I know I have mentioned (many times!) that I am a little compulsive about certain things, so it was just a matter of time before I actually sat down and made a tally of how many times Cozy Mystery readers recommended Cozy Mystery authors for our monthly recommendations lists.
Once I had the Cozy Mystery authors all tallied up, I thought I would be finished with this (rather time consuming) endeavor of mine. But then I started thinking, hey, I should highlight some of the most recommended Cozy Mystery authors for my blog.
Emily Brightwell is one of the most recommended Cozy Mystery authors on our monthly recommendations lists. Mrs. Jeffries, her main sleuth, is a policeman’s widow in Victorian England. She heads the household staff of Inspector Gerald Witherspoon. He is quite lucky to have such a woman in his household! It turns out that the Inspector is a bumbling, not-so-clever Scotland Yard detective. However, because of Mrs. Jeffries’ sleuthing efforts, he has become a very well known gets-his-culprit type of Victorian era detective. Mrs. Jeffries is a great sleuth, and she is quite anonymous in her efforts: She lets the Inspector believe he solves the mysteries.
Emily Brightwell (aka Cheryl Lanham, Cheryl Arguile, & Sarah Temple) started writing the very popular Mrs. Jeffries Mystery series in 1993 (The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries) and will be releasing her 33rd, Mrs. Jeffries and the One Who Got Away early next year.
(As an aside, I have always thought that it is interesting that the Inspector got top billing in the first Cozy Mystery of this series, but thereafter Mrs. Jeffries was clearly the star of the titles.)
If any of you all would like to add a little something about why you enjoy (and in some cases recommend) Emily Brightwell‘s Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series, please post a comment. Thank you!
P.S. If you’re interested in other entries about some highly recommended Cozy Mystery series, you can see them on the Most Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my site.
Sheila says
I loved the series. I still have the last two books in the series to read (Mrs Jeffries and the Merry Gentleman and Mrs Jeffries and the One Who Got Away). I noticed on Amazon (not listed on BN yet) that Mrs Jeffries and the One Who Got Away will not be released till Feb. 3, 2015.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sheila, thank you for the update about the release of Mrs. Jeffries and the One Who Got Away. I just changed it on the Soon to be Released page as well as Emily Brightwell’s page. I’m sure it had been slated to be released in August…
Donna B says
I was also under the impression that the new Mrs. Jeffries would not be released until Feb. 2015, but just pre-ordered it from Amazon because they say the release date is August 5th 2014. What is the actual date?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Donna B, I think it won’t be released until February 2015. It was slated as being released in August, but I believe that has been pushed back. (I just checked on Amazon, and it says Feb. ’15.)
Donna B says
I emailed the author and the answer I received was that she has just finished some revisions the publisher had requested and she felt that Feb. 2015 was the correct date. My Amazon site is still listing Aug. 5th 2014 as the date.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Donna B, that is really weird about your order showing that date. There must be a glitch happening…
Donna B says
I cancelled my order until I know for sure when the release date will be.I am disappointed because I have read the entire series so far and anxiously look forward to the next book. Very enjoyable. When I checked at Amazon.ca today, they still have the release date as Aug 5th., even though I did inform them as to what I had found out. Apparently this is the date they have been given by their supplier.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Donna B, I am pretty sure the book won’t be released until February 2015. (The USA Amazon shows it as Feb. ’15.)
Stash Empress says
I think I read the first or second one, way back in the day. But then the library didn’t have any more & I guess I forgot about them since then. I think I’ll have to put them on my to-read list again! (You will probably appreciate this — I went to the library yesterday to return some books — seriously short on shelf space LOL — returned 25, picked up 14 new — including Home of the Braised, Death on Eat STreet, A Tale of Two Biddies, & another couple of new ones I’d been really wanting — so with those, plus the 18 library books I’d still had at home, plus the 6 library e-books… I think I’m set for the next few weeks ;-)) (Of course that’s not mentioning the 60 or so unread paperbacks safely stashed in my nightstand — you know — just in case the libraries all close & the internet shuts down???? ;-))
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Stash Empress, you sounds like you take the Boy Scout’s motto of being prepared very seriously!
