The Cozy Mystery List Blog

Cozy Mystery (and Other Favorite) Books, Movies, and TV

Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations – January 2012

With this being the first month of a new year, I thought it would be a perfect time to add a new page to the Cozy Mystery site. The new page will be called Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations. It is my intention to devote one entry a month to asking you all what Cozy Mystery book you are currently reading. I’ll be posting the month’s initial blog entry with your Cozy Mystery recommendations on this page.

I hope that since you are reading the Cozy Mystery book, that means you are enjoying it… so that you will have good things to say about the book and its author. This way, the rest of us can get a feeling as to whether we would like to try your current book’s author.  I don’t want this page to become a “gripe session” about authors we don’t like. (Believe me, I have quite a few authors who I don’t like!)

I get several letters a month asking for me to recommend Cozy Mystery authors to readers of the site. I received a letter this month asking if I would add other Cozy Mystery readers’ recommendations. It is high time that you all have the opportunity to recommend some of your favorite authors!

So >>> What Cozy Mystery book are you reading, and why are you enjoying it?

I have decided to go ahead and try to list all of the authors some of you are reading this month –  who you think would be good new-to-me authors for other Cozy Mystery readers. However, I would encourage you to read the comments below to find out why we are reading these authors!

January 2012:

Donna Andrews: Meg Lanslow “Bird” Mystery Series

Nancy Atherton: Aunt Dimity Mystery Series

Lorna Barrett: Booktown Mystery Series

Ella Barrick: Ballroom Dance Mystery Series

Stephanie Barron: Jane Austen Mystery Series

M. C. Beaton: Hamish Macbeth Mystery Series

Simon Brett: Fethering Mystery Series AND Mrs. Pargeter Mystery Series

Emily Brightwell: Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series

Anne Canadeo: Black Sheep Knitting Mystery Series

JoAnna Carl: Chocoholic Mystery Series

Elizabeth Lynn Casey: Southern Sewing Circle Mystery Series

Laura Childs: Tea Shop Mystery Series AND Cackelberry Club Mystery Series AND Scrapbooking Mystery Series

Joanne Clarey: Hummingbird Falls Mystery Series

Carol Higgins Clark: Regan Reilley Mystery Series

Blaize Clement: Dixie Hemingway “Pet Sitter” Mystery Series

Kate Collins: Flower Shop Mystery Series

Cleo Coyle: Coffee House Mystery Series

Edmund Crispin: Gervase Fenn Mystery Series

Amanda Cross: Kate Fansler Mystery Series

Mary Daheim: Emma Lord “Alpine” Mystery Series

Jeanne M. Dams: Dorothy Martin Mystery Series AND Hilda Johansson Mystery Series

Krista Davis: Domestic Diva Mystery Series

Jo Dereske: Miss Zukas Mystery Series

Elizabeth J. Duncan: Penny Brannigan Mystery Series

Carola Dunn: Daisy Dalrymple Mystery Series

Kaitlyn Dunnett: Liss MacCrimmon Mystery Series

Charles Finch: Charles Lennox Mystery Series

Joanne Fluke: Hannah Swensen “Cookie Jar” Mystery Series

Anne George: Southern Sisters Mystery Series

Dorothy Gillman: Mrs. Pollifax Mystery Series

Kerry Greenwood: Phryne Fisher Mystery Series AND Corinna Chapman Mystery Series

Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime National Organization: Fish Tales:  The Guppy Anthology (Ramona DeFelice Long, editor)

Parnell Hall: Puzzle Lady Mystery Series

Carolyn Hart: Henrie O Mystery Series AND Death on Demand Mystery Series

Veronica Heley: Ellie Quicke Mystery Series AND Abbott Agency Mystery Series

Julie Hyzy: White House Chef Mystery Series AND Manor of Murder Mystery Series

Miranda James: Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series

Tracy Kiely: Elizabeth Parker Mystery Series

Diana Killian: Mantra for Murder Mystery Series

Emma Lathen: Wall Street Mystery Series

Amanda Lee: Embroidery Mystery Series

Donna Leon: Guido Brunetti Mystery Series

Rett MacPherson: Torie O’Shea Mystery Series

Margaret Maron: Deborah Knott Mystery Series

Allana Martin: Texana Jones Death of a *** Mystery Series

Francine Mathews: Nantucket Mystery Series

Lorena McCourtney: Ivy Malone Mystery Series

Jenn McKinlay: Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series

Amy Patricia Meade: Pret’ Near Perfect Mystery Series

Leslie Meier: Lucy Stone Mystery Series

Shirley Rousseau Murphy: Joe Grey Cat Mystery Series

Tim Myers: Soapmaking Mystery Series

Leslie O’Kane: Allie Babcock Mystery Serie

Louise Penny: Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Series

Elizabeth Peters: Amelia Peabody Mystery Series AND Vicky Bliss Mystery Series

Hannah Reed: Beekeeping Mystery Series

Elliott Roosevelt: Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery Series

