If you read a Cozy mystery this month and want to recommend it to the rest of us, be sure to post it here! This December, I’ve read two Cozy series I feel strongly enough about to recommend: first, Ali Brandon‘s Black Cat Bookshop Mystery Series, and second, Laura Bradford’s Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery Series.
If you’re interested in reading why I’m recommending these series, you can go to the Most Popular & Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my Cozy-Mystery site for my full write-ups on each of these great Cozy series.
So, what have you been reading that you can recommend in December? Please be sure to tell us why you liked these Cozies so much. I know we’re all always on the lookout for more particularly good Cozy Mystery authors! (If you have a lot of Cozies you think are great, please post the ones you like the most at the top of the list.)
As always, please do not tell us about the Cozy Mysteries you did not like.
What really good Cozy Mystery did you read during December 2017 that you want the rest of us to know about, and why did you enjoy it?
Here are the current recommended authors who some of you have read and recommended this past month:
Adele Abbott: Witch P.I. Mystery Series (first entry Witch Is When It All Began)
Kristi Abbott: Popcorn Shop Mystery Series
Victoria Abbott (Writing duo Mary Jane Maffini & daughter Victoria Maffini): Book Collectors Mystery Series
Ellery Adams (aka J. B. Stanley, Jennifer Stanley, & 1/2 of Lucy Arlington): Books by the Bay Mystery Series AND Secret, Book & Scone Society Mystery Series
Donna Andrews: Meg Langslow Mystery Series
Alice K. Boatwright: Ellie Kent Mystery Series
Laura Bradford: Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery Series
Ali Brandon: Black Cat Bookshop Mystery Series
Emily Brightwell: Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series
Allison Brook: Haunted Library Mystery Series (first entry Death Overdue)
Laura Childs (aka Gerry Schmitt): Tea Shop Mystery Series
Edie Claire: Leigh Koslow “Never” Mystery Series
Cleo Coyle (aka Alice Kimberly): Coffeehouse Mystery Series
Vicki Delany (aka Eva Gates): Year-Round Christmas Mystery Series
Kaitlyn Dunnett (aka Kathy Lynn Emerson): Liss MacCrimmon Mystery Series
Barbara Early (aka Beverly Allen): Vintage Toy Shop Mystery Series
Dawn Eastman: Family Fortune Mystery Series
Sarah Fox: Pancake House Mystery Series
Jacqueline Frost (aka Julie Chase and Julie Anne Lindsey): Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series
Sally Goldenbaum: Seaside Knitters Mystery Series
Kerry Greenwood: Phryne Fisher Mystery Series
Nancy Haddock: Silver Six Crafting Mystery Series
Leigh Hearon: Carson Stable Mystery Series (first entry Reining in Murder)
Cheryl Hollon: Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery Series
Sue Ann Jaffarian: Odelia Grey Mystery Series
Craig Johnson: Walt Longmire Mystery Series (first entry The Cold Dish)
Alexander McCall Smith: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series
Jenn McKinlay (aka Josie Belle & Lucy Lawrence): Library Lover’s Mystery Series
Liz Mugavero (aka Cate Conte): Pawsitively Organic Mystery Series
Gail Oust: Spice Shop Mystery Series
Katherine Hall Page: Faith Fairchild Mystery Series
Nancy J. Parra (aka Nancy Coco and Nell Hampton): Perfect Proposals Mystery Series
Louise Penny: Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Series
Rose Pressey: Haunted Vintage Mystery Series
D. M. Quincy: Atlas Catesby Mystery Series (first entry Death in May)
Deanna Raybourn: Veronica Speedwell Mystery Series
Patricia Rockwell: Essie Cobb, Senior Sleuth Mystery Series (first entry)
Barbara Ross: Maine Clambake Mystery Series
Paige Shelton: Dangerous Type Mystery Series
Fran Stewart: Scotshop Mystery Series
Denise Swanson: Scumble River Mystery Series
Diane Vallere: Sylvia Stryker Mystery Series
Lea Wait: Mainely Needlepont Mystery Series
Cy Wyss: Eyeshine
Diana Xarissa: Isle of Man Cozy Mystery Series (first entry Aunt Bessie Assumes)
[If you click on the author’s name (blue) link, it will take you to his/her page on the Cozy Mystery site. The pages have all of the authors’ books listed chronologically.]