Stash Empress says
Yes I think I was traumatized as a child by the fact that our public library only allowed you to take out 10 books per library card at one time – and my father only had time to drive me to the library every two weeks — I got my own library card at age 2 (you had to be able to sign your name & I could!) — so that was 20 books that had to last me 2 weeks…. I’ve never quite got over the trauma…. (shades of Scarlet O’Hara and “I’ll never go hungry again”…) 😉
Donna says
A woman after my own heart. I have stacks of books I still need to read and I continue to think I need to buy more. My theory is in my old age I may not be able to afford any books or can’t get to the library (never thought about them closing) so I want to be prepare for my future.
Nicole says
Thank you to say that. I have a board in my bedroom for the to read books. Last year i made a picture and sent it to my friend with the message “need holiday”. One have to think there are less books now? Nooo. The board has doubled. Not only i have to buy the new releases from the still reading series. Amazon and this site shows me so many books i must have… Have my own “library” in my bedroom now. I am addicted 😉
Colleague of mine asked if i love reading books or to have books and i anwered both. She asked if i have room for all. I answered, now: yes, tomorrow: will see. And that i have to sort out old books. Or to get a kindle. Or.. To get a man with lot of money to build a house with my own library (wing chairs, little tables… And so on) – lifetime dream since i am reading. She said: choose the man 😉
Marie says
My lifetime dream , after my kids were raised, was to own a bookstore and live upstairs. Then I could read all the books and make recommendations.
Course that is after my first dream at 6 when I got my library card, that I would read all the books in our branch library, until at 11 for some research I went to Copley Square Library (Boston) and realized that I could only make a start.
Paula says
I understand your dilemma. I have the same issue. I have tons of books to read and I still buy more and go to the library. I hoping that when I retire, I’ll have time to read them all. I want to be prepared like in the Boy Scout motto as Danna says.
Patti S. says
I love the time period. Also love that a person can write a story without any sex or cursing or any kinky things. Love this series!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patti S, you are describing exactly what a Cozy Mystery should be! Why is it that it seems like some authors/editors/publishers now think we want all of that?
susy says
How much sex is too much sex? Hamish MacBeth amount? Agatha Raisin amount? Or Sarah Booth Delaney amount? I like a series with no sex or cursing or kinky stuff, but I also like the three series I just mentioned. I consider those cozies, don’t you? Amount of sex included or excluded just isn’t one of my criteria marking a book as cozy. I come from a Romance background that morphed into Paranormal Romance and back to Cozy, so maybe I am looking through different colored lenses. Why can’t there be cozies with sex?
Susan* says
Seriously agree! No sex, no explicit violence, and little or no profanity.
What do we have left without those? Well, we have a thing called a ‘story’…
Seriously, I’m not a big fan of historicals (Unless they were actually written in the time they’re set – like Sherlock Holmes, for instance) but the one or two of these I’ve read are fun, and mostly the author seems to have actually done some research into the times.
I’ve read at least one book where the author clearly had not, and the result really was awful.
Alfred says
HI Danna as you know this is my favorite series. I started collecting it before the Omnibuses where out and paid more than I should for the hard to find books that where discontinued at the beginning from ebay. So far I am half way into book two. But I was wondering about a book in the series Mistletoe Mix up.. When I bought this book it came out in hardback but then after a while the hardback book was pulled and re did to paperback I never could understand why. Just to let readers know I had emailed Emily and asked her why It was postponed until Feb of next year and she said that it was because she wasn’t near finishing it yet. It is taking her longer to write now than it used to. But what is nice is she is in my area in the Bay Area now so that is nice maybe she will do book signings out here.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Alfred, I think that successful authors first release their books in hardback, and then, they release in paperback. My guess is that they don’t re-release those that are paperback format back to hardback covers.
