We’re just about at the end of September, 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 Jenn McKinlay’s Library Lover’s 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 September? 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 September 2021 that you want the rest of us to know about, and why did you enjoy it?
Meri Allen: Ice Cream Shop Mystery Series (first entry The Rocky Road to Ruin)
Winnie Archer (aka Melissa Bourbon & Misa Ramirez): Bread Shop Mystery Series
Bree Baker (aka Jacqueline Frost, Julie Chase, & Julie Anne Lindsey): Seaside Cafe Mystery Series
Rickie Blair: Leafy Hollow Mystery Series (first entry From Garden to Grave)
Veronica Bond: Dinner and a Murder Mystery (first entry Death in Castle Dark)
Allison Brook (aka Marilyn Levinson): Haunted Library Mystery Series
Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle: Seasoned Southern Sleuths Cozy Mystery Series (first entry In for a Penny)
Julia Buckley: Hungarian Tea House Mystery Series
Lucy Burdette (aka Roberta Isleib): Key West Food Critic Mystery Series
Ellen Byron (aka Maria DiRico): Cajun Country Mystery Series
Vicki Delany (aka Eva Gates): Catskill Summer Resort Mystery Series
Allen Eskens: Joe Talbert Mystery Series (first entry The Life We Bury)
Amanda Flower (aka Isabella Alan): Amish Matchmaker Mystery Series AND Farm to Table Mystery Series
Tracy Gardner: Avery Ayers Mystery Series (first entry Ruby Red Herring)
Betty Hechtman: Crochet Mystery Series
Diane Kelly: Southern Homebrew 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 AND Hat Shop Mystery Series
Richard Osman: Thursday Murder Club Mystery Series (first entry The Thursday Murder Club)
Dorothy St. James: Beloved Bookroom Mystery Series
Denise Swanson: Scumble River Mystery Series
Livia J. Washburn: Fresh-Baked Mystery Series
Kate Young: Jane Doe Book Club Mystery Series (first entry On Borrowed Crime)
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.
Lelia Irvine says
Hi All,
I finally got around to reading the first in the Haunted Library series, “Death Overdue”, by Allison Brook. I really enjoyed it, and plan to follow up with the second one!
Happy says
In for a Penny: A Humorous Amateur Sleuth Cozy Mystery (Seasoned Southern Sleuths Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle is a really clever, witty book featuring older women. The main characters are in their seventies and are joined by other women along the way to help catch a creep conning old people.
Deb S says
I just finished a great book that in my opinion is a Cozy, Mystery & thriller. The author is Kate Young, the book name is Reading Between the Crimes, and the series name is The Jane Doe Book Club Mystery. Lyla Moody is the main character, and along with her Uncle Calvin work as Private Investigators. A murder at a charity event that Lyla’s mother is hosting starts Lyla and her friends on an investigation to find out who killed the dead man found at Lyla’s parents’ home during the event. In the end, Lyla learns about family secrets that have haunted her family for many years. If you have an Amazon Prime account the Kindle Edition is $13.99.
Deb S says
Sorry, forgot to say that I started reading it at 2:00 PM and couldn’t stop reading it until I completed it 1:00 AM the next morning.
Pam says
I have read that, too, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Fortney, Sally says
I read Body Over Troubled Waters by Denise Swanson. I just love this series because Skye works so well with her husband the police chief. Also enjoy all the supported characters.
Roxane says
I have read two books of Livia J. Washburn’s Fresh-baked Mystery series this month. Her character, Phyllis, is a retired teacher. Phyllis owns a huge house. Instead of selling it and buying/renting something smaller, she kept her house and rents rooms to other retired teachers. I guess I enjoy them because the main character, unlike so many other mystery heroins, isn’t 30 years old. Yes, her husband has passed on when the book started, which is sort of common in cozy mysteries. But she is an older person which makes it interesting!
Terrye says
I enjoy Livia Washburn’s “Fresh-baked Mystery” series as well. I’m on vacation in Maine right now and am reading “Wedding Cake Killer”. Good series!
Moira Shepard says
I really loved “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman – and there’s a sequel, “The Man Who Died Twice,” that I can’t wait to read.
Pam says
I have read both and loved them. Hope there is another one soon. I loved the characters and we find out a little more of their background with each book.
MJ says
September Recommendations — 2021
Cajun Kiss of Death – Ellen Byron
OH NO! OH NO! Say it isn’t so…………….
It appears this series has come to an end. SO SAD. I must say that Byron has written the best ending to a series. All authors who write series should take note.
