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 Pec Cochran’s Cranberry Cove 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 2024 that you want the rest of us to know about, and why did you enjoy it?
Ellery Adams (aka J. B. Stanley, Jennifer Stanley, & 1/2 of Lucy Arlington): Secret, Book & Scone Mystery Series
Simon Brett: Mrs. Pargeter Mystery Series
Lynn Cahoon: Tourist Trap Mystery Series AND Kitchen Witch Mystery Series
Laurie Cass (aka Laura Alden): Bookmobile Cat Mystery Series
Anne Claire: Christie Bookshop Mystery Series (first entry Dead and Gondola)
Peg Cochran (aka Meg London and Margaret Loudon): Cranberry Cove Mystery Series
Lucy Connelly: Scottish Isle Mystery Series (first entry An American in Scotland)
Amanda Flower (aka Isabella Alan): Farm to Table Mystery Series
Victoria Gilbert: Hunter & Clewe Mystery Series
Traci Hall: Scottish Shire Mystery Series (first entry Murder in a Scottish Shire)
Gemma Halliday: High Heels Mystery Series
Darci Hannah: Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Series
Laurie R. King: Back to the Garden
Kate Lansing: Colorado Wine Mystery Series (first entry Killer Chardonnay)
Tara Lush: Coffee Lover’s Mystery Series
Jenn McKinlay (aka Josie Belle & Lucy Lawrence): Library Lover’s Mystery Series
Debra Sennefelder: Resale Boutique Mystery Series (first entry Murder Wears a Little Black Dress)
Rosalie Spielman: Aloha Lagoon Mystery (series by various authors… specific recommendation Hallo-Waiian Murder Mystery)
Joyce Tremel (aka Joyce St. Anthony): Cider House Mystery Series
Ashley Weaver: Electra McDonnell Mystery Series
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.
Barb says
Omg I literally just found this series and ordered them all x
I’ve just been reading Lynn Cahoons Tourist Trap Mysteries. I read them so fast that I had to start all over again! Love them.
Regina Williams says
I read and am still reading so many great books this month I can’t pick just one!
Till Death Do Us Port by Kate Lansing
Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder
Alibi in High Heels by Gemma Halliday
A Totally Killer Wedding by D.A. Wilkerson
Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters (currently reading)
Carol says
I read Crime & Cherry Pits by Amanda Flower. So very good. I like all her books.
Marijane K says
Reading Library Lover’s Mystery Series: Better Late Than Never by Jenn McKinlay
Linda S says
This month I read the first two in the Secret, Book, and Scone series by Ellery Adams. I have The Vanishng Type here up next. It’s different and reminded me a bit of Three Pines, and Louise Penny. Enjoying the series very much!
Denise K says
I loved that series also! It has the small thing, going on and women bond together to heal from their past while investigating a crime. All of the supporting characters are well written with a purpose.
zhahn says
Ashley Weaver A Peculiar Combination. Safecracking family in England.
Fortney, Sally says
Hallo-waiian Murder by Rosalie Spielman features a woman who stays in Hawaii working on a dive boat. Lovely setting since it is the end of winter here.
Murder in a Scottish Castle by Traci Hall put poor Paisley through a lot with the mystery and her ceiling falling in! Love how her family and friends help with both problems.
The kitchen witch series of Lynn Cahoon continued with Five Furry Familiars. Even more dogs and cats than usual!
Deadly to the Core by Joyce Tremel is a great start to a series, I hope. The fact that she mentions Harrisburg a lot helps.
Cat says
I just read the whole Cranberry Cove series in February and loved all of the books!
MJ says
I’m sooo glad Danna had this up tonight. I haven’t got my recommendations ready to post yet.
HOWEVER, I just started reading Jenn McKinlay’s latest book in her Library Lover’s series, “Fatal First Edition”. I’m ONLY on page 7, BUT, BUT, but get a load of this……..
Library Director Lindsay Norris from Briar Creek (CT) Public Library is attending an Archivists Convention in Chicago. She’s at a meeting and someone steps up to the microphone to speak.
It is Brooklyn Wainwright from San Francisco — “a restoration expert who’s also been tied to several high profile murder investigations”.
I just about fell out of my chair!!! DO YOU GET IT? Those of you who are Kate Carlisle (Bibliophile Mysteries) fans do (which is many of you). WOW! A crossover between two very popular authors. 🙂
To say I was super surprised is an UNDERSTATEMENT. I RUSHED to my computer to mention this, hoping that Danna posted the recommendation list.
Since I just started this book, I can’t recommend it. However I’ve recommended every McKinlay book I’ve ever read. That includes all the books in this series, the Cupcake series, and the Hat Shop series.
To the McKinlay fans………. remember when a few years ago, she included the main characters from the Cupcake series and the Hat Shop series in one of her books in this Library Lover’s series? That’s when the proposal took place (from the Hat Shop series). McKinlay mixes it up once in awhile.