I will list the authors and series that have been recommended, but I urge you to read the comments below so you can see the reasons other Cozy Mystery readers thought these were their best reads of the month.
♦To access more Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations, click on this link♦
P.S. I usually don’t comment on your recommendations since they speak for themselves.
KG says
I liked Never Mess With Mistletoe by Edie Claire. Leigh’s mom’s house is chosen as a last minute substitution on a holiday home tour. A murder occurs about half way through the story in the house during the tour.
The story is humorous and as always the characters are well developed. I appreciate this series because we have followed Leigh from being single to the mother of two pre teens. The murderer was a bit of a surprise, because there were many suspects.
This series could go on for quite a while as now Leigh’s daughter is becoming a solver of mysteries. I look forward to reading more about her and her adventures.
Hanna says
I am making my way through Ellery Adams’ Bayside Book Club mysteries. I like the characters and the story holds my interest. If there is an Oyster Bay city, or if it is modeled after one, I would like to visit. I really like Captain Haviland, the standard poodle, who really, is one of the characters. Interesting that so many heroines have cats so this is an exception. So, again, I am grateful for the users of this site for their recommendations.
Melanie says
There are a couple of series that I’ve read and enjoyed this month.
First, I’ve read the three books in Kristi Abbott’s Popcorn Shop Mystery Series. This is a fun series. The main character, Rebecca Anderson, is spunky and her poodle sidekick, Sprocket, is a delight. The supporting characters in this series are fantastic…I especially like Garrett, Rebecca’s beau. I was able to figure out who the murderer was in the first two books fairly early on, but that did not detract from my enjoyment at all. I was still kept guessing until the actual reveal because I wasn’t 100% sure I had it right. I’m looking forward to the next release in this series. The books also contain some mouthwatering popcorn recipes.
The next book I read and enjoyed this month is the debut of the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series by Jacqueline Frost, “Twelve Slays of Christmas”. This book really puts you in the holiday spirit…the idyllic setting of a Christmas tree farm in Mistletoe, Maine – complete with a gingerbread house themed lodge and their annual Reindeer Games. Just to add to the holiday theme a little more…the main character’s name is Holly and her cat is named Cindy Lou Who. I especially liked Cookie, a family friend who runs the gift shop at the tree farm…she’s a real hoot. This is one mystery that has me stumped until right before the reveal…I didn’t have a clue whodunit. I’m looking forward the the next book in the fun and festive holiday series.
I’m currently reading “Death of a Toy Soldier”, the first book in Barbara Early’s Vintage Toy Shop Mystery Series. I’m only about halfway through it, but so far so good. I’m also partial to the story because it takes place in East Aurora, NY, which is in my backyard. It’s fun to be able to relate to the places mentioned.
robin in oregon says
I really enjoy the series by Leigh Hearon -The Carson stable Mysteries. The third one came out several days ago and I’ll be reading it this weekend. If you like horses. animals and small towns in Washington state, it’s a great cozy series. And book 4 will be released next year. If you could consider adding it to the H authors? I don’t know if Dawn Eastmann is continuing her Family Fortune series, which I love, But read her new one Unnatural Causes the other day. Wasn’t sure about it, cover and description sounded more thriller and suspense, but as they say Don’t Judge A Book….! It was great. A lovely new cozy series. A safe and Happy New Year and Great Reading to All.
Susan Koppelman says
I have two recommendations.
First is the Sue Ann Jaffarian series about Odelia Grey. I’ve just finished reading Too Big to Die which is, I think, the 12th in this series about a fat middle aged paralegal woman who is smart, has a gift for friendship, an unstoppable sense of curiosity, a passion for fairness and justice and answers, a seductive man in her life who progresses from friend to boyfriend to lover to husband while negotiating the world in his wheelchair, sharing Odelia’s love for animals and adventures of all kinds. My only gripe with this series is that I want more, more, more,and wish the author didn’t take time off to do anything other than write!