A famous chef is opening a restaurant in Pelican. He’s using some cut throat methods (like stealing recipes) to gain attention and draw diners away from other food establishments. He’s a ruthless type person, thus it isn’t a surprise when he is found murdered.
There are many twists and turns, with the employees staying at the B&B owned by the Crozat family. Even Maggie’s mother is a suspect. There’s several side stories, adding delightful situations to this book.
This has been an enjoyable series. The characters are relatable and developed with much ingenuity and skill. It’s important to start with book one. I have recommended this series to many friends – all have really enjoyed it. KUDOS to the talented and gifted Ellen Byron – well done! 🙂
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Partners in Lime — Bree Baker
This series has been mentioned by several others on this blog, including Danna in Jan. LOVE the characters. They are all developed with so much depth. All their interactions are so enjoyable you just don’t want the story to end. The side stories are as entertaining as the main murder story.
Everly owns a tea shop in the Outer Banks. A famous surfer is murdered and Everly’s good friend (Matt) is the prime suspect. The murder is solved with an unforeseen ending. Good plot, great pacing, plenty of humor!! Definitely a series worth reading.
BUT, BUT, BUT….the story ends with this statement, “I have a question to ask you”. HUH? (I’m being deliberately vague.)
At first I was excited when I realized an excerpt from another book followed (after the recipes) at the end of the book. But then was very disappointed to find it was from a previous book, not the NEXT book.
Consider it a ‘cliffhanger’. Now I have to wait until March 29 for the next book!!! UGH! 🙁
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Scone of Contention — Lucy Burdette
Looks like Scotland is the location ‘du jour’ this year (Kate Carlisle’s latest book was also set there).
Hayley and Nathan go to visit his sister (Vera) in Scotland for their honeymoon. The one issue I take with this story is this is no way, shape, manner, or form a honeymoon. The story should not have promoted it as such. As I read the book, I often wanted to scream at Nathan for his obvious ‘neglect’ of his bride. Burdette is a consummate author (one of my favorite’s), and should have framed this differently.
The plot is quite intricate, involving Vera, her college friends, and a book they are writing. One of these ‘friends’ is poisoned at a dinner party. She survives the poisoning. However another character is murdered. Of course, Hayley investigates. I guess I wasn’t too surprised at the ending.
This author is quite adept at descriptive writing. It’s a quick read, written with a lot of wit. Burdette/Isleib ALWAYS creates an intriguing mystery.
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One for the Hooks – Betty Hechtman
I enjoy this series set in southern CA. Molly Pink is the protagonist and is the event planner for a bookstore. These diverse and well developed characters are part of the Tarzana Hookers – a crocheting group, who get involved in solving murders. Adele (head of children dept.) is an especially combative character.
The murder is quite inventive…………….a drone killing! There is much intricacy in this book which will keep the reader glued to the pages. The story flows smoothly with a surprise murder culprit.
Molly’s oldest son has lost his job and he and his pregnant girlfriend move in with Molly. This creates a problematic side story.
Many stories in this series involves a love ‘triangle’. This produced a somewhat unexpected twist on the last pages. YAY!! It keeps this reader happy.
Susy says
I have read all but the Betty Hechtman book and must agree. I will miss the Cajun series by Ellen Byron and since the author has indicated the publisher will only put out one more in the Tea Shop series, I am already starting to miss the characters.
I agree that the trip to Scotland in the Burdette series should not have been called a honeymoon, unless her husband had been on his knees apologizing for neglecting his new bride. Perhaps it should have been advertised as a honeymoon gone awry.
benning says
I’m reading “Buried to the Brim”, book 6 in Jenn McKinlay’s ‘Hat Shop’ series. Enjoying it! I’ve finished Jenn’s other series, I think. Although I have one more to go in the ‘Library Lover’s’ series, and one more in the ‘Cupcake Bakery’ series. Fun!
Greenway says
Recently read BURIED TO THE BRIM for the 3rd time–so charming! Pembroke Corgis star (if you can’t picture them, do an image search: I often put “Adorable” in front of my animal image searches; with Pembroke Corgis, it’s redundant: Those cheerful little critters might hurt themselves if ever they tried not being adorable). The drama’s at a dog show, but, for those who read Laurien Berenson’s Melanie Travis Mysteries in *spite* of having to endure the grotesqueness of AKC/Crufts-type shows, and the repulsive poodle hair nonsense, don’t worry: This show’s fun and whimsical; our quadrupedal contestant shows his stuff with little hats from the shop. I do love animal mysteries–if they’re not threatened, or, worse, hurt!–McKinlay’s naturalistic dogs, the subtle helpers in Lilian Jackson Braun, Miranda/Dean James, Carol Lea Benjamin (etc.) books, the geniuses of Rita Mae Brown, with their vast knowledge of math, mechanics, and local history/gossip, Spencer Quinn’s endlessly brave and enthusiastic Chet (I exceed his arithmetic abilities…a little) and more. A person my age was raised on LASSIE; we know they’re smarter, BETTER, and not surprised at how often they have to rescue their rash, stubborn, bossy, ungrateful, clueless humans!
benning says
Also I’ve been reading Rickie Blair’s “Leafy Hollow Mystery” series. Another winner!
