Cozy Mysteries Recommendations – September 2013

Comments

1. AnneL says

   September 26, 2013 at 10:12 am

   I just finished reading the first 3 books by Maddy Hunter. I thought they were so hilarious!! I’ll be getting the rest of them shortly.
   Alpine for You, Top O’ the Mournin’ and Pasta Imperfect! Very good cozy.

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   • Jackie J. Griffey says

     September 27, 2013 at 10:21 am

     My daughter and I have just finished reading Mary Daheim’s latest, Gone With the Win, her B & B series, and are ordering now Sue Grafton’s W, the latest in her series. Also read this past week, Diane Mott Davidson’s latest, The Whole Enchilada – her Goldylocks catering series. All of them great reading.

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2. Libby Dodd says

   September 26, 2013 at 10:41 am

   It was a busy month
   Last Diner Standing by Terri L. Austin
   Double Whammy by Gretchen Archer
   Cover Story by Erika Chase
   Sketch a Falling Star by Sharon Pape
   Veiled Revenge by Ellen Byerrum
   Not a cozy, but fun Muddle and Win The Battle for Sally Jones by John Dickinson

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3. Lynn T. says

   September 26, 2013 at 10:53 am

   I was unable to share two books that I read during August so would like to add them to this list.

   In January, I recommended The Blue Virgin to this list by M.K. (Marni) Graff. It was set in Oxford England. Marni Graff is an American author who writes English mysteries that are described as a blend of a cozy and a police procedural. The Green Remains is the second book in the series and is set in the Lake District in England. Nora Tierney is an American children book author who is living in England. She is waiting for the birth of her baby boy as a single parent after the death of her fiance.

   I like this series due to the characters, plotting and the location. If you like English mysteries with a strong female protagonist and a atmospheric location, I think you would like this series. I liked the first book a lot which was set in the Oxford location but I enjoyed this book perhaps even more. I read that the author is working on a third book called the Scarlet Wench.

   The other book that I enjoyed which is entirely different than the Marni Graff books was If Bread Could Rise to the Occasion by Paige Shelton. This was the third book of the series and it is truly a fun series. The location is Broken Rope, Missouri which is rich in history of notorious characters and events from the past. Betts and her Grams run a Country Cooking School.

   I do not read a lot of paranormal mysteries but the ghosts from the past in this series really help make the books so interesting. They seem very real and become real characters in the book. Also, this series always has two mysteries-one from the past and a current one. This series has become one of my favorites of the new contemporary cozy series.

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4. Janice says

   September 26, 2013 at 2:42 pm

   I read about a dozen books this month. Two of my favorites were “Looming Murder” by Carol Ann Martin and “Plum Deadly” by Ellie Grant (a new pseudonym of Jim and Joyce Lavene.) Both books had very engaging characters and interesting locations. I’m looking forward to reading more books in these series. I would also highly recommend “How the Light Gets In” by Louise Penny. I think that anyone who has followed this series will be gratified by the conclusion of this novel. I do appreciate your web site for introducing me to so many wonderful writers.

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   • MJ says

     September 26, 2013 at 8:40 pm

     Janice,

     I also read Plum Deadly and thought it was a distinct departure (writing style, format) from the Lavene’s other series (Sharyn Howard, Renaissance Faire, and Missing Pieces).

     Didn’t you love, love the last page? So funny! I actually laughed out loud. Sorry fellow blog readers, I can’t give it away.

     Reply

     • Janice says

       September 27, 2013 at 3:26 pm

       I also enjoyed the ending of this book and it makes me eager to read the next installment in the series. As I recall, the first book in their new JJ Cook series ends the same way, setting up the next book. The Lavene’s really know how to keep readers hooked.

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5. Karen L. says

   September 26, 2013 at 5:27 pm

   I read these books:

   April Fool Dead by Carolyn Hart

   R is for Ricochet by Sue Grafton – I got behind in the series and forgot where I left off,(note to self: make a check off list!) I re read this book and enjoyed it the second time as well!

