We’re just about at the end of July, so it’s time to discuss our favorite Cozies that we’ve 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 Cyril Hare’s Inspector Mallet 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 July? 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 July 2019 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:
Susan Wittig Albert: China Bayles Herbal Mysteries Series
Barbara Allan: Trash ‘n’ Treasures Mystery Series
Jessica Beck (aka Elizabeth Bright, Casey Mayes, Melissa Glazer, Chris Cavender, Tim Myers, & D.B. Morgan): Donut Shop Mystery Series
Jenna Bennett (aka Jennie Bentley & Bente Gallagher): Savannah Martin Mystery Series
J S Borthwick: Sarah Deane Mystery Series (first entry The Case of the Hook-Billed Kites)
Simon Brett: Mrs. Parteger Mystery Series
Emily Brightwell: Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series
Frances Brody: Kate Shackleton Mystery Series
Rita Mae Brown: Mrs. Murphy Mystery Series
Lynn Cahoon: Farm-to-Fork Mystery Series
Kate Carlisle: Bibliophile Mystery Series
Laurie Cass (aka Laura Alden): Bookmobile Cat Mystery Series
Peg Cochran (aka Meg London): Murder, She Reported Mystery Series AND Cranberry Cove Mystery Series
Sheila Connolly (aka Sarah Atwell): Victorian Village Mystery Series
Maddie Day (aka Edith Maxwell & Tace Baker): Country Store Mystery Series
Charles Finch: Charles Lenox Mystery Series
Amanda Flower (aka Isabella Alan): Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series
Sarah Graves: Death By Chocolate Mystery Series
Lena Gregory: Bay Island Psychic Mystery Series AND All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery Series
J. M. Griffin: Jules & Bun Mystery Series (first entry Left Fur Dead)
Carolyn Haines: Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery Series
Cyril Hare: Inspector Mallet Mystery Series
Jody Holford: Britton Bay Mystery Series (first entry Deadly News)
Cheryl Hollon: Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery Series
Miranda James (aka Dean James, Jimmie Ruth Evans, & Honor Hartman): Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series
Tonya Kappes (aka Maymee Bell): Campers and Criminals Mystery Series AND Magical Cures Mystery Series
Laurie R. King: Mary Russell Mystery Series
T E Kinsey: Lady Hardcastle Mystery Series (first book A Quiet Life in the Country)
Libby Klein: Poppy McAllister Mystery Series (first entry Class Reunions are Murder)
Cynthia Kuhn: Lila Maclean Mystery Series
Kylie Logan (aka Miranda Bliss & Casey Daniels): League of Literary Ladies Mystery Series
Karen Musser Nortman: Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mystery Series (first entry Bats and Bones)
Katherine Hall Page: Faith Fairchild Mystery Series
Spencer Quinn (aka Peter Abrahams): Chet and Bernie Mystery Series
Rex Stout: Nero Wolfe Mystery Series
Lea Wait (aka Cornelia Kidd): Mainely Needlepoint Mystery Series
[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.
Carol says
I just finished Them Bones by Carolyn Haines. I’ve been meaning to start this series (Sarah Booth Delaney) for a while and I’m glad I finally did. Very entertaining and thankfully, it’s a long-running series so I have a lot more to enjoy!
Joppy says
If you can find a copy, A.P.Herbert’s “Misleading Cases”, which, while not murders, and very few mysteries, star Albert Haddock as a middle class Englishman of the 1950s taking on some of the strange and archaic laws of this country. One example, he pays his tax bill by writing it onto a live cow and then gets taken to court for not paying. His reasoning being that there is nothing in law that says a cheque must be written on the appropriate paperwork.
Susan* says
Joppy, this going straight on my ‘Want’ List. It sounds like just the sort of thing I would enjoy! Thankyou!
Jo Anne Y says
Most of the way through Death By Chocolate Malted Milkshake by Sarah Graves right now.
Lynda says
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your website.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks Lynda!
Ginny Kayfes says
I recently finished two different series by Lena Gregory.The Bay Island Psychic and the All Day Cafe. Very seldom do I like more than one series from an author. These two very different series just hit the spot. I am looking forward to more books in both series.
Novella says
Your review piqued my interest, found all but one on the series which are now on my to read list. They weren’t easy to find and are worn from many readers, a good sign indeed. Thanks for reviewing an older series hope to see more in the future also, happy reading everbody! ? I’m still enjoying the Mary Russell series, am on O Jerusalem.