Marianne says
I read The Stolen Hours by Allen Eskens, the third in a series featuring journalist Joe Talbert and family. This focuses on Lina Nash, newly minted prosecuting attorney, who is tracking a serial rapist and killer. The characters have depth, and the criminal is incredibly smart, erasing all traces of evidence. There’s a great final denouement.
Susy says
I have read an unusually large number of books this month even for me, I while I enjoyed them all, I can only really remember details from the most recent. I finished ‘The Broken Spine’ by Dorothy St. James yesterday and loved the premise of the story. A library that is being stripped of its’ books and becoming completely electronic, and how the locals react to that change.
Our sleuth is an assistant librarian is a true bibliophile, so this is a serious issue for her. How she reacts and what she does is very novel.
The characters are flawed, like real people, and there are a few ‘local characters’ to make out heroine and her friends seem less wacky, as it typical is many cozies. I have pre-ordered the next book in the series and can’t wait for it to arrive so I can continue to follow the folks in Cypress.
robin in oregon says
I came across several new authors this month recently published , that I really enjoyed and have added the to my keeper list.
1. Meri Allen-TTHE ROAD TO ROCKY RUIN. A food blogger and CIA librarian returns to her home town for a funeral , helps out her old friend with her Ice Cream shop and gets involved in a murder case. I really like the town and characters. And who doesn’t love ice cream!
2. Veronica Bond(aka Julia Buckley) DEATH IN CASTLE DARK. Takes place in an actual castle used for a dinner theater in which the heroine is an actress hired to live and act in the plays and of course becomes involved in murder! very enjoyable, hints of old gothic tales(Victoria Holt. even a little Mary Roberts Rhinehart)
3. Vicki Delaney has a new series-DEADLY SUMMER NIGHTS. Takes place in the Catskills resort area in the 1950’s.
4. Traci Gardner-RUBY RED HERRINGS. The heroine has taken over her parents art appraisal business after their deaths in a car crash(murder?). Reminds me of the Jane Cleland series with antiques and appraisals.
I agree that it is sad about the Bayou series ending even though as stated it was a great ending. However her series under the Maria Di Rico name continues and is a lot of fun. I came across the info that She will be starting a new series set in New Orleans-as Ellen Byron-due June 2022. BAYOU BOOK THIEF, set in a culinary museum. Perhaps a visitor or two from Pelican may visit the big city and drop in!
Janice G says
Hooked on a Feline is the latest book in the Magical Cats series by Sofie Kelly. Kathleen and Marcus attend the reunion concert by a group of local musicians. One of the band members – a frequent visitor to the library where he is researching family history – is found dead shortly after the concert. The solution to the mystery is surprising.
The Moonshine Shack a new book by Diane Kelly is set in Chattanooga where Hattie is opening her store selling flavored moonshine. She comes from a long line of moonshiners and soon meets mounted policeman Marlon who happens to be the great grandson of the sheriff who sent Hattie’s great grandfather to prison. Hattie becomes a suspect when the very unpleasant owner of a bar across from her shop is found dead – stabbed with a mason jar from her shop. This seems to be a promising new series.
I also enjoyed Murder by the Bookend by Laura Gail Black and Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis.
Melanie says
From the cozies I read in September, these are the ones I’m recommending:
Hungarian Tea House Mystery Series by Julia Buckley
I read the first two books, and am waiting to read the most recent release because it’s a Christmas one. This series centers around Hana Keller and her Hungarian family (in her mother’s side) and the tea house that they run (as the title of the series suggests). Hana and her female ancestors also share a psychic ability, which helps Hana obtain clues to aid in the investigations.
Hana is a likeable heroine. Her love interest, Erik, is the lead investigator in the murders. In a refreshing change of pace, Erik accepts and even seeks Hana’s input in the cases, instead of the usual situation where law enforcement dissuades interference from the main character. And Hana isn’t obstructive, barging into places she shouldn’t be going and sneaking around behind others’ backs. It was really nice for a change.
