Unfortunately, between holidays and traveling (as well as writing for and maintaining the site in between), I haven’t had time for much reading!
Still, for many of my other favorite authors of months past, you can go to the Most Popular & Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my Cozy-Mystery site for my full write-ups on many great Cozy series.
So, what have you been reading that you can recommend in November? 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 November 2017 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:
Victoria Abbott (writing duo Mary Jane Maffini & daughter Victoria Maffini): Book Collectors Mystery Series
Ellery Adams (aka Jennifer Stanley, J. B. Stanley, & 1/2 of Lucy Arlington): Books by the Bay Mystery Series
Ellie Alexander (aka Kate Dyer-Seeley): Sloan Krause Mystery Series AND Bakeshop Mystery Series
Donna Andrews: Meg Langslow Mystery Series
M. C. Beaton (aka Marion Chesney): Agatha Raisin Mystery Series
Ellen Byron: Cajun Country Mystery Series
Lynn Cahoon: Tourist Trap Mystery Series
Kate Carlisle: Bibliophile Mystery Series AND Fixer-Upper Mystery Series
Bailey Cates (aka Bailey Cattrell & Cricket McRae): Magical Bakery Mystery Series
Sheila Connolly (aka Sarah Atwell): Orchard Mystery Series
Krista Davis: Domestic Diva Mystery Series AND Paws & Claws Mystery Series
Vicki Delany (aka Eva Gates): Year-Round Christmas Mystery Series
Barbara Early (aka Beverly Allen): Vintage Toy Shop Mystery Series
Amanda Flower (aka Isabella Alan): Magical Bookshop Mystery Series AND Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series
Jacqueline Frost (aka Julie Chase and Julie Anne Lindsey): Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series
Daryl Wood Gerber (aka Avery Aames): French Bistro Mystery Series
Mary Ellen Hughes: Keepsake Cove Mystery Series
Sofie Kelly (aka Sofie Ryan & Darlene Ryan for Young Adult): Magical Cats Mystery Series
Jenn McKinlay (aka Josie Belle & Lucy Lawrence): Library Lover’s Mystery Series
Leslie Meier: Lucy Stone Mystery Series
Julie Mulhern: The Country Club Murders (first book The Deep End)
Carol J. Perry: Witch City Mystery Series
Deanna Raybourn: Veronica Speedwell Mystery Series
Karen Rose Smith: Caprice de Luca Mystery Series
Leann Sweeney: Cats In Trouble Mystery Series
Victoria Thompson: Counterfeit Lady Mystery Series
Lea Wait: Mainely Needlepoint Mystery Series
Livia J. Washburn: Fresh-Baked Mystery Series
Diane Xarissa: Isle of Man Cozy Mystery Series (first book Aunt Bessie Assumes)
[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.
Bek says
I tend to be a bit behind everyone since I have to scour used book stores so often, but I did just order the ENTIRE “Cats in Trouble” series by Leann Sweeney. A dear friend sent me a copy of “The Cat, the Quilt, and the Corpse, and I fell in love. When I saw that the budget was going to allow for it, I LEAPT at the chance. They should be here very shortly!
Kimberley N. says
I listened to all of the Lynn Cahoon Tourist Trap mysteries during the month of November. I really enjoyed this series, well written, and great characters!
The same performer is used in the series and she is excellent. If audiobooks are your thing…. I would recommend. I was able to access through Hoopla, an app that has an arrangement with my public library.
Robert Z says
I can recommend ‘Caught Dead Handed’, the first of the Witch City Mystery series by Carol J. Perry. Nicely written, a good mystery, and fun for anyone who knows the city of Salem MA. My only disappointment is that although the book takes place during the Halloween season, the holiday is referred to just barely in passing. I’ll be reading more of the series.
Anne says
I read the latest from Julie Mulhern. This was the sixth in the Country Club Murders series called Cold as Ice.