My second recommendation is a series brand new to me in the last couple of weeks. It is a series of (so far) five novels that take place in an assisted living facility by Patricia Rockwell and are called The Essie Cobb Senior Sleuth Series. Essie is 90 and she has some bladder control issues but her mind is sharp, she had a love of puzzles both crossword and real life, she has a gift for friendship, and the author has assembled an engaging cast of characters. So far, each book is keyed to a particular holiday. I especially like the series, and Essie, because the portrayal of a woman of her age seems to be to be so accurate in terms of what confounds her, what kind of energy she has, what gives her pleasure, and how she determinedly goes after what she wants to know. I also like the absence of corpses.
Betsy N says
My favorite cozy of the month was The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams. This is a first in a new series. I’ve read and enjoyed her Charmed Pie Shoppe and Book Retreat series (and have been stockpiling her Books by the Bay series from used book stores since last summer, finding all except the very first one which, thankfully, I received for Christmas!).
I loved the concept of a slightly magical town which, through the care and work of it’s inhabitants, helps to heal visitors. I loved the depth and imperfections of the main characters and the tentative building of a friendship between them. I found it to be a wonderful book that really spoke to me!
Melanie says
“The Secret, Book & Scone Society” is one of the books I received for Christmas. I’m looking forward to reading it. The premise sounds interesting and quite unique.
Margaret StashEmpress says
I really enjoyed this one as well…. all the secrets coming out ever so slowly…. and you know its going to be one of those series where the “back stories” keep coming out more & more. Very much looking forward to next in series — I do hope there will be more!
Fran McPoland says
I assume that you know that Sue Grafton has passed away. Her family says that her latest book: Y is for Yesterday is the last in the series.
This is very sad news. While she wasn’t a cozy mystery author, she was a fine writer and I feel like I’ve grown up with her primary character, Kinsey Millhone.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Fran, yes, so I’ve heard – it’s very sad news for the mystery community whenever we lose someone so influential and beloved.
Sue says
I don’t know if you’ve heard, Sue Grafton has passed away.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sue, yes, so I’ve heard. Thank you for letting me know as well.
Marie Lawlor says
I’ve been reading Victoria Abbott’s Book Collector Mysteries. Love them
Sally A Fortney says
I just read Dead in the Water by Denise Swanson. I really like how Skye and her husband work together. The author has created such great characters in Skye, her family, friends and townspeople.
Lydia says
The wonderful Emily Brightwell’s Mrs. Jeffries series and her latest entry, Mrs. Jeffries and the Three Wise Women. Also, the latest Donna Andrews’ Meg Langslow series. The Gone Gull book was particularly enjoyable since she had her Father and Grandfather playing a prominent role along with other loved family members.
Of course, for beautiful writing and keen insight into the human soul, the latest Inspector Gamache installment, Glass House, by Louise Penny.
Libby K says
I highly recommend Sally Goldenbaum’s Seaside Knitters Mysteries series. I love them because the main characters are very loveable and they don’t do anything that seems totally ridiculous as some other amateur sleuths do. There are several of them so reading all of them will occupy you for quite some time.
Sharon S. says
My favorite cozy in December was Ginger Snapped by Gail Oust. I like Piper’s spunk and enjoy learning about spices. I enjoy the humor and the friendship between Piper and Reba Mae. And having hunky Sheriff Wyatt McBride is a bonus. But my favorite cozy mystery of the year was Death in Mayfair, a debut mystery by D.M. Quincy.
Pam M. says
I just have to mention the Aunt Bessie mysteries by Diana Xarissa. The 16th book in the series is coming out on Jan. 19. If any of you are fans of the TV series, “Murder She Wrote,” you would love these books. The sleuth is an unmarried motherly type somewhere north of eighty. The setting is the Isle of Mann and Bessie is an honorary aunt to the island’s population.The books are filled with fascinating color and history about the Isle of Mann.The books are totally wholesome with warm, lovable characters. If you are an Amazon Prime member the books are free to borrow when they are issued and each book is priced at 2.99 if you buy. It’s definitely best to read the series from the beginning but not absolutely necessary. One of my favorite series ever!!!!
