I will add the recommended authors to this entry as they come in. (Please do not tell us about the authors you did not like.) As I have stated before, I have found several of the Cozy Mystery (and some not so Cozy) authors I now follow, from reading your comments. Thank you!
What Cozy Mystery book (or author) have you read during September 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:
Susan Wittig Albert: Darling Dahlias Mystery Series
Tasha Alexander: Lady Emily Mystery Series
Connie Archer: Soup Lover’s Mystery Series
Lorna Barrett (aka Lorraine Bartlett & L. L. Bartlett): Booktown Mystery Series
M. C. Beaton: Agatha Raisin Mystery Series
Josie Belle (aka Jenn McKinlay & Lucy Lawrence): Good Buy Girls Mystery Series
Kate Borden (aka Kate Grilley: Peggy Jean Turner Mystery Series
Lucy Burdette (aka Roberta Isleib): Key West Food Critic Mystery Series
Elizabeth Lynn Casey (aka Laura Bradford): Southern Sewing Circle Mystery Series
C. S. Challinor: Rex Graves Mystery Series
Hampton Charles: Miss Emily Seeton Mystery Series
Laura Childs: Cackleberry Club Mystery Series & Tea Shop Mystery Series
Barbara Cleverly: Joe Sandilands Mystery Series
Isis Crawford (aka Barbara Block): Mystery with Recipes Mystery Series
Janet Evanovich: Stephanie Plum Mystery Series
Monica Ferris: Needlecraft Mystery Series
Shelley Freydont: Celebration Bay Mystery Series
Anne George: Southern Sisters Mystery Series
Dashiell Hammett: Continental Op Mystery Series
Carolyn Hart: Death on Demand Mystery Series
Michael Innes: Inspector Appleby Mystery Series
Melanie Jackson: Chloe Boston Mystery Series
Miranda James (aka Honor Hartman, Jimmie Ruth Evans, & Dean James): Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series
J. A. Jance: Joanna Brady Mystery Series & J. P. Beaumont Mystery Series
Tracy Kiely: Elizabeth Parker Mystery Series
Josi S. Kilpack: Culinary Mystery Series
Allison Kingsley (aka Kate Kingsbury & Rebecca Kent): Raven’s Nest Bookstore Mystery Series
Rita Lakin: Gladdy Gold Mystery Series
Nancy Martin: Blackbird Sisters Mystery Series
Gladys Mitchell: Mrs. Bradley Mystery Series
Katherine Hall Page: Faith Fairchild Mystery Series
Louise Penny: Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Series
Deanna Raybourn: Lady Julia Grey Mystery Series
Hank Phillippi Ryan: Jane Ryland & Jake Brogan Mystery Series
Alexander McCall Smith: No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Msytery Series
Kari Lee Townsend: Fortune Teller Mystery Series
♦To access more Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations, click on this link♦
marion says
I have finished rereading ‘Crewel Word’ and in the midst of reading ‘Framed in Lace’ by Monica Ferris. I really enjoy this series because of my interest in needlework and because this series, so far, concentrates on a fairly small group of regular characters with definite personalities so that I get to feel that I know the characters very well. I like that very much in a series.
linda says
Marion, I just picked up “Buttons and Bones” by Monica Ferris. I had tried some of her books before but didn’t care for the series. But this book that I got today is in large print. Hopefully I can enjoy this book more since I will be able to read it better. I hope so because there are quite a few books out by this author. Someone must enjoy her books a great deal.
Some authors I intend on giving a second chance. Sometimes I think my reading depends on the reading mood that I am in.
Here’s hoping that more publishers would give printing the “Cozies” in the large print more of a try.
marion says
Linda, I am with you on hoping authors put more in large print. So many standard paperbacks have such small print that it is a burden to read them. Although it may be possible for me to read them at this time, I find it a bother to pull off my glasses and squint and so far, I’ve just given up on those after a few pages. I am lucky enough to live near an excellent library with oodles of mysteries in various formats and I always think “why don’t I just go get something else?’ But it is so disappointing when a particular author or series is only available in ‘too small print’ at my library. Luckily, I can usually find a steady supply of something satisfactory, especially since I don’t habitually read at a great rate. A 150 to 200 page cozy generally lasts me about 5 days to a week. I know many people have great success with Kindles but with my slow reading rate and my great good luck in having so many fine ‘print’ books at my disposal, SO FAR (lol) I have not been able to square the cost with my conscience (sp?). I’m sure the day will come, however. Older paperbacks, REALLY bug me because the printing tends to fade over time.