You will have to be extra diligent and see when she speaks in your area! I hope it’s soon!
Rachel A Hyde says
Currently reading them and up to Mrs Jeffries Takes The Cake. Love this series, the very epitome of cozy with entertaining and likeable characters, good plots and some ongoing threads too. There ought to be more series like this but there aren’t, so no wonder they are so popular. Long may they continue!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rachel, you have listed some great reasons that Emily Brightwell is so popular amongst Cozy Mystery readers. Thank you!
Marie says
I just happened on the first one, at bookworm, and LOVED IT.
The backstory of how the inspector found his aunt in terrible condition and took care of her, which is how he inherited the house and the servants he employed to look after her is great which is why they love him and want to help him. And the “contacts the servants have”.
And deep down you know that he knows, but I love her. I’ll try again at the library for more of Mrs Jeffries.
Alfred says
Marie if you can afford it they have the first 15 books in 5 omnibus size books at amazon.com they run about 10 to 12 each but you get 3 stories at a time. I have all 5 now and they are easier to get than trying to find some of the earlier books that where discontinued by publisher.
Stash Empress says
If you buy them used from Amazon you can get them frequently for $3.75 – $4 including shipping. I just ordered the first Omnibus for $3.99 (used) and put the other Omnibus editions on hold at my public library (they didn’t have the first one).
Rob says
I don’t know if there is in this series or not but Lucy Arlington writes and implies that connection in her books. Her character Lila has a police detective boyfriend and also the Knitting Mysteries by Maggie Sefton about Kelly Flynn does include a healthy dose of that aforementioned activity while still keeping the cozy idea present.
Alfred, a note to you. The omnibus that has (and I can’t remember the title but it is an earlier book) Mrs. Jeffries Takes Stock. I think you can only get that book in the omnibus but am not sure. I know that I’ve tried to get the book by itself and it may be out of print by now.
Rob
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marie, you think he really “deep down” knows?
PamB says
After several recommendations I checked a Mrs. Jeffries out from the library…throughly enjoyed reading the book and then bought the Omnibuses from Amazon. Ever since finding this website I now have to read my books in the order written! And because of this awesome website it’s so easy to know the order of all my favorite authors books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
PamB, there’s a reason Emily Brightwell is one of the most popular Cozy Mystery authors on our Monthly Recommendations!
(And I’m glad you are enjoying the site!)
Denna says
Posts like this are just one of the many reasons why this is one of my favorite websites. I get the daily e-mail and it’s usually one of the first things I open – the second is the library tab! I’ve found so many new authors, with so many hours and hours of pleasurable reading – I can’t thank you enough! I will def check out this author – I’ve never read anything of hers.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Denna, thank you. I’m so glad you enjoy this site. I hope you just found a new-to-you Cozy Mystery author who you will enjoy!
Wakar says
How to make your blog readers feel old in one easy step: point out how many years – or decades! – they’ve been reading a particular series. And if 1993 makes you feel creaky just think of all the poor sods who’ve been reading that alphabet series since it began! 🙂
That being said, I wouldn’t have missed Mrs. Jeffries for anything. In no particular order: 1. The era isn’t portrayed as overly dire and dismal. It’s not sugar coated but she doesn’t beat us over the head with grislier aspects. 2. She has deftly written the ensemble characters in that they are unique and different from each other without being weird, wacky or over the top *just* to be different (writers/authors please take note of that). 3. She doesn’t demean the Inspector. Mrs. J and the others have great respect for him and want to see him succeed. It would have been easier to write him as a buffoon but she took a higher road. 4. The mysteries are good. 5. The ongoing character stories are good. And on, and on….
OK, obviously it’s one of my all time favs so I hope all these posts and praises encourage you to check it out if you haven’t. It deserves a look.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Wakar, thank you for such a great list of reasons why Emily Brightwell’s Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series is so very loved!
