I got a letter asking for help in identifying a Cozy Mystery book that Brenda read a while back.
Brenda:
… I started keeping track of my fav authors/books/characters on a spreadsheet, however about a year (ago) I let it slide, but have since taken it up again.
I had picked up a pocketbook at the library about a lady that created crossword puzzles. Before I go on, no it is not Parnell Hall or the other gentlemen who uses crossword puzzles as a theme.
I can remember the plot but can’t remember the characters name or author’s name, and it is driving me crazy. Because it’s a pocketbook our local library does not keep detailed records on their site, as I have tried looking for it in their search engine.
Here is what I can remember…….she is late twenties/early thirties, married to a former law officer who I think has become a private eye. She creates crossword puzzles and has them syndicated for National Newspapers. In this book, she and 4 other “specialist” columnists are called to a meeting by their agent and are coerced into signing new contracts for less money under threat of losing their newspapers. The Agent is killed, hence the mystery…
I’m at a loss! I have no idea who this author could be. The only two crossword puzzle mystery series I can think of are Parnell Hall and Nero Blanc, but Brenda is sure that neither of them is the author. If you think you know who Brenda is looking for, please post a comment below. Thank you!
Ruth says
I think it might be Casey Mayes
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ruth, thank you!
Bev says
This sounds very similar to A Killer Column in the Mystery by the Numbers series written by Casey Mayes about a woman who writes puzzles and her husband is a retired police officer.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev, you Cozy Mystery readers are fast! Thank you!
Stash Empress says
Sounds like the “Mystery By The Numbers” series by Casey Mayes (who is apparently really Tim Myers). (But it looks like by the time I refreshed this page, everyone else had the same idea 😉 BTW, on your site you have them as the “Math Puzzle Mysteries”, and on Amazon they’re the “Mystery By the Numbers” series… and there’s a mystery in itself LOL!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Stash, no mystery there: they sometimes change the titles of the series. I just changed all of the alphabetical pages and the various pages of all of his/her aliases. I’m glad you brought this to my attention. Thank you!
Pat says
Talk about someone who has written cozies under other names….. this is Tim Myers who also writes as Jessica Beck, Casey Mayes, Chris Cavender, Melissa Glazer and Elizabeth Bright. My goodness!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pat, I know what you mean! It seems like I am adding a book each month on some authors’ pages! I don’t know how they do it!
Linda says
There is a Crossword Mystery series that is a collaboration created by the husband and wife writing team of Steve Zettler and Cordelia Frances Biddle
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, Nero Blanc is the wife & husband writing team you’re describing. Thank you.
Janice says
One of my favorites is Sushi, the blind, diabetic dog who is featured in all the wacky adventures of Brandi and Vivian in the antiques series by Barbara Allan.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janice, thank you. I have added Sushi to the list of Cozy Canines!
Linda H says
Hi all. I came across a name the other day that I think could be called a cozy mystery. The author is Tony Hillerman and his books are about the Navajo tribal police and his mysteries take place in Arizona. It has been a long time since I read his books, and I have not read them all, but I don’t remember profanity, maybe a curse word occasionally, but nothing really nasty.
See what you think.
Linda H
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda H, thank you for recommending Tony Hillerman!
Annette says
I remember reading one about a woman and her husband who was a cop, they lived in the New England area, near the coast, she wrote crossword puzzles he was a policeman, they had money, and for the life of me I cannot remember the name of the books or the author but they are cozy mysteries. HELP
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Annette, a few Cozy Mystery readers have suggested that it’s Casey Mayes, and they are math puzzles.
Annette says
No I read those responses, this one was a woman who wrote a crossword puzzle column for a newspaper, and the husband was either a cop or a PI. wish I could remember.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Annette, I’m guessing that Brenda wishes you would remember, too! Well, if you do, you know where we are…
Priscilla says
The author is Nero Blanc.
Annette says
thank you I did get that figured out finally.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Priscilla, thank you for the suggestion.