These books are set in the 70’s with good mysteries in every one. Plus a bit of romance and her mother! Very funny and a great series.
You won’t be sorry if you try these books.
Rickee D says
Once Upon a Spine – Author Kate Carlisle – very nice cozy, set in San Francisco, character is a rare book repairer/binder, solves mysteries.
Susy S says
I Read Kate Carlisle’s Eaves of Destruction. As usual, a very entertaining read. I like the way that relationships develop in these books. Each character interacts with Shannon Hammer in a manner that is pretty consistent from book to book and the relationships grow and mature. I also really like the idea of a woman succeeding in male dominated profession and doing it on her own terms.
In each book Shannon is getting more methodical about solving the murder, as you would expect when a person has been involved in several. I like Shannon and her friends, and I would invite them home with me, so clearly the characters are all pretty likable, with the exception of the killer and the victim and some times a red herring character.
I can’t wait for the next bibliophile book!
Linda S. says
Somehow I missed the “The Marsh Madness”, the 2015 release in Victoria Abbott’s “Book Collector” series. I picked it up from the library this week and am thoroughly enjoying it. I prefer to read a series in order so I was delighted to realize this book is just as good as the other four in the series, even when read out of se
quence.
Janir says
Does anyone know if Victoria Abbott has another book in the works in the “Book Collector” mysteries?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janir, unfortunately I haven’t heard anything lately about this series.
MJ says
Janir, oftentimes there is information on an author’s website or facebook page. I looked at the Victoria Abbott website, facebook page, and Mary Jane Maffini’s website. All seemed out of date with no current information. A lot of author’s maintain their own website to keep in contact with their readers. That doesn’t appear to be the case with these authors (‘Victoria Abbott’ is a mother/daughter writing team).
Hanna says
I just finished the last one – The Hammett Hex – and it is pretty clear that this is the end of this specific series. No spoilers, it says that it takes place in San Francisco and I really missed Vera, the Signora, the cats, the uncles and Walter.
Linda MH says
This is a very enjoyable series. I miss it!
Hanna says
I continued with the most recommended books on this site with Victoria Abbott’s The Sayers Swindle, The Wolfe Widow and the Marsh Madness. While the heroine is in real dangers in all of them, there is a lot of humor in the way she presents herself, her family, her friends, the mansion. And, mentioning the books by the authors send me to check whether I’ve read all of them.
Also read Ellery Adams’ Killer Plot. While still propelled by the love of books, there were no throwing of names of authors and books at every turn. In contrast to other heroines, Olivia is a confident business woman, at least for the outside. And, it took me several pages, I think, before I smiled at the combination of her name – Olivia – and that of her full size black poodle – Captain Haviland. Wonder whether the actress Olivia de Havilland, or her agent know..
C. T Collier says
Barbara Early’s Vintage Toyshop series is a winner. I picked up Death of a Toy Soldier this month and was impressed with the strong writing, the believable characters, and the familiar setting. Early’s protagonist has a warm and sometimes contentious relationship with her father, a retired cop, which adds greatly to the plot and the solution of the mystery. Toy Soldier is the first in this series, and I’m so excited to find a new author to follow!
Jan S says
I totally agree.That is my favorite this season. It was fun, warm and humorous. If you enjoy puns as humor (I do), you will love it.
Linda MH says
I’ve enjoyed both books in this series. Very entertaining!
Melanie says
I was reading summaries to some of the Christmas themed cozies, and discovered that the Vintage Toyshop Mystery Series takes place in my home town. Now it’s absolutely on my must read list. I’m looking forward to this one!
Donna H. says
I have enjoyed the 10-book Domestic Diva books by Krista Davis. I listen to audiobooks and wish there was some discussion of them on the cozy mystery site 🙂
Carol Z says
I just read the first Domestic Diva book because it was a Thanksgiving cozy. I’m hooked and can’t wait to read the next one.