For me, my mood is everything in terms of book choice. At my stage in life, if I’m not interested, it just will not swing. However, later, in a different mood, former rejects work for me. I hope you enjoy ‘Buttons and Bones’. Some of Ferris’ books have appealed to me more than others. I did not get a chance to read much of ‘Buttons and Bones’ before so I can not remember my opinion of it exactly but think I liked it at least fairly well.
marion says
P. S. In case, anyone is wondering, I’m 52 going on 53. I figure I have only so much more time to read, so make sure it’s interesting and worth my time. With any luck, I have many years left but my parents died at 69 and 70 years of age and my mother died very suddenly and unexpectedly so my general philosophy is that I’d better get on with what is important to me.
linda says
Marion, I am very lucky that all 3 of the area libraries that I frequent have excellent large print sections. After checking out the New releases sections, I head over to the new Releases large Print sections.
Also some of the lending libraries that my 3 libraries gets loaners from offer many of those loaners in large print. I hope more libraries will be able to see the need for the large print books. I don’t know if these are more expensive or not. I suppose the libraries might have to consider the cost if this is so.
Too bad the politicians who dole out the moneys to the libraries can’t see how much harm they do when they cut funding for the libraries.
marion says
Hi again, That is an EXCELLENT idea to request a LT book. I hadn’t thought of that but I will definitely bear it in mind if I particularly want to read something that my library has only in ‘too small print’. Sometimes I find that a regular hard cover or even, on occasion, a paper back will have adequately large print. I am beginning to notice more and more often that there seems to be standard book sizes used by publishers and that print will be either squeezed together or spread way out to accommodate the book size rather than visa versa. I wonder who determines what size to use, hard cover versus soft back etc. I have never thought to price LT books to see how they compare to regular sized books. I was thinking this morning, after I read your reply, that perhaps as we Baby Boomers age, more LT books will become available at fair prices. I hope so. I just want them for convenience but no doubt many people NEED them in order to read at all. Do you suppose there may be fewer LTs because CDs, MP3s, and computer books are seen as a more lucrative market. Those forms are fine but I am still of a generation where an actual traditional book form is nice. Nice ‘talking to you’ again, Linda!
linda says
Marion, I started to read this “Buttons and Bones” by Monica Ferris yesterday afternoon. Sometimes I have so many books that I want to read that I don’t know which one to read first. So, when I started to read this book, I was also reading one by Bill Crider and one by Laura Childs. When I do this I will read one chapter of each book then move on to one of the other books reading a chapter in each of those books.
As I got into this book by Monica Ferris I got so interested in the story that I gave up the other 2 and continued to read the one into the wee hours of the morning. I got so caught up in this book that I had to get up early this morning, just after 6 a.m., to continue. What a good story this book had!! I loved it!!
I have another book by this author that has a snippett on the front cover that states “You need not be a needlecrafter to enjoy this series.” Was that ever a true statement!
The reason I liked this story so much was the story about how several of the cities in Minnesota got their names but also the story of the WW2 German POW prison camps that were in Minnesota. I will have to look up the history of this state to see for myself if this story of the POW’s is true. I would imagine that it is. But this was a wonderful story!! I had figured out the story of the mystery early on but that’s beside the point.
I don’t do needlework but this story was so good that I was able to read past those parts of the story.
I think I have stated a few times that while I am very interested in American history, my main interest is in the history of Americans, mainly how Americans have been able to endure all the hardships that our country has had to endure.
What a great book. Can hardly wait to read more from this author. I hope more of this author’s books are like this!! Now it is on to finish reading the other two books!! Maybe a nap might be nice, also!!
Love books like this that I cannot put down!!
marion says
Dear Linda, I am so delighted that you enjoyed ‘Buttons and Bones’!!! Isn’t it wonderful when the mood and the book connect and you have a marvelous reading experience. Now that I know you enjoy history and Ferris, I will try to remember to let you know if I come across other books that I think you may enjoy.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marion, I especially like the Needlecraft mysteries that take place in the town, with the “regular” characters. Every once in a while, Ferris takes her main sleuth “on the road” which I’m not as crazy about…
marion says
I prefer her ‘on-site’ books too. I am reading her third book now and thinking about skipping her fourth for now and going on to her fifth because in the fourth she goes off site. Jill goes along with her on the fourth so I may go ahead with it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marion, my problem with Jill going with Betsy off-site is that Jill is my least favorite character in the series.
