February is almost over, so it’s time to discuss our favorite Cozies that we read this month!
If you read a Cozy mystery this month and want to recommend it to the rest of us, be sure to post it here! For this month, I read the first entry of Krista Davis’s Paws and Claws Mystery Series. For the reasons I want to recommend it, be sure to check out the blog entry!
So, what have you been reading that you can recommend in February? 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 February 2023 that you want the rest of us to know about, and why did you enjoy it?
Ellie Alexander (aka Kate Dyer-Seeley): Bakeshop Mystery Series
Donna Andrews: Meg Langslow Mystery Series
Rhys Bowen: Royal Spyness Mystery Series
V.M. Burns: Mystery Bookshop Mystery Series
E.J. Copperman (aka Jeffrey Cohen): Haunted Guesthouse Mystery Series
Krista Davis: Paws and Claws Mystery Series AND Domestic Diva Mystery Series
Helena Dixon: Miss Underhay Mystery Series (first entry Murder at the Dolphin Hotel)
Harper Lin: Bookish Cafe Mystery Series (first entry A Book to Kill For)
Meg Macy: Teddy Bear Mystery Series
Olivia Matthews: Spice Isle Bakery Mystery Series
Carol J. Perry: Witch City Mystery Series
Leigh Perry (aka Toni L.P. Kelner): Family Skeleton Mystery Series
Linda Reilly: Grilled Cheese Mystery Series
Raquel V. Reyes: Caribbean Kitchen Mystery Series (first entry Mango, Mambo, and Murder)
Cynthia Riggs: Martha’s Vineyard Mystery Series
Robert Thorogood: Marlow Murder Club (first entry The Marlow Murder Club)
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.
adrienne p says
Helena Dixon Murder on Board is excellent
yAlliekTja says
Suggest the Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen.
Lily says
Love this series!
Marjo says
I finished the Krista Davis The Diva says cheesecake. I really enjoy this series. In this particular book I felt like the characters melded together into a cohesive group that reflects how long term friends have a rhythm together that is just so comfortable. I think this book nailed that in the midst of a fun mystery story line.
Suzanne Anderson says
I’ve just begun reading cozy mysteries in earnest, so I would appreciate any recommendations.
In January I read, Bearly Departed by Meg Macy. I enjoyed it because it is set in a teddy bear shop. I would have liked more detail about teddy bears.
In February I read, Live and Let Pie. by Ellie Alexander. I appreciate her attention to detail in describing running a business and the delicious desserts she made for the bakery.
I hope to read 2 – 3 cozies in March. I’ve just started Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs. And next, I’ll read her Eggs on Ice cozy.
As you can see, I’m not reading any of these series in order…it’s actually what I can find available from my library to download to my kindle.
Since I am new to this sub-genre, I’d appreciate any recommendations you have. Thank you!
MendoGirl says
Hi Suzanne – Laura Childs is one of my favorites.
You might also want to try Kate Carlisle’s Fixer Upper Mysteries. The first one is Crowned and Moldering.
Happy reading!
MJ says
Suzanne,
Since MendoGirl suggested K. Carlisle’s fixer upper series, I’d also suggest her Bibliophile series. It is excellent. It’s best read in order, though.
MJ says
I also wanted to add this to my previous email……..
Suzanne,
You can get a list if an author’s series at this site. If you’d like to read them in order (recommended for most series), and your library doesn’t have a copy, you can order it through ILL. I believe all libraries have this service. Ask your librarian to help you do this.
ginger says
I read Carol J. Perry series Witch City. The first book in the series. Caught Dead Handed. I enjoyed it, but figured out who done it two-thirds of way through, which was ok. Cannot wait to get the second book in series.
Nancy E says
I really enjoy this series! So far I’ve read the first three and am looking forward to reading them all.
Regina Williams says
I read so many great books this month but I want to highlight 2
1. The Plot is Murder by V.M. Burns book 1 in her Mystery Bookshop series was so good I just couldn’t put it down! I loved Samantha Washington and her Grandma Jo & the Girls. Samantha is also writing an historical cozy mystery and love the mystery within a mystery. This was a fast paced and fun read.
2. Against the Currant by Olivia Matthews the first book in her Spice Isle bakery series that is set in Little Caribbean Brooklyn, NY and again a great kick off. I loved Lindsay and her family. I just couldn’t put this book down. Read it in 24 hours
Suzanne says
Hi Regina,
Based on your positive review, I’ve added both of these to my TBR and purchased The Plot is Murder. Thank you!
Susy S says
I have been re-reading the Meg Langslow series by Donna Andrews. I had nearly forgotten how funny they are. Between her family and the residents of their small town, you will likely never find a weirder bunch of folks.
Nancy E says
This month I discovered the Family Skeleton Mystery series by Leigh Perry. So far I’ve only read the first book, but I’ve ordered the others and can’t wait to read them. What a fun series! I always enjoy the ghost/paranormal types of series, and this one is a new twist on that theme with a family skeleton…..yes, a real skeleton who “adopts” a family after saving the life of the daughter, Georgia. She names him Sid since he can’t remember anything about when or how he became a skeleton. This, naturally, becomes the theme of the first book. It is a thoroughly enjoyable story with truly likeable characters and a good solid mystery. Unfortunately, there are only six books in the series, and I haven’t found any indication that she plans to write any more.