I really like Hana’s family…her grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, brother (and her brother’s girlfriend). And I like Eric…a tall, blonde of Norwegian decent, whose looks are described as a cross between Paul Walker and Chris Hemsworth. Readers start being introduced to Erik’s family in the second book, namely his older identical twin sisters. Hana also has a best friend, Katie, and two cats (her parents also have a cat). And rounding out the group is Francois, the young, eccentric French pastry chef who works at the tea house.
I found the murder mysteries in both books to be compelling. Between that, the character interactions, the books were quite enjoyable and definite page turners. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book.
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Farm to Table Mystery Series by Amanda Flower
The first book in this new series, “Farm to Trouble” was released early this year. Shiloh Bellamy leaves her job as a Hollywood television producer and moves back home to Cherry Glen, Michigan after a fifteen year absence, to save her family farm. Not long after she arrives, she finds a dead body and her and her father are the prime suspects. Shiloh then becomes determined to clear their names
I thought this was a great start to the new series by one of my favorite authors. Shiloh is a likeable main character, and her Pug, Huckleberry, is absolutely adorable! Most of the secondary characters are abrasive towards Shiloh, and many are downright rude, but despite that, I found the story quite enjoyable. And not everyone is awful to Shiloh…there are old friends and acquaintances who are kind and helpful.
I’m looking forward to the next release in this series, due out early next year.
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Amish Matchmaker Mystery Series by Amanda Flower
I read the second book in the series, “Courting Can Be Killer”. Millie Fisher is an Amish widow who helps members of her community find their match…and she finds herself involved in murder investigations, with the help of her childhood friend, Lois, who is an Englischer (non-Amish). Millie has two rambunctious goats, Peter and Philip, who provide plenty of amusement.
In this installment of the series, Millie investigates the death of a young Amish man who she had assisted with advice and a place to stay for awhile. He considered Millie an honorary aunt, and when the death begins to look suspicious, Millie feels obligated to try to find answers, especially since the Amish are leery of the police.
This series is connected to another of Amanda Flowers’ series, the Amish Candy maker Mystery Series”…both take place in the same town, and characters cross over between the two series. While one of these series can be read without reading the other, if reading both, it’s suggested to read them in release date order (alternating between the two series, including novellas)…not necessary, but suggested…Amanda Flower sent a postcard with a recent Etsy order I placed, that outlines the order (but it’s basically the release date order).
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Bread Shop Mystery Series by Winnie Archer
I read books 4, 5 & 6 in the series, “Flour in the Attic”, “Dough or Die”, and “Death Gone A-Rye”. I wanted to catch-up, because the next book coming out is a Christmas one, and I want to add that to my December read list.
The setting is Santa Sofia, California, where Ivy Culpepper works as a photographer and an apprentice at an artisan bread shop. This series has a well-developed, eclectic cast of likeable, interesting characters, including Ivy’s adorable pug, Agatha. I find this to be an overall enjoyable series, and look forward to the next book.
Susy says
Melanie, I have to say I agree with all of these. I can’t write a decent review, so I really appreciate when someone does a good review of a book I liked.
Terrye says
I love B. B. Haywood’s “Candy Holliday Mystery” series! I just finished #4, “Town in a Pumpkin Bash” and thought it was one of the best! It takes place in Maine in the area south of Bangor in October. I’m an Okie, but am here on vacation in that area “leaf-peeping”. I have travelled all over the peninsula’s and small fishing towns and can visualize Candy and the gang in those places. I enjoy the mysteries because the plots are complex; you have to really work at solving the puzzle. I was completely baffled to learn who the villain was in “Town in a Pumpkin Bash”. I HIGHLY recommend this series!
Susan R. says
I love the Kathryn Ernst books…I just finished “Weaver’s Revenge” and it was just as good as the other books she has written. I can’t believe how much I have learned about Wisconsin History and the immigrants who settled there. Susan R.
Toni Gammage says
I LOVE Kate Lansing’s wine mysteries set In Boulder, Colorado.
In addition to a fun mystery with likable characters, she includes great details about the clothes, decor, and details about the quirky town of Boulder and other mountain towns which are NOT only the iconic enclaves of old-hippies or wealthy celebrities, or diehard ski buffs that the media makes them out to be.
I have also learned about new wine pairings… why white or red enhances the taste of certain foods…as well as the actual making of wine……and, surprise!!!!…. it’s not just Lucy stomping grapes around in a giant wine vat!