MJ says
Danna, I assume you meant ‘September 2012’ books we’ve read and not July 2012 as stated above.
In September I enjoyed reading the following four books:
The Other Woman – Hank Phillippi Ryan
First of all, I want to mention that Ms. Ryan is a gifted writer and story teller. The Charlotte McNally mystery series ended way too soon. Hopefully there are more to come, but I won’t hold my breath. She always writes a great mystery with ongoing private life sagas.
The Other Woman is the first in a new series, set in the Boston area. A fired TV anchor accepts a position with a small newspaper and begins to investigate shenanigans in the political arena. This story has many intriguing twists, political scandals with dirty tricks (of course), and murder mayhem! It is well constructed and a real page turner. Ryan always develops great characters. I also like the fact that ‘the end’ is indeed ‘the end’ and there is a resolution to the mystery (not all authors do this with their mystery storyline).
The romance angle is somewhat complicated, if not a bit unbelievable. Although drawn together, the detective and reporter can’t date. If they did, each would lose their jobs. In this story one couple gets axed because of such a liaison. Huh? However in real life Ryan is an investigative TV reporter in Boston. As such, she certainly knows the accuracy of the consequences of a romance between reporter and police dept. employee (even if I don’t like it!).
I give this book several stars for an excellent story by an excellent author. I doubt any of the blog readers would be disappointed. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book.
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Spoonful of Murder — Connie Archer
This book is the first in a new series by an author whose bio indicates she hasn’t written any previous books. Set in Snowflake, Vermont, the main character comes to her hometown community after the death of her parents to run their soup restaurant. It is laden with details which slows the reading process, but there are many layers to the story.
The female sleuth is a strong, outspoken character. The other characters are interesting – hopefully the author will develop them more fully as the series continues. The mystery itself takes many twists and turns with an ending I didn’t even begin to guess accurately. There are some questionable factors within the story and it rambles a bit, but all in all it is a good read.
Deserved creative points to the author – the romantic lead is a doctor, NOT another detective or police chief!
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No Way to Kill a Lady — Nancy Martin
Although I’ve read all the books in this Blackbird Sisters series, it hasn’t been one of my favorite series. However, ‘No Way To Kill a Lady’ is the 8th and best book of the series, well worth the 4 year wait. Martin always writes a good mystery, it’s the characters I usually have a difficult time with. In this particular book the sisters are somewhat normal, which I like because I thought they were WAY too wacky in previous stories. Nora (main sleuth) seeks to unravel the mysterious death of a great aunt who supposedly died in a volcano eruption. The great aunt has left her estate (such as it is) to the Blackbird sisters. The story is somewhat convoluted, but in a good way. It keeps the reader interested in the various directions the story takes. As it approaches the ending, one might figure out the culprit, but it still holds your attention. I usually recommend reading a series with the first book and then progressing through them all. However, in this case, I believe the reader will find this story easily read as a stand alone.
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Death in Four Courses – Lucy Burdette
First thing first. I LOVE the way Roberta Isleib is proud/confident of her writing and identifies herself as the author even though she uses a pseudonym (probably at the publisher’s request). She doesn’t try to hide the fact that she has authored other books.
This is the second book in her new series. Although I enjoyed two other series by this author, I believe this is her best series. The main character is a food critic and is set in ‘colorful’ Key West. She lives on a houseboat and drives a scooter.
While attending a food critic’s symposium in town, murder(s) occurs. In this story her mother is visiting, adding another delightful dimension to the story. This author creates engaging characters. Portions of the story are a bit slow, but it is entertaining and compelling with a ‘touch’ of the paranormal. Recipes in this book look yummy (haven’t tried any, though). Since Isleib is a psychologist, aspects of this profession are always a part of her writing.
Alexis says
Kari Lee Townsend Corpse in the Crystal Ball is the 2nd in the new Fortune Teller series. The plot builds and weaves a spell around a very good mystery story throughout. The setting is an old haunted house and she has a familiar who is a large white cat who figures into key parts of the story. Of course the detective is the love interest, but does not deter from the actual mystery and sleuthing. The protagonist stands on her own and makes her own way without depending on a male character which just makes us adore her for being independent and smart. Ms. Townsend incorporates different aspects of fortune telling throughout in a serious fashion that builds on the mystery. She is an excellent writer and holds your attention throughout. I enjoyed this new series and look forward to the next. Highly recommended.
ginger says
Alexis I have the 2nd book and have not read it yet. I enjoyed the 1st and can not wait to read the 2nd one.
