I have quite a few questions from Cozy Mystery readers and right now I am making an effort to finally go through them. I am so embarrassed about how long it is taking me to post some of them. Embarrassed enough that I am not going to tell you all when these questions came in. So, you know that means they are from a while back!

This question is from Phyllis:

“I have been trying to remember the title of a cozy that I read several years ago, which mentioned some sailing in the Mediterranean with stops in Puerto Banus and Marbella, Spain…“

If you think you might know who the author or book is that Phyllis is referring to, please post a comment. Thank you!

OK, since we had such good luck yesterday in identifying the sleuth for Betts, let’s see if we can come up with this sleuth for Kathy.

Kathy writes:

“… I have read at least 2 books some time a couple of years ago that I cannot remember the author of and dearly wish to locate the series again!

The amateur sleuth is named either Andrew or possibly Matthew. He is an older gentleman living alone in a village and feels that he must start his day with some protein, and so usually nibbles a bit of cheese in the mornings. It is set in the past, but if memory serves doesn’t necessarily pinpoint exact time with reference to war or anything. Does any of this ring a bell with you?

I would appreciate any direction you might provide. It is driving me crazy! I have gone back to my library and scoured the shelves, asked them to pull up my records (they don’t go back far enough) and searched various places on the internet. I have gone through authors’ websites. I would love some help!

thank you
Kathy”

If any of you think you might hold a clue for Kathy, please post a comment. Thank you!

I am going to try to go through a few questions and/or requests for help that I have received from some Cozy Mystery readers. I have several queries to ask your help with. The first one comes from Betts. Betts writes:

“Can anyone remember or identify an author who wrote a mystery in, I think, late 1980s or 1990s about a woman who ran a tai chi or meditation studio and had a beautiful Akita? Would appreciate…loved the book.”

We usually have a high rate of success because you all are really good about sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. So, here’s hoping!

Thank you!

As the time nears when the first mystery novel by Susie is released, I thought I would post this entry asking you all for your opinions. [I should say that we know her as “Susie” but A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate (the first in her Lucy Campion Mystery Series – which is coming out in April) will be published using her more formal name – “Susanna”.

Susie (Susanna Calkins)asked:

“… I’ve heard many writers struggle with the second book, especially when their first book was well received. I’d be so curious to know if readers usually like the FIRST book in the series the best, or do they think it takes a few books for the author to hit his or her stride.

…I’d love to hear everyone’s responses!”

Please feel free to post a comment with your opinion. Thank you!