January 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 Valerie Burns’s Baker Street 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 January? 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 January 2024 that you want the rest of us to know about, and why did you enjoy it?
Susan M. Boyer: Liz Talbot Mystery Series
Emily Brightwell: Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series
Valerie Burns: Baker Street Mystery Series
Kate Carlisle: Fixer-Upper Mystery Series
Cleo Coyle (aka Alice Kimberly): Coffeehouse Mystery Series
Krista Davis: Paws & Claws Mystery Series
Maddie Day (aka Edith Maxwell & Tace Baker): Country Store Mystery Series
Kathleen Ernst: Chloe Ellefson Mystery Series
Jacqueline Frost (aka Julie Chase, Julie Anne Lindsey, & Bree Baker): Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series
Lee Hollis: Desert Flowers Mystery Series
Mindy Quigley: Reverend Lindsay Harding Mystery Series (first entry A Murder in Mount Moriah)
Laura Scott: Callahan Confidential Mystery Series (first entry Shielding His Christmas Witness)
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.
Kimberley C says
Totally agree, the first entry in the Baker Street Mysteries was delightful. Just started book 2 and it already had me laughing….
Parker Brown-Nesbit says
I read all but two books in the Chloe Ellefsen series (and I can’t find the two that I haven’t read in any of the libraries I have access to. Grrr!)
The books take place in the early 1980s in Wisconsin, and each one has a historical background (Chloe is Collections Manager at Old World Wisconsin) [The author, Kathleen Ernst, worked for Old World Wisconsin] to go along with the mystery.
If you like history, these are definitely for you.
MJ says
Ask your library to find the books you want through ILL. It’s a free service offered by almost all libraries.
As an example, I put the title of the first book in worldcat.org and found it was at 200+ libraries. I don’t know which two you’re missing.
There’s also other used books sites where you may find copies cheaply. Better World Books ships free and their profits go to libraries. The other place you may try is half price books. I’m sure there are other sites, too.
BUT FIRST try ILL. At my library I can go directly to ILL on their website and put in the request.
Joan C Alberts says
Anytime your library no longer is stocking a book, check out Better World Books. They have almost all of the libraries older books.
Barb K. says
One of my “catch up” reads was Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost. This series is so much fun. They have reindeer games that are describes so you can try them at home-if you have snow. The mysteries are intriguing, the characters are a bit quuirky, and besides the usual cats, a goat is a featured critter. If you have not read this series, I highly recommend it. Each time I open one, it feels like home.
Julie F. says
I agree with Barb’s review! This series is great. So happy the publisher listened to the readers and did not stop after the first two books!
Fortney, Sally says
I read A Murder in Mount Moriah and A Death in Duck by Mindy Quigley. They’re not super cozy about a chaplain in North Carolina.
The Proof of the Pudding by Rhys Bowen is a lovely historical with more adventures of Lady Georgie. The Sign of Four Spirits by Vicki Delany is the latest Sherlock store mystery. I love these series because they have a lot of humor in them.
MJ says
Hmmm………….we are in agreement a lot. I haven’t read the Reverend Harlan series (by Mindy Quigley). But, I have read her current ‘Deep Dish Mystery’ series. I recently finished ‘Public Anchovy’ and enjoyed it. 🙂
I also enjoy the Sherlock series by Vicki Delaney. I just picked up the ‘Sign of Four Sprits’, so it’s in my TBR pile.
I don’t read historical fiction, though.
Lor Tuttle says
I just finished the 5 books in the Poppy Harmon by Lee Hollis. They were charming and kept me reading!
Mrs. Ainee C. Beland says
This is one of the books that I enjoyed reading this January; it is a fast read, with good word-building and the ending was a surprise to me because I did not expect or figure out who would have wanted to frame Mitch. I highly recommend this read:
Primary Suspect by Laura Scott
When fire investigator Mitch Callahan is attacked at a crime scene, he’s shocked to uncover the body of a slain ex-girlfriend—and realize someone’s framing him for murder. Widowed ER nurse Dana Petrie believes Mitch is innocent, but to help him she must risk everything as they run from a ruthless killer. Their only chance at survival means uncovering the secrets an unknown enemy would do anything to keep buried…in all, Mitch was wrongly accused and with the help of Dana and his brothers, Mitch was able to clear his name and reputation.