Stash Empress says
Since reading this post the other day, my weekend reading list fell by the wayside.. 😉
As previously mentioned, I ordered the first omnibus from Amazon, shortly after reading this post (OK, and the comments LOL) — it came yesterday, I’ve read the first two books & partway through the third one by now (probably finish tonight… ;-))
Now to wait till I can get the next omnibus from the library — when I start a series with so many books, I REALLY need to go in order!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Stash Empress, sounds like you found a new Cozy Mystery author to follow!
Stash Empress says
So at 3:30am I’m towards the end of the 3rd book in the omnibus… and glancing to the back to see how many pages left & something doesn’t look right.. and I realize… the (used) book is missing abt 10 pages….. 🙁
Now I need to wait til Tuesday (when Amazon will have sent the replacement) to finish!
And NOW YOU ALL KNOW why I need to have so many books in my to-be-read stash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Imagine how traumatic it would be if I didn’t have another 100 or so unread books to hand??? 😉 )
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Stash Empress, buying used, second-hand books sometimes causes problems. That’s really incredible that someone would sell you a book in that condition! I would definitely complain!
popcycle says
Started out on Nancy Drew, then the 1960’s gothics, then the historical romances. One day picked up a Mrs. Jeffries and now a cozy mystery fanatic. Tho not a mystery, am a great fan of the Miss Read books-which I read over & over.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Popcycle, I think that’s the progression that a lot of us took on our road to becoming Cozy Mystery readers. (Also, there are several other Miss Read fans amongst us. I added her page after getting recommendations from other Cozy Mystery readers.)
Cheryl says
Is this series suitable for young readers, say 11 years old and up. Please let me know what age is appropriate to start reading these!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cheryl, no, it’s a Cozy Mystery series for adults.
Sharon says
Cheryl, if you’re interested in mysteries for children, check out Alexander McCall Smith. It looks like he has written 4 mystery series for children. I found this info here on this web site under Danna’s alpha author list.
Rob says
Danna: I have given some thought to who could play Mrs. Jeffries.
I’m thinking Roma Downey, Emma Thompson, Angela Lansbury,
or Cheryl Ladd. As far as Theodosia, a younger actress that is a redhead but even Susan Sarandon as Mrs. Jeffries. Possibly Lea Thompson as Theodosia Browning?
There are some excellent actresses coming of age that would be delightful in any of those roles!
Rob
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rob, I never would have thought of Roma Downey or Cheryl Ladd >>> thank you!
Robbie says
I am reading through the Most Recommended lists trying to find a new series. It is so funny, because so far very few are able to stay on topic and write about the books! It would be really helpful if more people commented on the books, don’t you think?
Most people looking under a series probably would like to know what the series are like-why you enjoyed them, which characters are your favorites, which books are the best in your opinion…
I am not trying to be crabby, this may come from being a retired teacher-ha! Thanks to everyone for all the recommendations on this site-I have found so many wonderful books 🙂
Robbie says
I am back having read the first 3 books in the Mrs. Jeffries series.Mrs. Jeffries is a great character and I also loved the whole idea that the author had for the series- the bumbling , but kind hearted detective with a fun cast of household staff that help him solve crimes. They are all in debted to him in one way or another and feel loyal and want to help him.
I thought the books were strong on characters and setting and weak on the mystery element. In each book I knew who ” done it ” almost immediately. The stories are interesting, but the format is a little tedious- with the characters all re- hashing their findings together each time …and going back out to gather information and meeting again….but some people might enjoy that, though. If it continues through each book I would not enjoy it at all.
The English Victorian setting is believable and a cozy setting for the books. The relationships between the staff and the inspector- detective is really sweet. There are funny and hints of romantic elements to come…the author may get stronger as she writes more books ?
Thanks to the people who recommended these books. I have enjoyed every series I have tried off this site. The new series I’m reading is the ” Darling Dahlias ” also off here & so far it’s terrific!