Marianne says
“The Beautiful Mystery” by Louise Penny is extremely suspenseful and beautifully written. She uses the classic Agatha Christie “a finite number of characters stuck in an isolated spot” technique masterfully. It’s an amazing addition to her series.
Petie says
I started the late Anne George’s Southern Sisters series and absolutely love it ! The 2 sisters remind me of my twin sister Katie & I as far as the playful bickering. I’ve got the first 2 on my Kindle and will add the remaining ones soon.
ginger says
Petie I love that series.
Barbora says
I just came across your website and loved it. Found a lot of useful information and recommendations here. Definitely will be coming here and making list before going to library. Thank you.
Browsing lists of authors I did not see some of my favourite writers and would like to recommend them. Henning Mankell – all Kurt Wallander series books are great. Andrea Camilleri and Inspector Montalbano – it is hard to get away from the story.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Welcome to the site, Barbora!
Kathryn says
I just finished Hiss and Hers: an Agatha Raisin mystery by M. C. Beaton. Agatha is obsessed with a handsome new man who came to Carsely as a gardener and odd jobs man. As usual, Agatha turns herself into a pretzel to try to get the man’s attention but he isn’t interested. In the night of the village ball, Agatha finds the gardener buried in his own garden. Agatha is determined to find the murderer. As my mother would say “She is her own worst enemy.” I like that about Agatha. She is tough and reckless most of the time but she has a marshmallow center.
In September I read two series that take place in Victorian England. The main characters in these mysteries are women who marry rich and noble men and their lives are dramatically altered when their husbands are murdered. Besides becoming immensely wealthy, they get to control their own lives as widows, which they could never have done as daughters or wives. The first was Tasha Alexander’s LADY EMILY MYSTERY 6 Book Series. Emily is widowed about a year after her wedding when her husband is murdered while in Africa. He went with friends and Emily stayed in England. Emily didn’t know Lord Ashton well before her wedding but she said yes to his proposal because he seemed the least objectionable of her suitors. Her parents were putting a lot of pressure on her to marry. During her mourning phase she learns a great deal about her husband and pursues his interest in Greek literature and sculpture and really expands her world. With the help of her husband’s best friend, an Agent of the Crown she learns about her husband and seeks his murderer. Emily’s friends are very interesting characters and the locations like Paris, Santorini and Constantinople change up the stories. Even Claude Monet and Gustav Klimt make an appearance.
The other is Deanna Raybourn’s LADY JULIA GREY MYSTERY 5 Book Series. Lady Julia was married to her husband for 5 years but she also didn’t know her husband very well although she grew up with him when she was a child on neighboring estates. Julia is the daughter of Earl March and one of ten children in a very large eccentric family of cousins and aunts. Nicholas Brisbane, as a private enquiry agent is hired by Edward Grey to locate the source of threatening letters he was receiving and is present at a party in the Greys home when Edward drops dead of what is believed to be a heart attack from a heart condition that runs in his family. Brisbane warns Lady Julia that this is murder and she hires him to find the murderer and finds she has a knack for solving crimes.
Although both these women have all the advantages of money and privilege, their whole lives are prescribed by very rigid rules of how a women must act in society down to the black border on their note paper as widows. Without breaking all the rules, both women come into their own by developing strong relationships with friends, family and by working with extraordinary men who value their strength and support their growth. Both these books are well researched and well written. I particularly like the interaction between their friends and family.
linda says
I read one particular book this past month that I thought was very good. Laura Childs “Bedeviled Eggs” was the title of this book. I am not quite sure what state this story was set in. The only reference I could find that it was somewhere in the Midwest. Evidently the state wasn’t important to this story.
The story takes place during Halloween at the “Cackelberry Club,” which is a business that caters to 3 different but related (??) concerns, each one run by 3 good and different unlikely friends. Not only is this set during Halloween but also has an election of town council people, which is fitting for this time of the year.
This is a very good book, especially for those of you who don’t care for a lot of explicit sexual description and/or bad language. There is an adult theme to the story though.
At the end of the book are a few recipes that I did try. The “Eggs in a Basket” recipe is a really good, easy, filling recipe for lazy Sunday mornings. Really very good eating. I will look for more books by this author and from this particular series. Very good story.