—————-Thank you for sharing!
MendoGirl says
For January I would like to recommend Dressed to Drill by Kate Carlisle.
It’s number 10 in her Fixer Upper series.
Shannon Hammer is a contractor who specializes in renovating old homes.And you just never know what you will find once you start taking apart an old home.
This time Shannon and her team are converting an old church into an art gallery.
When Shannon comes across a body in the sacristy, she finds that the church is not only hiding a century worth of secrets, it’s also keeping more recent secrets. One that leads to murder.
I really enjoy this series. I always learn something about construction and renovation. I also enjoy the relationship between Shannon and her group of girl friends. I even enjoy the scenes with Whitney, Shannon’s arch-nemesis ( I’ve known a Whitney or two in my life).
But what I really enjoy is that the series takes place in my neck of the woods. Light House Cove is a fictional place; however, Kate Carlisle mentions Mendocino, Ukiah, and Point Arena, throughout her books, and I would say that Light House Cove is a combination of Mendocino, Point Arena and Elk, California.
The stories are well written with lots of twists and turns and the reveals are very satisfying.
I am anxiously awaiting the next installment.
Parker Brown-Nesbit says
It’s one of my favourite series! I also love her other series about a bookbinder.
MJ says
I love any and ALL books by this author. She is a very gifted and creative writer. The bibliophile mysteries (set in SF and wine country) are my favorite! 🙂 But this fixer upper series is excellent. However, we’ll have to wait until next October for the 11th book, “The Knife Before Christmas”.
Marilyn Sliva says
One of my favorites as well. Have read all her series.
Marilyn says
I read ALOT of cozy mysteries & most of my authors are in between new issues, but there was a compilation by one of them and one of the others in the book was Maddie Day. I had seen her on your lists for ages but figured I had enough I was following – but I needed something to read, and after I read her selection I was hooked. It was a Christmas Mittens anthology and this also ended up being about your last post – because it used the character from her Country Store series which has like 15 books already in it – so when I finished the Christmas book I started at the beginning. I’m on the 2nd book in the series & thoroughly enjoying them.
MJ says
These are two different series. ‘Christmas Mittens’ is a prequel to Maddie Day’s (Edith Maxwell) brand new series, “Cece Barton Mystery”. The first actual book in this series is “Murder Uncorked”. Cece Barton is the protagonist. In Christmas Mittens, Cece is visiting her sister. In ‘Murder Uncorked’, Cece has moved to Colinas, CA (wine country) from LA to be near her sister and her twin sons. In this book, Cece manages a wine bar. I commented on this book in the Dec. recommendations. It’s such a good and well written story. There hasn’t been a release date for the second book yet.
The Country Store mystery is a different series by this same author.. Robbie Jordan is the lead character. This series is set in southern Indiana (near Bloomington). Robbie moved to this Indiana community from the San Diego area (I think) to be near her aunt after her mother died. She owns Pans ‘N Pancakes. I just finished reading the latest release, “Deep Fried Death”.
I forgot to include it in this month’s recommendations. It’s an interesting and enjoyable read. 🙂 Also a pleasant surprise — Robbie and Abe are pregnant. This series includes recipes which always look tasty.
Marilyn Sliva says
I was referring to reading the Mittens one before the Uncorked – then I started the Country Store one. Sorry for the confusion.
Nichole says
January had me finishing up the Lowcountry Mystery series by Susan M Boyer. This is a great series set in South Carolina Lowcountry. The main character is a private investigator named Liz Talbot. There are some quirky and funny characters in these stories. Lots of laughs. The setting and townsfolk are described so well its like I am there with them.
Parker Brown-Nesbit says
Will definitely have to check these out, as I live in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Frenchie says
Hi all. I have been reading the Mrs. Jeffries….. series by Emily Brightwell. As the series progresses she reveals more tidbits about the key characters.
If you like to listen to books I highly recommend this series. The narrator, Lindy Nettleton, is terrific. She makes the characters and story come alive.
MJ says
January 2024 Recommendations
I started reading several books this month that just didn’t hold my interest. These were all part of series I usually enjoy. I read one book half way and said, “that’s it — I just can’t read any more of it!!”. UGH! Others I quit reading after 25 or 30 pages. Ironically, I had this same problem a couple of months ago.