Mark Schweizer: Liturgical Mystery Series

Maggie Sefton: Knitting Mystery Series

Paige Shelton: Farmers’ Market Mystery Series

Joanna Campbell Slan: Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-N-Craft Mystery Series

Patricia Sprinkle: Family Tree Mystery Series

Dana Stabenow: Kate Shugak Mystery Series

Elaine Viets: Dead-End Job Mystery Series

Jill Paton Walsh: Lord Peter Wimsey & Harriet Vane Mystery Series

Jacqueline Winspear: Maisie Dobbs Mystery Series

* * *To access more Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations, click on this link* * *

Comments

  1. Danna, To comment here I guess I am going to have to keep going back and forth to the “Cozy” list to make sure whatever author I am currently reading is a true “Cozy.” That’s okay, I will get to see a list of other authors this way. But I just finished reading Carolyn Hart’s “Scandle in New Haven.” This is the first Henrie O book that I have read but it will not be the last. I love this type of book. Because Henrie O lost a son I will be able to relate to this sleuth.

    I am as of now reading “A Stitch Before Dying” by Anne Canadeo. This seems to be a good book. The plot is sort of typical with many people who could have committed the dirty deed. I think I know who did it but I will probably be wrong. Clues tend to lead to one particular reason for the murder but normally from other plots like this the supposed reason will be wrong. I will, though, read other books by this author. The personal lives of the lady sleuths in this book is written in such a way that I want to know how these characters will develop.

    • I also discovered Henri O by Carolyn Hart this month. I first read Dead Man’s Island and then read Scandal In Fair Haven. Usually I read one cozy by one author and when it is done, read another by another author even thought I might have the next one in the series here to read.

      I just ordered the 3rd in the series Death In Lover’s Lane and have the 4th in the series Death in Paradise to read. Like the character of Henri O who is strong older sleuth. The author so far has built on giving more personal background information on Henri O from book one to book two. I like that as one starts to understand the character more.

  2. Death of a Greedy Woman by MC Beaton and Death in a Difficult Position by Diana Killian are my new library finds.

      • Betsy, M. C. Beaton‘s Death of a Greedy Woman is the 2011 edition of her 1993’s Death of a Glutton. I have no idea why the publishers released the same book with a different title…

        • Danna, I wonder how often a publisher will put a different title on already published books? I will start reading certain books and I swear I have read these books before but the title just doesn’t ring a bell to me. I know I read quite a few books and I understand that I could very well pick out books that I have read before. Maybe putting a different title on the same books could very well be another reason some books seem so familiar!

          • Linda…

            The publisher of Hazel Holt’s Sheila Malory series reissued several of her books under a different title. It is aggravating, but some publishers make note of it on the title page. This is a good series, though, for those who like mysteries set in England. Hazel Holt is the mother of author Tom Holt. There is another book in this series scheduled for release in May, “A Necessary End”. Hopefully it is a new one.

  3. Danna what a great additon to the site!! I love, love, love Krista Davis and her Domestic Diva Mysteries. Sophie Winston is a hoot. I love Old Towne Alexandria as the setting. If you have never been there it is well worth a visit. The characters are so wonderfully eccentric and fun. I was so happy to hear Krista is contracted to write three more.

    I also love Lorna Barrett’s Booktown Mysteries. I came to this series later on and bought the first one just to try it out and loved it. I immediately bought the rest of the series and I pre ordered the newest.

    My other favs are Carolyn Hart’s Death on Demand; Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone Mysteries; and Carol Higgins Clark’s Regan Riley Mysteries. They fit all my criteria for what I am looking for, strong, intelligent, confident female sleuths, east coast locals and likeable characters.

    I recently started Laura Childs. I started with the Cackelberry Club Mysteries and really did enjoy it. I just bought the first couple in the Tea Shop Mysteries and look forward to starting them.

    • I think you will like the Tea Shop series- I love this series. It is in lovely Charleston S.C. a city I love and I have found out alot about tea and who to make it.
      I have also read all of the booktown series and love it as well.
      Thank you for a good word about the domestic diva series- I have not tried it – but since as you say it is in Old Town Alexandria- I live near that lovely old town- I will check out the domestic diva.
      Happy page turning.

      • I’ve finished the Cleo Coyle coffee mysteries (loved them, especially the full information about coffee, the complexities of the beans, and the descriptions of the flavors and aromas) and will now try the Tea Shop series. Who is the author? I like to start at book #1 and brew my way through!

        • I, too, really enjoy the Cleo Coyle coffeehouse mysteries. Lots of good detail on how to pull the perfect espresso shot, nice regular characters and a few intriguing-but-you’re-glad-you-don’t-have-to-live-with- them characters, and usually a good mystery, police humor, and some touching human interactions.

          Another series I absolutely love are Blaize Clement’s petsitter mysteries. Her backstory for the main character is touching and believable, the mysteries are good, the cast of recurring characters are sweet and funny and wonderful, and the main character does not do stupid things [as opposed to main characters in some other series].

