I got a letter from a cozy mystery book reader who wanted some help with the following theme. Right off the top of my head, I thought of Patrick Ruell‘s (aka Reginald Hill) Red Christmas. Can any of you think of others?
“I am wondering if you know of any new releases that have as their theme –at least in part –winter/cold/bad weather?
I know that probably most Christmas- themed mysteries would have snow,etc. as part of their story, but I’m interested in books that really use howling winds, winter, etc. as a key component? (I know that Diane Mott Davidson often has the weather as a key part of her drama, so that kind of book is good.)
I am in a writing class, and want to write a little essay about such books.
Any thoughts???
Many thanks!
Barbara”
Pam says
I just started an Aunt Dimity mystery titled Snowbound. I confess that I put it down after two or three chapters. I know I’m in the minority here – but I just didn’t care for this book. I’d never read an Aunt Dimity and was looking forward to it. Maybe someone can tell me if I’m missing something . . .
At any rate, I think it might qualify on this topic.
carol says
I love aunt dimity but like any series you HAVE to read the first if not the second book to know the characters and you will fall in love
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carol, I’m going to second what you say in this comment. I try never to read my Cozies out of their intended chronological order. The only time I make an exception to this is when I absolutely feel like I have to read a holiday Cozy. When I read a book out of sequence, I sometimes find myself lost during the first part of the book…
michelle says
I had the same experience with one of Aunt Dimity books. Sort of rambled didn’t hold my interest, I usually give a book 4/5 chapters if it isn’t interesting I quit. So many good books so little time.
Sue says
Steve Hamilton’s Alex McKnight series is set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where the seasons are Winter, Winter, Winter, and two weeks of mosquitoes and black flies. The first book in that series is “A Cold Day In Paradise”.
Keri says
The only book I can think of is Anne Perry’s “A Christmas Journey”, it’s not a new book but it fits the description. It’s not a long book so you could probably read it in a day and it’s also Victorian. I hope I was of help.
Bill says
William Kent Krueger – N Minnesota (not really a cozy – Cork O’Connor part-indian, ex-sheriff)
Sarah Graves – Maine (Jacobia Tiptree, Home Repair is Homicide series)!
Denise says
Jim Kelly’s books are set in the Fenns in England and are often in winter. Specifically I know Death Wore White happens in the snow.
Beth says
A number of Joanne Fluke’s books take place in winter in Minnesota, where weather is often another character of the story. In “Sugar Cookie Murder”, the characters are stuck at a church potluck because of the weather. Monica Ferris’ “Thai Dye” also has a storyline where the characters are stuck in a blizzard. It isn’t her newest, just released (Blackwork), but I think it came out in the last year or two.
Leslie says
Check out Winter Study by Nevada Barr. The weather is definitely a character in this mystery.
Kell says
Not to be too obvious, but Murder on the Orient Express comes to mind. : )
Sasha says
Well, they’re not exactly cozy but Kathy Reichs and Patricia Cornwell (Scarpetta). I was just thinking last night that these books make me feel cold! The action almost always happens in winter.
Brenda says
I really enjoy this site. Thanks.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi Brenda! I’m glad you enjoy the site, and hope that you are able to find an author or two to follow…
stacie says
Dana Stabenow and Sue Henry
JANET says
Deb Baker books take place in the Upper Penninsula of Mich, Murder Passes the Buck, Murder Grins and Bears It, Murder Passes the Buck, Murder Talks Turkey.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Stacie and Janet!
Patti says
Does anyone know the cozy mystery author’s name whose character runs a B&B and her last name is McGonigle and her mother lives in a cottage behind her B&B??? Thanx!
Austin Edwards says
This list was very helpful as I am looking for cozies to read in January.