Anyway, I do want to tell you about a new-to-me author that, shame on me, I should have tried a long time ago! I’m talking about Deb Baker (aka Hannah Reed). Why it ever took me this long to finally read one of her Gertie Johnson books/novellas, I don’t know!
I know I’ve talked and talked about how I always read my Cozies in their chronological order. Well, sometimes during the holidays, I sort of side-step that rule, and try holiday Cozy Mysteries out of order. I am currently reading Murder Decks the Halls, and I am loving it! I enjoy how fast-paced this novella is, I enjoy the characters, I enjoy the Baker’s/Reed’s writing style, and I enjoy the setting. How can you go wrong with a trio of older sleuths who go ice fishing during the Christmas season? Of course, I was so excited to read this novella I didn’t wait and see that Baker’s other Christmas novella (Murder Trims the Tree) actually happens earlier. Oh well, that one is in my Kindle queue, so I’ll be reading it as soon as I finish this one. I should definitely have read them in the reverse order…
How about you? Would you please tell us about the really good Cozy Mysteries you read during November, and please tell us why you liked them so much more than the other Cozies you read? These should be the Cozies you think are even better than the others you read this month. As I’ve mentioned before, lots of us want to find out about Cozy Mystery authors who write great Cozies who we haven’t yet discovered for ourselves. Please list the ones you liked the most at the very top of the list, that way we’ll know those are the ones you liked the most.
As usual, please do not tell us about the Cozy Mysteries you did not like.
What really good Cozy Mystery book did you read during November 2015 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:
Ellery Adams: Books by the Bay Mystery Series
Ellie Alexander (aka Kate Dyer-Seeley): Bakeshop Mystery Series
Terri L. Austin: Rose Strickland Mystery Series (Diners, Dives & Dead Ends is book #1)
Deb Baker (aka Hannah Reed): Gertie Johnson Mystery Series
Emily Brightwell: Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series
Duffy Brown: Consignment Shop Mystery Series
Julia Buckley: Undercover Dish Mystery Series (The Big Chili is book #1)
Kate Carlisle: Bibliophile Mystery Series
Maia Chance: Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery Series
Maddie Day (aka Edith Maxwell & Tace Baker): Country Store Mystery Series
Vicki Delany (aka Eva Gates): Year-Round Christmas Mystery Series
Jean Flowers (aka Camille Minichino, Margaret Grace, & Ada Madison): Postmistress Mystery Series
Dorothy Gilman: A Nun in the Closet (Stand Alone mystery)
Sally Goldenbaum: Seaside Knitters Mystery Series
Nancy Haddock: Silver Six Crafting Mystery Series
Victoria Hamilton (aka Amanda Cooper): Vintage Kitchen Mystery Series
Susannah Hardy (aka Sadie Hartwell): Greek to Me Mystery Series
Betty Hechtman: Yarn Retreat Mystery Series
Steve Hockensmith & Lisa Falco: Tarot Mystery Series (The White Magic Five & Dime is book #1)
Amanda Lee (aka Gayle Trent & Gayle Leeson): Embroidery Mystery Series
T.C. LoTempio: Nick and Nora Mystery Series
Janey Mack: Maisie McGrane Mystery Series (Times Up is book #1)
Charlotte MacLeod (aka Alisa Craig): Peter Shandy Mystery Series
Susan Elia MacNeal: Maggie Hope Mystery Series
Leslie Meier: Lucy Stone Mystery Series
Clare O’Donohue: Someday Quilts Mystery Series
Carol J. Perry: Witch City Mystery Series
Rose Pressey: Haunted Vintage Mystery Series
Hank Phillippi Ryan: Jane Ryland Mystery Series
Alexander McCall Smith: No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series
Betty Webb: Gunn Zoo Mystery Series (reportedly not Cozy)
[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.
Lexie says
Betty Hechtman Yarn retreat series. It’s so fabulous!!!!
Chris says
Our book club read Rest You Merry as our holiday read. Somehow I have never read Charlotte MacLeod, but this was a really cute holiday read and first in her Professor Shandy series. Definitely recommend. 🙂
Chris says
And Danna, I raved AGAIN about your website to the group. I so appreciate you and it with helping me keep track of a lot of my reading and letting me know when the new ones are coming back. Great to be able to go to one website and find information I need.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Chris, thanks for the rave AND the very nice words about the site!