          I have really enjoyed Stephanie Barron’s “Jane Austen” mysteries, but they are few and far between these days — the author, who goes by a couple of other names, is working on a couple of other series.

          There are many more I can think of. I recently read the series debut of author Esli Allbritten, “Chihuahua of the Baskervilles,” [the title alone made me laugh out loud] and the cast and the mystery were just great, with lots of laughs along the way.

          Shirley Rosseau Murphy’s “Joe Grey” series features a cat sleuth and a charming cast of recurring characters … Donna Leon’s wonderful, wonderful series set in Venice features Commissario Guido Brunetti and family and Brunetti’s inimitably stupid, egotistical boss [and Leon’s reflections on stupid bureaucrats like him are hilarious], balanced out by the Vice-Questore’s very capable and incredibly knowledgable secretary Signorina Elettra, and Brunetti’s passionately progressive, opinionated professor wife …

          Then some of my other favorites might not quite fit into the “cozy” genre, but here goes … I adore historical mysteries such as David Liss’s Benjamin Weaver series [set in London in the early 1700s]. Liss also writes stand-alone historical mysteries [“The Coffee Trader” was a fabulous story of how coffee became the popular beverage it is today.] Liss’s mysteries always display excellent research, deep background in the historical period, fascinatin’ facts, and parallels to today’s politics, scandals, and financial disasters.

          I also enjoy Frank Tallis’s Dr. Max Liebermann series [featuring a psychoanalyst and Chief Inspector Reinhardt, who not only solve mysteries but play piano and sing Schubert], set in 1900s Vienna. For modern-day thrillers, it’s hard to beat the Nic Costa series by David Hewson, which usually feature an obsessive murderer with a historical or artistic “hook”. Each of these mystery series figures a regular “family” of characters with a through line, but some have rather gruesome murders.

  4. I am reading the Aunt Dimity Series by Nancy Atherton. Still lack about 6 of them. The characters seem like family since they stay about the same in each book. Would recommend this series for fun, light, and enjoyable entertainment.

  5. Great idea, Danna. I usually pick my next book based on recommendations by someone who likes the same kind I do. Lately I have been reading the Daisy Dalrymple mysteries by Carola Dunn. Light and fluffy. I enjoy them as much for the settings as anything, I think.

  6. I’m re-reading Donna Andrews’ ‘Bird’ mysteries for at least the third time. Wonderfully amusing cozies, that never quite go over the top into farce.
    Kooky characters, unlikely murder settings, and of course, always some kind of bird in the background!
    Highly recommended!

  7. Karen: The first in the Aunt Dimity series was my first cozy- and I fell in love not only with this series and the people in it but with the whole genre of cozy mysteries. I have read the entire Aunt Dimity series and am hoping for a new one soon.

  8. This is a nice addition to the site! I’m not sure yet if I would recommend the book/author I am currently reading so instead I’ll suggest the book I just finished which was Kate Collins “Slay it with Flowers”. This is a really cute series about a florist/sleuth. The characters are fun, there’s a cute romantic relationship budding and the mysteries are good so far (this is book 2 of the series).

    For a point of reference, this series is similar to Jenn Mckinlay’s cupcake series.

  10. I just finished State Of The Onion by Julie Hyzy. It has been on my to be read list for awhile now. Really enjoyed it. The dilemma that I go thru is that I have quite a few I want to read. So now I have to ask myself, do I continue with the Julie Hyzy series and read that until I am finished? Or do I read another author and go back to Julie Hyzy? I just need to win the lottery so I can be home all of the time and read. 🙂

    • Jennifer,

      I also enjoy Julie Hyzy’s White House chef series. The latest (fifth) one was just released a week ago. In 2010 she started another series (Manor of Murder Mystery). The first book is, ‘Grace Under Pressure’. If you like the White House series, you most likely will enjoy this series, too. I know I do.

      I prefer to read different cozies instead of ‘all at once’ in a series. If I read them all at once, then I have to wait a year or two for the next book — ugh! It eventually comes to that anyway, but I like to take my time and spread it out if I can.

      • If you like the White House Mysteries series you may like Elliott Roosevelts series based on his Mom Eleanor as the slueth. I heard about them in my local news paper several years ago. Elliott’s daughter discovered them after he passed away and had them published. I was able to find several of them and they are really pretty good. There is a lot of truth mixed in with the fiction, after all he was the President’s son. I don’t tend to read historical mysteries but this series is not really historical since they were written some time ago. They are listed here on Danna’s site.

        • I also enjoy Julie Hyzy’s White House chef series and recently downloaded the fifth book “Affairs of Steak” and devoured (sorry about the bad pun) it in about 24 hours. Sadly, now I must wait yet another year before another book will come out.

          I am also reading Maggie Sefton’s knitting mysteries and am currently reading “Fleece Navidad.”

