besides the Annie’s Attic Mysteries, I am also receiving the Creative Woman, The Chocolate Shoppe, Quilted Mysteries, Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library, and the Amish Inn. I also have read a couple of the Antique Shop from my mother in law. Of course I have to put some of them on hold each month, because I can’t afford to receive them all at once. I am reading the Creative Woman series now along with the Annie’s Attic Mysteries and the Antique Shop Mysteries. I don’t want to start any new series since I am afraid that I will mix all the characters up. I haven’t received the postcard for the Mysteries Unraveled yet, but I am excited to follow Kate’s life.
I wish I had more time to read, but life is busy. I have two adorable little boys and work part time. I have a pretty intense job as a mental health therapist for teens and adolescents so I love to escape with a good book. Thank you to all the authors of these series for providing such great books.
Heidi says
Hi. I was just on the Annie’s Fiction website and a new series is on there now. It is called Hearts of Amish Country.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna!
Crazy busy with the restaurant, weddings and life in general. Will do one series at a time to get caught up. Have this huge pile of books I haven’t put where they belong because I haven’t posted.
Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries, you have authors & titles for the first 4. Book #5 is Scone Cold Revenge by Jan Fields. This is a great series. Love all the characters, especially grandmother and aunt and, of course, the cat. Highly recommend these books!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Also, just found book #6. Bittersweet Demise by Mary M. O’Donnell.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks Virginia! I’m going to start adding these now.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Castleton Manor, I must be getting out of order. I have A Novel Murder by Elizabeth Penney and “Bitter Words” by Jan Fields and that is all. This is going to be a great series! Watson or Rumpy is such a great addition (cat) and I love how sometimes the book has Watson talking. Just fabulous!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Book #13 in Amish Inn Mysteries is “Broken Melody” by K. D. McCrite.
In Antique Shop, I went from “A Chime to Kill” to “Framed for Life”. I hate it when they ship out of order. My life is totally crazy and now I have two series that I’m getting books out of order so I have to make notes to keep track of what I’m short. They did that with Annie’s and I ended up short 5 books. Eventually got all of them but what a pain in the wazoo that was. Gotta hit the trails and do some work but I’m trying to get books organized and put away so that my office desk and dining room table don’t look so horrible. Eek!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Whew! Feeling much better. Had 3 more Antique Shop books upstairs. Book #12 – “Deadly Prospect” is written by Elizabeth Penney and Book #13, almost done with and it is wonderful!!!, “Humbug Hijinks” is written by Kristi Holt. Castleton Manor, just checked my account. They say I received “Grim Reader”, which is probably true as I have a book I haven’t opened yet. YAEH! Also, “A Deadly Chapter” will ship out in August so I haven’t lost or not gotten any books that I should have. A couple just don’t agree, in order, with what is posted. All is well in my world, except that it is too crazy right now!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks again Virginia!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
“The Grim Reader” is by Margaret Welch. I’m not sure but I don’t think I’ve ready any of her work before. Of course, there are so many books now, it’s hard to keep track but the name is just not ringing a bell. I’ll start reading this one at lunch. I have one more chapter left in Humbug Hijinks.
Virginia
Bev S says
Virginia….
I agree with you…she is a new author for Annie’s….checked and didn’t see her on any of the series…but I can only think she will be a good fit for the other authors we know and love.
Bev
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Had to stop reading “The Grim Reader” as one page had gone through the rollers incorrectly and a section of the page was torn out so I’ve lost part of the story on both sides. Called customer service and they are shipping out a replacement. They are always so good when problems arise!
So I opened book #14 in the Amish Inn Series. “Horse and Burglary” by Virginia Smith. I’ll start at lunch. I know for sure that I’ve not read anything by Virginia Smith. I would remember that for sure ; )
Good day to all!
Virginia
Bev S says
Agree with that…she too is a new author, but I’m wondering if she and Margaret Welch are alias for some of our standby authors….
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Anything is possible. Her writing style certainly fits right in with the other authors in this series. Of the 4 series that I’m currently subscribed to, Amish Inn is certainly my favorite with Castleton Library being a close favorite. Antique Shop and Chocolate Shoppe are both great series’ but I really look forward to Amish Inn and Castleton Library books. I think it is because of Beans (Amish Inn) and Watson, aka Rumpy, in Castleton Library. Both of those creatures add so much to their respective series!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Received Book #7 in the Chocolate Shoppe series today. “The Cookie Crumbles” by Jan Fields. Need to finish Amish Inn “Horse and Burglary” first. I must say that I hope we read more of Virginia Smith’s books. She fits in perfectly with other author’s works that we have read. Always prior to this, the pets in the books have been sweet and enduring. One of the guests brings her cat, Frank, along. Frank is without a doubt the nastiest, most evil tempered creature I’ve ever read about and what he does to poor Beans has me wanting to meet up with him. Frank is not a nice cat. Fortunately Beans does get the last laugh. Anyway, the antics of Frank and Beans (ouch, that is a pun I think) did keep me in stitches as I was reading this afternoon!
Bev S says
Virginia…
Like your description of poor Frank…my mother-in-law had a really nasty cat at one time, and we inherited the cat after MIL died…this poor cat was found living in a gutter when she was about 18 months old so no social interaction….
My actual question…the original Annie’s series was thirty books long, then we got several of twelve books each, how many books are there in both Amish Inn and Antique Shop are there to date…I’m still waiting on a box of books from my mother.
Another series that I thoroughly enjoy is published by Guidposts…Secrets of Mary’s Book Shop Mysteries…I believe there are twenty-four books in the series…main theme…Mary, a widow opens a bookshop in Ivy Bay (Cape Cod), she lives with her sister, Betty….and similar to Annie’s publishing, several different authors but the series all ties together.
Have a great weekend….Bev
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Bev S:
I have received 14 Amish Inn to date and 13 Antique Shop mysteries to date. However, I just checked my account at Annie’s and Antique Shop #14 is due to ship out on the 11th. I know there is at least one more Amish Inn book as I can still access the Amish Inn series on my account. Once they have shipped out the last book, it is no longer accessible. I think it lets you access it once (e-reading) and then it disappears. Both of these series still seem like there are stories left untold.
Frank does get a happy ending. I was just happy that Beans let him know whose house it was. Don’t want to say too much as it’s so enjoyable and I don’t want to ruin it for you.
We also had a nasty cat but Frank is way beyond our cat. I seriously think ours had mental illness. We got him as a kitten but the woman I got him from said that they had 2 sisters (mother and aunt). One they named Psycho and the other was Schizo and she said it was for obvious reasons. When we had our St Bernards, he would rub up against them and between their legs, just purring to beat the band. When either dog would put their head down to sniff him, he would dig his claws into their jowels; hard enough to draw blood. Our St’s were love muffins and never ate the cat but it hurt them badly. MIL came to town and brought her cat for us to cat sit when they were going on vacation to Texas I think (when we lived in KS). She walked by the washer to get to the downstairs bathroom and Herk was sitting on the washer. She reached over to pet him and he sunk his claws in her arm (after all, she brought that other cat with her). His list of sins went on and on. It was a relief when it became medically necessary to have him put to sleep. You never knew what personality was going to greet you at what moment in time.
Back to “Horse and Burglary”. It was incredibly well written and I enjoyed every page. I ended up sitting out in my hammock swing yesterday, reading while the dogs enjoyed their day outside. It was high 50’s mid afternoon and almost chilly but I just didn’t want to put that book down so I read until I had finished it. One of my favorite books to date. I hadn’t taken a day off in like forever so I took the afternoon off. As I posted earlier, Virginia Smith did not miss a beat with that book. Fits in perfectly with the rest of the books. Can’t wait to see what you think of it. About time to start walking the beasts so I need to finish my coffee and get my rear in gear.
Virginia
Bev S says
Looks like I will be getting another big box of books sometime in the near future….usually get a box about evert six weeks of about 16 – 20 books from all series es…think I’m at about book eleven in both Amish and Antique series…
Your cat sounds really bad…I know with our old cat, and she lived to be almost twenty, finally had her put to sleep for medical reasons (Tom said we would look after her until she died) but Tom always said her elevator didn’t reach the top…she wasn’t a very loving type of cat.
Good you took the afternoon off…seems like a gift of the soul and we all deserve this occasionally.
Looking forward to Beans and Frank…Beans is a good read anyway.
Bev
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
The order of the Castleton Library books are incorrect. Book #1 is “A Novel Murder”, book #2 is “Bitter Words” by Jan Fields, book #3 is “The Grim Reader” by Margaret Welch and book #4 is “A Deadly Chapter” by Jan Fields.
“A Deadly Chapter” was just incredible. Jan always does an amazing job but she really outdid herself on this one. I could hardly bear to put this one down and finished it just a bit ago. Made the dogs happy as I was outside sitting in my hammock chair reading while they tussled and ran around the yard. Hopefully that means a quiet evening since they wore themselves out.
Hope everyone is enjoying what we have left of summer. It’s gone way too fast for my taste.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thanks again for this. I’ve gotten a few emails about this that seem to contradict what you’re saying about order, but that’s not unusual – at this point I’m just trying to make sure everything is listed as properly as possible since apparently sometimes they send out books out of order.
Summer in Texas is very very hot, so we’ve probably got different ideas on how long this one has felt! As an example, I’d sure love to be able to sit outside reading during the summer, but today it was 95 degrees in the shade… before the 60%+ humidity. Not very pleasant! On the plus side, outside reading is usually very nice in winter.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna, I checked the back of the mailers on them. They always put the name of the book and the series number on the envelope so that is what I based my post on. Otherwise I wouldn’t have corrected.
Thanks!
Virginia
Bev S says
Danna & Virginia…
If in doubt of the order of a book, check the copyright number as they are in numerical order of when a book is published.
Bev
Virginia L Fahnestock says
I’ll double check those. I’m pretty confident that I’m correct since I’m going by what Annie’s has listed on the mailer.
Thanks!
Virginia
JanF says
Virginia,
Thank you so much for your kind words about A DEADLY CHAPTER. I love those library mysteries. They’re just such fun.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Jan F:
I can see why these books are so much fun to write. Rumpy is adorable and I love how his thoughts are written up from time to time. Very unique and I love reading about Rumpy’s thought process as he tries to keep his mistress out of trouble!
Virginia
Bev S says
Jan….
When I start a new series, I’m always glad to see that you have written the first book in a series as you do an awesome job of “fleshing out” the various characters.
Have thoroughly enjoyed the various series published by Annies and can’t really say I have a favourite series…but when there is an animal involved, I’m convinced that many of you either own a dog or are owned by a cat.