CuppaCozy says
I listened to the audiobook version of Diners, Dives and Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin. It is the first in the Rose Strickland mysteries from Henery Press. Diners, Dives and Dead Ends puts a twist on the traditional cozy mystery and perhaps adds a touch of Noir to it. I’m going to start on the second book today, Last Diner Standing, which is supposed to have a Christmas theme.
Laura says
This month I haven’t found many cozies I liked. Though I did enjoy Death of a Modern King by Angela Flowers. And The Avid Angler by Mathiya Adams but I wouldn’t really consider it a traditional cozy.
Candy says
I just discovered books by Kathi Daley. I give her a shout out as I won several but have bought others. Her characters draw you in their lives and the mysteries are intriguing. Also read Clare O’Donohue quilting cozies, well written interesting people and stories.
Margaret StashEmpress says
I started out the month with a lot of reading — then due to some in-house drama (landlord sold the house, new owner began demolition in the basement right under us, we’ve had another emergency every day, including broken gas pipes, a cut open ancient oil tank filling our house with fumes, cut telephone wires, electricity going out to parts of the house at random, etc. — and that’s with my youngest child being very medically involved, with a trach & on a respirator…. kind of a nightmare) — so no reading the last couple weeks — and don’t know when I will have the nerves or patience to read again. 🙁
(yes we now have to move — no there are no apartments available — the housing market is brutal. nuff said)
But before all the drama, I did get in some good ones this month:
Kate Carlisle — The Book Stops Here (Bibliophile series) — Another great title in this series. Interesting theme (bookbinding, old books, etc.), quirky characters – so much to love! In this title Brooklyn is guest hosting on an antiques television show, appraising old books. When a book bought for $3 at a garage sale — and appraised for $24,000 — causes murder and mayhem, Brooklyn has to solve the murder before she’s next.
Kate Carlisle — Ripped From The Pages (Bibliophile series) — Most recent title in this series, Brooklyn is visiting her parents in wine country and an excavation in an old cave turns up a secret room, millions in hidden art treasures — and a 70 year old mummified corpse!
Kate Carlisle — Pages of Sin (Bibliophile series) — novella in this series, Brooklyn is visiting her parents, offers to help her mother go through her deceased friend’s belongings — and finds a whole slew of incriminating documents hidden in a set of Jane Austen volumes!
Duffy Brown — Dead Man Walker (Consignment Shop Series) — Novella written from the point of view of Walker Boone. Note that this is a PREQUEL to the next book, Demise In Denim — what they don’t tell you about that is that its NOT a stand-alone (as most prequels are!) — rather it leaves you in middle of the story — right up to where Demise starts off (that is to say — you don’t find out whodunnit in the novella). That said, its cute & funny — just as long as you have the next book to hand already (thankfully I already had it checked out of the library, so I didn’t lose the continuity)
Duffy Brown — Demise in Denim (Consignment Shop Series)– So this takes up where Dead Man Walker left off. I still don’t understand why the author made the beginning of the story an ebook novella — if you didn’t read it you would find yourself starting the story wondering — what just happened???? (The murder takes place in the prequel — the novel starts with Boone on the run & Reagan trying to solve the murder) – that said, great story. Did leave me with a few loose ends though — which I assume will be picked up in the next book??
Alexander McCall Smith — The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine (No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series). Newest installment in this series. Mma Ramotswe is convinced to take a holiday (vacation to us) — but what starts out to be a “stay-cation” ends up with a couple of cases that need her touch… or do they?
Rose Pressey — All Dressed Up And No Place To Haunt (Haunted Vintage series) — Fun series involving the owner of a vintage clothing store, ghosts, and a psychic cat. Very cute.
Rose Pressey — Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore (Haunted Vintage series) — most recent book in the series. Love the ghost characters, lots of fun.
Dorothy Gilman — A Nun in the Closet. This is a stand alone from the author of the Mrs. Pollifax books. Yes, I did read it close to 30 years ago — it was one of those “Oooh let’s read *that* one again!” moments LOL! Two nuns leave their cloistered abbey to look over a derelict estate willed to their order by a mysterious benefactor and get involved with hippies and gangsters and things that go bump in the night. A charming read!
Susan Elia MacNeal — Mrs. Roosevelt’s Confidante (Maggy Hope series) — Latest installment of the adventures of Maggie Hope, spy for Britain during WW2. Just a word of warning — do start the series from the beginning, you’ll be glad you did.