   S is for Silence by Sue Grafton – I love Kinsey who likes to think she it tough (but is really a softie). I would love to have a glass of chardonnay with her and her landlord, Henry). This series takes place in an area of California that I know very well.

   Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck – I read this on my Kindle. I love to read books with recipes, even though I have never tried any. This was the first book in the series.

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6. MJ says

   September 26, 2013 at 7:55 pm

   Several first books of a new series have recently been released, so I decided to read a few of them.

   Multiple Exposure — Ellen Crosby

   I hadn’t known Crosby wrote another book until someone mentioned it on this blog’s August’s recommendation list (it wasn’t in the new releases). Ah-h-h-h-h, the value of the recommendation lists (kudos to Danna)!!! Since I read Crosby’s wine series, I certainly wanted to try her new series.

   This is a very good book with an international mystery flavor. Sophia Medina is a photojournalist. She quits her job and returns to DC after finding blood and signs of struggle upon entering her London home. Her CIA operative husband is missing and presumed dead. There are plenty of twists and turns to this fast paced mystery involving Russians and Faberge Eggs. The reader gets an inkling to the protagonist, but the ending is still a surprise. This is a smart read with no offensive language, bedroom scenes, etc. I think most readers of this blog (even though there are a variety of reading tastes) will enjoy this book. I give this book several stars!!

   It’s a departure for Crosby, but an exceptional read. Ellen Crosby is an excellent writer, always weaving together a good story. I just hope that with the success of this series, it doesn’t mean the end of her wine series. There still are ‘side stories’ to be completed in that series.

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   Death, Taxes, and a French Manicure – Dianne Kelly

   I’m a little wary of recommending this book. So first of all, I have to state there are some ‘steamy’ scenes and some foul language sprinkled throughout the book. I found it easy to skip over the page(s) of the ‘steamy’ scenes and ignore the objectionable (to me) language. Ordinarily I wouldn’t have read this book, but I continued because the novelty, creativity, and intelligence of the story caught my attention. The series features a protagonist (Tara), an IRS agent in the Criminal Investigation Division who investigates tax dodgers.

   Frankly, the first word (death) of the title doesn’t make any sense because no murder is committed (imagine my surprise as I keep wondering who’s going to die!). However, there are other crimes to solve. In one plot, this IRS agent goes undercover with a female DEA agent to catch a drug dealer. However, the main story centers around a bank president, a prominent businessman who is commandeering an international ponzi scheme, and a budding romance with a landscape architect with questionable ties to both of these men. Both plots are exciting, but they are unrelated. Several twists and turns in these plots holds the readers interest throughout the book as the ‘good guys’ get into precarious and deadly situations.

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   Scrapbook of Secrets – Mollie Cox Bryan

   This new series has a very unique/complex set of characters. At first their diversity of personalities causes friction, but they all come together nicely throughout the story. The narrative goes between characters, not just with the protagonist – a plus to the reader, as one gets better insights to more characters. I have to enjoy the characters (good and bad) and their interaction before I continue with the book. This hits the mark.

   The mystery story itself is atypical and intriguing with an unpredictable plot. It utilizes old photos/files/scrapbooks to solve the mystery. Adding to the appeal of this book is the intertwining of some social issues/secrets into the storylines. The story is set in Cumberland Creek, Viriginia.

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   Clammed Up — Barbara Ross

   This is the first of a series (Maine Clambake Mystery) by a ‘new to the cozy genre’ author. As the lead character (Julia Snowden) returns to her small hometown in Maine to help save their family clambake business, many problems including murder ensues. Family conflicts/misunderstandings give this story an intriguing edge.

   The characters are well crafted and the plot(s) have many interesting turns. Ross is VERY descriptive of the picturesque environment of this Maine location, which makes the read quite pleasurable (and a desire to visit!!). The beginning/budding ‘romance’ angle is questionable. I highly disagree with the direction the author chose to go. But then perhaps, (I’m hoping) that direction might change in future books.

   Ross executed this story with excellent story telling skills/believable characters – a good debut mystery.