And as always, thank you….
Bev
JanF says
My favorite tends to be whichever one I’m working on at the time. [Right this very second, that’s Chocolate Shoppe, though I just finished a Castleton Library book that made me laugh out loud as I wrong some of the scenes with the cat.]
Virginia L Fahnestock says
JanF:
Watson is probably the greatest animal thus far on any of the Annie’s Series. That cat can make me literally laugh out loud. His irritation at being called Rumpy is just too much! I believe I just finished your Castleton Library book and it was absolutely wonderful!
Thanks for your participation in so many of these Annie’s series. I get so much enjoyment out of these books; as I’m sure do many others!
Heidi says
I am looking forward to reading this book! The website says they sent it on August 4. I probably should have received it by now.
I love the library series especially because my husband is a librarian.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Book #14 in the Antique Shop series just arrived. It’s called “A Fedora Offense” and written by Donna Kelly. I think we’ve read books by Donna before. Again, the name of the book and series number is printed on the back of the shipping envelope.
Virginia
Virginia L Fahnestock says
I received a huge surprise when I got our mail in right before lunch. A flyer for a new Annie’s series. The series is called Hearts of Amish Country. From what I gather, there isn’t one central heroine like we are used to. Each book seems like it will be a slightly different location and focus on a different Amish family. The first book is called “A Love Unexpected” by Jo Ann Brown. Book #2 is “Love Comes Quietly”, also by Jo Ann Brown and the third book is called “One Simple Wish” by Katy Lee.
I’m not real sure about this series but I’m going to give it a go. My postcard lets me get the book for $1.99 + shipping so it’s not a lot of initial investment. One of my issues is that I will be subscribing to 5 different series at the same time. Also, like having one heroine and her friends as you get to know a lot about the characters. I’m not sure if I will like the one character per book and then on to the next one. Perhaps I am misreading the flyer. Anyway, we will see what we see!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Update!
I did get Annie’s called this afternoon. Tried to register over the phone but the operator told me that they were not taking information over the phone. She said that they wanted to get an indication of how many people were interested in the series before they decide if they are going to go forth with it.
So, there you have it. That’s all the information I have. Perhaps one of the authors will come forward and share anything that they might know.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thanks – I’ll suppose I’ll end up adding a page for this series sooner or later, though the titles don’t really sound like mysteries…
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
I thought the same thing but the flyers said something about mysteries. Beats me. I’m not sure that the series will come to fruition. I’ve got a feeling that Annie’s may be spreading themselves too thin with too many series out at the same time. People only have so much discretionary income and to have 5 ongoing series at once seems a bit much. If the series starts, I will get the first book at the $1.99 plus shipping and go from there.
I really like all the series’ that are in print right now but I just wonder if they are getting the numbers that they got with Annie’s Attic series.
Bev S says
Virginia…
I agree about the discretionary income and also, so much time to read….there was one series they were going to publish and it had four titles in the series, but it came to nothing…for a while I thought I was losing it as I got the information and it was about a flower shop (?) but suddenly it was gone, never even made the Annie’s site of series.
Another thought, with all the good authors they have, it would be nice to not overload them so they have to churn out so many books at a time. The one series that none of our regular authors wrote wasn’t nearly as well written as the group we are used to reading, and notice that group haven’t written any of the later series.
Anyway, let me know your thoughts on the new series, provided it takes off…as I noted the flyer for the Flower Shop series was mailed out and then it was gone.
Take care….Bev
Elizabeth Penney says
Hi everyone
Actually the flower shop series is coming out! I’m scheduled to write four books in it and it’s delightful. I think Annie’s pushed back a little on releasing this because of the other series we had coming out. Thanks again for being such loyal fans, it’s wonderful to read your comments.
K.D. says
Hi ladies.
I’ll just weigh in here briefly to thank you for your interest and concern. Annie’s Fiction will continue to branch out into new series, because we want to offer readers fresh, new choices and pique your interest. Hearts of Amish Country mentioned above seems to have caused a little confusion. It is more romance and less mystery, but still a compelling series.
And please do not worry about us authors getting overloaded. We won’t take on more than we can handle. Plus, new authors are coming onboard. That’s exciting!
Thank you again for your good words and your support. It means so very much. God bless!
K.D. McCrite
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Bev:
You are entirely correct about the time thing. Also, writers. The two writers in the flyer are new ones to me. Not to say that they cannot do just as great a job as those that we are familiar with; just that they are an unknown commodity.
At any rate, I sent the card in to indicate my interest and I’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
Off topic, did you see much of the eclipse today. We were in direct totality and it was just amazing!
Virginia
Bev S says
Virginia….
Did you see KD McCrite’s comment on the flower shop series…it sounded interesting on the flyer back a year or more ago, so hope it will be one of the next series published.
I had the name of the first books back then, sent them to Danna,M then nothing ever came of the series so we opted to delete from the list…now I’m going to see if I can find my original email with the information.
I was one of the lucky ones who saw a partial eclipse…81% and no rain or clouds although there was really bad weather all around me…but I did see a total eclipse in June 1969 when I was still living in Nova Scotia….these things make you really have a great respect fo Nature in all its magnificence. Also there was a really great program on the Science channel yesterday during the eclipse.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Aren’t you from Texas? Hope you are well and on high ground. Pictures are horrendous.
Book #15 in Amish Inn Mysteries is “A Fatal Harvest” by Rachael O. Phillips.
Stay dry!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, yes, I am from Texas. Fortunately San Antonio wasn’t on Harvey’s direct path, so we just got some rain and wind stronger than normal for this season. I hope everyone else out there managed to stay safe and dry as well!
Thanks as always for sending in info on the Annie’s series.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Just finished Book #8 in Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries.
“Key Lime Killer” by Sharon Dunn.
I find myself enjoying this series more with each book. Love Jillian’s grandmother and great aunt immensely!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thanks as always!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Book #15 in the Antique Shop series is “Danger in Spades” and was written by Elizabeth Penney. I really enjoyed this book. I think the WWII slant made for a nice addition!
As an aside. I finished re-reading the Creative Woman Series and did enjoy it and Shannon much more the second time through. I’m now blasting through the Quilted Mystery books (book #9 right now). I bought a hammock chair middle of the summer and it is perfect for hunkering down for some serious reading. Sits in the shade and generally get a bit of a breeze. I do get interrupted by the antics of Missy and Joe. They delight in showing off when I’m outside so there are times when I close whatever book I’m reading so that I can enjoy their show.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thank you for telling us about the 15th Antique Shop mystery! I truly appreciate it when those of you who read both the Guideposts and the Annie’s mystery series.
Elizabeth Penney says
Thanks so much Virginia. Hearing that you enjoyed my book made my day!!
Bev S says
Danna….
Another new series from Annie’s Publishing, and it looks like each book is a stand along and doesn’t link to the previous ones and also with new authors.
ANNIE’S HEARTS OF AMISH COUNTRY
Each book features a thrilling new mystery that needs to be solved. And you’ll get to join Jillian and her friends as they work to unravel it — and make unexpected discoveries about their own lives in the process!
1. A Love Unexpected by Jo Ann Brown
2. One Simple Wish by Katy Lee
3. Love Comes Quietly by Jo Ann Brown
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks Bev! I’m still trying to decide if this is a series I’m going to cover >>> as the descriptions I’ve seen have all leaned more towards romance than mystery. I’ll probably end up adding it, but am still trying to make up my mind…
Bev S says
Haven’t read these yet, but I know I’m getting them as I was talking to my mother the other day and she has subscribed to this series as well….but I do know that they are stand alone books and not a “series” as we use the term which would be the same characters in each book.
Have a great weekend…..Bev
Virginia L Fahnestock says
I signed on to Annie’s last night and checked my account and the first book is on its way to me. Thank goodness as I’m definitely going through new book withdrawals. I definitely read more thanks to that hammock chair I bought earlier in the summer. I lose track of time when I’m reading in that chair. I have either a Chocolate Shoppe or a Castleton Library mystery shipping out as well — just don’t remember which series it is — on its way as well. WOOT WOOT I hope the Hearts of Amish ends up being a good series. I got the first two chapters in the first book and it was OK; nothing like the chapter of “Lady in the Attic”. I read that first chapter in the Annie’s series and was frothing at the bit for the mail to contain the hardcover book and the rest, of course, was every bit as good as the teaser. I am leary due to each book being a new story, just completely different from what we are used to so I’m in the “Show Me” camp.
Virginia
Virginia L Fahnestock says
I tried to call on this series to get started (usually what I do as I am horrible at remembering to stick those cards out in the mail). My operator at Annie’s told me that this series is not definite yet and that cards have to be returned so that they can see what the demand is. Took me a while but I did finally remember to return my card. I was at Annie’s website checking what books are shipping and saw that they have a portal up for the Amish Series so I’m guessing that they got enough cards to consider it viable. Either that or my operator was feeling lazy and didn’t want to have to take my cc info down. Dunno. Was really on the fence about this one but I haven’t had a new book for a couple of weeks and I’m on the next to the last reread of Quilted Mysteries so I’m needing a fix. LOL!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Book #16 of the Amish Inn Mysteries arrived today. “A Simple Deduction” by Kristi Holl.
Quite entertaining so far as Liz has engineered a “Sherlock Holmes” weekend at the Inn so there are more antics than usual. I’ve only read 5 or 6 chapters so far but it’s really quite amusing!
Virginia
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Finished Book #16 in the Amish Inn Mysteries and it was quite enjoyable, a little different from the usual books in the series in that most of the action centered around the “Sherlock Holmes” weekend. A great read through and through.
Just opened up my next book in the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries series. The outside of the box is labeled Book #9 and that jibes with my previous titles in that series. Book #9 is titled “Sweet Sabotage” and is written by one of my very favorite authors: K.D. McCrite. Seems like it has been awhile since we’ve been treated to one of K.D.’s tomes. I’m rubbing my hands together in anticipation of another great read!!!
Virginia
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Book #16 (per the invoice and book packaging) in the Antique Shop Mysteries arrived today. “The Crate Beyond” is written by Pam De Voe. Just finished K.D.’s Chocolate Shoppe book and it was as excellent as I had anticipated. Really love Jillian, her aunt and grandmother; and, of course, her extended circle of friends. I’ve not been disappointed in a series yet.
I had some issues with the Creative Woman Mysteries initially but when I went back and re-read them, I found the series to be on par with our other series. I think perhaps I was so critical because it was the first series after Annie and she was a hard one to equal. Shannon definitely had a great set of friends, etc. Anyway, anyone considering the Creative Woman series should definitely give the books a try. Just put some distance between Annie and the series and I think you’ll like them just fine!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
I’ve now finished Book #1 in the Hearts of Amish Country series. “A Love Unexpected” by Jo Ann Brown.