Ellie Alexander — Meet Your Baker (Bakeshop Mystery series) — First in the series. Revolves around culinary school graduate Juliet Capshaw who comes home to mend a broken heart & join her mother in the family business, a bakeshop named Torte. While this is a common scenario in cozies, the plotting is good, the characters are warm & welcoming & the location is both scenic & quirky (the whole town is Shakespeare themed). Altogether a good read & I already have the next volume waiting on my shelf.
Janet Finsilver — Murder at Redwood Cove. Says this is the first in a new series, but the cover of the book doesn’t tell us what the series will be called. Kelly Jackson works as an administrative assistant for Resorts International & has been sent to the Redwood Cove B & B to take over operations till a permanent replacement can be found for the manager who was killed in an accident. However his friends claim the death was no accident & convince Kelly to help them solve his murder. I don’t know if future books in the series will revolve around Redwood Cove — or if they will have Kelly sent to hotel properties in other locations — where she will, of course, find a murder to solve… 😉
Lisa Q. Mathews — Cardiac Arrest (Smythe and Westin series) New series starring senior citizen Dorothy Westin and 20-something Summer Smythe-Sloan, her new friend and neighbor at the Hibiscus Pointe retirement community. When Summer’s new boss, womanizing cardiologist Dr. A. falls down dead at her feet on her first day on the job, she teams up with Dorothy to solve the murder and clear her name. Fun characters, well plotted, looking forward to the next book in the series.
Nancy Martin — Miss Ruffles Inherits Everything — I don’t know if this is meant as a stand alone or if its the beginning of a new series — BUT I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!! Nancy Martin’s strong point is the variety and strength of her characters (the Blackbird sisters, Roxy, etc.) — and this new book has a wealth of new characters that just grab you & draw you into the story — not the least of which is a dog named Miss Ruffles (quite the character in her own right!) who is the heiress to millions — and of course the people who are charged with her care — most particularly Sunny McKillip, assistant to deceased Honybelle Hensley — who now has to solve what is beginning to look like Honeybelle’s murder — and rescue Miss Ruffles from dognappers.
Cathy Ace — The Case of the Dotty Dowager (A WISE Enquiries Agency Mystery) First in a new series featuring the ladies of the WISE Enquiries Agency — WISE stands for the nationalities of the 4 ladies involved — Welsh, Irish, Scottish, English. I like the characters & the plot involved some very interesting hi tech criminal activity. The only thing I think is needed is a prequel to let us know how these 4 such very different ladies came together to form this agency — it is only alluded to briefly (seems the father of one of them was murdered in a nursing home, another one of them was the Matron of that nursing home — and that these 4 women solved the murder — I would like to see that as the start of the series — so we should know where these people are all coming from & how they came together). The “Dotty Dowager” in the title is not, in fact, “Dotty” at all — and I can totally see Maggie Smith playing her — sort of a modern day Violet Grantham 😉
Simon Brett — Mrs. Pargeter’s Principle (Mrs. Pargeter series) — WHOO HOO — MRS. PARGETER IS BAAAACCCCKKKKK!!!!!!!!!
(Excited? Moi???? You betcha!!! LOL) — Mrs. Pargeter is back along with old friends like “Truffler” Mason (why is he called Truffler???) & new crimes to solve. Hope there will be many more new adventures in the series!
JoAnna Carl — The Chocolate Falcon Fraud (Chocoholic series). Another great book in this favorite series. Only not as much chocolate as usual in this one… Carl will have to fix that in future books if the series is to continue 😉
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret, I am so sorry to hear what your new landlords have been up to! That sounds like more than a nightmare! I hope they have finally gotten their act together and things start settling back to normal.
Patti says
Oh, Margaret, I’m sorry to hear about all the troubles in your life right now, especially your child’s medical problems. When it rains, it pours, is very fitting for you right now. Sending hugs.
And a huge thank you for all the terrific cozy recommendations! There are a lot of books there that I’m adding to my TBR list.
Warmest wishes,
Patti
Lynn T. says
Margaret-how awful what you are going through. It is not just one thing which would be bad enough but many things. Hang in there the best you can. I hope you find a new place soon. Hugs!
Lynn T. says
I read the 7th book in the Books By the Bay Mystery Series by Ellery Adams call Writing All Wrongs. This series is perhaps my favorite cozy mystery series. It is an auto buy for me. Each book in the series is different(not formula driven) and the characters really do develop and change. The books are well researched and the author is a excellent story teller.
If you haven’t started this series, you should start with the first book to watch the characters develop and grow. I think if one jumped into the middle of the series they might not get full enjoyment of the series. However, if Olivia bothers you in the first book, hold on as you will change your mind as you progress in the series. It is a fabulous series.