MJ says
November Recommendations – 2017
Thread the Halls — Lea Wait
Out of several seasonal books I’ve read, this one has the most Christmas feel to it. Page after page of holiday ambience (blizzard, décor, trimmings, presents, cookies, even Santa arriving on a lobster boat) are written into this story to set the ‘mood’. Angie Curtis returned to Haven Harbor, Maine earlier in the year from Arizona and is experiencing her first Christmas in Maine since she was a child. She came back to manage her Gram’s needlepoint business since Gram married a local pastor.
Skye West a famous movie star, has purchased a summer home in this town. She is currently filming in Scotland and the production has run into some snags. The production company closed down and several people from the film join her in Maine to celebrate the holidays. Angie and her boyfriend Patrick West (son of Skye West) prepare the home for the festivities and the guests.
Angie discovers the body of one of the guests in the snow behind the West home. This is a somewhat complex story with several layers. I guessed at who the probable culprit was, but I just couldn’t figure out the ‘whys and wherefores’. There are sub plots, ending in some surprises.
Angie is a very strong and independent character. If I had to make a prediction, I would say that the current romance isn’t going to last through the series. We’ll see.
Bottom line – if you want a good ‘Christmas’ mystery with a strong holiday feel, ‘cozy up’ to this book!
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Not a Creature Was Purring – Krista Davis
This is such a fun series, even more enjoyable (I think) than the Domestic Diva series. This story takes place at holiday time and Davis definitely sets the tone and flavor of Christmas. Wagtail, VA is a tourist community dedicated to animals. The Sugar Maple Inn is co-owned by Holly Miller and her grandmother. Holly’s love (or major crush) for Holmes has rekindled since moving back to Wagtail. However, Holmes is engaged. This has been an ongoing story for five books.
Holmes fiancé’s family decides to spend the holidays in Wagtail to meet his family. One of the family members is murdered. This is a family with multiple problems and discord. Any of the family members could be the culprit and, frankly, it’s difficult to figure it out.
The main (Wagtail) characters are warm, caring, and feel like family. A couple are a bit eccentric which adds substance and wit. Kudos to the author for adding a list of characters at the beginning. A HUGE plus — it certainly helped me keep everyone straight. I referred to it often.
There are many moving parts to this fast paced and very well plotted story. It’s a page turner and with so much going on that one feels the need to ‘catch a breath’ by the end of the story.
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Cajun Christmas Killing – Ellen Byron
There was a focus on this author’s books last month, but I hadn’t read this latest release so couldn’t chime in.
I really enjoyed this book. It is set at Christmas time in Pelican LA. The murder victim is a B&B guest, although not well-liked. Maggie Crozat is the protagonist and takes an interest in solving this murder because her police detective boyfriend, Bo, is removed from the case. Her obvious intelligence stands out (always a PLUS!). A longtime foe of the Crozat family is now in charge of the investigation. It’s a story with several turns and twists, keeping the reader engrossed. The subplots are also well written and dynamic.
There are many characters in this story, the main ones are well defined and somewhat distinct. But because there are so many, I found I lost track of some of the ‘who is who’. Since this author follows this blog, may I make a suggestion? Could you put a list of characters at the beginning of each book and their relationships to the story? I know several authors (see above entry) do this, and I find it so very helpful to follow the story.
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Deadly Éclair — Daryl Wood Gerber
This is the first book in the new French Bistro Murder series. Mimi Rosseau was a chef in a SF restaurant when her husband died in an accident. Backed by a wealthy investor, Mimi is starting a new venture in Napa Valley – a bistro and inn.
A famous talk show host has decided to hold her wedding festivities at this Inn. A body is discovered in the kitchen, thus squelching the wedding plans. Since who is murdered isn’t revealed at the beginning of the story, I won’t do a ‘spoiler alert’ here.