If this book is any indication of the series overall, you can rightfully post them in your Annie’s section. Sarah Beth and Elias both are dealing with vandalism on their property. She has a stand where she sells items she has crafted and veggies from her sister’s garden and Elias repairs buggies. Later on there is an arson issue that they work together on. The initial flyer said that there was some mystery and it proved correct. I consider these to be cozies. I wish there would be several books on this young lady though as I grew to like her very much!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thanks for the input… if you think they fit, then I’ll make a page for them in the next day or two.
Bev S says
Danna…
If Virginia says they are what she considers “cozies” then she is spot on as she is a good judge of books and content…I haven’t read any of these books yet, but understand they are to be stand alone and not a series. Glad you will make a page for them…and also glad to get input from Virginia about the first book.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Just finished reading Book #2 in Hearts of Amish Country, “One Simple Wish”; written by Katy Lee. Another absolutely fabulous read with more than a touch of mystery thrown in. My only complaint is that you like these young women so well that you are more than a little sad when the book is done and you say goodbye to these great women.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, I have that same problem when I get to the end of one of my favorite authors’ books. I know I have to wait about another year before I “see” them again…
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Book #17 in Amish Inn Mysteries is “The Hound and the Fury” by Sandra Orchard. An absolutely fascinating read as I thoroughly enjoyed every word written!
Sandra Orchard says
So fun to see this, Virginia. I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed the story.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Book #10 in the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries is next on my hit parade. Title is “Peach Offerings” and is written by one of my favorite authors, Jan Fields. I’ll start reading it tonight. WHO HOO!
Brenda says
Annie’s Attic is a fun series, but I have to ask: WHY does each book have a different author?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Brenda, I’m not sure, but I think it is so they can put out more without having the series quality suffer because authors are rushing. But that’s just a guess.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
That is exactly correct. One of the author’s posted that way up in the thread. That there was no way one person could write 30 books in that amount of time. The authors do a fabulous job of writing these books seamlessly!
Virginia
Bev S says
Hi Brenda…
I’ve read all of the Annie’s Attic series and I wondered the same thing, but my question was how was the continuity maintained, and one of the authors, K D McCrite sent a response and it actually made a lot of sense that the authors read each other’s work and thus were able to create such a great series. They could reference something In a later book that had happened in a previous book even though by a different author.
Hope this helps…as to why so many authors, I have no idea, but it works for them.
Take care….Bev
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Bev, glad you could locate the original response. I was trying to find it last evening and couldn’t find it. Was a nice walk down memory lane though.
I think all the authors do a fabulous job as the books appear seamless as far as not being written by the same person. I think that if the books were published under one pseudoname, none of us could read then and say which book was really written by which author. These ladies do a terrific job!
Virginia
Bev S says
Virginia…
I have one Guidepost series, all written by various authors (they put a forward in the book why that particular story was important to them or what experience they drew from) but each book shows the cover as written by one author…sort of confusing.
Also sorry to hear that Maggie stepped over that fine line, think because this is a new author, we could give her a pass, and hope that someone else will pick up on your comments about nursing school and create a story around that as well…to me, graduating from anything, school, college, nursing school is a huge step in our lives going forward….
Hope you and the family have a wonderful Thanksgiving…Bev
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Danna is exactly right, Brenda. The books usually release every four to six weeks. I know I can’t possibly plot, write, and do edits for a book in such a short period of time. Others might write more quickly, but it takes me about three months to write one for an Annie’s series. Books I write for my own series (longer novels) take up to six months.
And it’s really hard to keep coming up with fresh ideas for the same characters and situations. That’s what makes multiple authors such a good idea. The readers get more variety. 🙂
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Finished Book #17 in the Antique Shop series. “Bride and Seek” written by Janet Holm McHenry; whom I believe is a new author for the Annie’s collection of series’.
Book was well written and fell mostly fell in line with the preceding books with one obvious oversight. All who have read these books know how much Maggie loves her daughter, Emily. In previous books, we have learned that Emily is busy attending nursing school. Suddenly Emily is in Boston, having graduated from nursing school, accepted a job and moved a substantial distance from Maggie. I was surprised that such a life-changing event was just glossed over. Surely, that could have (and should have been, in my opinion) incorporated into a book somehow.
Most distressing to me was that Maggie crossed over a fine line when investigating this latest mystery. Not classic breaking and entering but went into the back room of another person’s business uninvited and entered another person’s house, without an invitation, still investigating her mystery. I was saddened to have Maggie handle her investigation in this fashion. I hope this isn’t going to be a trend in these books. If it continues, I will spend my reading dollars elsewhere. I felt she could have taken her investigation in a different direction; one that would have kept her heads above the level of the thief. As it was, she was right on their level.
I have loved all of these books and, despite, Maggie’s transgression still enjoyed the book. I have just made a conscious decision to drop this series if this becomes a pattern. Hope that some of our authors read this message and get it to Annie’s headquarters before they ruin what has been an otherwise fabulous series.
Elizabeth Penney says
Virginia, I want to assure you that the books in the Antique Series are not going in this direction–I recently wrote 23, the next to last and we’ve got romance and mystery right to the end. I hated to see this series end since I love the characters so much. (I wrote 6 of them).
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Just opened Book #6 (per packaging carton & invoice) and it is “Second Edition Death” by Elizabeth Penney not “Pride & Publishing”. Before I post book titles & number, I refer to the packaging container as well as the invoice so I’m extremely confident that I’m correct.
Just a few chapters into the book but I truly love this series and much of it has to do with Watson, aka Rumpy, Faith’s adorable short tailed cat. That young man has a definite mind of his own.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, you are referring to the Secrets of Castleton Manor Library in this post, right? I’m going to tentatively assume that Pride and Publishing will be book seven in the series, so please let me know if that ends up not being the case.
OK, just checked the original post, by DeAnna Julie Dodson, and apparently it will be book 9. Not sure why I didn’t just put it in as book 9 originally, but it was probably just a mistake on my part.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Morning Danna!
Yes, I was referring to Castleton Manor series. Glad I mentioned Faith and “Rumpy” so you had a clue what series I was referring to.
6 & 9, different kind of dyslexia but sometimes the mind can flip things when we are in a hurry.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
Bev S says
Danna….I have the same information and still blanks for books 7 and 8.
When a new series starts, I create a list of whatever information is available…a brief synopsis of the series…to include the setting, main characters and the a list of titles with author…helps me keep on track as there are so many books.
As I’ve mentioned before, my mother sends her books to me when she finishes with them, so about every six weeks or so, I get a box of fifteen or more books in all the series plus several Guideposts series, and no, I’m not caught up on my reading.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving…
Bev
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Yes, Pride and Publisheing is scheduled to be Book Nine in the Castleton series. My understanding is that it will be out in February. 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks for the clarification DeAnna!
Elizabeth Penney says
So glad you like it, Virginia! It is charming throughout!
Heidi M says
I was just looking at the back last pages of the book, Second Edition Death, and I noticed that they have a new series called Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries listed as their 11th series. I am still in the middle of many of the series, but I am excited. Right now I am working through book 5 of the Quilted Mysteries then I will read Second Edition Death.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Heidi M:
I loved the Quilted Mysteries series, as I’m a quilter at heart — just not nearly so talented as those two ladies are.
As far as the Flower Shop Mysteries. Bev S got the informational flyer about that series several years ago and then nothing until all of a sudden it pops up as a new series. One of the authors also indicated that the series was being worked on.
I would advise you to wait on ordering the series. What generally happens is they open the series to subscribers and general public with emails. That email is for the introductory book at half price + shipping. I’m very impatient but I force myself to wait as a month or two later, I’ll get a special price of $1.99 + shipping through the mail. It’s worth waiting for and since you seem to be subscribing to several of the Annie’s series, I’d be shocked if you don’t get one of those mail offers as well. I like to get that first book as cheap as possible.
Sandra Orchard says
We sure are working on the series. I wrote book #5 and am currently working on #14. The last I’d heard, the series would open for subscriptions on the website in January or so.
Bev S says
Sandra….
If you are working on book 14, do you know how many books are slated to be in the series.
I generally make a list with the titles and authors as they become available…that way I can check the mor when I receive the book as I get them from my mother and often get a box of ten or twelve books from various series.
Thanks and have a wonderful week….Bev
Sandra Orchard says
Yes, Bev, the plan is to have 24. The first one is called A Fatal Arrangement by Gayle Roper. 2 is Bloomed to Die by Johnnie Alexander (although I’m not sure these are definitely the titles or the ones proposed by the authors, which sometimes get changed). Book 3 is The Mistletoe Murder by Lynette Sowell. Four is The Dearly Depotted (I love that title) by Gayle Roper. The fifth one I wrote is called Digging Up Secrets.
Bev S says
Thank you, Sandra….
Have just started my list in “Notes” and notice a new group of authors…looking forward to these books.
Have enjoyed the other series so far and I’m always amazed at the continuity in the books,M it as one author explained to me, they read each other’s works to see what the characters are up to…sometimes they reference a previous happening in a new book, but usually the same author has written both books.
Bev
Sandra Orchard says
You’re very welcome. With this new flower shop series, the contributing authors also have a private FB group where we can ask about questions, such as has anyone put a hospital or newspaper on the island or given a back story for such and such a character. It’s a lot of fun.
Bev S says
Sounds like a great idea, plus,myou can always go back and look at the site and see what others have done with characters as you write additional books. I’m wondering if my mother will be getting these books, I won’t know until I get a box of books from her and see just what is in the box…last box, she had two new series (each a trilogy) from Guideposts….I inherit her books when she reads them…so a win-win…I get new books and she doesn’t have to store them somewhere…that’s for me…
Take care and have a wonderful Christmas season….
Bev
Sandra Orchard says
Sounds like a great deal. 🙂 A blessed Christmas and new year to you, too!
Bev S says
Heidi….
I agree with Virginia and I have all of series to date….and I also agree with her advice to wait….and if you go to the website, if you don’t want the paper book…you can get the ebook…now I’m a fan of paper, so I’m happy carrying a book around.
Heidi M says
Thanks for the advice! I have learned to wait for the cards after jumping the gun with the Library Series.
I would love to learn to quilt and crochet better, but I have small children and work so I don’t have much time right now.
They are calling for some snow tomorrow so maybe I will be able to get caught up with my reading. I am in the middle
of several series and have only finished two of them.
