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Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations – June 2012

Since we started this monthly recommendation of Cozy Mystery books, I have tried several new authors who some of you recommended… about a dozen. I thank you all for your previous recommendations! I have added a few of the new-to-me authors you all recommended to my list of “favorite authors” –  and will soon be reading  the second mysteries in their series.

These monthly recommendations of authors are great ways for us to take a look at your authors, and read the reasons you like them. Then, for those of us who are looking for the same things you listed, we can try the authors. So, please nominate one, two, or even three of your favorite Cozy Mystery authors who you read during the month of June 2012, and please tell us why you enjoyed the authors’ mystery books. (And, please don’t tell us about the authors you tried reading and didn’t like.)

What Cozy Mystery book (or author) have you read during June 2012, and why did you enjoy it (or him/her)?

Here are the current authors who some of you have read this past month, and wanted to tell the rest of us about:

Nancy Atherton: Aunt Dimity Mystery Series

Donald Bain & “Jessica Fletcher”: Murder, She Wrote Mystery Series

K. K. Beck: Iris Cooper Mystery Series

Emily Brightwell: Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series

Frances Brody: Kate Shackelton Mystery Series

Heron Carvic: Miss Setton Mystery Series

Erika Chase: Ashton Corners Book Club Mystery Series

Laura Crum: Gail McCarthy Mystery Series

Krista Davis: Domestic Diva Mystery Series

Anna Dean: Dido Kent Mystery Series

Charlotte & Aaron Elkins: Alix London Mystery Series

Janet Evanovich: Stephanie Plum Mystery Series

Judy Fitzwater: Jennifer Marsh Mystery Series

“Jessica Fletcher” & Donald Bain: Murder, She Wrote Mystery Series

Anne George: Southern Sisters Mystery Series

Isidore Haiblum: Murder in Gotham

Victoria Hamilton: Vintage Kitchen Mystery Series

Janice Hamrick: Jocelyn Shore Mystery Series

B. B. Haywood: Candy Holliday Mystery Series

Hazel Holt: Mrs. Malory Mystery Series

P. D. James: Adam Dalgliesh Msytery Series

Rita Lakin: Gladdy Gold Mystery Series

Edward Marston (aka Conrad Allen & Keith Miles): Railway Detective Mystery Series

Nancy Martin: Blackbird Sisters Mystery Series

Leslie Meier: Lucy Stone Mystery Series

Julie Moffett: No One to Trust

Katherine Hall Page: Faith Fairchild Mystery Series

Patricia Rockwell: Bingoed, an Essie Cobb Senior Sleuth Mystery Series

Sax Rohmer: Hangover House

Mark Schweizer: Liturgical Msytery Series

Cynthia Smith: Emma Rhodes Mystery Series

Lillian Stewart: The Blue Hackle 

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

Comments

  1. Here We Go:
    1. Bailey Cates’ Brownies and Broomsticks.
    2. Elizabeth Craig’s Quilt or Innocence
    3. Maggie Sefton’s Unraveled
    4. Claudia Bishop’s Dread on Arrival
    5. Julie Hyzy’s Grace Among Thieves
    6. Laura Childs’ Fiber and Brimstone
    7. Irene Brand’s Yuletide Peril (LIS)
    8. Hannah Alexander’s Note of Peril (LIS)
    9. Marta Perry’s Hide in Plain Sight (LIS)
    10. Barbara Phinney’s Keeping Her Safe (LIS)
    11. Paige Shelton’s If Fried Chicken Could Fly
    12. Laura Bradord’s Heasre and Buggy
    13. Krista Davis’s The Diva Haunts the House
    14. Krista Davis’s The Diva Digs Up the Dirt
    15. Delia Rosen’s One Foot in the Gravy
    16. Diana Killian’s Death in a Diffcult Position

    I recommend any of the above books, series and authors.
    I love recipes and sewing. I live in Louisiana that is one reason I read Laura Childs. I love LIS Series because they are wonderful and sometime they return with the same characters. I know that is alot of books but waiting in dr’s helps you to read.

    • Ginger, You have a really interesting list of authors. I know I will try some of those out.

      • Linda I’m cleaning out my to be read list. It is growing and I need to read more. I set goal of 20 books for June and not going to make it. On 17th one, started it last night – Sophie Kelly’s Copycat Killing. I hope you enjoy the authors I have listed.