   By the way, we have often posted comments about pseudonyms on this blog. Ross has an interesting take on this subject. It can be found by going to her website (http://www.maineclambakemysteries.com), and then to her facebook page.
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   Bran New Death – Victoria Hamilton

   I’ve read and enjoyed Victoria Hamilton’s Vintage Kitchen Mystery series, so I thought I’d read, “Bran New Death”, the first book in her new Merry Muffin Mystery series. However as I initially started reading it I didn’t like the main character or premise. I was ready to put it down, but continued to read (even past the ‘oft discussed’ 50 pages!). Wow!! I’m sure glad I did. What an interesting array of characters – unique, different, and complex. Merry (main character) inherits an old castle in upstate New York. I did detect another cozy writer ‘formula’, though. The lead character ‘must move’ from NYC to a small distinctive community!!

   Merry plans to stay in this community just long enough to minimally fix up the castle for resale. Well…….we all know how that goes. The story involves the accidental (?) death of Merry’s uncle and the murder of two other characters. This story is convoluted in several different ways, but that is a positive. Even though it starts out slow, it picks up the pace quickly, holding the readers interest and making it difficult to put the book down.

   Several of the characters are endearing/engaging and you want to continue to read more about them, even when the story is finished. I am REALLY looking forward to the next book. Hopefully I won’t have to wait a whole year, but most likely I will. I am so glad I went beyond page 50…………………….

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7. Linda says

   September 26, 2013 at 9:24 pm

   My September favorites:
   *The Double Wedding Ring by Clare O’Donohue–I really enjoy this series. It is filled with such warm and caring characters. The books are well written and always interesting and enjoyable. Family and friends are an important part of these books. The Double Wedding Ring is the fifth book in this series.

   Llama of Death by Betty Webb–The protagonist in this book is a zookeeper. Informative animal facts are carefully woven throughout the story but they never ‘bog’ down the mystery. Llama of Death is the third book in this series.

   Skeleton in the Family by Leigh Perry–I have to admit that I walked by this book on three separate occasions before I decided to try it. The premise is a bit unusual (the skeleton is “alive”) so I wasn’t sure if it was for me. I’m glad I gave it a try. The story is interesting, and the characters are very likable. I found myself smiling even while I groaned at all the bone puns. This was an enjoyable read, and I’ll try Book 2 when it comes out.

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8. Judith says

   September 26, 2013 at 9:46 pm

   This month I read the first book in a new series by Liz Mugavero, Kneading to Die. This is an engaging start to the the series with the introduction of a number of interesting characters. While the main mystery is resolved in this book, there are threads of other stories about the characters that have me looking forward to the next book in the series.

   The other cozy mysteries I really enjoyed this month are all several books into the series. I recommend starting these series at the beginning. The first was Grace Takes Off, the latest Manor House Mystery by Julie Hyzy. Although the book starts off with Grace and Bennett in Italy, they soon return home with the supporting cast of characters that I have come to know and love from the previous books.

   The next was the latest in Ella Barrick’s Ballroom Dance Mystery series, Homicide Hustle. Stacy accepts an offer to have her studio involved in a reality tv show. This time neither she nor her instructors is a suspect, but Stacy is worried about her studio getting a reputation for murder rather than dancing, so she does some investigating. This is another fun entry to the series, where I learn a little about competition dancing along with the mystery.

   Finally, I read the latest in the Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series, Vampires, Bones, and Treacle Scones by Kaitlyn Dunnett. One of the interesting thing about this book is that, while the original set-up and the murder take place around Halloween, the book actually covers a several month time period as life goes on while the mystery is being solved.

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9. Susan Sundwall says

   September 27, 2013 at 6:39 am

   I recently attended the world’s leading mystery writer’s convention, Bouchercon 13, held in Albany, NY last week. I only live 25 minutes away. I sat next to Marni Graff during one of the panels and she invited me to send my book, The Red Shoelace Killer, to her so she can read it and write a review. How cool is that? The book is on its way. I also had a brief encounter with Sue Grafton in the ladies room. I asked her why she’d stood to sign books the day before and she said she likes to look her readers in the eye. Excellent! Anne Perry was also there as well as Tess Gerritsen and Louise Penny. An overwhelming and unforgettable week! I’m reading Penny now and loving it.