Bev S says
Heidi…
Always a pleasure to help other people….and like the ladies in the quilted series,mim not a quilter, but have been knitting for many decades.
If you have other questions about a series,M someone on this site can always give you some information about them as we all read.
Take care….Bev (and yes it is snowing in Maryland)
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Right now, I’m reading Library, Amish Inn, Chocolate, Amish Country and Antique Shop. And if that isn’t enough, I’m re-reading Mysteries Unraveled. I pick up one of those books when I’m fresh out of new books to read. Since adding Amish Country that hasn’t happened though. Have “Double Strand Deception” on my end table waiting for me to need it.
I re-read the previous Mysteries Unraveled in the days following a dog bite to a finger. Got the stitches out and thought I was ready to fly back into my old routine and discovered that the antibiotics prescribed to prevent an infection from the dog bite also killed all the healthy stuff in the intestines and I’ve been so miserable I haven’t done anything for most of a week. I’ve been living off yogurt while taking a couple of probiotics and for the first time this morning, I’m feeling like we might have this stuff licked. Will keep my doctor’s appointment for the morning though!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Morning & Happy Holidays Danna!
I have been sooooo sick! I got C. diff from being given so much antibiotics. I’m glad my dog bite didn’t get infected; but, C. diff is wicked. I’ve hardly gotten any work done at all — no energy and the antibiotic to cure the C. diff gave me horrible muscle aches and pains. Finally gave up and put the closed sign up for a couple of days. I have one more antibiotic to take and that’s all. I am going to request a recheck to make sure it is gone though as I do not want it flaring up. It’s good to finally be feeling better though.
Books — I’ve reread several of Kate’s Mysteries Unraveled. She is one of my favorite characters, especially after rereading her books. Two unopened still. I try not to open until I’m ready to read as I try to read in the order they are shipped otherwise I’ll blast through whichever series is my favorite and then be sad that I’ve read them all so quickly. #18 in the Amish Inn is “Unhappy Returns” by Josie Damico. This seemed like a new author and she did a wonderful job. There was a TON of stuff going on in this book and Josie kept things flowing quite well. Beans was his usual adorable self. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Book #3 in the Hearts of Amish was “Love Comes Quietly” by Jo Ann Brown. I swear Jo Ann has written quilting books but the back of the book info didn’t mention that. A lot of mystery, along with love and friendship, in this one and another great read. Hearts of Amish definitely falls within the Cozy umbrella. Love these books! Book #11 in The Chocolate Shoppe series is “Half Baked Schemes” by Mary M. O’Donnell. Mary always does an incredible job of writing and this one is no exception. This was such a fun one to read. I really love Bertie and Cornelia, not your typical Southern Belles for sure! Last and certainly not least is Book #18 in the Antique Shop series. “Rigged for Murder” by Elizabeth Penney. As you may remember, I was not real happy with Maggie’s behavior as she solved her last mystery and Elizabeth was kind enough to point out that was not the direction that the series was going to take. I’m only about half-way through this book but so far it’s gone back to what made it such a delightful series. Emily is home for a visit, boyfriend in tow. So glad that things have returned to normal as it’s such a great series. I just hated seeing Maggie cross over that line as it seemed so out of character for her. I’ll let you know the other two books as soon as I start reading them. First is a Castleton Manor. I just love Rumpy — such a great character and perfectly written for a cat, his independence is captured perfectly; along with his fierce love for his person. The other book is the 4th Hearts of Amish Country.
Hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and hoping for a peaceful New Year with health and happiness for all!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, I’m sorry to hear that your health woes continue. I haven’t been too well lately myself either – actually, I had a hernia operation. Supposedly minor surgery, but I have to admit I didn’t feel like it was that minor after it was finished! Fortunately recovery has been “relatively” smooth, so I’m now pretty much back to how I was feeling before the operation, but minus the hernia. Recovering just in time for the holidays is definitely for the best! I’ve had to dip into the pre-written articles that I’ve had ready for a while just in case as a result, so I’ll need to work on those to get back to full numbers now.
Unfortunately I just haven’t had the concentration for reading while recovering >>>> so I’ve been watching a lot of TV. Mostly old movies – you can probably guess which ones based off of my TCM posts for the last few months! I’m glad that you’re enjoying your own reading, and that the Antique Shop series seems to be turning around for you.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Hoping that you get to feeling better. I think I’ve got everything licked finally. Will request the recheck Tuesday when they open. I had already planned on being closed Friday through Christmas Day. I’ve spent almost all of my time disinfecting with bleach and then cleaning every room in the house. Trying to insure that I kill any remaining C. diff bacteria. Keep up with my reading when I’m eating supper and first thing in the morning.
Finished the Antique Shop mystery and Maggie was the Maggie of old. So glad! Also started Book #7 in the Castleton Manor Series: “A Crime Well Versed” by Marlene Chase. Just a couple chapters in but so far Rumpy is in rare form. That cat is just so funny!
Virginia
Heidi M says
Hi. The new series is officially on the website. I will wait to get the card in the mail, but I am excited.
I am really enjoying Ocean Selvage (6) of the Annie’s Quilted Mysteries. I think it is my favorite of this series so far.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
I really loved the Quilted Mysteries series and actually re-read it late last year. I have the quilt about half finished but got sidetracked by other projects. Isn’t that always the way?
I’m ready to start re-reading the last book in the Mysteries Unraveled series. Have it on my end table but just haven’t picked it up. Mysteries Unraveled is another excellent series.
I’m also waiting for the card before ordering the Flower Shop Mysteries. I would be OK with them not mailing the cards out until I get either the Antique Shop or Amish Inn Mysteries series finished as I’m currently getting 5 book and really don’t need to add another one into the mix. Think there are 5 more left in the Antique Shop mysteries.
Enjoy your reading!
Heidi M says
I am receiving six series, but I have some on hold because I can’t afford all of them at once. The only series that I have completed are Annie’s Attic and Creative Women. I want to read Unraveled Mysteries, but I am still waiting for a card for that one. When did you start reading them? I was introduced to them by my mother in law when my baby was just a few weeks old.
Bev S says
Hi Heidi…
Like Virginia, I too read the various series from Annie’s. Really enjoyed the first series, Annie’s Attic. The other series have been great and really enjoyed the series that was about Kate and set in Texas, probably because we met Kate in the original series.
Like you, my mother introduced me to the original series, but unlike you, she buys the books and once she has read them, I inherit her books.
And yes, both Virginia and I have our favourite authors for the various series. So glad you are enjoying reading…as I tell people, “you go to many places and meet many people” when you read….Bev
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Heidi:
I received the Creative Woman series after I finished Annie’s Attic Mysteries. The Mysteries Unraveled Series started when there were 2 or 3 of the Creative Woman series left. I received Book #12 (last book) in the Mysteries Unraveled series in November of 2015. It was the third series that Annie’s published. It is one of my favorite series because it picks up the lives of Kate and her daughter, Vanessa, after they moved to Texas.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Sorry Heidi, I was incorrect on this. The date is correct but this is the 4th of the Annie’s published series. We had Creative Woman, Quilted Mysteries and then Mysteries Unraveled came to be.
Virginia
Bev S says
Hey’ Virginia….
I’m reading a Guideposts series, The Tearoom Mysteries, it is set in Maine and two cousins decide to open a tearoom…also they have a cat who adopted them…named him Earl Grey…but the series pretty good…and again several authors writing the series….and yep, I inherit these books too from my mother.
Take care….Bev
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Hi Danna!
Far later than I should be updating this but I’m back at it full swing so meeting myself coming and going. Fully recovered from the C-diff and finger is well healed from the dog bit. Healed much better than I anticipated. Mostly a small thin scar that I’m trying to minimize with Vit E at night.
Back to the purpose of this post. Book #8 in Castleton is “A Murder Unscripted”. I don’t have the book in hand at the moment so can’t tell you the author right now. I have a couple of chapters left in DeAnna Julie Dodsen’s “Pride and Publishing”. Just a fabulous book and DeAnna did herself proud with Rumpy, the stubby tailed cat. The entire book was fabulous but the authors really do a fabulous job with making Rumpy so loveable. His behavior always has me giggling. I so look forward to this particular series.
Book #5 in the Hearts of Amish Country is “Annie’s Search” and is the first book, I believe, in any of the Annie’s books that is written by a male: Jerry Eicher. Though Jerry could be a female just using the male spelling I guess. Anyway, I really was riveted to this book as I read it but I have truly enjoyed all of the “Hearts” books thus far. I have book #6 waiting for me but not until I have completely finished “Pride and Publishing”.
Book #19 in the Antique Shop Mysteries is “Three Ring Threat” by Donna Kelly. I think Donna wrote a few of the original Annie’s Attic. Just checked and she wrote “Jazzed”, which I thoroughly enjoyed. At any rate, “Three Ring Threat” was a bit different format from the previous books but it was just a great read. I’m so glad that Maggie has not strayed from her original morals and behaviors again as I so like her and her group of friends.
I should have had the latest Amish Inn book but it has been lost in transit so I’m waiting for my replacement to arrive and chafing at the bit I might add. Still have not received any correspondence from Annie’s about the Flower Shop series but that is fine as I’d like to finish at least one series (preferably two) before starting another series. Also need to figure out where to stash these books. Such is the life of a compulsive book reader.
I’m so ready for spring. Our high was 58 today so I’m now really roarin’ to go. The dogs and I enjoyed walks yesterday and today both but a cold front coming in tomorrow. So it goes.
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks as always, Virginia! You (and some of the other posters on this thread) are pretty much the best way to keep up to date on these particular releases…
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Thank you, Virginia! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the book. And Rumpy is so much fun to write. 😀
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Posted this book earlier but I think updating got lost in the Holidays. Book #7 of the Castleton Manor Library is “A Crime Well Versed” by Marlene Chase.
These are new additions. Book #4 of the Hearts of Amish Country is “Keeper of Her Heart” by Anita Greene. These books get better and better. Always enough mystery and intrigue to keep my attention piqued. The heroines and heroes as well are fabulous. Great reads!
Book #19 in the Amish Inn Mysteries is “Skating the Law” by Rachael O. Phillips. One of the best in the Amish Inn series. My only complaint was that we didn’t hear enough of my favorite character, Beans. So love that dog!
Last but certainly not least is the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries. Book #12 is “S’more Trouble” by Jan Fields. Just opened the shipping container and will start it later this evening so I have no words about the book yet but love those Chocolate Shoppe ladies!
Also have the latest Antique Shops Mysteries but haven’t opened that one yet. Not until I finish Chocolate Shoppe.