          I am anxiously waiting for the next Hannah Swenson mystery by Joanne Fluke, “Cinnamon Roll Murder” due in late Feb/early March.

  11. Am currently reading “three day town” by Margaret Maron. Also, because I am a choir director, I have the choir director/police chief series by Mark Schweizer on my kindle. Very funny series!

  12. I had read Mary Daheim’s latest Alpine series, “The alpine Winter” 2 weeks ago and realized that I had missed many of the books in this series, so for the last weeks I have been reading all the Alpine books. Each book has a different twist, but the main characters stay the same. Thus far I have read 19 of them which I downloaded on my Nook. They have been a great read, better than her B&B series. (I have been able to read this much as I have a miserable sinus infection).

  13. I have read all but the most recent Aunt Dimity books, and totally enjoyed them all. I have also read some of the Laura Childs teashop books, and loved the ones I have read of those. I enjoy cozies that have some humor in them, which seem to be most of them. I love all the Mrs. Pollifax books, which are worth re-reading. I just discovered Maisie Dobbs, and love the one I read first “The Mapping of Love and Death”. Also the Daisy Dalrymple books seem fun. I guess I could go on and on, but I had better stop here.

  14. I have just finished the Louise Penny and Charles Finch books and love them! Does anyone know another series like these? thanks

    • If you like the Louise Penny books, I think you would enjoy the Anne Cleeves’ books that take place in the Shetland Islands. Anne has written a quartet of mysteries of the Shetland Islands with Detective Jimmy Perez. I just finished the 2nd in the series White Nights. The first book is Raven Black and enjoyed it too. Anne is quite a good writer and story teller. One just sits back and goes off to the Shetland Islands. Each book takes place in a different season in the Shetland Islands. I enjoy some of the words like neeps (turnips) and crofts that are used. Her books have some depth to them like Louise Penny. Have heard that the 4th book has a shocking ending. I have the 3rd book here to read-Red Bones.
      I have not read any of Charles Finch books. Right now I am reading The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny. I would suggest if you are interested in them that you read them in order starting with Raven Black, White Nights, Red Bone and Blue Lightening.

  15. Oh My! Some of the responders here are listing some of my all time favorites! Some I haven’t tried reading yet but from the suggestions here in this forum I know that I will. I have made a new year’s resolution to try one Agatha Christie each week, also at least one new-to-me author each week. So far, so good. It is a cold, snowy day here in Ohio. This is a very good day for me to start a new book. I am starting a Cynthia Harrod-Eagles Bill Slider book “Gone Tomorrow.” This a new-to-me author.

    I just finished reading “Land of the Painted Caves” by Jean M. Auel last night. Without too many negative remarks I am glad this is the last of this series and I can see no reason for this book to be over 700 pages. I hope I will NEVER pick up a book this thick AGAIN!
    Just a side note, anyone who would ever invent a good sized coffee cup that would keep the coffee hot for awhile so that I wouldn’t have to keep getting up and down so often would make a small fortune!!

    • Linda —
      You can get small hot plates designed for coffee/tea cups. They are roughly the size of a coaster and plug in. You set your cup on it and it keeps the contents of your cup warm. Sometimes this is sold with the inclusion of a cup. I see them a lot around the holidays, but I imagine you can get them at Target, Kohls or anywhere gourmet teas and coffees (and mugs) are sold.

  16. I’ve just finished Judy Alter’s “Skeleton In A Dead Space” … while this isn’t her first published book by any means, it is her first cozy and she’s spot-on when it comes to style, suspense, and leaving one craving the next installment. The location is Fort Worth, Texas – the time is now. The style is relaxed and conversational, while at the same time — well, I loved it!!! Look for it – highly recommended!!!

    • I just finished this book as well and I totally enjoyed it. I’m so glad the second one is coming in March/April.

  17. I’m still new to the cozy mystery scene. The only series I’ve found and enjoyed so far is Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen series and I’ve absolutely loved it. Every trip I’ve made to the library in attempt to branch out has left me running with my tale between my legs, there are a great deal of options. This new feature for the website is wonderful, I need all the help I can get to find some light, fluffy, and indulgent reads in between my classes.

    • There’s been a lot of great book series suggested on this site these past few days. However, if you like the Joanne Fluke series, you most likely will enjoy (as previously mentioned on this blog) both of Laura Childs – ‘Tea Shop Mysteries’ and ‘Scrapbook Mysteries’ series, Kate Collins – ‘Flower Shop’ series, and Maggie Sefton’s, Knitting series (set in Colorado). Two other series very similar in content/writing style to J. Fluke are: JoAnna Carl’s – Chocoholic Mysteries and Paige Shelton’s – Farmer’s Market series. I could mention many, many more ‘similar’ books, but I don’t want to overwhelm you. Hopefully you won’t be running from the library without several selections that you’ll enjoy! These series are best read in order.