OK ………..that’s the basics. I, like many of the readers of this blog, enjoy this author’s mysteries. And, this doesn’t disappoint. There are several characters that will be ‘mainstays’ of this series. Mimi (the owner), the chef, the sous chef, the gardener, Mimi’s two friends who work with her, her mother, the detective, and the possible love interest. My first criteria for an enjoyable series is I have to like the characters. Gerber gives depth, smarts, and savvy to the main character. The other characters are varied/unique. All are enjoyable and I give this aspect a ‘thumbs up’.
There is no straight line in the mystery plot with several viable suspects. Mimi is very methodical in her thinking as the story moves on. I didn’t have a clue ‘who dun it’ until the end, and certainly had no idea as to the reason why until it is revealed. There are a few surprise sub plot revelations in the final chapter, with enough insight into future story lines to keep the reader interested.
BTW, this author must really like wine. In this series. there’s a lot of discussion about varieties, flavors, blends, etc., just as it was often discussed in her previous cheese and wine series.
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Death on Tap — Ellie Alexander
This is the first book in another new series — set in a German themed tourist community in Washington. Its unique premise is set around breweries. Of course this is done with LOIS of ‘beer’ info……interesting, but sometimes more detailed than the casual reader may care about.
Sloan Kraus is working for her husband’s family brewery until she finds him messing around with the barmaid (so far, it’s following the cozy formula for past boyfriends/husbands!). Sloan then leaves this brewery and goes to work for a new start-up brewery.
A body is found in a tank at this new brewery and many fingers are pointed at Sloan’s husband as the culprit. Sloan gets involved with investigating this murder because she’d like to clear her husband, not for herself, but for their son.
The Sloan character is developed with quite an interesting back story and complexity. The other characters add variety and appeal to the story. There are several intriguing threads as this story progresses. Alexander is a good story teller and I was delighted with the creativity of this newest entry into her repertoire.
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Currently I’m reading ANOTHER first book in a new series (guess this is the month for new series!!) and so far, I really, really like it. If I finish it by tomorrow, I’ll add another entry (assuming it continues to be a good read). NOW that I finished writing this, I can get back to it! 🙂
Melanie says
Eventually, I’d like to start the French Bistro Mystery Series and Sloan Kraus Mystery Series. I like that both are new so I can keep up from the beginning…and it certainly doesn’t hurt that both series’ debuts have been getting pretty good reviews from what I’ve seen.
I’m really interested in Ellen Byron’s Cajun Country Mystery series too. I’d like to read “A Cajun Christmas Killing” this month, but before I do, I have to read the first two. This is another series that I’ve read a lot of good reviews for.
Tari Hann says
I read “Twelve Slays of Christmas” by Jacqueline Frost aka Julie Chase. This book was awesome and is just the thing to get into the Christmas spirit if anyone needs help in that department. I would love to visit Mistletoe, Maine! I was happy to hear on Facebook that Julie is starting the 2nd book in this new series, Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries.
Linda MH says
I really enjoyed this book, too. Looking forward to her next one.
Melanie says
I like the idea of a new Christmas themed series that I can keep up with from the beginning. It sounds like fun…looking forward to reading it. It’s nice to know that a second book is in the works.
Melanie says
I recently started my first cozy mystery series…Sofie Kelly’s Magical Cats Mystery Series…and I’ve really been enjoying them. I’m about 1/3 through the fifth book, “Final Catcall.” I love the characters who live in Mayville Heights, but none more than cats Owen and Hercules, who also serve as the series’ sleuthing sidekicks.
Susy says
Melanie,
When I read my first book in this series, I was hooked. I had already bought one or two others in the series, but they were at my vacation place. So I had to have my local library order them from other locations because I wasn’t going to wait until my next trip. If you like this series, be sure to read her other series under the name Sofie Ryan. It is also great fun with a cat that seems to have special abilities, though not on the same scale as Owen and Hercules.
Melanie says
When I was a couple of chapters into the first book I knew I was going to love this series. As I neared the end I bought the next two, and by the time I was into the third book I had all except the most recent release sitting on my TBR pile.