I quickly turned to the acknowledgements. McKinlay thanks her longtime friend, Kate Carlisle, for letting her use the characters – Brooklyn Wainwright and Derek Stone in this story. I think they only have a ‘cameo’ appearance in the story, though, according to a description of the story.
OK………I’ve got to get back to the book. I’m so excited. 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MJ, wow, two mystery sleuths teaming up from different popular series would certainly be a great hook for a book! As you say toward the end, though, it does sound like this is more of a brief cameo appearance according to the official “back-of-the-book” blurb. Still, it should be an exciting way to shake things up a bit!
I’m quite a bit behind on the Library Lover’s series, but I admit that I’m a bit tempted to do something I rarely do (and even then usually only for holidays) and just skip to this entry. Be sure to let us know how the rest of the book goes!
Gitte says
Lucy Connelly has started a series (only 2 in it so far), but it is set in Scotland and it is excellent. Fist one is An American in Scotland. I am currently waiting for the second one, but can’t wait to read it.
Kazzy says
Read both of those and enjoyed them too!! The American doctor heads to Scotland to start anew. After arriving she learns that she didn’t really read her contract, she learns she is the local coroner and she gets a load of benefits she didn’t realize.
Hanna says
I finished all of Laurie Cass’ Bookmobile Cat series and enjoyed all of them. The interactions with Eddie the stray cat that followed Minnie, – the narrator and the assistant library director – home are enchanting. The murders are almost secondary to the plot. As with many recent series, the narrator finds herself at a life threatening situation but we know that she will survive. In many cases, Eddie saves her. Easy reading and interesting characters
I also enjoyed another narration by a librarian: Victoria Gilbert’s A Cryptic Clue. Jane Hunter, the narrator, had to retire early from her job in a university and is hired by a wealthy heir to catalog his collection of mystery books. When a murder takes place both employer and employees embark on a parallel path to solve it. Certainly different from other books in the local and the characters. I hope that there will be a sequel since one puzzle of identifying a photo and a drawing was not solved.
ginger a griffin says
I have read 7 books since last Thursday Feb. 21 until this Thursday Feb. 29th. They are all Love Inspired Suspense Books. So I am not sure if the count as cozies.
1. Elisabeth Ress
Wyoming Abduction Threat
I enjoyed it. It has enough mystery and a little romance for me. I give 4 Cowboy hats. I use this to rate my books.
2. Amity Steffen
Missing in Montana
It is 3rd Montgomery Family Series
It is followed Seth Montgomery, helping Holly solve an mystery.
I gave it 4 cowboy hats
3. Rhonda Starnes
Abducted at Christmas
Hadley’s House is ransacked by an intruder. Ryan comes to her and her daughter rescue. They tried to figure out who wants to kidnap her daughter.
I gave it 4 cowboy hats
4. Sommer Smith
Deadly Treasure Hunt
It is the 5th book in Thorpe Brothers series.
Caldwell is searching for his wife’s killer. Her Cousin Jayde shows up to do the same. The join forces to figure what is going on.
5. Laura Scott
Kidnapping Cold Case
Jacy was kidnapped 16 years ago. The kidnapper has come back. Cash is the person who found Jacy and saved her 16 years. Now they are joining forces to save other victims, Jacy is a person who draw criminals face and Cash is a cop.
I gave 5 cowboys hats. I love Laura Scott . She writes Amish books too
6. Elizabeth Goddard
Deadly Sabotage
The 3rd in Honor Protection Specialist
Brett and his family run a security firm that protects people from dangerous situations.
Kinsley works at lab that works on creating new drugs.
Her lab and her boss are blown up and she is framed for it.
She call Brett to help her. I gave it 4 cowboy hats. I love Elizabeth Goddard.
7. Jessica R. Patch
Crime Scene Conspiracy
Texas Crime Scene Cleaners
Stone Spencer runs a Crime Scene Cleaning Company. His brother is a cop. The other brother is a PI and the sister is a Therapist.
Emily O’Connell is a Texas Ranger investigating the the death of 5 women including the Stone’s sister Paisley. All the death have been ruled suicides but evidence has showed to imply that Texas Governor is the one behind this. Stone and Emily teamed up to search for the killer or see if the governor is involved in this. It becomes a family affair. I loved this book. This is the first in the series.
Sorry I know this is long. I do read cozy mystery books. These are the ones I read this month.
ginger a griffin says
I forgot to rate the last book. I gave it 4 Cowboy hats.
PamB says
One of my favorite older cozy mystery series is Simon Brett’s Mrs. Pargeter’s books. Yesterday I picked up from the library the latest ‘Mrs. Pargeter’s Patio’ and am half way through reading it and really enjoying. Wanted to mention it in case others enjoyed this series.