  18. I am currently reading Well-Offed in Vermont. It is is about a couple who move to a small town in Vermont from the city and discover a murdered man in their well. Since their house is a crime scene, they cannot get moved in until the crime is solved so they become amateur sleuths. It is filled with lots of interesting and funny characters.

    • Jackie, I really enjoyed WELL-OFFED IN VERMONT. I am hoping Amy Patricia Meade continues with this series. I adore Carolyn Hart’s Death on Demand series and WELL-OFFED IN VERMONT reminded me of it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

  19. I look forward to books in both of Kerry Greenwood’s series: Phryne Fisher, who is a very independent woman of the early 20th century, and Corinna Chapman, who is a baker. They’re very different and both delightful!
    I have so many cozy favorites, I’ll only mention a few more. Jill Paton Walsh is brilliantly continuing the utterly brilliant Lord Peter Wimsey & Harriet Vane mysteries.
    I love any cozy with a family history theme, such as Patricia Sprinkle’s new Family Tree Mysteries, and Rhett McPherson’s Torrie O’Shea mysteries.
    Both of Veronica Heley’s series – the Bea Abbotts and the Ellie Quicke mysteries – are excellent British mysteries.
    I’m stopping now because there are just too many to name in one post!

  20. I am glad you are doing this type of post. I read a book a couple of weeks ago I’ve been waiting to tell your blog readers about, but it didn’t fit into previous post subjects.

    I read, “Make, Take, Murder” by Joanna Campbell-Slan. Her well researched subject of domestic abuse is incorporated into the storyline very effectively. In my somewhat ‘insular’ world, I don’t know anyone who has suffered from domestic abuse. I found this story very informative. It is a book I would also recommend to teenage/young adult girls as they begin to date. I want to make clear she writes about this subject with subtlety and smoothness – not overdone at all. The storyline is entertaining, but you aren’t hit over the head with the subject matter.

    The story is set during the holidays. It is compelling, sometimes funny, and a quick read. I had a hard time putting it down, even during the holidays! She always sets up her stories with an ending enticing you to read the next book – can’t wait for the next one due out in April!

    She has three previous books to this series. I like to read a series in order because I enjoy following the characters. However, one can read this book as a ‘stand alone’ if they want.

  21. Currently, I am switching between Simon Brett’s Fethering series; Lorna Barrett’s Booktown Mystery series and Kaitlyn Dunnett’s Liss MacCrimmon Mystery Series.
    I like all three series for different reasons. I guess a common thread is the strong, independent women and their small town lives and of course, the deaths.

  22. I was delighted to find another Miss Zukas mystery by Jo Dereske. The title tells you that it really is likely the last, “Farewell Miss Zukas”.

    • I bought this book when it first came out and haven’t read it yet. I’m just not ready to bid farewell to Miss Zukas and Boy Cat Zukas!

  23. I just finished “Sew Deadly” by Elizabeth Lynn Casey. It is the first book in the Southern Sewing Circle mystery series. There actually was very little sewing going on. The main character is a librarian who just landed a job managing a library in a small southern town. Her changing a storage room into an area for children’s use in spite of opposition is what held my interest. This is definitely a cozy and I’ll be reading the next one in the series.

  24. I recently read two very enjoyable cozy mysteries:

    The Cold Light of Mourning by Elizabeth J. Duncan
    Murder at Longbourn by Tracy Kiely

    I’m not sure how I discovered these, but I’m always looking for new authors/series. I may have searched for mysteries by location, because these books are set in two of my favorite locales – Wales and Cape Cod. Both books had me quickly hooked, and there was some humor and the promise of romance.

  25. What a great topic. I am reminded of so many series I thoroughly enjoy. Currently I am meeting Kaitlyn Dunnett for the first time – recommended by my librarian – because of the town with the name of Moosetookalook. What a delightfully improbable name and I am enjoying the book. I enjoy the new authors, but frequently go back to old favorites and reread them, can’t do better than Edmund Crispin and my favorite Fenn book, The Moving Toyshop – talk about improbable. Also in the relm of improbable is Simon Brett’s Mrs. Partgeter. I always have several books in the process of being read, depending on where I am. A dark and stormy night – perfect cozy mystery reading.

  26. Right now, I’m reading and really enjoying Anne George’s “Southern Sisters” series. What I like best about the series is the zany but realistic relationship between the two sisters. These are women who love each other, but the fact is they’d never even have met (let alone become friends!) if they hadn’t had the strange fate of being born to the same parents.

    The first-person narrator is a skinny, retired schoolteacher, fairly prim and proper, with one husband (perhaps also her only boyfriend) throughout her life. Her sister is carefree, plump but apparently incredibly sensuous, always going for much older and rich men, going through a number of husbands and becoming quite wealthy for it. The sisters’ dynamic in solving mysteries is always a delight; other recurring characters (children from both women, the narrator’s husband, and her sister’s love interests) make the books even more vivid and interesting. A cozy series doesn’t get much better than that.