        • Ginger, For the last few weeks I have gotten interested in Sherryl Woods’ Cheasepeake Shores series and the Sweet Magnolia series. Neither series are mysteries but still the sort of book that I like to read this time of year.
          I did pick up “Mrs. Jeffries Forges Ahead” by Emily Brightwell and “Aunt Dimity & the Village Witch” by Nancy Atherton. I love both of these cozy mystery series.
          I have read most of my favorite author’s new books, or at least those that I have been able to find. Your list looks promising. I especially want to find Elizabeth Craig’s” Quilt or Innocence.” This looks to be an interesting book. I hope to find some new to me new favorites from your list.

          • Linda C, aren’t favorite authors great? It’s so easy to just start reading the next book in a favorite authors chronological list. I have several of those waiting for me in my reading queue, but will try a few new-to-me authors first.

    • Wow, Ginger, that’s a lot more books on your June list than I have on mine!

  2. I have read two new authors for me. David Baldacci and John Gilstrap. Both were good but intense. I am ready for some light hearted cozies now.

    • Karen, Whenever I finish with a book from an author like David Baldacci or Marcia Mueller, or say John Grisham I want a cozy, too. I love the books by authors like the ones I just mentioned but some of these books can really get to be intense. After that I too want something a lot more on the lighter side.

  3. I recently enjoyed “Double Booked for Death” which is the first book in the Black Cat Bookstore series. It is written by Diane A.S. Stuckart, who is writing as Ali Brandon. I don’t believe I’ve read any of her other works but I will seek them out now. The main character moves from Texas to New York City when she inherits her aunt’s bookstore, complete with resident cat. I picked this up because I am originally from Texas, love Manhattan, love cats and bookstores. The heroine was very likable to me and the author gets to deliver a few good natured pokes to the “Twilight” phenomenom. Very enjoyable, I look forward to reading the second set of books in the series.

    • Dayna, Diane has a series about Lenardo de Vinci. The series is about a girl who wants to learn to paint and study with him. Check it out it is really interesting, I won’t tell any more but check it out.

    • Dayna, thanks for telling us about Diane A. S. Stuckart/Ali Brandon. She is actually on my list of authors to post on the website >>> which I really should get working on!

  4. I seem to have read a lot of books this month. I’m not sure how I’ve managed to read so many, but I’ve enjoyed every minute!

    I’ve read a mixture of new (to me) authors and authors where I’m in the middle of reading their series of books. They are …

    P.D. James – Adam Dalgliesh series – Unnatural Causes; A Mind to Murder and Shroud for a Nightingale. I’m really enjoying this series of books. They are all beautifully written and well constructed mysteries.

    Emily Brightwell – Mrs Jeffries series – Mrs Jeffries Forges Ahead and Mrs Jeffries Defends Her Own. Unfortunately, because I’m unable to get some of her earlier books I’ve had to break my rule about only reading a series in the correct order and have had to read ahead in the series and now I’m left with all the gaps that I’m trying to fill as and when I can. I do wish they would republish her earlier books. It would make my life a lot easier!

    Frances Brody – Kate Shackleton series – A Medal for Murder (the second book in the series) and it was just as good as her first book. I’ve already bought the third book in the series and I’m really looking forward to reading it.

    Tasha Alexander – Lady Emily Ashton series – A Fatal Waltz. I enjoyed reading it, but I felt that a couple of the characters didn’t really “ring true”. There were caricatures rather than believable characters. However, that said, it is still an excellent mystery and I shall continue reading the series.

    Janet Evanovich – Stephanie Plum series – Seven Up. This is total escapism. Funny, well constructed and a real page turner.

    The “new to me” authors and books are …

    Heron Carvic – Miss Seeton series – Picture Miss Seeton; Miss Seeton Draws the Line and Witch Miss Seeton. Although this series was recommended to me I wasn’t sure I would enjoy them. I was completely wrong. If you like Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple you will like these.

    Katherine Hall Page – Faith Fairchild series – The Body in the Belfry. Again this was recommended to me and I’m glad I listened! It was a nicely paced mystery that was also great fun to read.

    Anne George – Southern Sisters series – Murder on a Girls’ Night Out. I’ve been wanting to try this series for some time and I’m glad I finally got around to reading the first one. The next two are already on order!

    Judy Fitzwater – Jennifer Marsh series – Dying to Get Published. If you are thinking of publishing your own mystery book … read this first! It is funny and perceptive, plus the mystery holds your attention through out the book.