Amy says
I read “Twisted Threads” by Lea Wait and enjoyed it! It’s a little darker than normal cozies but I thought it had a lot of depth and the main character seemed fully formed and interesting.
I’m also continuing Kylie Logan’s “League of Literary Ladies” series – reading “And Then There Were Nuns” – I just love this series. It’s amusing and I love reading the cozy descriptions of the weather and the island and the food. As someone who lives on another island on another of the Great Lakes I particularly enjoyed it!
Carol says
Amy – I just read the Lea Wait book and really liked it. Also, Kylie Logan’s series is one of my favorites.
JeannieH says
I read Murder She Encountered by Peg Cochran. It is the second book in the series. The first is Murder She Reported. They are both very good reads. Set in the early 1900`s. Meg is a rich girl who wants a job on a newspaper because she loves photography. The stories keep you guessing plus the problems she has because she is upper class in a society that takes class seriously. I have really enjoyed the books and I am excited there is a third book coming out too.
Karen N. says
I’ve started reading the Trash ‘n Treasures series by Barbara Allan, which is the combined name of a husband and wife writing team. The characters in this series are laugh out loud funny. Newly divorced Brandy moves back to small town Iowa to live with her off the wall mother Vivían and together they stumble upon and solve all sorts of mysteries while searching for treasures for their booth in an antique mall. The stories are short, easy reading and each chapter ends with a treasure hunting tip, often delivered tongue in cheek. If you like your cozies on the lighter side, this series is for you.
Sandra H says
I just finished reading the first two books in that series and agree. Very entertaining and the characters are great.
Robin Jarrad says
Danna: I read “Claws for Concern” from Miranda James Cat in the Stacks series. All of those books in that series have been excellent.
I’m not a cat person per se but the writing is very good and I just enjoy the whole series.
Mary says
Have been thoroughly enjoying the Mrs. Jeffries series this summer. The character development in this series is very good. Also reading the Lady Hardcastle series by T E Kinsey. These are quick reads, interesting and are available on Kindle Unlimited. Thanks for all you do, Danna. Your website is my go-to place when I am curious about any cozy mystery series/author.
Paula Catherine says
I would like to recommend Jody Holford who writes an engaging series that takes place in Britton Bay, a charming town, naturally!, on the Oregon coast. Molly Owens , an experienced editor, begins working as an editor for the town newspaper. One colleague , not well liked by his coworkers, begins giving her trouble and that is only the beginning.
There are currently two books in the series with a third one coming.
I really enjoyed the first two books, Molly is someone who can be trusted to do the correct thing. Molly does have a romantic interest (not a policeman!) which adds another layer to the story.
Linda Swann says
I have really enjoyed reading Tonya Kappes Campers and Criminals series and also her Magical Cures series. They are fun to read, her characters are people you would want as your friends.
Ellen Byron says
I read Libby Klein’s “Restaurant Weeks are Murder” and loved it. I just got Cynthia Kuhn’s “The Subject of Malice” and can’t wait to read it. I love both series!
Nancy says
Just finished Heart of Barkness by Spencer Quinn which is so funny. It may be his best yet. Also finished The Pawful Truth by Miranda James which is delightful. A calming read.
Sarah H says
I`m currently working my way through JS Borthwick`s Sarah Deane series. Mostly set in Maine, she`s an academic , her beau Alex is a Doctor and her feisty Aunt Julia comes along on several adventures. Highly recommended.
Marina Baker says
I used to check out Kindle mysteries, many of them were cozy mysteries. As a result I was introduced to a lot of different series, Savannah Reid, Olivia (White House chef) Grace (Mansion curator) Faith Fairchild, etc. Earlier this summer, my Kindle was sent to the shop oh, and I have yet to receive it back, so I’m buying paperbacks at thrift shops by Lisa Gardner, Clive Cussler, and I have purchased some books in German by Agatha Christie and Clive. I can’t wait to get my Kindle back, so that I can get back into cozy mysteries!
Susy S says
Marina, you can down load the Kindle app on most computers and smart phones. You will be able to access your library through Amazon, so you don’t have to give up on e-books.
I am more of a paper kind of gal, but I have the app on my iPad and my phone for travel and when waiting for appointments.