   Reply

   • Danna - cozy mystery list says

     September 27, 2013 at 11:00 pm

     How exciting, Susan! How totally cook that Marni Graff is going to be reading your The Red Shoelace Killer! You must have had a tremendous time at Bouchercon! Absolutely terrific!

     Reply

     • Susan Sundwall says

       September 28, 2013 at 6:50 am

       It was the highlight of my year. Still in recovery. LOL

       Reply

10. Sheila says

    September 27, 2013 at 7:09 am

    Reading for September
    The Whole Enchilada – Diane Mott Davidson
    Eggs In Purgatory – Laura Childs
    Eggs Benedict Arnold – Laura Childs
    Bedeviled Eggs – Laura Childs
    Stake and Eggs – Laura Childs
    Murder, Plain and Simple – Isabella Alan
    Dyeing Wishes: A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery – Molly MacRae
    Clammed Up – Barbara Ross
    Pall in The Family – Dawn Eastman

    Reply

11. Amanda says

    September 27, 2013 at 8:37 am

    My Mom and I have been reading the Domestic Diva series by Krista Davis. As soon as I finish one book, she snatches it up and reads it in an afternoon and evening! I had to buy her an e-reader of her own so she can read ahead of me – LOL! I really like this series. The characters are great and the mysteries are interesting. I especially like the decorating tips and recipes!

    Reply

12. Cathy says

    September 27, 2013 at 9:51 am

    Danna, I just finished reading Lousie Penny’s lastest book “How the Light Gets In”! Oh my, it was very good. I couldn’t put it down, finished it in 3 days, I can’t wait for the next one. I would have finished it sooner but work and kids do sometimes demand I put my book down.

    Reply

13. Marla says

    September 27, 2013 at 11:04 am

    I’ve begun reading Ellery Adams Books by the Bay series. At first, I did not care for it and was going to follow your “50 page” rule, but I kept going and then really enjoyed it. I read “The Last Word” and “Deadly Cliche” and will try to get “Written in Stone”. Also read “A Cookbook Conspiracy” by Kate Carlisle, “Not the Killing Type” by Lorna Barrett, and “Out of the Frying Pan”. The end of August – mid September is the best time to catch up on reading for me, as the new television season hasn’t begun and the summer cable shows are pretty much finished.

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14. reginav says

    September 27, 2013 at 11:30 am

    I decided to keep a list of books read this month rather than rely on my uncertain memory. I have mentioned C.A. Belmond and her series, another series that I have ignored but decided to try was Rhys Bowen’s Her Royal Spyness, it was truly a good choice. I am trying Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher and for the most part they are acceptable. Some of my favorite authors have added to their series of previous books. They are: Bill Crider “Compound Murder”; Charles Todd” A Question of Honor”; Diane Davidson “The Whole Enchilada”; Laurie Berenson “Gone with the Woof”; Denise Swanson “Murder of a Stacked Librarian”; J.A. Jance “Second Chance”; Barbara Cleverly “A Spider in the Cup”. All of them proved to be very good reads. In fact with Jance’s book I read it all day and night until I finished it. I have also been reading a great deal of historical fiction. Time to return to reading Jane Haddam’s newest which is also doing surprisingly well.

    Reply

    • Lynn T. says

      September 28, 2013 at 10:48 am

      I read my first Bill Crider’s Dan Rhodes book this month called Too Late To Die and liked it very much. I liked the character of Dan Rhodes as he seemed so human. He would question his decisions at times. He wants above all to do a good job. It was a very visual book for me. I could see Dan drinking his cold bottle of Dr. Pepper and eating his hamburgers wrapped in a waxed paper. The book was written in 1986. Many of the early books in the series are $3.99 on Amazon right now. I had read many good things about this series on this site so downloaded the first book. Right after reading it, I downloaded the second book.