MJ says
December Recommendations – 2017
Death in the Stacks – Jenn McKinlay
For those of you that are McKinlay fans this is a must read. I mean, a MUST READ!! I hate to be cryptic, but don’t want to give it away here. Hopefully no one else will, either. Such a fun surprise. It’ll become apparent by page 40. In fact my daughter read this book over Thanksgiving. When I talked with her a week later I asked her if she finished the book. She immediately said, “OH, everything was so chaotic (at Thanksgiving), I forgot to tell you……….” She know right away what I was referring to. I’m glad she forgot…….so I could enjoy the dinner guest revelations.
The newly appointed board president, Olive Boyle, wants to put her imprint on running the library, with the intention of eliminating Lindsey as library director. She is caustic and has scores she wants to settle.
Lindsey has organized a library dinner fund raiser attended by most of the community’s prominent residents. Later Olive’s body is found in the stacks.
McKinlay’s mystery stories are good, and this is no exception. I didn’t guess the surprise ending. This author writes with humor and witticism. Very enjoyable.
There’s a surprise toward the end of the story…..BUT, I would have preferred it took place in another book I’ll be VERY disappointed if it represents the end of one of her series (my FAVORITE of the three)!!
————————————————————–
Body in the Casket — Katherine Hall Page
An excellent author writes another excellent book. When I started reading this book, I thought the story was again going to be another ‘off-site’ story, so I almost put it down. The last couple of books have been this way and I wanted a return to the characters readers have grown to love. After a few chapters, I saw that some of the side stores did take place in Aleford (family hometown).
Faith Fairchild agrees to cater a week-end birthday party for a famous Broadway producer (Max Dane). She’s hired because of her sleuthing reputation along with her catering abilities. Max assumes someone wants to murder him, so he invites 10 guests to his party to figure out who. Of course, this story encompasses most of the book and, as always by this author, the mystery is compelling.
BUT, but, but, I REALLY liked this book because of the side stories of the Aleford characters. We
haven’t heard about them for such a long time, it was a real treat to see some focus again on this community.
Page is a consummate story teller and weaves together another great read. Be sure to read her ‘author’s notes’ at the end of the book. She tells a VERY interesting story about her ‘Broadway’ interest, and the last sentence is a very interesting ‘reveal’.
——————————
Hark the Herald Angels Slay – Vicki Delany
I started reading this book a couple of weeks ago because of its apparent Christmas tie. Well……there is a tie, but it’s ‘Christmas in July’, not December. As snow was swirling outside my home, I had a difficult time imagining it was July in this book (even though there was constant comments about the heat)!
This series takes place in Rudolph, NY where it’s Christmas year round. This is an entertaining series as are the other series I’ve read by this author. This author also writes dialogue with humor.
Merry Wilkerson owns a gift shop – Mrs. Claus’s Treasures. She formerly worked for a NY magazine, but left when her fiancé decided he wanted to marry the owner’s niece. Staff from the magazine (including the former fiancé) come to Rudolph to feature the community in an upcoming issue.
Merry’s former fiancé (Max) is found strangled in her office store. Merry was helping Santa (her father) on the beach at the time, so she isn’t a suspect. Jackie, an employee supposedly working in the store at the time, has gone missing.
Delany develops interesting characters, many with depth. Their interactions make this a delightful read.
Melanie says
Well you’ve definitely piqued my interest in the Library Lover’s Mystery Series. I haven’t read any of Jenn McKinlay’s books yet, but I have her Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series on my wish list. Now I have two of her series on my wish list. 🙂
It looks like the Library Lover’s series is continuing for at least one more book…according to Barnes & Noble’s website, the next installment, “Hitting the Books”, is scheduled to be released on September 4th.
Susy S says
Melanie,
I highly recommend all of the Jenn McKinlay series. I devour them when I get my hands on them and now wait impatiently for the next one to be released. Because there is an interesting twist in Death in the Stacks, I recommend trying to read all the books in the other two mystery series before you read it. If you don’t, it won’t make any difference to this series, but it might give away a little too much about the other series. The twist does make me think that one series may have not been picked up for more books, but I really hope I am wrong.