    Rita Lakin – Gladdy Gold series – Getting Old Is Murder. I’ve left the best ‘til last! I’m not Jewish, I’ve never been to Florida and I don’t live in a retirement community. However, when I reach the age of 75 I want to be just like Gladdy Gold! I’ve fallen in love with this feisty retired librarian and her friends. I’m going to have to ration this series otherwise I’ll read them too quickly and then feel bereft when the series ends. I love Gladdy Gold!

      • Carrie, you have to watch the Mrs. Jeffries series because now in the fall they will print one in hardback and throw the series out of whack since I’ll have to buy the paperback in spring/summer. It really messes me in the this series. Since I try not to read hardbacks and wait for the paperbacks.

        • Ginger, that’s really promising about an author’s books first coming out in hardback, and then coming out in paperback. I bet all authors would love for that to happen to their books. I can see, however, how that messes up their series.

    • Carrie I know they have two omnibuses out of Mrs Jeffries. One is the first 2 stories and the second one is coming out with 4, 5, and 6. I know some of the earlier ones are hard to find but I was able to get them on Ebay. I paid a little more than I wanted but when you want a series you don’t mind.

      • Ginger, I’m going to look forward to your recommendations if we have similar taste in cozy mystery books!

        Alfred, Thank you for the tip about the second omnibus, I’ve already got the first and I’m missing books 4 to 12 and then 15 and 16. So I look forward to reading books 4, 5 and 6. I keep looking for the missing books but I’m not prepared to spend way over a reasonable price when I’m missing so many. Maybe if I get down to just one or two missing I might so that I can complete the series, but until then I’ll keep looking for bargains!

    • Carrie,
      The Francis Brody series sounds very interesting. I am going to try one. The person that goes missing in the first book has the same last name that I had.(maiden) It is a rather uncommon English name. The reviews are comparing Francis Brody to some good authors. Thanks for for the recommendation! Never heard of Francis Brody before.

      • Lynn T, I just checked and see that I have Francis Brody on my list of authors to post on the site. I agree with you, Brody looks like she writes a winning mystery series.

    • Carrie, you aren’t kidding about reading a lot of books this month! Almost all of your “new to me” authors are on my “favorite authors list… However, I have stopped reading the Miss Seeton books because, as much as I like them, the font is simply too doggone small. (I can read the books, but I find myself putting them at the bottom of the list because my eyes aren’t completely comfortable reading them.)

      (Now we know a little bit about you: You aren’t a retirement community inhabitant and have never been to Florida, nor are you Jewish!)

  5. Really, really enjoyed the Lexi Carmichael series: Julie Moffett is the author–I read “No One to Trust.” Some of the scenes are ridiculous, but funny and Lexi is a total geek (near and dear to my heart … it could be that I’m kind of geeky.) The plot is quite good and the pacing great. There might be a chance at romance if Lexi doesn’t botch it entirely…and she’s such a geek!

    Great read!

    • Thanks, Maria. There’s nothing wrong with being a “total geek”!

  6. I ‘found’ Anne George this month & her Southern Sisters Mystery series. What a great series and such a shame she is no longer with us. The 2 sisters in her books remind me so much of my twin sister & me; I will indeed purchase all the remaining books to read & re-read with great enjoyment.

  7. Charlotte and Aaron Elkins have started a new series starting with A Dangerous Talent. It reminded me a little of the Hailey Lind art mysteries and there was a passing mention of a character from another one of Aaron Elkins series that I had enjoyed. I really liked the main characters and look forward to following their further adventures.

    Another book I enjoyed was The Blue Hackle by Lillian Stewart Carl. This is the 5th book in the Jean Fairbairn series. All but one of the books is set in Scotland (the 4th was set in Williamsburg, VA). While there is a touch of paranormal in the books – the main character not only writes about ghosts, she also sees them – the ghosts tend to be part of the secondary, historic plot rather than the main mystery being solved.

    • Judith, thanks for telling us about Charlotte and Aaron Elkins new Alix London Mystery Series. While I was updating the page, I went ahead and bought Wicked Slice, the first book in their Lee Ofsted Mystery Series.

      (I have mentioned before that while I add the monthly recommended authors to the entry, I end up buying more new books that look interesting. My Kindle’s ToBeRead queue is getting to be quite long!)