      I have had Jane Haddam’s first in a series book Not A Creature Was Stirring sitting in my TBR pile for a long time. Well, Christmas is approaching so will bring out the Christmas themed books in the TBR group and read. I know I could read them at any time but always seem to get distracted by another book.

      I am grateful for this site making me aware of books I have missed and new books that are coming out. I really like this site!
      Thanks Danna!

      Reply

15. Sharon says

    September 27, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    Books read in September:

    Sweet Masterpiece by Connie Shelton (A Samantha Sweet Mystery #1): This was a “free” book and I found it delightful and now am looking forward to the next. It is a typical “cozy” with a single woman starting her own business; an officer of the law she is attracted to; and the requisite interesting characters set in a small town. I’m a sucker for the traditional cozy.

    A Death in the Family by Caroline Dunford. This too was a free book I read on my Kindle. Yes, another single gal making her way in a tough world. This story takes place during the Victorian Era in England and the gal is a maid. But she will be moving up in her career in the next book. An easy read.

    The Solitary House (Charles Maddox #1) by Lynn Shepherd. I liked this book although I would not quite call it a cozy. Also set in England during the Victorian Era. Definitely a page turner.

    Town in a Lobster Stew (A Candy Holliday Mystery, #2) by B. B. Haywood. Another pleasant cozy set in a New England town with a… yes, a single woman trying to get her business(s) going. She’s lives on a blueberry farm with her Dad; works on the local newspaper; and bakes, ta da, blueberry pies for the local cafe AND fills in when needed at the bakery. Quite the inspiration for a less energetic woman like me!

    There was a book I had not mentioned last month because I wasn’t quite certain how to describe it. What had started out as a cozy series took a turn with the 10th book of the Martha’s Vineyard Mystery. A Fatal Vineyard Season by Philip R. Craig was riveting while I personally found it to be far more graphic and violent than what I usually read. It came as a surprise. I am listing it because I really like the series and the main character(s) however it does need a notice indicating it is NOT a cozy.

    Reply

16. ginger g. says

    September 27, 2013 at 9:24 pm

    HEY GUYS MY LIST IS SHORT AGAIN THIS MONTH.

    I READ THE ACCUSED BY JANA DELEON. IT IS FIRST OF THREE BOOKS IN INTRIGUE SERIES. IT IS SET IN MYSTERE PARISH, LOUISIANA. IT IS ABOUT 3 SISTERS WHO SEPARATED WHEN THEY WERE LITTLE AND ARE COMING BACK TO CLAIM THEIR INHEIRTANCE. EACH BOOK IS ABOUT EACH SISTER. THE FIRST IS ALAINA.
    I AM READING THE SECOND ONE, THE BETRAYED. AND JUST BOUGHT THE THIRD, JOLLE.

    I HAVE LIMITED READING TIME RIGHT NOW BUT I HOPE TO INCREASE THIS IN OCTOBER.

    Reply

17. Suzanne says

    September 27, 2013 at 9:36 pm

    Catching up on Carolyn Hart, Death on Demand series. Diane Mott Davidson, and Joanne Fluke, Hanna Swenson series. Also trying recipes from Davidson and Fluke books.

    Reply

18. reginav says

    September 28, 2013 at 10:45 am

    I have just finished my last September book and it did not disappoint me. In fact it supported my month of well done mysteries. The Title was “Hearts of Sand” by Jane Haddam, maybe because I live in CT, I found it most interesting. I had one more book , I wanted to read, Laurie King’s book, but as it was not part of her regular series, I decided to wait.

    Reply

19. Alfred says

    September 28, 2013 at 11:21 am

    This Month I have read 3 books all by the same Author. Hazel Holt I read Mrs. Malory Death of a Dean
    Mrs. Malory And the only Good Lawyer
    Mrs. Malory Death Among Friends

    I really like this series and the characters. Mrs. Malory is just an everyday lady who goes on about her life she lives in Taviscombe England with her son Michael and pets. She is one of the few people who never puts herself in danger like some of the other characters in books do. They are fast reads and I have entire run so looking forward to reading the series.