MJ says
July Recommendations – 2019
Last month, I wasn’t able to write my June recommendations until several days after Danna opened the posting. I’m getting these to Danna earlier this time so hopefully more people have a chance to read them (that is, if they want to).
Toxic Toffee — Amanda Flower
This is the 4th book in Flower’s Amish Candy Shop series. I REALLY like this series. It’s Easter time, and Bailey King returns from NYC where she televised a candy making series, to Holmes County (OH). She manages the family candy shop in this Amish community. A rabbit farmer is murdered – poisoned with toffee candy.
There are several suspects with a twisting story line. As normal for this author, the characters are well developed with depth and perspective. Also normal for this author is a well written, well-plotted story that’s always an enjoyable read.
I’ve been to Holmes County and I enjoy it when the author describes highways and areas I’m aware of. Sort of personalizes the story for me.
Awhile ago, Danna highlighted this series. It’s a good choice for those that like a story written with a little wit, and some complexity. I’ve read all of Flower’s mystery series and have given positive recommendations to all but one.
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Plain Vanilla Murder — Susan Wittig Albert
Yada, yada, yada, — that’s not a criticism. It’s just another good book (as expected). In this story the chapters alternate between the police chief (Smart Cookie) and China. I think it’s an advantageous writing technique that gives the story perspective from inside and outside.
This story involves the death of a professor with expertise in orchids. The character interaction is excellent with so many characters intertwined with each other. The plotting is paced well. It has a very surprising ending………..I doubt if anyone will guess the guilty party.
Albert is the consummate author. She does an exhaustive amount of research for her books. She writes with much detail. I find her detail interesting, it doesn’t border on boring or trivial (as some authors do). She also expounds on detail with regard to laws and policies that is quite informative. Sometimes it doesn’t directly affect the story, but interesting nonetheless. So I always view her stories with a totality of several side stories intertwined into the main story, making a more complete enjoyable read.
Albert explains her characters and background situations without taking an inordinate amount of time to do so. THUS, it’s easy to get involved in the story without having read all the previous books. So, if you’re interested, you can read this as a stand-alone.
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One Potato, Two Potato, Dead — Lynn Cahoon
Angie Turner and Felicia are starting a new restaurant (County Seat) in this Idaho community. A visiting professor to the local university is found dead in his home. There is some finger pointing to Hope, a trainee in their restaurant.
The plots and sub plots of this story are fascinating and well written. There’s even an ‘international’ aspect to the story. LOVE the characters, so varied and enjoyable. Dialogue is sometimes witty and entertaining. Cahoon writes with a continuous flow, so the story moves along smoothly.
This series is called ‘Farm to Fork’, so naturally there is emphasis on this aspect of a restaurant business. I think it’s an engaging read, so recommend you give it a try.
MJ says
In the Toxic Toffee recommendation I forgot to mention this interesting ‘factoid’………
In Toxic Toffee, Flower introduces a new character who has recently moved back to Harvest (OH). She is widow Millie Fisher, and is the ‘Amish Matchmaker”. It’s a mystery series — the first book is “Matchmaking Can Be Murder”, with a release date of 12/31/19.
As an Amanda Flower fan, I certainly will read the first book in this new series. However, I don’t understand how MORE murders can take place in this tiny community!! (Assuming the Amish Candy Shop series is to continue.)
Bek says
I have spent the entire month finally reading the entire Mrs. Murphy series by Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie (best cat name ever!) Brown. I’d read five or six of them, but the readers here know my penchant for binge reading, for immersing myself entirely into that world, and letting the stories unfold organically. I’m up to #11, “The Tail of the Tip-Off,” and am having more fun!
Ann O says
I have been reading Kate Shackleton Mysteries, by author Frances Brody. Set in post World War II England. They are suspenseful, historical, with reasonable happy endings.
Susan* says
I’ve been binging on Rex Stout this month. Classic detective fiction with a very different set of characters.
The obese genius Wolfe and his legman Archie who acts as narrator, along with a cast of well-defined minor characters.
Highly readable and with a unique voice. I’ve read most of them more than once, but I still enjoy going back.
Cheryl M. says
Just discovered the Charles Lenox Mysteries by Charles Finch. Set in Victorian London, this series is written from a gentleman’s point of view. Charles is a well-off member of society with an enlightened opinion of women & social classes. He is able to use his wealth, social standing, and access to political establishments to bring justice for victims both rich & poor. Also, we get an insight to romantic dilemmas from a man’s societal constraints.