    • Stephanie, this is one of my all-time favorite series. I loved these two sisters. I really do miss Anne George.

      • I too just finished all of the Southern Sisters series and went to look for more of them only to find out Anne is gone. I truly enjoyed and laughed my way through all of the books. They are a well written series.

  27. I just finished “Thread Reckoning” by Amanda Lee, the 3rd book in her Embroidery Mystery series. I have been really enjoying these books (even though I haven’t embroidered anything since I was in high school!) Before that, I read the 2nd book in the Irene Kelly series by Jan Burke – which wasn’t cozy but was very good.

  29. My first recommendation this month would be Affairs of Steak by Julie Hyzy. It is the latest book in the White House Chef mystery series by Julie Hyzy and probably the best one yet. I don’t know what I loved more about this book. All the little threads of the mystery adding up to the big finale, done in a masterful way. The small mystery which turned out to be a red herring but still important on a more personal level. The closer look we get at Sergeant, who’s even a little likable after this book. Or Ollie’s progress in her relationship with Gav, which demonstrated perfectly how wrong Tom really was for her – especially during the instances we got both Tom and Gav’s reaction to the same situation.

    All of it made for a book I really, really loved and I read through it in one go, starting the moment it automatically downloaded on my Kindle due to the pre-ordering I did in December. I cannot wait until the next book and I’ll be gushing about this one until then. Highly, highly recommended! But do be sure to start this series at the beginning, because there are several red threads throughout this series, especially concerning Ollie’s relationships with other characters.

    Another book I recently read and highly recommend was A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow, the first in the Kate Shugak mystery series. I really, really liked this book. The author’s knowledge of living in Alaska shines through in every word and the story has a great pace. The mystery was superb and the ending was heart wrenching but satisfying. Kate Shugak is an intriguing main character and I look forward to reading more in this series.

    • Samantha-kathy-Thanks for recommending A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow. I ordered it and it came today. Looking forward to trying a new series.

      Julie Hyzy’s White House Chef series is one series that I automatically buy when her new books come out. Have Affairs of Steak but haven’t read yet.

  30. I would also like to recomend a compilation called FISH TALES A GUPPY ANTHOLOGY from the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime National Organization. I bought it because a member of my local chapter Betsy Bitner wrote one of the stories and it is a great short story. I was so thrilled to see one of my favorite authors, Krista Davis wrote one as well. I have not read all the stories yet but I am looking forward to them in between my other reads. Plus it is nice to read stories by up and coming authors. I purchased it at my last club meeting from a local book seller but I do believe Amazon and Barnes and Noble do have it online.

  31. This is such a wonderful place to hang out. Thanks everyone for sharing your recent finds. I just got back from the library and will soon settle down with the first book in four series based on your recommendations. Where shall I begin? Tea Shop mysteries I think. And then the Dimity series starting with book number one. I love these recommendations. May I suggest my all time favorite, Hamish Macbeth series by M.C. Beaton. I adore the townspeople and attention to village life. It could also be that I’m obsessed with all things Scottish. And sometimes, just sometimes, I figure out the mystery before our dear Inspector does. Keep posting my friends. I’m enjoying your company! Oh, and if you come across any more coffee related mysteries, let me know. My blog is all about coffee and tea so I’m on the lookout for more enjoyable mysteries! Lattedavotion.wordpress.com

  32. I just finished Ali Brandon’s DOUBLE BOOKED FOR DEATH and loved it! I’m now reading Lorna McCourtney’s 2nd Ivy Malone IN PLAIN SIGHT – loving that series! Some really great ‘cozies’ out there!

  33. I just now finished reading ” The Catch, a Joe Gunther novel” by Archer Mayor. I had read a book from this series before and didn’t care for it but this one was very good. I thought it was a fast paced story. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and not all of the crimes were solved. I had figured out who done it early on and why. I don’t know if I will go back and read any of the earlier books in the series or not. Do any of you ever read any series backwards?

    I am now going to start reading a Francine Mathews book “Death in a Cold Hard Light.” This is a new to me author. Will let you know what I think later on.

    Danna, in you listing of states where some books are set in, I don’t see a listing for Alaska. Besides Sue Henry and Dana Stabenow are there any others?

    • Linda, I haven’t read any of these, but Christopher Lane is on my list of the Alaska theme mysteries. He writes the Inupiat Eskimo Mystery Series, which features Ray Attla, a policeman in Alaska.

    • Linda, I do believe “Francine Mathews” is also “Stephanie Barron”! Mathews had a mystery or maybe two set in Cape Cod, I believe, and I totally loved the characters and mystery.

  34. I just finished “Quickstep to Murder” by Ella Barrick and loved it! It is the first book in a new series, but looking at Danna’s list I discovered that Ella Barrick is also Laura DiSilverio and Lila Dare and writes several other series that I enjoy. I am definitely giving “Quickstep” to my friend for her birthday as she likes cozy mysteries and “Dancing with the Stars” and we both live in the DC area, where the book is set.