MJ says
Linda,
Since Laura Childs so vividly portrays locations in her other two excellent series, it’s a bit of a puzzlement why the Crackleberry Club series location is so vague. Perhaps she does this on purpose in hopes readers believe it’s a small town near them. As a former Minnesotan, I can tell you I believe it is set in that state, probably south/west of the Twin Cities. There are some details (like lake names) I know are located in Minnesota. The name(s) are so unusual it’s highly unlikely there are duplicate names in other states. Also, Laura Childs (pseudonym) lives in the Minneapolis area.
Becky says
I just finished the latest Josi S. Kilpack, Tres Leches Cupcakes. I recommend starting with the first one, and following the characters as they develop (the first was Key Lime Pie) — I don’t cook but a friend says the recipes are wonderful — I just like Sadie’s character and that of her children and friends.
Jerry says
Carol Culver {A good day to Pie and Never Say Pie }
MaryJanice Davidson {Her Undead Series }
Janice kaplan
Cindy T says
I couldn’t read Shirley Tallman’s Sarah Woolson mysteries fast enough. I found them in an earlier blog request for an author’s name.
I was intrigued and checked all four books out of the library ASAP. I couldn’t put them down. I really enjoyed spending time with these characters. Sarah Woolson is the youngest and only girl of four children. She is a female attorney fighting to make her way in the legal profession in San Francisco in the 1880s amid intense gender discrimination. Sarah champions many who can’t obtain legal representation because of finances or often because they are Chinese. I learned quite a bit about the segregation of the Chinese in San Francisco during this time period in addition to getting to know Sarah’s brothers, their families and her friends.
The four books are Murder on Nob Hill, the Russian Hill Murders, the Cliff House Strangler and Scandal on Rincon Hill. Happily, Ms. Tallman has a fifth book that I believe is to be released October 16th titled Death on Telegraph Hill.
(I’ve enjoyed your website for over two years and many happy hours of reading thanks to you and your followers. This is my first foray into commenting so out of the shadows of the “lurker” and jumping in with both feet. Thank you for this website.)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cindy T, I’m so glad you finally jumped in with both feet and posted a comment!
marilyn says
i’ve read four of the five books by c. s. challinor who writes the rex graves mystery series. they are in the traditional locked-room mystery books.
Margaret says
I was surprised how much I enjoyed Isis Crawford/Barbara Block’s Catered Series. I started with “A CATERED MURDER” which was set in the Summer; it was perfect to end the season and to start Fall. I also read “A CATERED HALLOWEEN” right after. I like that even tho the two sisters are the main sleuths, they are helped by their retired Police Chief dad and their friends. They make no bones about sleuthing and there is so much activity with them all running in different directions the story really moves along.
I also read an older Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mystery, “THE JASMINE MOON MURDER” and “EGGS IN PURGATORY” from the Cackleberry Club Mystery. I love both of these series. The characters are so different in both series. They are a little more “gentle” in the Tea Shop and a little “edgy” in the Cackleberry. But both series are well written and well set and very fun reads.
I also loved the first two of three Kate Borden’s Peggy Jean Mysteries. “DEATH OF A TART” and “DEATH OF A TRICKSTER”. Danna you had recommended them to me. It took me a while to find them but I am glad I did. I am sorry this series will end with the Thanksgiving Mystery I really enjoyed them. I hope the one question I have (who or what is Max ?) is answered with the last one. They are very short books so it took me no time to read them but even so it was hard to put them down. So disappointed the series did not continue.
I am now reading and older Carolyn Hart Death on Demand Mystery “SOUTHERN GHOST”. I am almost half way thru and so far, typical Carolyn-very enjoyable.
alfred says
HI all anyone heard from Ginger lately???
ginger says
Hi Alfred. Sorry I have gone back to work. I am a special needs aide in the school system. So my time is limited these days. I also help with the school sports program and am in charging of planning our fall carnival which is our big fundraiser for our school. With that said I have also been sick. So with all that I had only time to read 3 books this month and have not bought the September books on my list yet.
1. I read File M for Murder by Miranda James. I enjoy all her books. I love that it is set in Mississippi.
2. A Sinister Sense by Allison Kingsley. I love books that are set in bookstores. I would love to own one someday.
3. I’m reading A Spoonful of Murder by Connie Archer.
I am enjoying it. I love new authors.
