The Cozy Mystery List Blog

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

Favorite Cozy Mystery Themes

October 14, 2015

Yikes! As I was watering some flowers this morning the heat absolutely got me down! Here we are in mid-October, and it’s currently 94º! Yes, I know that for those of you who are familiar with San Antonio weather this may sound like a cool day, but good grief! It’s almost Halloween!

Also, for those of you who have been with me for a while, you know that this is the time of year when I start complaining about how much I miss my seasons! Because of San Antonio’s lack of seasons, I have come to rely on my Cozies to remind me that there is more weather than hot, hotter, and hottest! I pretty much rely on my holiday Cozies to get me in the holiday mood >>> or at least remind me of what some of you are enjoying: crisp, fall days with a spectrum of beautiful golds, oranges, and reds. I don’t have lightly falling snow to look forward to during the Christmas season, nor do I have chilly Thanksgiving weather that requires a fire to be made in the hearth. I rely on my Cozies for those atmospheric seasonal touches.

While I was standing outside watering my plants, I started thinking about my holiday Cozies, and came up with the realization that the holiday Cozy Mystery theme is probably my very favorite theme >>> which in turn got me wondering about your favorite Cozy Mystery themes >>> which inspired me to ask you ALL, what is your favorite Cozy Mystery theme? Do you like your Cozies with recipes? Does your sleuth absolutely have to have a dog? Do your favorite sleuths have British accents? Do you prefer your sleuths to teach, write, or travel? Or do your sleuths live in the same area of the country as you do? (Here’s my Cozy Mysteries by Theme page if you would like to be reminded of some of the themes.)

What is your favorite Cozy Mystery theme? Would you please post a comment with your favorite Cozy Mystery theme, and also >>> would you include why you prefer this theme over all of the others? Thank you!

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77 Comments - Click Here to Read the Comments or to Add Another

Comments

  1. Daniele says

    October 14, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    First of all, thank you for all the work you put into cozy-mystery.com. I tell everyone what a great resource it is. I don’t guess I have ever articulated it, but I think I love fall and Christmas cozies for the same reason you do…to experience seasons! I live in DFW – 95° today. Ridiculous.
    Really, I enjoy just about any cozy theme but especially pets, recipes, tea, and ghosts.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 14, 2015 at 6:08 pm

      Daniele, I’m guessing there are lots of us who live down here who like our fall and Christmas Cozies! I miss the four seasons so much down here! I just finished my first Halloween Cozy this morning, and am trying to decide which one to read next. I also read holiday Cozies that take place in areas with mild weather but I prefer my holiday Cozies to take place where it’s cold.

      Reply
  2. Kim says

    October 14, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    A huge thank you for introducing me to the works of Jeanne Dams. I downloaded her first book from our library e reader system, quite nice. I was thinking how terrific your site is and how you have helped so many readers to discover new reads. I doubt that I would have discovered this author were it not for you, a total stranger to me but giving me hours of pleasure via your site.
    As to which themes I prefer…I am all over the map. For me, it is more about the flow of the writing, the author’s skill in bringing me into her world without undue effort to remember too many characters or excessive complexity. Barbara Michaels comes to mind as an example of entertaining and engrossing style. I enjoy Laura Child, Sheila Donnelly, etc.
    I am also enjoying the Pulitzer Prize winner ..Conferacy of Dunces…a contrast to the cozies along with some non fiction.
    I hope your weather gives you a break….we are in the Va mountain foothills, outside Charlottsville. When you next visit your daughter in DC you might check out Rappahannock County…particularly route 231, designated one of the most beautiful in the US. That route will take you down to Cville via 29. The colors are just starting with mild temps in the seventies, not quite sweater weather yet.
    Thank you again, K

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 15, 2015 at 12:40 pm

      Kim, I am so glad you found a new author who you’re enjoying. Also, I appreciate your very kind words about the site.

      I’m writing down your Virginia information for a future trip when my husband and I take our time either going to or coming from the DC area. The drive through the Appalachians is particularly beautiful after living down here so long. I can imagine how spectacular it is starting to look up there!