Cindy says
I have been reading the Victorian Village series by Sheila Connolly. I have enjoyed the other series by this author and was excited to try her newest. There is a lot of historical detail in this series, which I enjoy.
I also read and enjoyed Left Fur Dead by J.M. Griffin. I liked that it featured a rabbit and enjoyed the mystery.
Betcei says
The Miranda James series definitely! I have recommended it a few times at the library where I work for a fun, quick series to enjoy for the summer!
Susy S says
I have been reading the Jessica Beck Donut House series. I am waiting on number 23 to be delivered (hopefully today). I have really enjoyed this series and have watched the characters develop and grow. The main cast of characters have been pretty steady since the beginning and different ones play bigger rolls in some books than others, but they are full fledged characters, not just stereotypes.
The mysteries are good and while a couple of romances develop over the series, they are not the focus of any of the books, so they don’t distract.
The books are usually a quick and easy read, and the clues are believable as are the predicaments the main characters get into.
Jane says
I have read the first two in Peg Cochran’s Cranberry Cove series that I picked up at a library book sale. Enjoyed them both and look forward to the third and fourth installments. Also enjoy this site. Thanks for all you do!
Mina says
I am loving the “Bookmobile Cat Mystery” series by Laurie Cass. I’m currently reading #6, “Wrong Side of the Paw”.
PRM says
I discovered Karen Musser Nortman’s cozy camping mysteries and am loving them. I am resting and reading a lot following surgery and these camping mysteries make me feel like I am still getting outdoors. Love the retirement aged main characters, the descriptions of their camping sites and witty banter between l8ng time couple friends. So glad I found these!!
Candy R says
I have been enjoying the Savannah Martin series by Jenna Bennett.
Janice G says
I have three books to recommend this month. Down in Flames is the latest in Cynthia Hollon’s glass shop series. One of the regular characters in the series is killed by a hit and run that may not have been an accident. Jacob, an assistant at the glass shop is a witness and is severely traumatized by what he sees, losing all of the progress that he has made in dealing with his Asperger syndrome over the course of the series. His recovery is an integral part of the solution of the mystery.
Strangled Eggs and Ham is the latest book by Maddie Day. A developer is trying to get permission to build a resort on a mountaintop in the area. The people in the town are equally divided by those who support the plan and those against it. An attorney who specializes in environmental law is found dead near the construction site. Since he was staying at the bed and breakfast, Robbie gets involved in trying to find who is responsible for his death.
Booking the Crook is the latest in the Bookmobile series by Laurie Cass. In addition to getting involved in a murder, the bookmobile crew are also dealing with a new manager at the library. As usual, Eddie the bookmobile cat figures prominently in the story.
James Spears says
One of my favorite Rec Stout’s Nero Wolfe stories is The Golden Spiders. I loved the interaction between the young boy and Nero Wolfe. I have read it twice and loved it both times. I would recommend this series to anyone who love the era of Golden Age detective stories. I was introduce to Nero Wolfe when I was in College by a person who worked in a bookstore that specializes in Mysteries and Thrillers.
James
Cathy M. says
First. Thank you. I love this website.
This month I’ve been enjoying reading Katherine Hall Paige’s Faith Fairchild series and Simon Brett’s Mrs Pargeter series. A great way to beat the heat!
Sally Fortney says
I enjoyed The Book Supremacy by Kate Carlisle. Loved how we saw Brooklyn and Derek on their honeymoon in Paris. Spectre the spy show was very interesting. Several of the family and friends were in the novel.
PamB says
I enjoyed ‘Asking for Trouble’ by Ann Granger (author of the Mitchell and Markby mysteries). The heroine is insolvent, unemployed, and living in a squat house… very unusual for a cozy. I like how this author writes and will continue with this series.
I, also, enjoyed ‘Murder at Archly Manor’ (Sara Rosett). This is a historical cozy taking place in London, 1923. It was a fun read and I’ve bought the next two books.
‘The Fine Art of Murder’ (Murder She
Wrote) was a fast read with two murders intertwined taking place in Italy and Chicago and the theft of a valuable painting.
Emily says
How funny! I read all of the Cyril Hare books in July (I’d never heard of him and came across him by accident). I loved the series but I have a weakness for British murder mysteries written and set in the 1950s and earlier.