  35. I am amazed how so many of my favorite authors are liked by other readers. It does my heart good. Another good series is by Jeanne Dams. It is about an American married to Scotland Yard official. Her latest book will be publishd in January. Also there is Emma Lathens books about an investment banker, an older and wiser one I might add. Also, I enjoyed Amanda Cross and her Kate Fansler series. Not to be critical but I do not like “chick flix” mysteries.

  36. I’d like to list one of my all-time cozy writers for both her series: Elizabeth Peters. I love Amelia Peabody AND Vicky Bliss.

    I also really enjoyed Janet Evanovich’s early books in the One for the Money series. She brought a lot of laughter into my world!

  37. Thank you, ALL, for telling us about the books you are reading (and enjoying!) right now. As you can see, we have quite a few authors highlighted as “good reads” for the month of January 2012!

    • Danna, thank you so much for the comprehensive list. That was a lot of work for you with the links.

  38. I just read “Play Dead” by Leslie O’Kane and really enjoyed it. This is the first in the three book series. It was a Kindle bargain ($3.99) so I tried it & will continue the series. Allie Babcock is a dog therapist and with the help from her dogs solve the mystery. Funny characters also.
    Love the site- thanks Danna

  39. I have been reading and enjoying the Hummingbird Falls series by Joanna Clarey and Parnell Hall’s Puzzle series. I like the atmosphere of small towns/hamlets with people who know and care for one another. In both of these series the central figure is a mature woman.

  40. Thank you, ALL, for telling us about your current Cozy Mystery books. As I said before, I am hoping that by doing this each month, some of the Cozy Mystery site readers will be able to read your comments, and find authors who they would like to try reading. I know that I have become a little too reliant on my “favorite authors” list, and am going to make an effort to try new-to-me authors. What better way to find them than by reading other Cozy Mystery readers’ recommendations?!?

    Thanks, again!

  41. Danna, How I Love this blog of yours! I know, I know , I have stated that many times but it is true. I have come to count on you keeping us informed about favorite authors’ new releases. One that I am especially happy to see is Veronica Heley having a new book coming out. I love the Ellie Quicke series. She is another one of my all time favorite sleuths. I just wish she could develop some kind of backbone to deal with that daughter of hers.
    Her daughter neglects that child of hers and she is the biggest of all time bullies. How I would love to have Ellie shake some sense into Dianna! This is another series that I tend to take to heart. Love this series!

    • Linda, I hate it when a character in a series I follow annoys me that much!

  42. Just wanted to say I second the Southern Sisters series. Very realistic and you can just picture the crazy things these sisters get in to. Wish the series could have been longer. I would also like to recommend the “Dead End Job ” series by Elaine Viets. Also just finished the latest Janet Evanovich book.

    • Misty, after the death of Anne George I was hoping that maybe a sister, daughter or some other relative would try to continue the books, like “Gone With the Wind” and “Scarlett.” The Southern Sisters were great. The family intereaction among both sisters’ families reminds me so much of the interaction that my sisters have with all 3 sets of our broods. This interaction has gone on to include our kids, their kids and now their kids. I love this type of story. This is like the Deborah Knott series and her interaction with all of her family members. Love the big families in stories.

      • I don’t know, Linda, sometimes if the right person doesn’t take over for an author, it can end up in just “shells” of books. What I mean is, the author taking over would really need to KNOW her style…

  43. My first experience with a cozy author was Charlotte McLeod. I loved all of her books and that started me on a long list of more and more. I am currently reading a book called Take the Monkey and Run by Karen Cantwell. She was kind enough to give anyone who emailed her a kindle version of her Barbara Marr book of short stories at Christmas time and my daughter and I felt we should buy some of the other books. I am enjoying it and so far it is cozy.

    Thanks, Danna for such a great site. I look forward to each new blog.

    Anne

  44. Danna, I want to echo everyone else who appreciates this site and all the work you do to keep us informed.

    Cozies are such a great genre; thanks for helping us find more!

  45. I have just finished Allana Martin’s novels about trading post owner Texana Jones, set in the Mexico border country. I see she has not written anything for the last ten years, anyone know why?

  46. I have come across an author you might want to add to your list, Barbra Annino. Barbra has written a Stacey Justice series that is witty, entertaining and meets the criteria for a ‘cozy mystery ‘ series. Thank you so much your website. It has been invaluable to me as an avid reader.

  47. Come on people, All of you are listing what seems to me will be some very good authors for me to try. But Hey! I only have so much time! I mean the house needs cleaning once in a while. The dogs demand to be fed and walked. The hubby seems to think I am the only one in the house who can cook! I could more than likely get by with a little less sleep but after a while I get so sleepy that I don’t remember what I just read.

    But hey! keep listing the favorites. I trust all of you .
    Another thing Danna, I really like it how you have the covers of some of the books on the margine of this forum.. Sometimes I will use the cover to help me decide if I want to try a new author. Some covers are just a little too riske’ (close enough) for me. But most of the Cozies have a decent cover.