Leigh Perry says
Trust me, I’m working on another…
Nancy E says
Yay!! So glad to hear that. I’ll be looking forward to it. I love Sid!!
Bill says
Cynthia Riggs Martha’s Vineyard mysteries
Suzanne says
I looked up the series on Amazon, what beautiful covers! I purchased Shooting Star. Thanks for the recommendations!
Nancy E says
Oh yes! These are really good!
Fortney, Sally says
I read Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking by Raquel V. Reyes. The setting is partially based on Coral Gables where my aunt used to live. I like the Spanish mixed in and love the food.
Olive Bright, Pigeoneer and A Valiant Deceit by Stephanie Graves is a World War II series about how they used pigeons to send messages in the war. Of course, Olive also solves murders. I also recommend her Lincoln White House series written as C.M. Gleason. The portrayal of Abraham Lincoln as a man burdened by the war and politics but showing his humor and compassion was wonderful. He commissions a friend to solve several murders.
Danger at the Cove was the second of the mysteries set in the Scilly Islands but on a fictional one. A nice contrast of the sisters’ personalities.
Suzanne García says
Here it is June and I’m just now reading Februarys recommendations! Better late than never! Sally, thank you for the Olive Bright recommendation! I enjoyed the Lincoln White House books so much! I just ordered the 1st Olive Bright book from my library. I will def check out the Reyes books as well!
MendoGirl says
My February recommendation is The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood.
The story follows seventy-seven year old Judith Potts who lives in an old faded mansion on the banks of the Thames, in the village of Marlow.
One day while swimming in the river, Judith witnesses the murder of her neighbor. When the police show up they think it’s most likely a suicide.
When another murder happens, Judith comes across Suzie, a dog walker, and then Becks, the very proper vicar’s wife. The three women put their heads together to stop a killer.
I really enjoyed this book. The village setting, three women who are all lonely in their own life and come together to form a true friendship. It will make you laugh out loud, especially one escapade that brings to mind Lucy and Ethel trying to retrieve a lost item.
The mystery is excellent. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist turned up. The solution was very satisfying and something I don’t remember in any other story I’ve read. But the best part is the friendship that was formed.
I’m really hoping Mr. Thorogood writes more stories about these women.
Suzanne says
Your description makes me want to read the book!
MendoGirl says
Thanks! I hope you do, it was a great adventure.
jan says
I agree with Suzanne. I like your description and have added the series to my books to check out. Thanks!
Brigid Ryan says
I loved this book too. I read it last year, and am hoping for more.
Mrs. Ainee C. Beland says
A Book to Kill For: A Booklist Café Mystery by Harper Lin
I read this bookish café mystery and found it to be quite a nice read. Margaret Bell was a lovely character; charming and very likable who changed as the book went on…from being shy, uppity at times, and quiet to learning to speak her mind…when needed.
Franco says
Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly is a fantastic start to a newish cozy series! I adored the cozy little Vermont town, the deliciously described food, and the unraveling of the mystery. I think this one is a cut above the rest. The main character is as loveable as the rest of the cast. Highly recommend!
ginger says
i just started this one on Monday. I love this series.
Chasity R says
I have spent all of February listening to the Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries by E.J. Copperman. I have really enjoyed Allison’s (the main character) sarcastic/dry New Jersey humor and her pride in taking care of home repairs herself – no man needed. There is no shortage of strong, witty, sharp females characters.. including the town’s police chief, newspaper editor, Alison’s mother and 10 year old daughter. But what i have enjoyed most, is unlike so many other series, the two resident ghost that haunt the guesthouse is not a secret to a select few. Everyone knows about the ghost, so no one gets left of that part of the plot. The narrator of the audiobook does a great job with the Jersey shore accent and the perfectly timed lines to make me laugh out loud.
ginger says
There only 4 authors on this list so far that I have not read. Those authors will be added to my to buy and read list.
Janet from another planet says
Country Store Mysteries by Maddie Day
Maine Clambake Mysteries by Barbara Ross
I love all of Krista Davis’ series
Secret Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams
Claudia Russell says
I just started reading cozies and absolutely love them. Krista Davis is a wonderful author ❤️ I have read the Paws and Claws series, The Diva series, and the “Pen and Ink series.
I even messaged Ms. Davis on messenger and she replied 🥰. Great books!!!
Franj says
JM Griffin writes many great series… a newish fun one is the Jules and Bun series about Jules solving crimes with the help of Bun , her talking ( only to Jules) bunny. Her other series are the Vinne Esposito books. She needs to be on your list!
You do a wonderful job keeping us notified of all the great cozies!
Thanks!
Catherine C says
I just finished Pleading the Fish, book 7/last book in the Seaside Cafe series by Brew Baker (a.k.a. Julie Chase, Julie Anne Lindsey, and Jacqueline Frost). I also enjoy her Patience Price series also in the Outer Banks and Lacey Crocker series in New Orleans.
I’m impatiently waiting for Krista Davis’ next books. But JAL brings an “A game” full of Southern nostalgia for me because I went to college in The South. Comfort reading!