Thanks Alfred for asking about me and I will try to read more in October.
Happy Reading!
linda says
Ginger, Hope you are soon feeling a lot better. Good luck in your profession of being an aide to special need people. We need more people like you.
ginger says
Thanks Linda. I am feeling better. Basketball season has started and I keep the scorebook for them home and away. 8th and varsity I am busy but will be glad to get carnival behind. I do carry books with me on the road trips to read.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ginger, I figured you were probably very busy with the new school year, but am sorry to hear you have been sick. I know you read lots and lots of books during the summer, so for you, three books is practically nothing.
Good luck planning the fall carnival. I know what big jobs those special curricular activities are. I remember having to plan a high school homecoming the first year I taught. I felt overwhelmed!
I’m glad to hear you are feeling better…
Judith says
I loved Murder Most Austen by Tracy Kiely, the latest in her Elizabeth Parker mysteries. This series is not one where Jane Austen or her characters solve a mystery, rather the protagonist and her aunt are admirers of Jane Austen, frequently quoting her works. In this installment, Elizabeth and her aunt are off to Bath for a Jane Austen conference, where murder ensues. I enjoy spending time with Elizabeth as she attends the conference, figures out who committed murder, and wonders where her relationship with Peter is going.
Another book I enjoyed was 50% Off Murder by Josie Belle, a pseudonym of Jenn McKinlay. I am a huge fan of McKinlay’s other series and she once again has created a cast of interesting characters that I enjoy spending time with.
I was thrilled that Nancy Martin had returned to the Blackbird Sisters with No Way to Kill a Lady. I enjoyed the mystery, but, even more, I was delighted to follow the further adventures of Nora and her zany sisters.
Julie says
I also read Murder Most Austen, I really enjoy this series. Extremely well-written and doesn’t follow the “cozy template” that so many do – which is also why I was happy to see the return of the Blackbird Sister series as well.
Lynn T. says
I enjoyed immensely The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree by Susan Wittig Albert. It is set in 1930 in Darling Alabama. The Darling Dahlias are a garden club. Dahlia Blackstone bequeathed her house and garden to the club upon her death.
I liked the time period of the book (1930). It would make me pause and think “Yes, that is how it had to be done then” I liked the garden club theme as I am a gardener. What I really liked were the 12 characters that made up the club. They were all unique and came from different positions in life. I just could curl up and immerse myself in the book. There was a club roster at the beginning of the book that I would refer back to until I knew who and what the characters were and did. There was a garden ghost, an escaped convict, a murdered blond bombshell and an embezzlement at the bank. This series has become a favorite that I will follow.
linda says
Lynn T. If you liked the Darling Dahlias first book in the series, you’ll absolutely love the next 2. great books. can’t hardly wait for the next one to come out. great, can’t put down book!!
Judith says
I just finished the third book, The Darling Dahlias and the Confederate Rose. It was wonderful! I love the way she tells the different stories from the various characters viewpoints and weaves them all together.
marion says
I agree, The Darling Dahlias series is great! I think that is my favorite series that Susan Wittig Albert has written. I love that ‘community’ feel in the series!
Karen says
I read several enjoyable cozies this month including M.C. Beaton’s Hiss and Hers as well as four books by J.A. Jance. I am currently reading both her Joanna Brady and J.P. Beaumont series.
I also discovered a new author Stephanie Jaye Evans whose first book is Faithful unto Death; a Sugar Land Mystery. The central character is Walker “Bear” Wells a Church of Christ minister who becomes involved when the husband of one of the members of his congregation is found murdered at a local golf course. According to the book’s cover the author lives in Sugar Land, Texas. Her setting is very realistic. I most appreciated her characters who all seemed true-to-life with flaws as well as strengths. “Bear” is especially well described as a family man with many talents but a few “blind spots” when it comes to understanding teenagers. I whole-heartedly recommend this mystery (this cozy) that has a strong man who is not involved in law enforcement as its sleuth.
Emma says
This site is wonderful! I’ve been reading a lot of the books on your Halloween list and especially enjoyed discovering the Melanie Jackson Chloe Boston series. Thanks!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Emma, I’m glad you found us!