  8. by way i am friends with a group readers on facebook and recommended this site to them. I had one lady check it out and said she could not wait to check it. it is a wonderful site and i will be telling all friends who read about it.

  9. First recommendation for this month is an author called Isidore Haiblum. “Murder in Gotham”. A Yiddish detective in New York’s Lower East Side in the 1940’s.
    I finished this in one sitting! Light and not exciting, but you don’t realise how the time has gone until afterwards.
    Second is a vintage British author, Sax Rohmer. ‘Hangover House’. The author is best known for his ‘Fu Manchu’ series, but he wrote stand alone who-dunnits as well, and this is a good one. Murder at a society party, but the victim is unknown to not only the hosts, but all the guests as well – or is he?
    I recommend any of Rohmer’s books if you can find them. Always worth a read!
    Cheers,
    Susan.

    • Thanks, *Susan, for telling us about Isidore Haiblum and Sax Rohmer.

  10. June has been a month in which I re read the whole of the Faith Fairchild series. I cannot say that I can remember reading the beginning books in that series but rereading them now tied many of the characters and plots together. It was a slow month for me because many authors I enjoy did not publish books. I will look for Elkin’s new series. I also started Cynthia Smith’s series in paperback and I like it.

    • Regina, as much as I want to re-read some of my favorite authors, I usually end up adding new-to-me authors to be long TBR list of books.

  11. Thanks to a recommendation from this group, I’ve been reading Anna Dean’s Dido Kent Series. This is the same period that Jane Austen wrote of and I occasionally get a glimmer of Miss Elizabeth Bennett in Miss Kent’s letters to her sister. I only wish there were more than three books to savor. More will follow, I’m sure.

    • Thank you, Kathryn, for reminding us about Anna Dean’s Dido Kent Mystery Series.

  12. I really enjoyed Erika Chase’s “A Killer Read”, Claire Donally’s “The Big Kitty”, Alyse Carlson’s “The Azalea Assault” and Bailey Cates’ “Brownies and Broomsticks” this month. All of these are the first in a new series. Some other ones enjoyed this month were:

    “Town in a Wild Moose Chase”–B.B. Haywood
    “The Wild Wood Enquiry”–Ann Purser
    “A Dark Anatomy” –Robin Blake
    “Murder on Fifth Avenue”–Victoria Thompson
    “Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death”–James Runcie
    “Don’t Die Under the Apple Tree”–Amy Patricia Meade

    • Thank you, Kimberlee, for telling us about all of your June authors.

  13. I really enjoyed B.B. Haywood’s first two installments in the Candy Holiday Mysteries. The first is A TOWN IN A BLUEBERRY JAM, the second A TOWN IN A LOBSTER STEW. Both are set in the Spring/Summer months in a fictional coastal village of Maine. The Authors, a husband and wife team; live in Cape Elizabeth, Maine so they know what they are writing about. There are a few quirky characters but the characters are likeable and the story held my interest. Candy’s side kick is becoming my favorite character. The “killer” turned out to be a surprise, which was nice. There are enough twists to make it a “can’t put down read” for me.

    I, as always, have to recommend the newest Krista Davis. DIVA DIGS UP DIRT. This installment has not disappointed me I love those end of chapter cliff hangers that make it hard to put it down. Sophie is a great character a very fun read!

    Laura Childs’ newest Tea Shoppe Mystery AGONY OF THE LEAVES is in my to be read pile as well as the first two in her Cakleberry Club Mysteries. I actually read number three BEDEVILED EGGS last Halloween and loved it. Since she has a new one coming soon, STEAK AND EGGS, I want to catch up.

    I also have the newest Lorna Barrett’s MURDER ON THE HALF SHELF ready to go.

    Even tho I have not read the last mentioned I have already read and enjoyed the others in the series and I am sure they will not disappoint.

    • Margaret, it sounds like you have been enjoying your reading, and are looking forward to even more good reading. I just finished my last book, and am now at the “have to decide” point. I have so many books I want to read, but would like to pick a new-to-me author, which means I have to make a decision. It’s a lot easier when I read one of my favorite authors… just pick the next chronological mystery.

  14. I read a couple of new series this month, so thought I would mention these on the June recommendation list.

    I believe that ‘Killer Read’ by Erika Chase was recommended in May (and, I now see it’s also this month’s list) – a new book, new author. Because of that, I’m giving it a ‘lengthier analysis’ so perhaps blog readers will have more info when making a decision whether to read it or not.