Hope everyone is having a great start to their New Year!!
Virginia
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Hi Danna!
Book #4 in the Hearts of Amish Country is “Keeper of Her Heart” by Anita Greene. Just started Book #6 in Hearts of Amish Country. It is “Hearts Reunited” by Rachel J. Good. Just a few chapters into the book but thus far a very enjoyable read. I’ve been a big fan of the “Amish” series though. Love all of the heroine’s.i
Book #8 in Castleton Manor Library is “A Murder Unscripted” by Elizabeth Penney. It was absolutely sensational. A movie filmed at Castleton Manor based on “Alice in Wonderland” with a couple of twists thrown in. Rumpy was absolutely outrageous (as usual) throughout the book! I just adore that little guy and all of the authors do such a great job of making him come to life.
Wanted to go back to the Amish Inn series, Book #20 “Book Clubbed” by K. D. McCrite. Saw that you already have it posted. Someone beat me to the punch. Anyway, just wanted to post a shout out to K. D. for an absolutely exceptional job. I totally did not see the ending coming. Beans was his usual adorable self. All of the authors do a terrific job but this particular book was just truly sensational. Great Job K. D.!!!
kd mccrite says
Thank you so much for the good words about Book Clubbed, Virginia. I had great fun writing it, and am so happy you enjoyed reading it. –kd
Heidi M says
I have received book 1 of the new series, Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries. It is called A Fatal Arangement by Gayle Roper. I have read about half of it so far, and it is quite wonderful. I think it may be one of my favorites of all of the books that I have read in the Annie Series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Heidi, thanks for the “heads up”. Instead of procrastinating on this one (like I did with Hearts of the Amish Country…) I’m going to get this one up pronto.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Hi Danna!
I thought I’d get this done sooner rather than later. Finished book #13 in the Chocolate Shoppe series: “Triple Layer Treachery” by Virginia Smith and am currently reading “Simple Assault and Buttery” by Jan Fields.
“Triple Layer” was just an incredible read!!! This is the second time, I believe, that we’ve been treated to Virginia Smith’s writing and she is just top notch!
It goes without saying that I’m a huge fan of Jan Fields work. I’ve only read the first four chapters of “Assault & Buttery” but it is up to Jan’s usual standards. Moss Hallow and its inhabitants have charmed me and worked their way into my heart.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks Virginia! I’m always glad to get these messages to keep these chronologies straight, plus the mini-reviews for the books as well!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Book #20 in Antique Shop is “Treble and Strife” by Elizabeth Goddard. Just finished and it was a terrific read. Sort of different from the others in this series in that we mostly read about a whole set of different characters. A little of James, June, Robert and Ina but otherwise everyone else involved were new to us. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Book #21 in Antique Shop is “Tools of the Traitor” by Lucy Averill. I just opened the shipping carton so have no words of wisdom about the book. I don’t remember reading any of Lucy’s books but there have been so many authors now that it’s hard to keep track of them.
I also have a Castleton Manor unopened as of yet. Won’t open until “Traitor” is finished.
Virginia
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Hi Danna!
Just a quick update on the Antique Shop Mysteries. I just opened the invoice for Book #21 “Tools of the Traitor” and it was marked final payment. Read the invoice, which stated that Book #21 is the last book in the series.
Received a card 3 or 4 weeks ago for the Flower Shop series and didn’t want to send it in until one of these series concluded as I need a 5th series concurrently like I need another hole in my head. Knowing that I’ve read the last Antique Shop, it’s probably time to get another series going. LOL!
That last statement is pretty funny because prior to starting the Annie’s Attic series, I hadn’t read a book in ages. Read magazines, newspapers, computer but just hadn’t picked up a book in longer than I care to admit. I think going to College and reading textbooks burned me out on reading pretty badly. As some of you remember, I became a HUGE fan of the Annie’s series and I’ve read every series since then with one exception. They started a series that you couldn’t just sign up for and get all the books sent automatically. Don’t even recall the name. Two books were sent together but no others ever followed — I’m glad I didn’t go for that one as it would have driven me crazy to start a series and then have it stop prematurely. Back to the salt mines for me!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thanks for the update! I’m sorry to hear that the series will be ending, though it’s had a good run from the sounds of things. 21 books is a pretty decent length.
Liz Penney says
HI there, since I wrote book 23 in the series, I contacted my editor about this. There will be 24 books! This was a glitch and thank you for bringing it to our attention, Virginia. My editor is taking care of it.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Liz:
I am so glad that I posted that. My brain was telling me that one of the authors had posted about books past #21 but then that could have been the Amish Inn series. But now I remember as you assured me that Maggie was not veering off in a direction that was uncharacteristic of her.
At any rate I am glad to hear that there are 3 more books to come in the series. It didn’t feel like the series should be ended as Maggie’s relationship with James had not been resolved. I decided it was being left up to the reader to give Maggie and James whatever ending they desired.
I’m looking forward to the last 3 books!
Bev S says
Virginia….in wondering if that series ever really “took off” as I’ve never found anything other than the two books, and like you I didn’t want to have to keep up with remembering to go to the bookstore to get it….plus I have enough books here to last me for the next couple of decades….all of the Annie’s series plus I think about eight Guidepost series…but will say that the Annies series are much better written…being an English major has its drawbacks and especially when reading…oh well reading is supposed to be for entertainment….and back to transcribing for me…want to get this one county finished this week….later….Bev
Virginia L Fahnestock says
LOL Bev: Not an English major but did graduate with 21 English credits, I think that makes me almost as good as an English major. I cannot even find the two books anymore. I’m thinking that most people were like us, not wanting to have to remember to go to the bookstore or remember to call a number with credit card in hand so I could get the next installment. I love just sending in the card or calling to get the newest series started. Back to sewing for me. Have 2 softball pants I’m altering that have to go out tomorrow plus 37 chairs for the Hastings restaurant to install April 2nd. The fun never stops. LOL
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna:
Just opened Book #21 in the Amish Inn Series. I always love these books because of Beans. He just cracks me up every time!! I’ll start reading this one tomorrow. Book is “Farmed Robbery” by Marlene Chase.
I immediately checked this invoice, due to the message on the Antique Shop series incorrectly being the last book of the series. Again, this invoice shows that this is the last book of the series. I don’t have solid information but I feel that this is incorrect.
I feel that this is an error because when you go online at Annie’s and check your account, once the series has ended that series is no longer available for you to view as part of your account history. It allows you to see that title once and then once you exit that series, the series disappears. I’ve been in and out of both series multiple times and they still appear. Hopefully, one of the authors will show up and give us the scoop on the Amish Inn series duration.
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Danna!
It’s once again time for my mammoth reading list.
Castleton Manor Book #10 is “A Literary Offense” by Elizabeth Penney. Watson, AKA Rumpy is at his best, as usual. Another great book by Liz Penney!
Chocolate Shoppe Book #15 is “Icing on the Case” by Cindy Coloma. I’m thinking that Cindy is another new author or, at the very least, has only written one or two books. She hit a home run with this book — I had a very difficult time putting it down. Well written, entertaining and had me completely mesmerized.
Amish Country Book #7 is “Portrait of Love” by Jerry Eicher. As far as I can tell this is: A) Jerry’s first book through Annie’s; and B) the first male author in any of these series. Kind of an interesting read. Usually the first person introduced is the heroine in these books but not the case here. Also one of the few times an Amish character is painted less than favorably. She does learn her lesson and tries to earn redemption in the eyes of her community but we are left not knowing if she is successful.
Amish Inn Book #22 “Scene of the Chime by Josie Damico. I just started it last night and I’m about 1/3rd the way through it. This is Josie’s second book in the Amish Inn Series. I don’t think she’s written in any of the other series but I’m not certain. So far, this book is fabulous. Bones is at his best but I’m always partial to the animals in these series. Liz Eckardt is one of my favorite heroines. Kind, level headed, intelligent, quick witted. The list of positive attributes seems unending. I really like her and am rooting for her and her beau to have a positive ever-after ending.
I have 2 more books that have come in. Keep them in their ship order and only open after I’ve finished the previous book.
I think spring at long last is arriving here in Nebraska. FINALLY! Hope everyone is enjoying seasonable temperatures as well.
Virginia
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Oops, misspoke above. Referred to Liz Eckardt’s dog as Bones and it is Beans. My apologies.
Virginia
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Hi Danna!
Time for my update of all things Annie’s and Cozy Mysteries.
Book #16 in the Chocolate Shoppe Mystery Series is “Two Birds with One Scone” by Katy Lee. Somehow, that got put in my read pile and I’m quite sure that I haven’t read it yet. Sooo, after I finish reading -> ->
Book #23 in the Antique Shop Mystery Series “A Slippery Slope” by Elizabeth Penney. Read the first four chapters this evening and it’s going to be another great read from Elizabeth.
Finished Jan Fields “Up to Noir Good” which was book #11 in the Castleton Manor Library Series. I love Jan’s style so much. She, Elizabeth and K.D. are my absolute favorites. We got a peek inside of “Rumpy’s” mind in this book and it made for absolutely fabulous reading. I’m a fan of the Noir style anyway and putting Rumpy smack in the middle of things made for an excellent read!
I also finished Book #8 in the Hearts of Amish Country this afternoon. Book is title “Love’s Secret Identity” and is written by Rachel J. Good. I know we’ve been privileged to read Rachel’s writing before. She does an excellent job of “painting her canvas” as well. I know this books aren’t truly cozies but there is always a hint of mystery in them. Nice, pleasant, enjoyable read as usual from this series.
Last but not least was Book #23 in the Amish Inn Mystery Series; “Amish and Old Lace” written by Tara Randel. If I remember correctly, Tara introduced us to Annie in the first book of Annie’s Attic Mysteries and did an absolutely incredible job. She didn’t miss a beat with the latest installment of Amish Inn books. She knows how to write for Beans. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well.
Also called last week to get the introductory offer in the Flower Shop Mystery Series for $1.99 + shipping so I’m just anxiously awaiting. Will have a lot more reading time starting Aug. 3rd. I turn 62 in July and hubby and I talked it over and decided that I should take SS early option. I’ll keep my business running but scale back hours and stop doing upholstery. The two restaurants I finished have really taken a tole on my already fused back. Nothing that won’t clear up if I start behaving myself. Just gave me a couple of hints that I need to make a life style change. I’ve been buying fabric like it’s going out of style and developing some patterns for doll clothes so I intend to start having a lot of fun sewing for Barbie and other dolls of various sizes. If I like what I’m coming up with, I’ll devise a means of selling them commercially. Right now, it’s just for fun.