Laura says
My recommendation is “Murder Is Binding” by Lorna Barrett. It is the first in the Booktown mystery series. It is a true cozy. I like the character development. The main character owns the Haven’t Got A Clue bookstore, which specializes in vintage mysteries. It wasn’t hard to guess who dunnit, but that seemed secondary to the details of a small New England town trying to reinvent itself. I am reading the second book in the series, “Bookmarked for Death”, now.
linda says
Laura, This Booktown series is a really good series. It is exactly what I expect from our Cozy mysteries. I would love to work in a bookstore or in a library but because I like to read so much, I am not sure how much work I would get done!! I love the interaction between the two sisters. Their conflict reminds me of the relationship among my 2 sisters and me!!
Carrie says
I’ve read a couple of books this month that I can’t in all honesty recommend so I’ve left those out. The rest of my reading list is as follows:
Advantage Miss Seeton and Miss Seeton at the Helm by Hampton Charles (Miss Seeton series) – Hampton Charles took over from Heron Carvic writing this series and he has managed quite brilliantly to keep all the best bits and lose some of the not so good bits of the series. These are very relaxing books to read. The author doesn’t try to be too clever or too convoluted with the plot, but still manages to write a good mystery with some humor added for good measure.
The Body in the Vestibule by Katherine Hall Page (Faith Fairchild series) –I have to say that this isn’t one of the better books in the series. She is in France this time and I don’t think it works as well as her other books. It is a mixture of travel guide, list of food and menus and a mystery. Having said that, the mystery, when she can drag herself away from what appears to be a gastronomic travelogue, is very good and cleverly put together. I really like the series so I’m hoping that she will be back to her usual excellent standard with the next book in the series.
Murder Runs in the Family by Anne George (Southern Sisters series) – I love this series. The characters are believable, the sisters, Mary Alice and Patricia Anne, are wonderful and the mysteries are cleverly and wittily constructed. I’ve already got the next book in the series waiting to be read.
Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum series) – This book was an excellent addition to the series. A quote taken from a review on the back of the book says “Crime writing at its funniest … classic black comedy” and I agree!
Stop Press by Michael Innes (Inspector Appleby series) – Michael Innes writes beautifully and this is a book in the classic style of mystery writing in the 1930’s and 1940’s (this book was written in 1939). It is ingeniously constructed and is about an author who writes mystery novels and his main character appears to have come alive and is trying to kill him!
Death and the Maiden by Gladys Mitchell (Mrs Bradley series) – I found this book while browsing in my local secondhand bookshop. The Mrs Bradley series is extensive (I think there are about 66 books in the series!) and this is the 20th. I’ve only read the first five before finding this volume, however, they can be read out of order because there is very little in the way of continuing story lines, similar to the way Miss Marple mysteries can be read out of order. I like these books because Gladys Mitchell always keeps you guessing who the murderer is to the very end. Unless you are one of those people who cheat and read the end of the book!
The Continental Op by Dashiell Hammet – It is years since I read any books by Dashiell Hammet (amongst others he wrote the Maltese Falcon and the Thin Man books which were made into movies). This book is a collection of seven short stories or novellas and, although not a typical cozy mystery because the main character (the Continental Op) is a private eye, it is a masterpiece of classic crime writing at its best.
Getting Old is Criminal by Rita Lakin (Gladdy Gold series) – Regular readers on this site will know by now that I absolutely adore Gladdy Gold! I have only three more books in the series left to read and I don’t know what I’m going to do when I finish the last one. This is a great series with believable and loveable characters, clever plots and wonderful humor. If you haven’t read any Gladdy Gold books, please do. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Mary says
I recently finished Murder Past Due and Classified as Murder from the Cat In The Stacks Mystery Series by Miranda James. I liked the way she describes her characters especially Diesel, the cat and leads you through the scene of the crime causing one’s mind to start to think about who could have committed the crime. I found that as I read these books, I actually felt like I was right there and a part of the book. I look forward to reading the next book titled File M for Murder
linda says
Danna, I have just now finished reading “Dangerous Alterations” by Elizabeth Lynn Casey. What a good book. I so envy the friendship these 8 women in the Southern Sewing Circle Mystery (the cast of characters) in this series have. The love story between Tori and Milo, with the infusion of the recurring of Tori’s ex boyfriend is really good. Makes me always wonder why some of us women think we have to put up with no account boyfriends when we all know better!!
The mystery is good but I figured out early on who the villian was and how the murder was committed but the story was so good that I just didn’t mind that.
This particular books has a woman who is suffering from breast cancer, which really fits into the month of October, which I believe is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. That topic alone makes this a very good book.