Thank you for suggesting the Second Chance Cat Mystery Series. It’s not on my TBR pile yet, but it is on my wish list…with many, many other cozy mysteries, thanks to this website. 🙂
Susy S says
Melanie, My TBR pile is so long it is a spreadsheet and every time I think it is getting shorter, there is a rash of new releases by my ‘must read’ authors, or I discover a new author I just love. Since my memory isn’t what it used to be, I prefer to buy the books so I can go back and check details of the previous book while reading the next book.
My wish list is also quite long, though not as long as the TBR. Enjoy the two series, I really have.
Joppy says
I’m slowly working my way through the ‘Aunt Bessie’ books of Diana Xarissa. Aunt Bessie is an elderly inhabitant of the Isle of Man, between the UK and Ireland, and falls into murders by chance, helping to solve them with her friends and local police by using her lifelong knowledge of the island and its inhabitants. Each book is a follow on in an alphabetical sequence starting with ‘Aunt Bessie Assumes’ and I’m currently up to ‘Invites’, so plenty of scope.
The author writes another series, so far much shorter, still I.O.M. based, where an American lady inherits her old relatives flat in Douglas (the island’s capital) only to find the old lady’s ghost still ‘lives’ there. They get involved in murders along the way.
Ginny Kayfes says
I enjoyed “Bailey Cates” newest Magical Bakery mystery book: Potions and Pastries. I also enjoyed the newest “Krista Davis” Paws and Claws mystery: Not a Creature Was Purring.
Susy says
Ginny, I bought those two and the Kate Carlisle “Eaves of Destruction” the week they came out and had finished all three by the end of the following week. Some authors I love and just can’t put down. I was lucky enough to be a passenger for a cross country drive, which help time wise.
If you enjoyed those two, check out Laura Cass and Sofie Kelly/Ryan, if you have not already. I think you will like them as well.
KG says
I have been reading some Christmas cozies. In November, one book I read was The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer by Livia J. Washburn. I love this series (Fresh Baked Series) because I see growth in the main character from the first book to now. Fun, light, good character development and of course a Christmas setting! Recipes in the back.
Janice G says
I started my Christmas reading early this year and enjoyed Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost; Slay Bells Ring by Karen Rose Smith; Not a Creature was Purring by Krista Davis; and Hark the Herald Angles Slay by Vicki Delany (really Christmas in July but I think that it counts.)
Other new books in established series that I enjoyed were A Late Frost by Sheila Connolly, Eaves of Destruction by Kate Carlisle, and especially Death in the Stacks by Jenn McKinley.
Finally, I have to recommend the first in a new series A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes. The book is set in Keepsake Cove on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where there are many shops selling collectibles. The day after the main character arrives, she finds her aunt dead on the floor of her music box shop. The police write it off as an accident, but of course we know its murder. The story is filled with lots of interesting characters and promises to be a good series.
MJ says
Fatal Collection – Mary Ellen Hughes
I just finished this book today, so wanted to add it into this month’s recommendations.
It’s the first book in a new series. Callie Reed is visiting her aunt when she (the aunt) suddenly dies. Although it is ruled an accident, Callie suspects it is murder. Callie inherits her aunt’s music box collectible shop in a Maryland community with several other ‘collectible’ shops. Callie decides to move to this community from WV and continue managing this shop.
I enjoyed the characters in this story as various problems arose among the shop owners. A music box given to Callie from her grandfather, starts playing music at strange times, indicating it’s a focus of the story. I found it fairly easy to determine who was ‘guilty’, but that didn’t stop me from quickly turning the pages until the end.
For some odd reason, little errors jump out at me. Callie had dinner with a friend at a local restaurant. She order chicken scampi. She could only eat half of it and brought the rest home. On page 202, on the next evening, she comments she is heating up her leftover restaurant dinner. Then she mentions she is eating the spaghetti and meatballs. Huh? In actuality it was her dinner companion who ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. While eating at the restaurant, she mentioned he ate it all……………..so there is NO mistake that she brought home his dinner instead of hers. I know, I know, it’s a MINOR error, but I continue to ask, “do the editors actually read the manuscripts?”