MJ says
November Recommendations -2015
All You Can See — Hank Phillippi Ryan
Here I am again with my yearly accolades for this very gifted author. As I’ve said before, with some good marketing where she should be promoting her books on morning talk shows, she could easily be on the NYT top ten best seller list. She’s equally as good (if not better) than Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Patterson, or Evanovich. But without proper promotion readers don’t know about her. Ryan also has the street creds. She is a crime reporter for a Boston TV station.
This book is more intense than your average cozy. It is an engrossing story and very difficult to put down. Even though it is almost 400 pages, I read it quickly. Ryan writes each chapter from the viewpoint of various characters. First of all there is Jane Ryland, the protagonist. Jane is a former crime reporter, now doing some freelance work. Next is Jake, homicide detective with the Boston police dept. The other set of characters involves a family (mother and daughter) working for the city of Boston.
A man is murdered in a park near the city hall. There are many twists, turns and angles to this story — all of them riveting. Ryan develops outstanding characters with many, many complexities. Because there are a lot of aspects to the story, one might assume it would be confusing…………but NO, this author writes with clarity and it’s very easy to follow. As in all Ryan’s books, there is also a gripping side story, somewhat unrelated to the murder mystery. And a side note: Charlotte McNally is mentioned twice in the final chapter. She is the protagonist in Ryan’s previous series.
ALL her books are great. But if you want, you can read any of them as a stand-alone.
In her 2 pages of acknowledgements, Ryan thanks the readers who read the acknowledgements. Yup, that’s me! I always think, any author grateful enough to thank many of those who helped her, deserves to have her acknowledgements read.
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Flipped For Murder — Maddie Day
This is the first book of a new series. It is set in southern Indiana (near Bloomington) in the fall with much descriptive writing. This makes it an enjoyable fall read.
The protagonist (Robbie) has moved to this small community from California (somewhat typical cozy reason — a ‘broken heart’). Her aunt Adele lives here so Robbie purchases a country store/restaurant. Her grand opening is a success. However the next day, the mayor’s assistant is murdered. She is not well liked in the community so there are plenty of suspects.
Since her store/restaurant is so busy, Robbie decided she must hire another employee. She hires a somewhat offbeat 19 year old with many ‘piercings’. She also just happens to be the mayor’s daughter. But, guess what? ……………..her name is DANNA. I thought this was a really fun factoid because I never heard the name before I started reading this blog. Actually she turns out to be a multi-faceted/cool character, and most likely will remain in the series.
Bottom line………………..I liked this book. Most importantly, the characters are interesting and it is a well-paced story. I did figure out the culprit before the end, but because of the character interactions, the story is still enjoyable to the last page.
I’m going to mention the ‘acknowledgements’ again, since in this case they are a little different. The author thanks her other author friends who have helped her…………..and she gives their real name and their pen name. I thought this was quite unusual. She also explains that she has authored books under her real name of Edith Maxwell and another pseudonym – Tace Baker. How atypical and what a treat! There are several authors who won’t even give the reader a bio, much less any info about themselves and other books they’ve written.
THEN at the end of her two page acknowledgements, she has a note for the reader. She states, “a positive review of a book you read goes a long way to helping the author”. WOW! I really like this author! She is open, humble, and endearing.
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Trimmed with Murder – Sally Goldenbaum
Ah………..Christmas time in a small seaside community near Boston. What a nice holiday read. Usually this author releases her books in the spring, but added a holiday one this year. Her next book (the 16th) is to be released in May 2016.
I do like this series with its four protagonists, all enjoying a great friendship with the common denominator of knitting. This series is very well written with strong, well-rounded characters. Two new very complex characters are added to the story, each having many layers. Izzy’s brother Charlie appears in town. She is totally surprised because she hasn’t seen him for about ten years. He picked up a female hitchhiker on the way into town. The hitchhiker resided in this community as a child.
However, there is a downside to this particular story. The murdered victim is someone I liked as a character, so there is a sad element that carries throughout the story (at least to me). Frankly, I would have preferred she lived. But this very talented author certainly has a skill for weaving a wonderful tale. Character interaction is the key to her success as an author. Her stories are also multi-faceted with a few twists and turns.
I oftentimes make ‘assumptions’ of characters. In this case, I thought Izzy (former lawyer and now yarn shop owner) was around age 30. However, in this book it is revealed she is probably 8 to 10 years older than that. No big deal, however I laugh at myself for my wrongful conjectures.