    Reply

    • ginger g. says

      September 29, 2013 at 1:13 pm

      Alfred I enjoy Mrs, Malory too. I believe there are 20 in the series. A new one came last year.

      Reply

20. Patti S. says

    September 28, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    I read the following books:

    Death Al Dente- Leslie Budewitz
    Bran New Death-Victoria Hamilton

    I also read a book called Rules of Murder by Julianna Dearing. This is the first book in a new series. If you like Agatha Christie, I think you will like this book. It is about Drew Farthering, a stylish 1930’s English gentleman. He loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate.

    Happy reading, everyone!

    Reply

21. Vicki says

    September 28, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    I haven’t seen this author listed on the site, but I just read all three books in Cindy Blackburn’s Cue Ball series, and I found them very well written and entertaining. The first one, Playing with Poison, was only 99 cents.

    Reply

22. Elaine says

    September 29, 2013 at 9:34 am

    I read the following in September
    Dead Weight – Lori Avocato
    Final sentence – Daryl Wood Gerber
    Mind over Murder – Allison Kingsley
    Stick a Fork in It – Robin Allen
    All of the books above were good & will read more in each series.
    The books listed below were all very good!
    Mayhem at the Orient Express – Kyle Logan – this was first in the series that I loved the concept & characters.
    Pies & Prejudice – Ellery Adams – really good
    Wave Good Bye -Lila Dare/Joanna Slan Campbell – new author for this series & it was even better.
    Living with Kids – Mike Befeler – everyone that likes cozy should read this series it is unique & fun.

    Reply

23. Vicki says

    September 29, 2013 at 11:08 am

    I noticed you added Cindy Blackburn’s Cue Ball series to the list at the top of the page; however, Three Odd Balls isn’t the first in the series, it’s the third. The first in the series is Playing with Poison (only 99 cents on kindle right now). I recommend reading them in order as there are references to the first two books in Three Odd Balls.

    The main character in the series is an author of racy historical romance novels, and there are some humorous (and totally G rated) excerpts from whatever novel she’s working on interspersed with the mystery and action in each of the books. There’s also a cast of quirky and likeable secondary characters, as well as a romantic interest for the main character as the series develops. I do hope Blackburn is planning more books in the series.

    Reply

    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      September 30, 2013 at 10:33 pm

      Thanks, Vicki, for letting me know about the correction. I wasn’t sure which of the book was the first in the series. (I made the correction.) Thanks, again!

      Reply

24. andrea says

    September 29, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    Hi
    I have had a busy month of reading.
    Carola Dunn Black Ship, The Bloody Tower, Case of the Murdered Muckraker
    Catriona McPherson (highly recommended) After the Armistice Ball and Burry Man’s Day
    Barbara Cleverly Bright Hair About the Bone
    Margery Allingham Police at the Funeral
    Gladys Mitchell Come Away Death
    Kate Atkinson Case Histories
    Also just finished Charlie Lovett the Bookman’s Tale – maybe not strictly a cosy but a fantastic book about antiquarian pursuits in US and UK.

    Reply

25. Stephanie says

    September 29, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    Danna,

    I just wanted to say thank you!! I am fairly new to the cozy mystery scene. I love Joanne Fluke, BB Haywood, Stephanie Bond, and Leslie Meier. I was looking for a new to me cozy to read and came across Lee Hollis on your site. Read the first one and am now on the second and hooked. Have the 3rd and 4th book on my list of must reads. Also I should mention I live in Maine, three out of the five authors I listed write cozies based in Maine.

    Reply

    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      September 30, 2013 at 10:48 pm

      Welcome to the Cozy Mystery site, Stephanie. You’ll find a lot of fans of Joanne Fluke, B.B. Haywood, Stephanie Bond, Leslie Meier, and Lee Hollis here. I’m so glad you posted a comment.

      Living in Maine, you must be getting ready for a beautiful autumn! Lucky you!

      (I can’t remember what New England state Kate Borden‘s Peggy Jean Turner Mystery Series is set in, but you might enjoy giving those mysteries a try. I loved them!)

      Reply