I liked this first book in this new series and encourage other cozy fans to try it, too.
Susy says
I so agree about errors like that. Another pet peeve is when they write about a real place but evidently have never been there or not in many years. I have been reading the Mainely Needlepoint series by Lea Wait and really enjoy the series. I do get very irritated when she talks about Angie living in in Mesa Arizona, because it is clear she has not been anywhere near Mesa in a very long time if ever by her description of what it looks like. Deb Baker makes similar errors in her doll collector mysteries, such as saying that Mesa is between Phoenix and Arizona State University, when ASU is between Phoenix and Mesa. That is part of why I so enjoy the Cupcake series by Jenn McKinley – she lives in the area and gets it right.
Margaret StashEmpress says
I managed to snag some really GREAT books from the library this month! (OK, had them on hold for ages, finally my ship came in LOL)
M.C. Beaton — The Witches’ Tree (Agatha Raisin series)
Newest title in this favorite old series. A woman is found hanged in a tree, whispers of covens in the village, etc. Agatha has to make sense of it all. Totally didn’t see the ending coming. Beaton really knows how to put the “fun” in dysfunctional!
Donna Andrews — How the Finch Stole Christmas! (Meg Langslow series) Another fun installment in one of my most favorite wacky series! This time Meg is tasked with keeping the annual college holiday performance on track, despite a drunken leading man, a murder and her grandfather trying to unload finches at every turn. Another one where you’ll never guess the ending!
Leslie Meier — Turkey Trot Murder (Lucy Stone series) Another new title in a long running favorite series. Lucy has to solve the murder of a young woman that’s being ascribed to accident and or drugs, together with some unsettling village politics. Based on the way its written, I was sure I knew who the murderer was, but proved wrong yet again.
Deanna Raybourn — A Perilous Undertaking (Veronica Speedwell series) This is the second in a series, but new to me. This is a historical mystery set in Victorian England (I do love my historical mysteries!) and Victoria Speedwell is an adventurer who is tasked by someone Very High Up with solving a murder (so as not to involve any Important People Who One Mustn’t Embarrass). Loved Veronica, loved the book, immediately put the first title on hold at the library.
Ellie Alexander — Death on tap (Sloan Krause series) New series by author of the Bakeshop series. Books are very similar style. Both are set in theme destination towns (“Beer-varia” for Sloan’s hometown of Leavonworth, WA and Shakespearean theme for Jules hometown of Ashland Oregon). Sloan and Jules are both still married, but now separated from their husbands, the future of their marriages yet to be determined. Both are alarmed at their attraction to other men. Sloan brews beer (and cooks food). Jules is a pastry chef (and cooks food). If you liked Bakeshop series, you’ll like Sloan Krause series. (Synopsis — Sloan finds a body in a brewing tank and has to clear her husband of suspicion). I actually did figure out pretty immediately who the murderer was, though didn’t know why till almost the end.
Ellie Alexander — Fudge and Jury (Bakeshop series). Second to most recent title in this series. This time Jules is working Ashland’s Chocolate Fest and someone with a fatal nut allergy dies after eating her (nut free) cake. (I actually figured this one out about midway through, after googling.. no I didn’t google whodunnit LOL — I googled an item that one of the characters mentioned.)
Amanda Flower — Crime and Poetry (Magical Bookshop series) First book in this wonderful series (i read the second book last month & fell in love by the end of the first page).