I know have 2 or 3 more books en route. So much fun to sit out in my hammock chair and read while the dogs are running amok in our fenced in yard. Hope everyone is enjoying their spring. We finally have gorgeous weather!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, thanks as always for keeping us updated on these lists! I hope you enjoy retirement – I’ve heard different things from retirees, but it sounds like it’s a good time for you to finish up your working years if your back is continuing to give you serious problems. It certainly sounds like you’ll still be keeping busy with crafting, even if it’s on more of a hobby basis than as a daily job.
PS: The two month “season” that we Texans call “Not-Summer” has ended here, so it’s back to 90 degree weather most days. I hope others enjoy their actual seasons though!
Bev S says
Danna…
Another series that I read is published by Guideposts…The Tearoom Mysteries…the main characters are two widowed cousins, Jan Blake and Elaine Cook, who open a tearoom in Lancaster, Maine and the adventures they get into…this is a small town where everyone knows everyone and if someone were to sneeze in the middle of the night, the next day someone would be asking how their cold was…typical of very small villages. These two have helped solve many mysteries and the sheriff is always willing to listen to their take on things…doesn’t always want them involved in police business, but he can’t really stop them. They also have a stray cat who lives on their porch named Earl Grey…they wanted him to have a name that reflected their tearoom. A good series and even though published by Guideposts, not a lot of religion in the series. Some of the authors from this series overlap into the Annie’s series.
kd mccrite says
Virginia,
What a sweet thing to say! Thank you so much. I work really hard to offer you wonderful readers a story to enjoy, and the fact that you DO enjoy them gives me the greatest satisfaction. In fact, that is my reward. 🙂 I’m sure Jan and Elizabeth share my feelings. God bless.
–K.D.
Bev S says
Virginia…
So glad to hear you are going to scale back…we retired the end of 2012, had four great years of retirement before Tom died, but as I tell all of my friends, retirement is a gift you owe yourself. The main thing is to find something to do and to enjoy what you are doing…for me it is transcribing census records, reading, knitting and most is charity knitting for the Cancer Outreach Program…and so enjoy your take on the various books and authors…like you my three favourites are Jan, Elizabeth and KD…in fact was chatting with my mother yesterday and she said the same and love the way when a new series starts, Jan is the one who develops the characters…she does an awesome job..
Take care and enjoy semi-retirement…you will be busier than when you worked full…as many of us have said, don’t know how I ever had time to work, I’m so busy…
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Hi Danna!
Here I am with a moment to breathe so thought I’d get things updated again quickly!
Newest books i have received are Book #12 in the Castleton Manor Series is “For Letter or Worse” by Margaret Welch. For any of us who grew up loving Nancy Drew mysteries; this is a great read as the plot centers around a group of Nancy enthusiasts. Watson, aka Rumpy, is as usual at his best. It was just a great read and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Also read book #1 in the Flower Shop Series “A Fatal Arrangement” by Gayle Roper. The characters grew on me but as Bev S pointed out no one develops characters like Jane Fields. Obviously Tara Randall did an exceptional job introducing us to the Annie’s characters also since there are still such die hard fans. I think I will end up enjoying this series but it just wasn’t an instantaneous feeling of “going home” as happens when Jan and Tara introduce the characters. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the players in more depth.
I have 3 more books en route but if I don’t receive any tomorrow it will be Tuesday at the latest before I get any more books in.
Fortunately my hubby found a book on line for me that I bought some 20+ years ago. Loved the book, loaned it to my MIL who loaned it, who loaned it and much to my chagrin I never got the book back. It’s an 1100 missive and just fabulous but not a cozy. I did curl up in my hammock chair this afternoon and read about 30 pages. I was re-hooked after reading the introductory sentence. Hopefully this will tide me over until I get the latest batch of Annie’s related books.
Also finally finished re-reading the first book in the Secrets of the Quilt series. I started re-reading it months ago and then got bombarded with new books and, of course, finishing the restaurant in Hastings.
Hope everyone has an enjoyable 3 day weekend!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, not much time at the moment, so I’ll just say, thanks as always for helping me keep up on these series!
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Good Afternoon Danna!
At long last, I received (and devoured) Book 24 in the Amish Inn Mysteries: “To Honor and Betray” by Rachael O. Phillips. This is definitively the last book in the series. It was a great book and I’m very sad to see this series conclude. I loved the characters and will miss my favorite dog, Beans, very much!
I’m currently reading Book #9 in the Hearts of Amish Country: “Her Amish Hero” written by Dorothy Clarans. I think that Dorothy is a new author for us. So far, I’m enjoying the book immensely.
I also received the next book in the Chocolate Shoppe series but won’t open it until I’ve finished the HAC book.
Hope that everyone is enjoying seasonable weather!
Virginia
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Good evening Danna!
Finished the latest Hearts of Amish and absolutely blew through book #17 in the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries, “A Dark Turnover” written by our very own K. D. McCrite. K.D. did her usual amazing job; as evidenced by how quickly I blew through the book despite having tons of work to do. Once I started it, I could hardly bear to put it down.
Early on in the Chocolate Shoppe beginnings, there were discrepancies in the order that some folks received their books. I always check out the book number on the invoice and the book shipper. Last couple of CSM have also started listing the titles and I took a few moments and checked them against your order. I am pleased to report that the order you have them listed matches what appears in the book. Also have a few more titles I can give you, just without authors at this point.
Book #18 in the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries will be “Off to a Bad Tart”, Book #19 will be “Just Desserts and Book #20 will be “Hot Cross Burglary”. FWIW, underneath the last title, it says … and more to come.
I’ll let you know authors after I receive the books. So love the Chocolate Shoppe Series!
Virginia
Virginia L Fahnestock says
Good Evening Danna!
Just wanted to drop you a quick note. Just finished the last book in the Antique Shop Mysteries. It is book #24, “Dead and Married” and is written by Donna Kelly. Donna has written several (at least) books in the original Annie’s books and does just a terrific job.
This was just a very satisfying read. Enough mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat a little; a lot of romance and a lot of loose ends tied up so that the series can be concluded.
Another series that I shall miss. Loved the characters, especially that rascal of a cat, Snickers. With the exception of one errant book, it was just a great series. Just too bad that real life isn’t more like the lives of our leading ladies. LOLOL!!!
Also received book #2 in the flower shop series, which I’ll open tomorrow.
Hope that everyone is having a great summer!
Virginia F says
Good Evening Danna!
Wow! Cannot believe that it has been 2 months exactly since I last posted book/author titles.
Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries. You have Jan Fields already as author of “Off to a Bad Tart” and Virginia Smith as author of “Just Desserts”. I’ve read both of them and thoroughly enjoyed them both. Jan did her usual excellent job with “Bad Tart” and “Just Desserts” had me on the edge of my chair in a few places but all’s well that ends well. Chocolate Shoppe is definitely my favorite series of the 4 that are ongoing now.
Castleton Manor — I have lots of book titles. Book #13 is “On Pins and Needles” by Sandra Orchard and was absolutely excellent! Book #14 is “Ink or Swim” by Catherine Dilts (I think this is her first book with us). She did such a fabulous job. Watson, aka Rumpy had a bad case of “whale envy”. I laughed so hard at that silly little cat. To me the only real downside to this series is Marlene, the assistant manager at the Manor. She’s such a sour puss and a downer that I find it more than a little hard to believe that she would keep her job but that’s just me. Books still to come are “Tell No Tales”, “Page Fright”, “A Fatal Yarn” and “Read Between the Crimes”.
Finished “Bloomed To Die”, in the Victorian Mansion series, which I did find an error in it. The vet is referred to as both male and female so I’m unsure which is the correct sex. Also finished “The Mistletoe Murder” by Lynette Sowell. This is my favorite Victorian Mansion book thus far. Think it’s more getting adjusted to new characters and also the fact that these ladies are all into gardening rather than artsy-craftsy stuff but they are definitely growing on me. I also have book #4 but haven’t opened it yet as I’m not finished with book #11 in the “Hearts” series.
Last but not least is Hearts of Amish Country. Book #11 is “A Promise to Honor” by Katy Lee. I just started this book this evening and have just read the first chapter. My disappointment with these books is that every book has different characters and we never hear about any of these ladies and gentleman again. By the time the books have ended, I’ve grown attached to the characters and “happily ever after” is just not enough. Again, just me.
Now if you will indulge me Danna, I’d like to do a quick public service announcement. I scaled back to part-time with my business. My fused back greatly appreciated it and, much to my amazement, I discovered that I was over medicated. I was on 4 scripts from my PCP and when I was being very physical, that kept my pain at bay and let me seem “normal” to those who didn’t know about my back issues. One by one, I lowered my dosage and discontinued the scripts with no issues until I got to script number 4, a synthetic opiate by the name of Tramadol, also known as Ultram or Ultracet. I again titrated my dose down but almost immediately began some pretty crazy physical withdrawal symptoms (did not recognize them as such). Titrated to the next lower dose and all heck broke out (severe irritation, lack of patience, unable to sleep, restless arms and legs and more). Once I determined that withdrawals were going on, I stopped the medicine completely as I didn’t think I could handle going through the withdrawals again. It was a very rocky 3 weeks or so as once I got through the acute stuff there is also a post acute set of symptoms that folks may or may not go through. I mostly had just an incredible lack of energy and zip as far as drive to get anything done. I’ve scaled back my daily to do lists and am content to get far less done until my energy level returns to normal. Slowly seems to be increasing. Good news is that between yoga and Alieve, my back is happy more than not. When it gets out of control, that is my cue to stop what I’m doing. Back to the Tramadol, if anyone is offered that from their PCP, I would seriously recommend that you run, not walk, in the other direction. I’ve heard of people taking it for a matter of weeks, as opposed to years like I was on it, and being seriously addicted to it. My opinion is that it will be yanked by the FDA in the near future as it was supposed to be non-addictive (synthetic) and it seems to be the polar opposite. I’m counting my lucky stars that I was able to walk away from this drug without needing to spend time in a rehab facility. Though I never abused the script, I was on it for 13 years. Whew. End of public service announcement.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, yikes, it sounds like you’ve had a really rough couple of weeks getting off of so many pain meds! I’m not familiar with Tramadol, (I’ve been lucky enough to not ever have chronic pain problems) but it sounds like a real nightmare to get off of it. I was wondering why you haven’t been posting for a while now, but I assumed that you had just been cutting down on reading for one reason or another, or were saving up a lot of books for a longer post.
As bad as it all sounds, I’m glad to hear that you’re now able to get by on just the yoga, over the counter pain meds, and keeping a relatively low physical work load.