      Reply
  3. Janelle says

    October 14, 2015 at 6:43 pm

    Hi from San Angelo..95° at the texting of this comment. Love nearly any kind of cozies but recipes, archeology, museum, and antiques are my favs. Diane Mott Davison for recipes especially. And I have an inquiry: several years ago I read a cozy about a lady who was an antique dealer and traveled all over the world and solved murders in various places. I think she was based in NYC. Anyhow that’s all I remember…does anyone know who I’m asking about?

    Reply
    • Judith says

      October 14, 2015 at 10:12 pm

      You might be thinking about Lyn Hamilton’s Lara McClintoch series – the first book is The Xibalba Murders

      Reply
      • Danna - cozy mystery list says

        October 16, 2015 at 2:44 pm

        Judith, thank you!

        Reply
    • Toni says

      October 14, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      Hey Janelle, Could it be Lyn Hamilton’s Lara McClintoch series you’re thinking about?

      Reply
      • Danna - cozy mystery list says

        October 16, 2015 at 2:44 pm

        Toni, thanks!

        Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 15, 2015 at 12:47 pm

      Janelle, since you’re in San Angelo, you know exactly what I’m talking about! One of our local restaurants has “Happy Fall, Y’all” in it’s window >>> I guess to remind us that it is truly autumn now.

      My daughter’s wonderful college roommate is from San Angelo. (Actually, I thought she was from Wall, Texas for the longest time, so every time I drove by Wall I would toot my horn as I passed by.)

      P.S. It looks like Toni and Judith have found your missing author!

      Reply
  4. Carol says

    October 14, 2015 at 6:54 pm

    Thank you for such a wonderful and very well organized site! I appreciate all the work you put into it.

    My favorite theme is Mysteries without murders. I think it takes even more ingenuity than these authors already have, (not to belittle anyone’s talent, they are all very talented) to come up with other types of mysteries to solve. One of my favorites is the Alexander McCall Smith‘s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. The characters are so endearing.

    Thank you again,
    Carol B

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 15, 2015 at 12:51 pm

      Carol, you’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoy the site.

      That theme [(Cozy) Mystery Book without a Murder (?!?)]is an interesting one to me, too. As the beginning of this list says, it wasn’t a theme that I came up with on my own. I’m really glad you mentioned Alexander McCall Smith’s series. The characters are phenomenal, and they truly are great examples of how you can have a mystery that doesn’t involve death.

      Reply
  5. Ana K says

    October 14, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    Food, books, and travel. In that order. 😉

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 15, 2015 at 12:54 pm

      Ana K, I can always go for food! You’re really in luck with your first two themes. There are lots and lots of culinary mysteries, and I think the books/librarian theme seems to be attracting more Cozy Mystery authors…

      Reply
  6. Kimmie says

    October 14, 2015 at 7:16 pm

    Hi Danna & All,

    I have been following your site for a few years or so now, and I am blessed because of the hard work you put into it! I love reading your various posts…..the comments and recommendations from other readers are my favorite! I am in St. Paul, MN……and the fall weather this time of year, is my favorite! The tree leaves all over are in the middle of changing to the various fall’ish colors and beginning to “fall!” Our weather at night is falling into the 40-50’s, but our day time temps are so variable……Sunday was mid 80’s, today was mid 60’s, and end of week is projected to be mid 70’s!

    Just as the MN weather can be so variable, so are my favorite cozy mystery themes! I really enjoy Eastern or Southern locations in my cozies. Holiday themes are some of the best, especially read during the actual holiday season happening. I really seem to get into the spirit more when my physical location and book locations weather are matching up! Silly I know, but I can’t explain it. There is nothing like a cold and/or snowy weekend….snuggling up in a big oversized chair or on the couch with my soft comfy blanket, hot beverage of choice, cats spread out around me as I lazily read the day away! I really enjoy most themes, but I tend to read anything with the following: baking/food, cats, books/bookstores/cafes, paranormal/ghosts/witches, home improvement/organization……but I also make choices depending on my mood, so that plays a role too.

    Reply
    • MJ says

      October 15, 2015 at 8:37 am

      Kimmie,

      I was born and raised in St. Paul, but no longer live there. I enjoy mysteries set in the TC and MN perhaps with some nostalgia. I like ‘revisiting’ areas that are familiar to me. Have you read Janet Cantrell’s new series set in Dinkytown featuring a fat cat? Since I’m a UM grad, I love the setting!