Liz Hunter says
Actually the one set in the hat shop was not picked up for me, the others are still going as far as I can tell.
MJ says
Melanie, You have to read McKinlay’s three series (or at least a couple of the books in each) to appreciate the subtle hilarity (LOL funny) she cleverly incorporated into “Death in the Stacks’.
Actually, all three of her mystery series are good, but one is my stand out favorite. My advice would be to start out reading a couple of books in each of these series, rather than one whole series at a time. I doubt you’ll be disappointed in any of her books.
It wasn’t the Library Lovers series I was concerned she would end.
Melanie says
Susy S and MJ – thank you both for the suggestions with regards to Jenn McKinlay’s series. They are quite helpful. I wouldn’t have known that something in one series could be a spoiler in another series, but now I will be particular with the order in which I read the books. 🙂
Alfred says
Danna just saw on Facebook that Sue Grafton has dies she was 77 Didn’t know if you wanted to do an article on her or not. saw the article on ABC7 news in San Francisco wanted to let you know.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Alfred, so I’ve heard. It’s very sad news, and she will be missed both by fans and by the mystery community.
Sharon in Ohio says
The cozy mystery that was my favorite in December was Ginger Snapped by Gail Oust. I like Piper’s spunk as well as learning more about spices. I like the light hearted humor and Piper’s friendship with Reba Mae. And you can’t go wrong with the hunky Sheriff Wyatt McBride. My favorite cozy mystery of the year was D.M. Quincy’s debut-Murder in Mayfair. I am looking forward to the second in the series in February.
Frieda says
Just read that another great author Sue Grafton has passed
She and Kinsey will be missed
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Frieda, yes, so I’ve heard. Her death is a great loss to the mystery community.
Marianne says
I enjoyed “Christmas in Absaroka County” featuring Sheriff Longmire this season. There were four short stories that showed Longmire in a good light, especially the one in which he saved a lady parked overnight at a gas station and waiting for the Messiah. Each story was quick and fun while I was cooking dinner or baking cookies.
Jill says
My all time favorite is Laura Childs tea shop series I love all the characters. The books always leave me guessing who done it
Deborah says
I’m new to cozies and to this site so I hope this is a cozy (seems to fit the criteria) as I don’t see the author on your list. I’m reading British author Adele Abbott’s “Witch is…” series (24 books-she is pretty prolific as she wrote 9 in 2016 and 7 in 2017). The series centers on PI Jill Gooder who is OCD, always in need of work and when her biological mother died–she discovered she was a witch. Set in England, Jill now lives between two worlds-the human one and the sup(ernatural) world–which is a challenge as she can’t let any humans know she is a witch or see her do magic. Characters are quirky (includes a one-eyed cat) and interesting (humans and sups) and the mysteries are decent. Jill is addicted to the English cookie-custard cremes (LOL they start around $9 on Amazon) and you’ll start craving one if you binge on the books like I’ve been doing. Amazon has the books in their KindleFirst program you can do one after the other if you so desire.
Susy S says
Deborah, I have read one or two in that series and have enjoyed them. I think you will find others on this site that you will like as well. I suggest you try Madelyn Alt’s Bewitching Mystery series as a start. You might also like Annette Blair’s Vintage Magic series.
Liz Hunter says
You mention two of the ones i really miss, Madelyn Alt and Annette Blair, I miss both of those series, and I also read the Adele Abbott series, I haven’t read them all, but have read 3 or 4 and more on my kindle.
Janice G says
I read more than usual this month and several of my recommendations have already been mentioned. I loved Ginger Snapped by Gail Oust, the latest in this great series with such fun characters. Piper sets out to prove that the sheriff is not guilty of the murder of a woman whose body was found on his property.
Another book that I really liked was What Child Is This, the second book in a series by Alice Boatwright featuring an American professor who is married to an English vicar in a small town in the Cotswolds. At a Christmas service, Ellie finds a baby in the manger scene. The body of the mother is soon found and leads to a search for her killer. The first book came out in 2014 and I had almost given up on a second so I was pleased to find this.