The temps here in Ohio have turned rather cool, in the mid 60s and it is perfect for putting supper in a crockpot and reading all day long!! My next book will be the book “Buttons and Bones” by Monica Ferris that I was discussing with Marion.
I love these handcrafting theme series. So much so that I am saving to buy myself a new sewing machine and am planning on learning to sew. Then I am going to take classes to learn to knit. Wish me luck!!
By the way, I worked in a factory as an industrial seamtress for almost 30 years. We made underwear!! I should remember how to thread a needle, don’t you think!!!??
Laura says
Linda, this is one of my favorite series, also. There is one character that is starting to get on my last nerve and that’s Leona. The other characters seem well drawn, but why is this character so annoying? Or is it just me?
linda says
Laura, I don’t know why I don’t care for Leona, either. I hope in future books the reason she is so touchie will be made more clear. I hope this character can stay in the series though. I guess we want some characters to be a bit cantankerous.
Dee says
I’ve read Jason Vail on my Kindle this summer. He has 3 books out ..
The Wayward Apprentice …
Baynard’s List
A Dreadful Penance
all great books
thanks for the list I found Rebecca Tope and have read all her books thanks to your list ..Dee
DeniseB says
This is my first time leaving a comment. I have enjoyed others’ recommendations so much that I wanted to share a few.
McCall Smith, Alexander – #4 The Kalahari Typing School for Men & #5 The Full Cupboard of Life & #6 In the Company of Cheerful Ladies. I LOVE this series – the setting, dry humor, insights into human nature – highly recommended. They just keep getting better and better.
Cleverly, Barbara – #6 Tug of War – one of my favorites in this series. Joe must determine the identity of a shell-shocked soldier with amnesia. With several people claiming him for various reasons, Joe must dig for the truth. I really enjoyed the relationship between Joe Sandilands and his “niece“. I hope she continues to be a part of the story line. I love the twists and turns – that although the books are logical, they are never predictable.
Barrett, Lorna #1.Murder is Binding because of the “only 3 authors” recommendations. I had several suspects that I kept alternating between, so I had to keep reading to find out who really did it. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to getting to know them better in the next book.
I’m continuing to read several other series that I enjoy, but these were my favorites for the month.
Jerry says
Just to follow up. I have discovered both Maryjanice Davidson and Janice Kaplan over the last month. Funny. Silly and great books to read.
MJ says
I already recommended some books I’ve read this month, but I just finished a book today (and, it’s still September!) that I wanted to tell everyone about. It is a new series by Shelley Freydont. The book is Foul Play at the Fair.
First of all……………this book reaches out to all dog lovers. Whiskey (dog’s name) plays a prominent role in the story (not a crime solving or paranormal role). I’m not a pet person, but even I thought this dog is so cu-u-u-u-te!!! (Coming from me that’s quite a statement!!!)
The main character is a woman who was a wedding planner in NYC and takes a position as a community event planner in upstate New York. This is a very strong, determined, and detailed character. You can’t help but just love her. Other characters are very unique and well developed, some with very intriguing backgrounds. For those who like seasonal reads, it is set in September and October. A former community resident comes back to town and is murdered. This story has many, many twists and turns and is quite a page turner. It is tightly constructed and the reader will have a difficult time putting it down (I read until well past 2:00 last night – yawn!!). Definitely NOT boring. The story has a successful conclusion, which I doubt anyone will figure out until it is revealed. Logic does prevail and the story unravels in a consequential way. A very good read!!!! I really look forward to the next book.
My only beef is there’s no author’s bio on the inside of the back cover. When we like the accomplishments of an artist (music, actor, author, etc.), we like to know something about that person. In this book – nada, nothing, not even any acknowledgements (which I like to read). Ms. Freydont has a webpage where one can read about her successful writings. BUT she should be proud of this book because it is a good mystery, and (like most other authors) allow her bio to appear in her book.
Connie says
I read a children’s book by Alexander McCall Smith titled The Great Cake Mystery. It’s the first case Precious of Ladies #1 Detective took when she was a child. It was delightful. Also found another children’s mystery by him, Harriet Bean and the League of Cheats. Great way to introduce him to children and grandchildren. He certainly is a prolific writer.
Thanks for you comprehensive list of his books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you ALL for your September 2012 Mystery Book Recommendations. I see a few authors who make the list almost every month. Those are authors who I will definitely take a look at… if I don’t read them already.
Thanks, again!