It’s a good read, folks, especially in December. You won’t be disappointed.
Linda MH says
Can’t believe November is over!!! Here are two books I greatly enjoyed:
Basket Case by Nancy Haddock
Basket Case is the first book in the new Silver Six Crafting Mystery series. The story opens with the protagonist, Leslee Stanton “Nixy” Nix, being called to her Aunt Sherry’s hometown to check on the well being of Sherry and Sherry’s roommates (also known as the Silver Six). It seems Sherry’s neighbors are complaining about some strange, and possibly unsafe, activities going on at the house, and a local detective has asked Nixy to check things out. When Nixy arrives, she witnesses her aunt being threatened by a nasty land developer who is determined to get ownership of Sherry’s land. When the developer is found murdered, Sherry becomes the number one suspect. Nixy and the Silver Six set out to find the murderer.
I really enjoyed this book. It has all the elements I look for when choosing a cozy mystery: a small town setting, an extremely likable protagonist, an engaging cast of characters, entertaining dialogue, and a hint of possible romance. I definitely fell in love with these people. We are introduced to the Silver Six at the same time, but I didn’t have any trouble keeping them straight because the author did such a good job describing them.
This is such a fun debut! I’m definitely looking forward to my next visit with these characters.
The Big Chili by Julia Buckley
Lilah Drake’s dream is to one day have her own catering company. In the meantime, she secretly cooks and delivers meals to people who pretend they did the cooking. I have to admit the premise of this book cracked me up, and I laughed out loud at some of the stealthy ways she meets up with her clients. When one of Lilah’s clients serves her chili at an event, and a woman dies after tasting it, Lilah decides she needs to find out who wanted the victim dead.
The Big Chili by Julia Buckley is a very entertaining read. Lilah is an extremely likable protagonist. She’s funny and caring and is very close to her family. The dialogue is frequently humorous but still sounds authentic. I loved getting to know her family better, and Lilah’s interactions with her friends and neighbors frequently brought a smile to my face—especially her time spent with Henry. He’s such a cutie.
I’m looking forward to spending more time with Lilah and friends. I hope there’s a Book 2 in the works.
Hope everyone has a wonderful December!
Marty says
I was so impressed with your detailed list on cozy books. You might have the makings of a good e-book just listing the authors in a reasonable order. It was amazing. Such a nice easy to navigate and read web site with clean graphics. Got a couple of new picks from your list that I must buy and read. So many books so little time.
I’m an avid antique book collector. I just picked up a book by A.A. Milne, yes that Winnie-the-Pooh A. A. Milne who also wrote for Punch in the 1920’s. It’s very funny. The Red House Mystery.
I’m an avid reader (canceled Direct TV) so always have two or three books going at a time. Maia Chance -Snow White Red-Handed, Cinderella Six feet Under, an actress sleuth no Ophelia even though her name is; Fairy tale slant. Spunky self-sufficient woman. More! Janey Mack- Times Up, Choked Up (new), Chicago meter maid sleuth, with cops as relatives; Betty Webb -Puffin of Death (new), I’ve read all her Lena -Desert series and Zoo series, wonderful writer, great characters.
Becky says
Been a very stressful month, have to have house resided by Dec. 3. Just found out the Friday before Thanksgiving and that weekend my sister was in a car accident – without the angels that travel with her, she would not be here.
So this month decided to read the series that makes me feel warm and cozy. Started from book 1 the Mrs. Jeffries series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Becky, I’m really sorry to hear about your stressful month. I hope you are able to get your house resided by Thursday. However, it sounds like it’s been a good month in that your sister is doing well. Her angels were certainly with her!
Janice says
I read a number of good books this month including several new series that seem to hold a lot of promise. Two were mentioned in previous comments Basket Case by Nancy Haddock and Flipped for Murder by Maddie Day. I also enjoyed Death Takes Priority by Jean Flowers, set in the post office of a small New England town. A book in an established series that I enjoyed this month was White Colander Crime by Victoria Hamilton – the main character who has been very unlucky in love seems to have finally met someone who appreciates her quirks. I would also highly recommend Olive and Let Die by Susannah Hardy, the second book in her Greek restaurant series.
Paula Catherine says
I am reading and recommending the Lucy Stone series by Leslie Meier. The cozy series centers around holidays and is quite enjoyable.
Ms. Meier addresses issues that are current today: senior citizen troubles, teen alcohol consumption, domestic issues.