    • Linda, I also like to look at Cozy Mystery book covers when deciding whether or not to try a “new-to-me” author. My husband had to teach me how to put the covers on the left margin, and I will have to have him “teach me” again next month. Hopefully after a few months of the Mystery Book Recommendations, I will finally remember how to add the codes!

  48. Again, thank you ALL for telling us the Cozy Mystery you are currently reading, and for letting the rest of us know about a possible “new-to-me” author we might enjoy giving a try!

  49. I am currently reading Jenn McKinlay’s Death by the Dozen. It is part of “A Cupcake Bakery Mystery” series. The first book “Sprinkle with Murder” is what drew me. I was not ordinarily a “Cozy” mystery reader. I prefered the gratuitous adult situations, graphic details, the mind boggling mysteries, and the out of this world science fiction. I began reading Joanne Fluke’s series in 2008 and have been reading cozies in addition to my regular readings ever since.

    Jenn has a unique way of showing the readers the friendship between the main characters and those around them. I became so attached to the characters that while reading Death by the Dozen (still reading… I’m behind on my “a book a week” goal) my heart stopped for about two seconds when something happened to a character. I literally said out loud, “OMG!” I got some interesting stares underneath the hair dryer at the beauty salon. LOL Jenn is definitely on my list of “Must Reads”

  50. I just found this website (now marked as a “favorite”) and loved reading about the books you all enjoy. I have written down a lot of your choices and will read them.
    May I add one series that I like. Jeanne M. Dams, who writes the Dorothy Martin series, also has the Hilda Johannson books. The first one was Death in Lacquer Red. I really enjoyed her heroine who is a newly arrived Swedish immigrant working in a wealthy household in Indiana at the turn of the 20th century.

  51. I just finished Classified as Murder by Miranda James and I loved it because of Diesel the cat who is a large part of the book. I am a cat lover and I just can see Diesel getting into trouble but yet helping Charlie solve the mystery.
    Charlie is a librarian who is hired to cataloge a rare book collection in this book and the owner of the collection is murdered. So of course Charlie and Diesel have to find out who dun it. A great read.
    I look forward to reading more of this series by Miranda James.

  52. I also just finished A Pour Way To Dye by Tim Myers. I look forward to reading more of the soapmaking mysteries. This book was well written. It holds your attention to the last page. I also liked the soapmaking tips and recipes.

  53. I’m so glad I read above about the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs. Finished off the Cleo Coyle coffeehouse mysteries and am now into tea. I adore the titles of the these books! So cheesy but in a good way! Tonight is Shades of Earl Grey. Does anyone have a recommendation along the lines of Agatha Raisin (MC Beaton?) I love the darling Cotswold village scenes and recurring characters. Agatha is a bit snappish for me but the atmosphere is charming. Started Aunt Dimity (you should see my tall stacks of library books) but since I loved Cleo Coyle, has anyone read her Haunted mystery series? I can’t find them anywhere!

    BB

    • Betsy Bean, I hope someone can come up with a suggestion for you Re: Agatha Raisin.

      Look for the Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series books by Alice Kimberly. The Coffee House Mystery Series is the one by Cleo Coyle. (Cleo Coyle aka Alice Kimberly)

      • Thanks, Danna! I looked all over our local library system as well as barnes and noble. This may be an online purchase set of books!

  54. Thanks, again, everyone. I just added some more of the authors you are currently reading and want to recommend to other Cozy Mystery readers.

  55. I’m currently reading The Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall. Absolutely delightful! Just what I need at the end of a long tiring day.

  56. I love to discover a new Cozy Mysteries and read them all in order. Latest love has been Donna Andrews and Meg Langslow. Oh, and Carolyn Haines! And those with recipes! Joanne Fluke can’t be beat. My true measure of a great book is one you hate to end……….

  58. So many authors … so many titles. My most favorite (and one I have read through several times) are the “Cat Who….” series by Lilian Jackson Braun. Love Koko and Yum Yum. I also have enjoyed the Sheila Connolly “Orchard” series; Simon Brett’s “Fethering” series; both series by Mary Daheim (B&B and Alpine); Alan Bradley’s “Favia deLuce” series; Laura Childs Tea Shop & Scrapbooking series; Cynthia Riggs “Martha’s Vineyard” series and also, authors Sarah Graves, Katherine Hall Page, Kathleen Hills, Sara Rosett and Rett MacPherson. Just to name a few …..

  59. Wow what a response! 97 Comments! Is this a record? Loved everyone. I have a very long list to take to the library when I go this week!

  60. Yes, Linda, this is an incredible amount of comments.

    Since I will be having the Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations topic each month, I am guessing that there will be a lot of repeat authors.

    Having said that, I want to thank all of you again for January’s list of authors, please try to post a comment next month when I ask for February’s list.

MENU