MJ says
A Bean to Die For — Tara Lush
My top priority in a good book read is enjoyable characters. And, this series has some quirky and unique characters. The author has developed these people with depth and diversity. 🙂
Lana Lewis was a reporter in Miami. But after being laid off, she became co-owner of a coffee shop with her father in the Keys. A friend of her father has been murdered in a community garden.
Numerous plot twists keeps the reader engaged in the story. It’s also well-paced which I appreciate. I’ve enjoyed every book in this series.
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Dead and Gondola — Ann Claire
This is a new-to-me author. The book is the first one in the Christie Bookshop series.
The bookstore is co-managed by two sisters, Ellie and Meg (last name ‘Christie”). There is also the cat ‘Agatha’. It’s set in a small ‘touristy’ and scenic Colorado community. Elli finds a mysterious stranger dead on a gondola. The sisters (especially Ellie) get involved in seeking the murderer because a friend is under suspicion.
A rockslide on the road keeps visitors from leaving the community. Thus setting up a varied group of characters………….all in the same proximity. Solving the mystery becomes complex with the variety of unknowns in the suspect characters.
There’s a budding (very slow) romance between Ellie and an old acquaintance. Sort of following a typical ‘cozy formula’. The other ‘main characters’ are Meg’s 14 yr. old daughter and Meg’s and Ellie’s grandmother.
One thing I take issue with is the author didn’t flesh out the characters very well, especially Meg. Is she married? Was she married? Is she divorced? Is she widowed? How about her 14 yr. old daughter? Does she have a father? These are things that authors usually explain the first book. But in this case, it’s a complete puzzle.
All-in-all, it’s a good start to a series and I look forward to the second book. “Last Word to the Wise”.
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Murder at the Blarney Bash — Darci Hannah
This is the fifth book in a delightful series set in a lighthouse community in western Michigan. A bakery owned by Linsey Bakewell is the focus of the stories.
This story has a St. Patrick’s Day theme, so a very topical read for this month. Two new characters are introduced, Lindsay’s boyfriend’s uncle Finn and his cousin, Colleen. They’ve moved to this small community from Ireland, opening an Irish gift store, ‘Blarney Stone’.
A city employee was murdered and a leprechaun was seen running away from the site. There’s been several sightings of this ‘leprechaun’. He eventually is also murdered and Uncle Finn is the main suspect because he found his ‘pot of gold’
It’s a convoluted, yet engaging, tale with quite a surprise ending.
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PS: I haven’t finished McKinlay’s “Fatal First Edition” yet (as I mentioned in a previous post).
MendoGirl says
For February I would like to recommend something a little off the beaten path.
Laurie R. King”s Back to the Garden.
This is a stand alone novel, not part of her Mary Russel, Sherlock Holmes series.
Back to the Garden takes place at an estate in Northern California with vast formal gardens and a family that helped shape California. It boasts a colorful past with now famous artists.
When one of the Garden sculptures needs to be moved for renovations a human skull is discovered. How long has it been there? Who is it? How were they killed?
It’s up to Inspector Raquel Laing to figure it out. And so begins the the story told through flashbacks of the hippie commune that took over the estate in the 1970s.
This is a character driven story with the murder almost secondary. But it was great fun imagining the hippie commune as it took over the estate.
It’s a story full of twists and turns and family secrets, radical feminism and free love.
The story comes to quite the climatic end. I really enjoyed it.
I will make note that a new Russell/Holmes book is coming out soon called The Lantern’s Dance.
Melissa L says
I just finished “Design Flaws” by Joe Golemo which is the first in a series. What I found refreshing was a male protagonist, a rarity in the Cozy world, who is struggling with the death of his father and the revelation that he was adopted all while solving a murder that hit too close to home. The author has some delightfully fun characters, my favorite being Dee Dee who works at the local crematorium. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes!
Kazzy says
I am an avid reader. I “binge” read a new to me series while continuing with ongoing series. I am currently awaiting the next 3 books in 3 different favorites series that I will post after reading. Here I will only mention books I have enjoyed so any mentioned you might consider trying; I try to avoid spoilers.
For February:
I read the first books in the Bond Series by Gemma Halliday and Jennifer Fischetto. The series is about a pi firm run and staffed by ex models, in most “cases” they are hired to catch cheating husbands (though not all); authors like to have multiple cases/conundrums all going at once. Series is ongoing.
I read the first books in the Daisy Tea Garden mysteries by Karen Rose Smith. Daisy keeps tripping across murders in this Pennsylvania based series set in Amish country. Books focus a lot on family values. Series is ongoing.
I read the first books in the Calamity Jayne series by Kathleen Bacus. These books were fun, I am not sure if they are ongoing or not, another was expected a long time ago, but the author has not been heard from since covid started.
I read Lucy Connelly’s next book in the Scottish series, someone else mentioned above so I won’t redo that information.
I also read some other genres, but will skip those here. Enjoy your reading and I appreciate reading your recommendations (I learned of the above series in other peoples posts and am trying to pay it forward).