I would also recommend Etched in Tears by Cheryl Hollon, Purring Around the Christmas Tree by Liz Mugavero, A Crime of Poison by Nancy Haddock, Of Spice and Men by Sarah Fox, Comic Sans Murder by Paige Shelton, and Stowed Away by Barbara Ross.
Susy S says
I read a number of books this month including several that have been recommended by others.
In addition, I read books 2 & 3 in Nancy J Parra’s perfect proposal series. I like that the main character seems to be learning how to handle murder better and not making stupid mistakes, as she did in the first book.
I also read Dangling by a Thread by Lea Wait, Murder most Frothy by Cleo Coyle and Literally Murder by Ali Brandon. The all share one thing that I like in my cozies, a woman who is smart and capable. They are all moving through major changes in their lives and learning that they get to make all the choices that matter in their live, even though others may give wanted or unwanted input.
I am currently reading Plot Boiler, the next Ali Brandon, and enjoying the interplay between Hamlet, Roma, Robert, James, Jake and Darla. I think the author does a great job of developing relationships between her characters (both human and four footed).
Margaret StashEmpress says
Anyone who remembers the long lists of great books I used to post every month will understand just how ashamed I am of such a paltry offering as this. All I can say is, Kindle Fire (and playing games thereon) has a lot to answer for…. (interestingly enough, the point of the original kindle device purchase was to *increase* my reading time — and instead has had quite the opposite effect — will future historians realize that that the birth of electronic reading devices was actually the CAUSE of the downfall of *reading* in the 21st century????) 😉
Alexander McCall Smith — the House of Unexpected Sisters (No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series) — Newest title in this series. The thing about this series is, the way it is written, presumably in keeping with the traditional way of life in Botswana, is slooooooow moving… not what is usually associated with mystery. But in between numerous cups of tea and discourses on the ills of modern society and the praises of olden times and people past (or people who have become late, as they say), somewhere along the line there is a case and Precious Ramotswe does solve it (with the help of or in spite of her secretary/assistant/codirector, as the case may be). As usual Precious comes to the truth of a story of a woman wrongfully fired from her job in an office furniture store, and along the way discovers some “unexpected sisters” of her own.
Ellery Adams — The Secret, Book & Scone Society. MJ already reviewed this and there’s nothing more that I can add to what she’s already said (far better than I) except to add that I’m really looking forward to the next in the series!
Diane Vallere — Murder on Moon Trek 1 (Sylvia Stryker series) — First in a new series by Daine Vallere, author of the Costume Shop and Material Witness series (among others). As everyone knows by now, I’m not really a fan of new series, unless they’ve got something really different than all the other good books already out there. Well this one is indeed different and I actually purchased it the first day of release. I didn’t really know what to make of it at first — is it sci fi? Or cozy? Or satire? or???? Sylvia Stryker, half human, half Plunian (she looks human except for lavender skin & some internal differences) had to leave the space academy due to family reasons except she’s always dreamed of life in space. So when the opportunity arises, she hacks her way into a position as uniform supply officer aboard the newly commissioned Moon Unit 5, a cruise space ship for the rich and privileged (Moon Units 1-3 ended in disaster and nobody even knows what happened to Moon Unit 4, those records are sealed & classified). So what could go wrong?….. First day aboard ship, Sylvia finds a dead guy in her supply closet…. he’s wearing a red uniform shirt…. uh huh… (anyone NOT familiar with original Star Trek? some anonymous crewman — in a red shirt, usually signifying security, but also engineering, ALWAYS got killed before the first commercial…) Anyway, Sylvia has to solve the murder while dealing with a mysterious head of security, a mysterious stowaway, her old boyfriend, saboteurs and space pirates — all to stay alive and out of prison (or outer space penal colony equivalent). All in all I liked it!
Katherine Hall Page — The Body in the Casket (Faith Fairchild Series) This one had me confused at first. Faith is hired to cater a weekend birthday for a wealthy client in his private enclave. Invited will be all the people who wish him ill. Someone has already sent him a casket as an “early birthday present” — and warning that someone intends to kill him. He wants Faith, in addition to providing the food, to figure out which of his guests wants to kill him — and prevent the murder. So I was expecting the bulk of the story to occur during the house party, perhaps something like an Agatha Christie story (And Then There Were None?) —- but in fact there are a number of other stories going on around and between the main story — and the house party doesn’t even take place until the very end of the book. (And yes, Faith does solve and prevent his murder, no fears). Plot very well woven!