    Let’s get the ‘ordinary’, the cliché, the ‘predictable romance’ out of the way first. OF COURSE, there is a high school crush. Then ‘WALLA’, 15 years later the sleuth moves back to town and the high school ‘crush’ is the police chief (unmarried, of course). Have you seen this before? I certainly have in several other series. But, the sleuth/police chief romance is (OH, NO! – dare I say it?) delightful reading. There is a back story with the police chief that adds complexity, which most likely will be revealed in a future storyline, so it keeps the reader ‘waiting’ for the next book. There are a couple of other ‘budding’ romance story lines to follow, too.

    Having said all that, this book is what I would call the cozy mystery readers’ book. The story centers around some readers (consisting of both female AND male members) who form a mystery reading group – the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society’. These main characters are quite diverse and enjoyable.

    Each chapter headlines a quote from various cozy mysteries – often mentioned on this site. The quotes are fun to read, but it is unlikely anyone of us would remember them from a particular book! In one chapter, the sleuth visits a bookstore and the owner recommends several cozies familiar to many of us. AND, at the end of the book there is a reading list from members (7 of them) of this reading club. Most are cozies, but some of the male members select stand alones. These are novel/creative ideas for a ‘cozy’ book. None of it has anything to do with the story, but it is a fun sideline!

    This mystery has many twists and turns with intricate plots………all the way to the end. I didn’t figure this one out until it was revealed in the last chapter. It is very well written and moves quickly. In my humble opinion this is a well crafted story with interesting characters, and ‘fun’ sideline readings. The author did a good job for her first book. I definitely will read the next one.
    ———————————————————–
    Right now I’m reading, but haven’t finished yet (about ¾ through), “Deadly Grind” by Victoria Hamilton. I really wanted to mention this book in light of the previous blog discussion of the ‘like/dislike’ issue of characters as one begins a new series. As I started reading this book, I thought, “I don’t really like these characters”. HOWEVER, I didn’t really dislike them either. So, I continued to read the story. Actually I am glad I did. This is an interesting and unusual mystery.

    The story is set in a ‘touristy’ Michigan town and centers around the collection of vintage kitchen items. It’s definitely not boring as the previous sentence might indicate. Although at times it gets pretty ‘wordy’, I have found it to move along nicely. I am surprised that so far there hasn’t been any ‘romantic’ interest. There definitely are a couple of ‘possibilities’ (including the police detective). I usually like main character(s) that are well educated and intellectual. This author doesn’t give us any indication as to the educational background of the main characters. Nor is it clear how the main sleuth supports herself, except possibly with an inheritance and some ‘unnamed odd jobs’. I’ve enjoyed this book and recommend it despite my original misgivings, mainly because of its ‘uniqueness’.

    By the way, I haven’t as of yet figured out ‘who did it’ — always a good sign when an author can keep one guessing!!

    • MJ, OK, I have to admit I’ve seen the return-to-hometown-encounter-previous-crush before. But, if it’s done well, it can be entertaining, or, to use your word, “delightful”.

  15. I recommend

    Bill Crider Sheriff Dan Rhodes mysteries
    Caroline Haines Sarah Boothy Delaney mysteries
    G A Mckevett Savannah Reid mysteries

  16. I haven’t read as much as I would have liked to, but here we go:

    Nancy Martin – Mick Abruzzo’s Story: A Prequel
    This is, as the name says, a prequel to the Blackbird Sisters Mysteries. It’s more a long short story than a book but it explains a bit about Mick Abruzzo and why he bought land from Nora without her knowing.

    Tasha Alexandra – And Only to Deceive (Lady Emily Mysteries)
    I enjoyed this and liked the idea of a woman being mostly independent in an age where this was really rare. The storyline was believeable and well told. But somehow I don’t think I’ll read more books. This felt to be a stand-alone rather than the first in a series.

    K.K. Beck – Death in a Deck Chair (Iris Cooper Mysteries)
    This is another first in a series and probably not the last either. I read mainly because I was on a cruise myself this month and it was fun to read. It’s not set in modern times although I found it hard to figure out just when this was set.

    “Jessica Fletcher” – Murder on the QE2
    Reason see above. I read this one back at home and it brought back some memories. I also liked the fact the Jessica actually made a mistake and got into hot water for it. I hate mysteries where the heroine makes one mistake and stupid thing after another and nobody notices.