Amanda Flower — Assaulted Caramel ( Amish Candy Shop series) First title in this new series by author of the Magical Bookshop series. Two points here — first of all — I was certain for most of the book that I knew who the murderer was (as based on the dynamics of a different Amish book I had read) — thankful to say I was way off! Second of all — as I’ve mentioned a number of times, I’m not usually a fan of new series, as they’re frequently copies of existing successful series — how many bookshop owners, bakers, etc. are out there solving murders???? In this case Flower has done something interesting with both of her new series. Bookshop mysteries (plenty), magical mysteries (plenty) — Bookshop + Magical = Magical Bookshop, something new. Similarly Amish mysteries (quite a few by now), candymaker mysteries (also quite a few) — Amish + Candy = Amish Candy Shop, something new.
That said, both series also have similarities (as did Ellie Alexander’s series above). Both Violet and Bailey rush home as a result of messages regarding dying grandparents. Both stay and settle down in their old hometowns to run their family businesses. Both are falling in love with policemen with beautiful eyes… among other attributes…. 😉
That said, it works — both were thoroughly enjoyable books, I didn’t guess who the murderers were, and I’m very much looking forward to the next releases in both of these series.
Victoria Thompson — City of Lies (Counterfeit Lady series)
This is a new series by the author of the Gaslight mystery series. I’ve long wanted to read that series, but there are 17 titles (at least) and I want to start from the beginning, so it remains on my TBR list. This new series is gripping from the very first page. Elizabeth Miles is a conwoman in the early 1900’s, running for her life and forced to throw her lot in with a group of suffragists going to prison. Gripping story, I couldn’t put it down — literally — finished it in one sitting. Loved the ending & wonder if (how?) will there be more in this series?
Melanie says
“Crime and Poetry”, ” Prose and Cons”, and “Assaulted Caramel” are all currently sitting on my TBR pile. I hope that the Magical Bookshop Series continues. I visited Amanda Flower’s website to see if a new book is in the works, since there was no 2017 release, but there’s no information. However, there is a fun quiz that tells which of her series’ heroines you’re most like. It said I’m most like Bailey King. Now I just have to read the book to see if I think that’s true. 🙂
Margaret StashEmpress says
I emailed Amanda Flower to ask if there were more titles coming in the Magical Bookshop series! She said the next title is coming in 2019. That’s a long time to wait!!!
Melanie says
Thank you for the information. That is a long time to wait! I’m glad to hear that the series is continuing though. 🙂
Susy S says
Has anyone read any books by Alex Erickson. The name has popped up a couple of times on my Barnes & Noble ‘You May Also Like’ portion of my receipts. I haven’t seen his name on this website, so I am not ready to try one of his books without someone’s recommendation. Since you guys are pretty good at suggesting the right authors, let me know what you think and to whom you think his writing is similar.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susy, I haven’t, but perhaps someone else on the site has?
Melanie says
I have – but just within the past week or so. I haven’t read any yet, so unfortunately I can’t make any suggestions one way or the other. But I am interested in this series. I first came across his books while I was looking-up other cozies on Barnes & Noble’s website…they were listed with the “related products”. The Bookstore Cafe Mystery Series seems to have good reviews overall, and I think that the premise and setting are appealing, so I’ve included them on my wish list. I figure with only five books thus far (a sixth coming soon), it’s manageable to get up to speed with this series.
Melanie says
Sorry – I meant I have heard of his books (not that I have read any of them).
CC says
Hi Danna and all,
I have just finished Adrian McKinty’s “POLICE AT THE STATION AND THEY DON’T LOOK FRIENDLY”.
This is the latest in a series that is not a clear cozy mystery (it is borderline between mystery, thriller, and historic fiction).
The main character is a music-loving Catholic copper in the mainly Protestant police force of the Northern Irish Troubles.
Those who enjoy the writing style of Louse Penny, Josephine Tey, Laurie R King, and Dorothy Dunnett should enjoy this series. Great stuff.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks for the suggestion CC! This looks a little less “Cozy” thank what I normally post on the recommendations list so I’m not going to add it there, but I hope that some of the readers who are also interested in the occasional “harder” mystery novel gives this one a look when time permits (myself included)!