Fran Stewart — A Wee Murder in My Shop (ScotShop series) This is the first in a new series, and I admit it has been sitting in my TBR pile for months, I kept putting it off because I’m already a fan of the Liss MacCrimmon series and I was afraid it would be a copycat series. (You know my feeling on new series that sound like other series!) Well no fears — no similarity! Peggy Winn, owner of the ScotShop (in Hamelin, Vermont, a scottish themed tourist town, where all of the men wear kilts) breaks up with her cheating boyfriend & goes off to Scotland on a planned buying trip. She finds a small shop she’s never seen before, purchases a VERY old plaid shawl (in a plaid she’s not familiar with) — and finds herself in possession of a VERY old ghost (14 century). (And of course the shop isn’t there anymore when she wants to visit again… of course it isn’t — did anyone really expect it to be????) Back to Vermont she goes, complete with shawl & ghost — only to discover the body of her ex-boyfriend, murdered in her shop. So she has to solve the mystery, with the aid of her friends and her ghost, and a hot detective — and at the end of the book we end up with a twist on the “boyfriend who’s a cop” vs. “boyfriend who’s NOT a cop” scenario, in that the “not a cop” boyfriend is a ghost… LOL! REALLY looking forward to next in series!
Deanna Raybourn — A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell series) — This is the first title in the series, but I actually read the second title first last month. (Because I came across it in the library, loved it, and then requested this first title on hold). However since the “big reveal” at the end of this book is common knowledge (at least to the main character & readers) in the second book, I strongly recommend reading THIS one first! Veronica is a very independent Victorian miss, very learned, scientific, and a butterfly expert. She lives for adventure. Which she gets in spades, beginning with ruffians attempting to kidnap her upon the death of her “aunt” (in fact an guardian unrelated to her), a German baron who rescues her (and is promptly murdered), and a reclusive bad tempered natural historian, known only by the name Stoker, who is both her protector and… more? Wholly satisfying adventure, murder gets solved, big secret revealed, and I really wouldn’t have guessed any of it had I not already read the second book! Really looking forward to the THIRD book coming out next month.
Kaitlyn Dunnett — X Marks the Scot (Liss MacCrimmon series) The original Scottish shop owner mystery series, and this new title is really good. Liss finds a hidden treasure map among a purchase from an estate sale, a multigenerational treasure hunt ensues, crisscrossing the Canadian border — which secret from which generation is the map hiding? And which one is the reason for the murder that occurs???? Excellent storytelling.
Rose Pressey — Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore (Hunted Vintage series). Cookie Chanel, owner of vintage shop “Its Vintage, Y’All” is back, together with her resident ghost, sassy socialite Charlotte and a new ghost, former PI Sam, joins them to solve the murder of a fashion designer — whom, it seems, everyone wanted dead. Lots of fun. I particularly enjoy the descriptions of the vintage clothing! (Except hearing the ’80s referred to as “vintage”, when that was the best decade of my life LOL!)
Christine O. says
Thoroughly loved reading “Death Overdue” the first in a new cozy series “A Haunted Library Mystery” by Allison Brook. Returning town resident Carrie Singleton is hired on at the library as program/event manager. She quickly discovers there is a very active library ghost – a former library staffer – who helps her solve a murder mystery. I personally enjoy spending time in my library, so reading a book primarily located in a library was interesting. It was also fun to see what Carrie’s new job entailed and how she dealt with a colleague who had wanted the job Carrie herself was hired for. It definitely didn’t hurt to have a ghost on her side when fending off the colleague’s tricks! Interesting to imagine getting a new home to rent as Carrie did – one overlooking a river bank AND next door to a mansion. Coincidentally, the mansion is home to Carrie’s childhood friend and brand new boyfriend…
Can’t wait for the second installment – “Read and Gone” which will be published in September 2018.