Bev S says
Hey Virginia….
So good to see you back on posts…wondered what had become of you and knew it had to be something serious because like me, you are very social…
Thanks for the update on the books…I’m still acquiring them from my mother as well as several other series from Guideposts…I think I’m getting about eleven different series from her right now and I know that I have several dozen before I ever catch up.
Sorry about your withdrawal from Tramadol…seems like there should be warnings that this can be addictive as many people still believe the doctor is always right. Some of your secondary side affects (tiredness, lack of energy, etc) sound like the same side affects I had during chemo…but I promise the energy level does come back…it takes time.
Additionally if you are taking several drugs, the best person to ask about them and interaction is the pharmacist…doctors only know what the sales rep tells them and they think they have the latest cure-all…but over the years my pharmacist has been super helpful with drug interactions for both Tom and me.
Take care….hugs….Bev
Virginia F says
Hey Bev!
New books are great. I am getting itchy, I must admit, for a new series though. I am going through books much more quickly since I’ve semi retired. Did get 2 in the day’s mail, another Hearts of Amish and Chocolate Shoppe (I think on CS).
Don’t want to keep going off topic on this. Our Doc is great about interactions. I’ve seen her go on-line to check things out before adding new scripts or changing doses. At any rate, I’m taking nothing stronger than Aleve these days so all is good. Just have to be real careful about how much I do without taking a quick back break or doing a couple of Yoga stretches to pull me back in correct alignment. Thankfully energy levels are slowly coming back up. Not today though as I had a lousy night’s sleep. Hopefully I’ll sleep like a log tonight and have more energy tomorrow. At least it’s not a crazy day so I don’t have to have tons of energy.
Have you started reading the Flower Shop series yet? I need to pull book #2 again so that I can cite the pages where the vet is referred to in both masculine and feminine terms. That’s a first for an Annie’s book.
Back to the salt mines. My first dress for Homecoming, which isn’t until the first Friday in October. Love getting them out of the way early though.
Glad all is well with you!
Virginia
Virginia F says
Thanks Danna!
Yes, much better now and I’m thrilled to be off big pharma’s products. Glad they were available as I could not have sat in an office for 8 hours a day for years; not to mention the physically taxing upholstery jobs I was doing.
Enjoy things much more now that I’m more low key. Actually finding time to quilt for me. Entered a quilt in our State Fair this year, reading books out in the yard while the dogs run amok, hanging with hubby and riding bikes with him.
Have been wondering when the newest Annie’s Series will be unveiled. Chocolate Shoppe and Castleton seem like they both may not be too far away from completion. I’m sure their next series will be as great as the two that just finished.
Hope everyone has a wonderful fall. Not looking forward to winter following it. Holding out hope for a nice long Indian Summer.
TTYL
Virginia
kd mccrite says
I’m so sorry that you’ve been going through a tough time, Virginia. May your healing and recovery be swift and complete. God bless. –KD
Virginia F says
Thanks so much for your kind words KD!!
I’m feeling pretty good so far this week. Energy is coming back nicely I think!
Today, actually, my feet are NOT touching the ground. I entered my first quilt in the Nebraska State Fair. I didn’t think it was “ribbon worthy” as I know what they are looking for. Results were posted sometime during the night and I placed 5th in the T-shirt quilt category. I’ll take a 5th place ribbon for my first effort and smile all the way home!
Have a great day everyone!
Virginia
Virginia F says
Hi Danna!
Major bummer. Just opened the next Chocolate Shoppe mysteries, “Hot Cross Burglary” by Katy Lee. She wrote the last Hearts of Amish book and did a fabulous job of it. So, I was looking forward to starting this book, but when I cracked it open, the jacket was for CSM but the book enclosed is actually for the Victorian Mansion series. I’ll call customer service tomorrow and have them hopefully send me the correct book.
However, the Victorian Mansion book has lots of titles in it. So here goes:
I’ll start with book #5, “Digging Up Secrets”, #6 “Planted Evidence”, #7 “Loot of All Evil”, #8 “Pine and Punishment”, #9 “Herbal Malady” by Jolyn Sharp (the book I received in the CSM book jacket), #10 “Deadhead and Buried”, #11 “The Lily Vanishes” and #12 “A Cultivated Crime”. Can’t read Herbal Malady as I’ve only received 4 so it would be wayyyyy out of order and I would be so confused.
Worse yet, I opened up Book #15 of Castleton Manor Library and received, incorrectly “The Grim Reader” which is book #2 or 3 so I’ll have to call on that tomorrow as well. Grrr. Annie’s doesn’t usually screw up and this makes 2 in less than a week.
I opened up my next Victorian Mansion Flower Shop book which is the correct one, Book #4 “My Dearly Depotted” by Gayle Roper. I was concerned for a minute though as the invoice lists it as book #8. The mailing box has it correctly labeled as book #4. Not quite sure what is going on in Annie’s land. At least I have the correct jacket with the correct book and something in order to read.
Did manage to have a semi-productive day after the excitement of placing in the State Fair quilt competition. A lot of phone calls after folks found out and called with their congratulations so a lot of fun.
Hope everyone is having a great week. Now officially half-way over.
TTYL
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, whoops, missed this post somehow! Thanks as always for keeping me up to date on these release names, and congratulations on placing in the quilt competition! Also, I’m sorry that Annie’s seems to be having issues with what they’re sending out – getting the wrong books into jackets, the wrong books mailed, and invoice issues all sounds like they’re having some serious problems.
Bev S says
Ladies….
This is not good….another issue my mother has had a couple of times is sending out a book out of order….but this issue of the wrong book in the cover….sounds like a quality control issue….but I know Virginia will get her issue resolved….and this may help Annie’s to hire additional staff…or someone could have been having a really bad day….
Not mine to judge….and have a wonderful weekend….and hopefully the start of cooler weather here in the Mid Atlantic…
Virginia F says
Bev S:
Yup, that was the worst. But, in all three errors out of 4 books received. Received one book that had already been sent. Smallest error was that the invoice showed book #4 as book #9. Had that been true, it would have been horribly out of order. Not a good week for their quality control for sure.
I called the next day and the correct books are en route. Hopefully they will arrive soon as I have 5 chapters left in the VMS and then it would be another Hearts of Amish Series and I had just finished their book so was looking forward to either Choc Shoppe or the Library Series.
Just struck me as a lot of shipping errors. As you say, not ours to judge. We have no idea what else might be going on in Annie’s Land. Our weather is beautiful here as well. Had a week of mostly rain and cool temps so now the grass is green and lush. Dogs just want to be outside; either romping or just hanging out smelling the smells. I also just want to be outside hanging with them. Trying to get a jump start on my quilt entry for next year’s State Fair so I need to be spending some time down in my “lair”.
Have a great weekend all!
kd mccrite says
Hello there!
I got in touch with someone at Annie’s, who contacted the corporate office about this. So, let’s hope the situation is soon resolved and does not recur. –KD McCrite
Virginia F says
Thanks KD!
Hopefully that will take care of things. Appreciate your getting involved.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Happy Day Indeed!
Both of the books that were screwed up arrived today and they are the correct books. So, lots of reading to do.
First up is #20 in the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries. “Hot Cross Burglary” by Katy Lee. I’ll start that one this evening. They also had Book #24 listed “Till Death Do Us Torte” — my guess is that this is the last book in the series. I will be extremely sad to see this series end. Love all of these southern women and Possum the cat, aka Raymond.
Book #15 (I think) in Castleton Manor Library Series. “Tell No Tales” by Marlene Chase. They still show …more to come under the last listed book.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Happy Weekend Danna & Everyone!
Thought I’d better get caught up on these books again. I swear Annie’s is giving me fits again! Hearts of Amish should be book #12 “A Song for Sarah” by Lynette Sowell; however it is invoiced as book #13. I also received the next book which should be #13 and is invoiced as #14. That one is “A Love Rediscovered” by Mary Alford. I think I will give customer service a call the first of the week and make sure that they didn’t inadvertently skip sending me a book. Haven’t started “Rediscovered”. “Sarah” was mostly enjoyable; though the more I read of these books, the more I don’t understand how women (and men) can live like that. I’m way too liberated and self-sufficient. I want to be treated as an equal thinking partner and we all know that doesn’t happen in the Amish societies. But I enjoy the books.
Secrets of Castleton Manor Book #15 “Tell No Tales” by Marlene Chase was just an incredible read. Everyone who is acquainted with Watson, aka Rumpy, the stub-tailed cat must picture him with a parrot named Harley. This scenario makes for a very entertaining read. I’m almost finished with Book #16 “Page Fright” by Elizabeth Penney. Lots of New Year fun as well as Shakespearean theater. Elizabeth does her usual fantastic job with this one! They also added two more titles to their front page. Book #19 is From Fable to Grave” and book #20 is “A Fateful Sentence”.
Book #20 in the Chocolate Shoppe Series “Hot Cross Burglary” by Katy Lee was just fabulous. All the action centers around the bakery gearing up for Easter festivities; all while Jillian solves the latest Moss Hollow mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have Book #21 waiting in the queue for me which I will crack open just as soon as I finish my Castleton Manor read.
I’m gearing up for the final books of both of these series as the last books get ever closer. I am thoroughly enjoying both of our heroines, family, friends and, of course, their feline companions.
Fall has arrived in Nebraska though honestly it feels much more like November weather. That has me in quilting mode; happily working on my quilt for the 2019 Nebraska State Fair. All in shades of purple for a purple quilt contest. A pattern that I designed myself.
Virginia
Virginia F says
Just a quick one Danna:
Started reading Book #21 in the Chocolate Shoppe Series this evening: “Trifling with Trouble” and is written by our very own K.D. McCrite. I’m just a couple chapters into it right now but I can already tell that it is going to be a fabulous read. I always look forward to K.D.’s writing; as well as several others. Elizabeth Penney also does a superb job. Jan Fields and Mary M. O’Donnell also weave incredible stories with their words. Katy Lee is a new comer to the Annie’s books and I’ve likewise been impressed with her abilities. All of the authors do a great job; some I just look forward to a little more. Like I always want Jan to start a series as those first impressions are so very important and she just does an incredible job of introducing the characters and making them as familiar to me as my next door neighbors.
Didn’t mean to get off on a tangent but there are some incredibly talented women writing for Annie’s! Off to enjoy a Rush concert while I cut out fabric for my 2019 State Fair Quilt — all done in shades of purples. This one is going to be so much fun!!
Virginia
Virginia F says
Danna:
Just finished “Trifling with Trouble” by K. D. McCrite and it was absolutely sensational. Probably my favorite book to date that she’s written. I hated to see it end.