On top of that, it was a very cold and icy January — conducive to staying home and reading. Soooo I was very PLEASED to find these two following books for my ‘January reads’.
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The Dog Across the Lake — Krista Davis
This is by far, my favorite series by this author. When I finished it about midnight a few weeks ago, I tried to think of words to describe it.
I thought of two. First is complexity. Holly Miller is the protagonist. She manages a pet friendly B&B in ‘Wagtail’. In this book, the story starts when a strange (yet familiar looking) dog shows up in her apt.
She remembers her cousin had showed pictures of this dog on social media. He is camping with his girlfriend across the lake. A few days later a man is found dead in their tent. He and his girlfriend have disappeared.
This plot has numerous (complex) twists and turns, keeping the reader glued to the pages. (I finished it in a day or so). The story flows evenly — so important to the reader!
The second word I thought of is ‘warmth’. The main characters are developed with much depth — Holly, her grandmother, the employees, detective, etc. The romance storyline is spot on – quite enjoyable. There is much ‘warmth’ (and you can feel it) between the characters.
The pets are a focus of the series since the whole community is geared to them. There are numerous light and humorous moments.
This is the 9th book in the series. I’m sure you’d enjoy each and every one of them. Complexity combined with warmth is a winner! :).
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Bulletproof Barista – Cleo Coyle
This husband and wife (Alice Alfonsi, Marc Cerasini) writing team always write EXCELLENT books in this Coffeehouse Mystery series. This latest (20th book) is no exception. This may be my favorite book in the series — but they’re all great. These authors write suspenseful and compelling mysteries. They aren’t as light or filled with humor as are many other cozies.
In this book a film crew is using the Coffee House area as a location to film a movie. Strange injuries take place. Clare (coffeehouse manager) believes it’s sabotage. However, the movie’s star says it’s coincidental. Then a murder happens to one of the injured cast members.
I can also apply the word ‘complex’ here with so many angles. The reader is introduced to many new and very diverse characters. The story is also a page tuner — with much intensity.
One thing I noticed about this particular book is the normal ‘main characters’ (Matt, Mike, Madame, coffeehouse employees, etc.) although mentioned, don’t play much of a role in this story. They more-or-less take a backseat. Clare Cosi is front and center throughout the story. I was a bit surprised at that, but it works well.
You certainly could read this book as a stand-alone. But like I mentioned above, all the books in this series are excellent — so you might as well read them in order for continuity.
OH — be sure to read the author’s notes in the beginning of the book. It gives you insight as to why they decided to write this story.
Malinda Thetford says
Hello,
I read your post about what makes a cozy mystery and your update. I looked around you blog and I can’t seem to find a place that tells you the ones that do not have profanity and the ones that do. I usually read the books that are considered christian fiction and have read many mysteries for those authors but was wondering if there were some series outside of those I could explore but I will not read any book that has profanity or sexual stuff in them. If I missed a place to find these I’m sorry I missed them. Thank you for your time.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Malinda, this is a page that has a number of profanity light authors… Mystery Books with No Profanity (Swearing) and/or Faith-Based Mystery Books… note that a lot of these are up to the interpretation of the reader and I’m often going by reader recommendations, so I can’t vouch that all of these are totally free of what you specifically might consider “profanity”.
Stefani Scott says
I have read over 3000 mysteries; three highly regarded authors you don’t have which may not be considered totally cozy but are considered classics include Patricia Highsmith who wrote psychological thrillers in the vein of Ruth Wendell who you do have, Fred Vargas, French historian and author and the more cozy excellent books by Elly Griffins mysteries. Hope you check them out for your website. Scotty
Barb A says
Valerie Burns also writes as V.M. Burns. The series is The Mystery Bookshop Mystery. Samantha Washington is the bookstore owner and mystery author. Sam’s grandmother, Nano Jo, and her retirement community friends along with Sam’s fiancee Frank all get their assignments to help solve the mystery.
I also just finished Sniffing out Murder which is her new series under the pen name Callie Benjamin. Bailey the Bloodhound is the series title. It was a very enjoyable read, as all of her books are.