The series takes place in a coastal town in Maine. I started at the beginning and experienced Lucy’s transition from a stay at home Mom to a Mom who now works out of the home. Her propensity to investigate(snoop) is well known in the town. The town residents are characters and I look forward to reading the further adventures of Lucy Stone.
robin says
Picked up and read (and already added them to my to collect list) the Maddie Day book, the Jean Flowers book about a postmistress and Vicki Delaney’s about a Christmas village. All were very good and highly enjoyable. Also the new Victoria Hamilton kitchen collection book, T.C. LoTempio Nick and Nora, Amanda Lee stitching shop and Carol Perry Salem series. I went into my favorite bookstore yesterday to make sure they put aside the new Juliet Blackwell and Laurie Cass coming out Dec. 1st, and they were already there! So of course I had to buy them, bring them home and read them. They were great. Ellie Alexander(also as Kate Dyer-Seeley) was at the above mentioned bookstore in Aug for a book and Author fair. She was quite lovely, signed all my books and mentioned that in 2017 or 18,she will be releasing another series about a wineshop/winery/vineyard(senior moment! . We are here in the Pacific Northwest, so it has something to do with wine!) I have to comment on Peter Shandy and Charlotte Macleod. I have all her books, also writing under Alisa Craig. She is great. Peter is my favorite of all her series. I have read Rest Ye Merry so many times, I can practically quote it. So many good books old and new. Now I just have to wait 4 weeks for the Jan. releases!
Hilary says
It was a good month for me reading-wise. All the books were enjoyable reads:
“Trick or Deceit” by Shelley Freydont (Celebration Bay Mysteries)
“Gossamer Ghost” by Laura Childs (Scrapbooking Mysteries)
“The Skeleton Haunts a House” by Leigh Perry (Family Skeleton Mysteries)
“Duck the Halls” by Donna Andrews (Meg Langslow Mysteries)
“A Ghostly Grave” by Tonya Kappes (Beyond the Grave Mysteries)
“Meow If It’s Murder” by T.C. LoTempio (Nick and Nora Mysteries)
“Lending a Paw” by Laurie Cass (Bookmobile Cat Mysteries)
“Scandal In Skibbereen” by Sheila Connolly (County Cork Mysteries)
Marja says
Steve Hoeckensmith’s “Fool Me Twice” — co-written with a Tarot expert — about a young woman trying to atone for her grifyer mother’s sins against the gullible. Only thing is, now she’s reading the Tarot for people and it seems to be true.
This is the second book in the series but I had no trouble picking up the vibe 😉
(Hoeckensmith’s “Holmes on the Range” series is a lot of fun too. Two brothers in the Old West, one of whom has the detectin’ talents of one Sherlock Holmes, with LOL-worthy by-play between the brothers.)
Hoeckensmith is funny, down to earth, and surprised me with the murderer … and here I thought I’d had it all figured out.
Pam says
I have read all of Deb Baker’s “Bee” series written under pen name Hannah Reed and loved them. Thanks to your Free Kindle list, I downloaded the first of the series written under Deb Baker and can’t wait to read them.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pam, I hope you enjoy Deb Baker’s Gertie Johnson series.
CJ says
My favorite new series is the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood. I discovered Phryne on tv when the Miss Fisher Mysteries was recommended to me. I loved the show and then found out the series was based on books. I read the first 3 in the series, and they are wonderful !! I adore Australia, and I also love the flapper era of the 1920s. The characters are odd and funny and oh so human. Phryne is a true free spirit and independent woman, and the stories are well-written. (I’ve discovered recently that almost all authors end sentences with a preposition – my English professors must be grinding their teeth!) The resolutions are a bit wild and unrealistic, but it’s fiction, and funny and very imaginative. Highly recommend the series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
CJ, I have started ending my sentences with prepositions, too. For years I would try to manipulate my written sentences so as to avoid doing this. My husband finally convinced me that since the English language is alive (not dead like Latin) >>> changes occur. I’m sure your profs must be chomping at the bit, but let’s face it, it’s a lot easier to just go ahead and do it!
CJ says
Danna, I agree!! My problem is that my English profs gave every paper an F if it had a glaring, grammatical error, and they practically beat grammar rules into us. I notice, and cringe, every time I see one in a book, even when I am so enthralled in the story that I lose track of time and place!! I would love to just let it go ! I guess I’m doomed !!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
CJ, you have no idea how much I can identify with you!