I’m now ready to start the Hearts of Amish “A Love Rediscovered” when next I have a chance to read. Also have a new Flower Shoppe mystery to open after that.
Hope all is well for everyone. We are looking forward ???? to our first snow tomorrow. Eek — I am so not ready for that stuff.
Virginia F says
Danna:
Hearts of Amish should be book #12 “A Song for Sarah” by Lynette Sowell; and book #13 is “A Love Rediscovered” by Mary Alford. Just finished “Rediscovered” and these books should definitely be listed as “Cozy” books. “Rediscovered” had 2 murders, a barn set on fire, 3 characters almost killed and their house subsequently sat on fire with the hero working frantically to discover who the doer was. That definitely classifies as cozy mystery to me.
Annie’s is still having invoicing issues. My book mailer was labeled correctly but I be danged if my invoice didn’t list the newest Victorian Mansion as book #9 when, in fact, it is book #5. You have all the correct info on that. Just started that book this evening. Also received book #6 – “Planted Evidence” by Kristi Holl — it is also incorrectly invoiced as book #10 but the mailer shows it correct as book #6.
Wish Annie’s would get this invoicing issue straightened out — almost has me driven to drink. Just very confusing to try and keep up with what you have and haven’t received.
Looking forward to both of these Victorian Mansion Flower shop books at any rate.
Hope everyone is good and enjoying beautiful fall foliage. Spectacular in our area these days!
Virginia
Heidi M says
Looks like there is a new series coming out soon! The website has a new spot for it but so far only has the title. I am so excited to see what it is about even though I am still working my way through so many of the series.
Virginia F says
The Inn at Magnolia Harbor.
I’ve been expecting a new series and have been checking their site frequently. I have only 2 books to come in the Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries (just got #22 yesterday) and 7 left in the Castleton Manor Library series (got #17 yesterday, as well); so I knew that something had to be going on behind the scenes with them.
Would love to know how many Amish books there are going to be. I did bump the frequency of receiving that series back as I’m just getting too many too fast. A lot of money and storage problems. I love the characters by the end of the book but I prefer the format of one heroine and her close knit group of friends. I want to finish the books, unless it appears that Hearts of Amish will go on forever and then I’ll cancel.
I’ll also wait on Magnolia Harbor until I get information from Annie’s in the mail. Usually there is a mail order offer for the first book @ $1.99 + shipping. I get frustrated waiting for the card but love getting it for that price.
Happy Halloween everyone!
Virginia
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Ooooh, I didn’t know they had a spot for The Inn at Magnolia Harbor already. I’m so excited!
I wrote Book One of this series, and my understanding is that it should be coming out in January. I hope you all enjoy it.
Liz Penney says
I wrote book 2 and I’m excited to see this series in print too! A lovely new series for Annie’s readers.
Heidi M says
I am glad to hear that you are involved in this series, too. I just finished one of your books from the Antique Shop Mysteries, Rigged for Murder. I really loved it, and I even caught my husband reading some of it.
Liz Penney says
Thank you Heidi! I love writing for these series and it’s great to hear when a reader enjoys a book!
Heidi M says
I am glad to hear that the series is coming out soon and that you wrote the first book. It had been a long time since I have read one of your books.
I am in the middle of several of the series and have only finished three series so far. I am due to have my third son in February and am expecting to spend a lot of time reading while nursing in the middle of the night. I was introduced to the Attic series two years ago right after I had my second.
Thanks so much for providing such great reading for me.
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
I don’t know which series you’re reading, but I have done books for Annie’s Attic, Secrets of the Quilt, Mysteries of the Castleton Manor Library, and Antique Shop Mysteries. I hope you’re enjoying whichever series you’re on. There are certainly lots to choose from. 😀
Congratulations on your new little one. 🙂
Virginia F says
Well I’m pretty darn confused. Annie’s has now taken down the box for the Magnolia Inn Series. I also see there is a Scottish Bakehouse series that I’ve not seen anything on anywhere. How am I so in the dark about this stuff.
Anyway, Book #22 in the Chocolate Shoppe series is “Shoofly Die” and is written by our own Jan Fields. Jan totally outdid herself with this book. I was literally laughing out loud more often than not. I absolutely love how she develops characters that we’re just meeting or those that we don’t know too well. A great read and I am so sorry that there are just 2 books left in this series.
Just started Castleton Manor “A Fatal Yarn” by Allie Pleiter. Just starting the second chapter so I don’t know too much about it. Though let me just say that I know who I hope is the character to be murdered. If it turns out that way, they are very deserving of it. LOL!
Also finished reading “Digging Up Secrets” and “Planted Evidence” in the Victorian Flower Shop series. Both were well written and enjoyable. I just haven’t made the connection with this series, much like the Creative Woman Series, that I usually do.
Danna, please let me know how you got all of these titles, authors and information on two new series. With Chocolate Shoppe almost finished and Castleton Library winding down rapidly, I figured there was at least one new series in the works.
Glad to see that there will be only 25 in the Hearts of Amish series. I can’t see me subscribing to another series that isn’t a series. I need a connection, long term, and every book is about different characters. By the time I start developing the attachment, the book is about over and wham, next book I have to start from scratch.
Hope all is well with everyone!
Virginia
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, I got an email from another site reader who said they had asked for a list of titles and such from Annie’s. I tried to contact them years ago for something similar and got nowhere, so I don’t know if the other reader knows someone at the company or if they’ve changed their policy, but either way I’m glad to have the information.
Liz Penney says
Virginia, yes there are more series coming very shortly! I can’t say much because it’s up to Annie’s to announce. But as usual, they will be fun to write—and to read!! Thanks for being such a loyal fan. You too Heidi. And Danna, appreciate you listing the books on here, the best site for cozies on the web.
Virginia F says
Liz:
I just don’t understand why the box was in place on their page for the Magnolia Inn and then was taken down. The cat is out of the box at this point.
Thanks for all the great writing you do. It’s fun to have some of the authors check in from time to time!
Virginia
Liz Penney says
I’m guessing it was a “boo-boo” and with the series releasing soon, we’ll see it return.
Heidi M says
I received the first book of the new series! I haven’t started it yet since I am in the middle of about 6 other series from Annie. I really like the description of the characters and the plot so I am excited to start it soon.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks Heidi! Let us know how it goes!
Virginia F says
How weird, these comments seemed to have disappeared and then this morning, voila, they reappeared.
Last post here for me. Cancelled the Hearts of Amish Country series as I just did not like the changing characters with each book.
I’m finishing up Castleton Manor and the Flower Shop series’ and then hanging up the Annie’s mysteries.
I love the Castleton characters, especially my favorite feline Rumpy. For whatever reason, Kaylee rubs me a little off, much like the Creative Woman heroine. Different characters appeal to different people, I would suppose is the official explanation for that.
Regardless, most of the time I can tell you who the heroine is going to end up marrying after I’ve finished the first book. It’s all a question of timing and how much skirting of the issue Annie’s chooses to have written. Mostly I enjoy the dancing and skirting around. Charming in a wholesome, old-fashioned way and refreshing, to a point. Unfortunately, I also know with probably 95% accuracy who will be murdered and who will be the doer within the first few chapters. So, I find myself not enjoying these books like I enjoyed the original Annie’s series. For me, the biggest difference was that there was no murder in Annie’s, mostly misguided people or returning items that had been given to Annie’s grandmother for safekeeping. I guess I’m old enough and the world has changed enough, and not in a good way, that reading of one or more multiple murders in each book, has no charm for me.
That coupled with a price increase and more shipping mistakes from Annie’s than their should be that I’m no longer purchasing their new books. I’ll haunt our library and check books out there, since we no longer have a local book store.
I truly enjoyed Annie’s Attic. My enjoyment has dropped with each additional series so it’s time for a change.
I hope all continue to enjoy the series’ that they continue to read.
Adios and happy reading!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, I’m sorry to hear that you’re dropping the last of the Annie’s series that you were still following! I did always look forward to your posts and appreciated your help keeping the lists of books and authors accurate, but if you’re not enjoying them any more, there’s no real reason to keep paying for them. Thanks for coming around so often with updates.
K.D. McCrite says
I’m sorry to see that Virginia is stepping away from the Annie’s mysteries, but I have to admit I understand. To me, “mystery” does not have to mean murder. It can be anything that presents a puzzle and leads someone to uncover information, bit by bit, until the character (and the reader) are satisfied with the knowledge gained. God bless you, Virginia, and may you find good books to your heart’s content. –kd
Liz Penney says
Virginia, as one of the authors I always enjoyed hearing your feedback! I do want to mention the Magnolia Harbor books that are now coming out from Annie’s. No murders, just heartwarming women’s fiction in the vein of Debbie Macomber’s Rose Harbor Inn series. Best to you, we appreciate your input so much!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I know I have mentioned this before, but I sure do wish Annie’s and Guideposts would open up a forum for people who would like to talk to others about their different series. I think that would be a great “customer service” area…
Liz Penney says
I agree, Danna, and I can pass the suggestion along.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Liz, I think one of their authors was going to pass the suggestion along already, but it would be great if you would do that. I’m guessing that these forums would have a lot of members!
Heidi M says
I wanted to chime in to say that I am still a huge fan of Annie’s Fiction. I prefer them over the Guidepost series. I am way behind in the series compared to Virginia so maybe they are still fresh for me.
I have finished the Creative Woman, Annie’s Attic, Quilted Mysteries, and the Antique Shop. I am in the middle of all the rest, and I can only get two or three a month due to financial restraints. My favorite of all of them is the Castleton Library Series.
I have an intense job as a therapist to children and adolescents so it is nice to read books that are light and comfortable. I also just had my third son 7 weeks ago so I am spending late nights up with him and reading to keep myself awake.
I will try to take over in keeping you informed about the titles although I doubt I will be as thorough as Virginia. I will miss her commentary and reviews.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Heidi, thanks! I certainly appreciate any help keeping these pages up to date.
Liz Penney says
Heidi, so nice to hear! And congratulations on son #3!
MERRY Gayle SMITH says
Can you buy the last 2 books in theAnnie’s Attic Mystery Series without having to join the club. 29 and 30 are the only 2 books i need to complete my collection.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Merry, I don’t know – I have no association with Annie’s Attic. I know you couldn’t order specific books a number of years ago, so I somewhat doubt it. You might have luck on a site like Amazon or EBay though if you’re fine with a used copy.
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
Hi, Merry!
I’m the author of #29, The Legacy in the Attic. I have ONE copy left. Contact me at MissWrite@sbcglobal.net 🙂