    Patricia Rockwell – Bingoed (Essie Cobb Senior Sleuth)
    In many ways hard to believe but I did like the idea of seniors being well able to go about solving mysteries, unhampered by old age. In the end there wasn’t much of a mystery but this did not spoin the series for me.

    Edward Marston – Railway Detective
    I don’t think this is a real cozy mystery as the cozy side seems a bit less developed but I couldn’t put this down. It’s about an inspector and his sergeant solving the robbery of a mail train which carried gold sovereings. There are very slight parallels to the Mrs. Jeffries Mysteries but we certainly don’t meet any of his staff. His new love interest is the daughter of one of the victims of the robbery who was injured badly but not killed. I’ll be interested to see how this series continues.

    • Thank you, Brita, for your list of June 2012 recommended authors. I have added them all to the list.

  17. I just finished reading Death on Tour by Janice Hamrick. It’s the best cozy mystery I’ve read in a long time.
    Ann

    • Thanks, Ann. I’ve added Janice Hamrick’s Jocelyn Shore Mystery Series to the June 2012 Cozy Mystery Books Recommendation list.

  18. Work has been super busy in June but I still manage to read. Am reading the Mrs. Mallory books by hazel holt which I love to read when I ‘m stressed out – they are very cosy and quaint. Also Mark Schweitzer ‘s liturgical mysteries because I need a good laugh (on kindle for $2.99 each) and Laura crum ‘s Gail Mccarthy books, the latest being “barnstorming ” about a horse vet. I ‘m waiting until vacation with my 3 friends and we rest and relax and read. That’s when I get to catch up and the list will be much longer!

    • Marla, isn’t it terrific that all of Mark Schweizer‘s Liturgical Mystery books for the Kindle only cost from $0.99 to $2.99 each?

  19. If your looking for good stories take a look at author Sophie Kinsella. No murders but really great stories

    • Thank you, Jerry, for telling us about Sophie Kinsella’s fiction.

  20. I am trying to figure out the author/titles of a series I started reading from the New Book shelf at my library. The sleuth is a retired older man who wakes up every morning with no memory of what he did (or whom he knew) the day before. Has to be reminded to read his diary or notes he writes himself. Has grandkids (in Colorado, perhaps?) a girlfriend he plans to marry, and connections to a police dept from earlier in his life. Has friends in nursing homes to whom he delivers food and company. Alternating amusing and crochety, he refers to himself as an old poop and the like. But I can’t work out the details to read more in the series!

    Please help!

    • Curious, make sure to look a few comments below this>>> George has the author for whom you are looking.

  22. I just finished reading Mark Schweizer’s newest book and it was as funny as his previous ones in the series. By the way previously you mentioned authors writing about other authors’ books, in this book Mark constantly refers to the Mitford series.

  23. Hi Curious: The author you are seeking is Mike Befeler and the name of the series is Paul Jacobsen Geezer-Lit Mystery. I have read all three of the books and I enjoyed them very much. Happy reading ! ! George

    • Thank you, George. I just listed Mike Befeler on the site, so you would think I would have remembered his Paul Jacobson Geezer-Lit Mystery Series.

  24. Thank you for including my book in last month’s list, Danna! I feel very honored. 🙂 (The comments were closed so I couldn’t post it there.) This website has been such a blessing in my life, to be among friends who enjoy reading as much as I do, and finding new books here every day! I’ve become a caregiver to both parents and escaping into a good book is a necessity now that I can’t get out often.

    • You are quite welcome!

      (I know how difficult it is to suddenly have to reverse roles with one’s parents. I’m glad you enjoy visiting here on the blog.)

  25. During the month of June I read all 14 of the Penny Parker series by Mildred Wirt. These were available on Amazon (and still are) for free download and I got all of them. Talk about a good bargain! ! The books were written in the 1940s during the war and, except for references to the cost of things at that time, are quite relevant today. The books are excellent examples of a good cozy with the noticeable absence of filthy language and sexual situations. Mildred Wirt is the author of the first 29 books of the Nancy Drew books.

  26. I finally got around to reading the newest Lucy Stone mystery, Chocolate Covered Murder by Leslie Meier. I really like these books because the author does a great job of showing the reader what it’s like to live in a small town that is dependent on tourism in a slow economy.

    • Thank you, Mark, for adding Leslie Meier to the June 2012 list of recommended authors. I’ll go add her right now.

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