Kirby Elizabeth says
I love this series & have bought & read all except this last one. At one time I didn’t want to part with any of the books, but later decided since I had read them and the way I discovered the books was a friend loaned me the first book, so then I felt I should share them with others. I love the characters. I always have to wait from one book to the next. It is a nice book about nice people going out of their way to help others as well as serving justice. They are delightful people, & I love learning about the area, the people, the clothes they wore, their mannerisms, and their attitudes. I have often wondered why this has not become a weekly television series like ‘Murder She Wrote’ as long as they kept true to the book.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kirby Elizabeth, I hadn’t thought about this before, but this would make a delightful television series!
Marianne says
Love the series! I am reading Mrs. Jeffries Sweeps the Chimney. I have been checking the book stores hoping a 7th anthology is for sale. So far, no such luck. Do you know number 7 is being printed and if so, when will it be available?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marianne, good question >>> however when I searched for the next omnibus I couldn’t find it… yet.
Sharon says
I check the most popular and recommended cozy series list here from time to time, and the other day I discovered Emily Brightwell’s Mrs. Jeffries series. I checked my library and was disappointed to see that the first novel in the series they have is “Mrs. Jeffries Sweeps the Chimney”! And with a new series, I like to start with the first book. But after further checking, I found out about the omnibus books — thank you, Danna! — and my library has all of those! So, I have reserved “Mrs. Jeffries Learns the Trade” which contains the first 3 cozies in the series. Looking forward to this series.
Lin says
I just discovered the Mrs. Jeffries series having stumbled by the last one laid out on display in B&N. To be honest, I just loved the cover design and thought I’d give the book a whirl. Well, I was hooked! Now I’ve ordered the five omnibus books and plan to work my way through the series. Cozy is the word for it. Warm, likable characters, realistic dialogue, just enough twists and turns to be mysterious, and of course, the author is superb at making the reader feel she is right there with the characters in the thick of the action. I love the idea of juxtaposing Inspector Witherspoon and Constable Barns with Mrs. J and the ‘gang’ of household staff all seeking the solution to the crime from different angles. Very clever idea.
Lee Rozinski says
These are among the most delightful cozies. Would that there could be more people with Mrs. Jeffries’ wisdom, understanding and spirit in the real world. I just picked up some of these and will be so happy to get back to them. These are highly recommended reads…mystery, humor and lessons for life all wrapped up in these wonderful little books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lee, I certainly agree – they’re such a good combination of different elements that combine to a wonderful whole.
weeder says
I usually stick to cozies that have only 6 or 8 books in the series but Mrs. Jeffries has me hooked. Eventually, I’ll read all of them. Maybe, I’ll tire of them and stick other books in as a little rest but then I’ll be back at the Emily Brightwell books!
Richard Arguile says
As the spouse of Emily Brightwell, I can explain the titles all starting with “Mrs Jeffries” etc.
I worked in a bookstore and realized that a title search would bring up every book except the first if each mystery started with the same two words.
Not every bookseller at B&N is an expert at mysteries so having all the titles appear with a minimal search helps the customer get the book they want.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Richard, hmm, that’s an interesting fact – thanks for illuminating that particular questions!
Ann H says
Every time I start reading the latest Mrs. Jeffries book. I feel like I got a letter from a very dear friend updating me on all the fun details of what they’ve been doing since the last letter. Such an enjoyable series!
Betty B. says
I have all the Mrs. Jeffries books and absolutely love them ! Her characters become real people and almost family. I moved last year and was not able to bring all my books with me, but I did bring the entire set of the Mrs. Jeffries séries and I have started back at the first book and m rereading them in order. Although I have read them twice before, thankfully, my memory is not so good anymore and I have forgotten the endings, so they are all like new books to me. I am eagerly waiting for the newest book to be released in August of this year !
Charlotte B. says
I was wondering why Mrs. Jeffries Learns The Trade (which I own) is not on any of her Reading Order lists.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Charlotte, Mrs. Jeffries Learns the Trade is a collection of the first three books in the series, so it isn’t included in the book order. The three individual books are listed instead.
Charlotte says
Thank you.