      Reply
      • Kimmie says

        October 16, 2015 at 9:20 pm

        Hi MJ, I’m going to add Janet Cantrell’s book to my ever growing TBR list, Thanks! I have 3 MN authors you may or may not know about……Cozy Mysteries with that Twin Cities/MN nostalgia you enjoy;). I really enjoy all of the authors’ writings, but it’s pretty neat to be reading and then to nod your head and know exactly the place being described! Happy Reading!

        Jess Lourey, Murder By Month Series
        Stacy Verdick Case, Catherine O’Brien Series
        Jessie Chandler, Shay O’Hanlon Caper Series

        Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 15, 2015 at 6:25 pm

      Kimmie, thank you for the very nice words about my site. I agree with you about the comments and recommendations from other Cozy Mystery readers. I, too, have enjoyed reading them AND finding new authors to try.

      I remember fall is northern Iowa >>> my grandmother lived in a little town called Northwood. It was absolutely beautiful up there. Since my parents lived in Colorado when I was at Iowa State, I spent a lot of time visiting my grandmother up there during the college breaks. Loved it! Gee, I miss those weekends when a hot beverage and a comfy blanket take the chill off!

      Reply
      • Kimmie says

        October 16, 2015 at 9:27 pm

        Danna, what a beautiful memory……and how lucky you were to have that time with your Grandma! Thank goodness you have your cozy mysteries to help keep you in the current season! 😉

        Reply
        • Danna - cozy mystery list says

          October 19, 2015 at 7:52 pm

          Kimmie, thank you. I hope all grandchildren have those types of memories to cherish.

          Reply
  7. Melissa says

    October 14, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    I enjoy Holiday cozies, and cozies about Food and Sewing/Crafts.
    I think I like cozies about Sewing and Crafts because that is one of my hobbies that I enjoy. And, I love reading about the recipes in Food Cozies!

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:25 pm

      Melissa, I’m into needlework, which explains my interest in that theme. I don’t enjoy cooking, although I do enjoy that theme. Whenever the author talks about a recipe that sounds super good, I think I’ll try the recipe, but I never have…

      Reply
  8. MJ says

    October 14, 2015 at 7:45 pm

    Hmmm…………….I guess I like cozies with recipes the best. (Most of Fluke’s recipes sound so-o-o-o tantalizing!) I enjoy cooking, baking, and ‘creating’ recipes. BUT nothing that is time consuming or complicated.

    I recently discovered pumpkin oreos, surprisingly the flavor just pops! And, Nestle makes pumpkin chips for the fall season. Here is a super easy fall recipe I created a few days ago (a bit off-topic!!!).

    ———————-

    Double Pumpkin Layer Bars (fall variation of traditional layer bar)

    20 pumpkin oreos
    2-4 Tbsp. melted margarine
    1 cup chopped pecans
    1 cup pumpkin chips (see note)
    1 cup flake coconut
    1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

    Crush pumpkin sandwich oreos until finely ground (about 2 cups).
    Mix with melted butter (start w/2 Tbsp — should be enough).
    Press crumb mixture onto bottom of a greased 13×9-in. baking pan.

    Layer pecans, pumpkin chips, and coconut over crumb mixture.
    Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over top. Bake in 350
    degree oven about 25 minutes, or until coconut is golden brown.
    Cool in pan. Cut into bars.

    Note: Consider using whole pkg. of pumpkin chips (~ 1 ¾ cup).

    —————

    Having said that, I also like cozies that involve books – libraries, bookstores, book clubs, etc. AND, I really enjoy different/varied locations because if the author is a good descriptive writer one can learn a lot about an area they’ve never visited.

    Sometimes a new/different theme can be enjoyable because it provides interesting information (i.e. buttons, as in Logan’s button shop series, or hats as in McKinlay’s hat shop series — who would’ve thunk!).

    If I’m not interested in the theme/subject of a cozy (and there are many), I DON’T disqualify it as long as I find the character interactions and mystery story line engaging and creative. As I’ve oftentimes said, I just skip over those parts. If the author belabors the subject, then I can finish the book that much sooner!

    Reply
    • ML says

      October 14, 2015 at 9:27 pm

      I also like cozies involving libraries, book stores, book collectors, etc. I really enjoyed Miranda James’ Cat in the Stacks series. I’ve currently purchased You Night As Well Die by J.J. Murphy. Its one of the Algonquin Round Table series. I’ll let you know but not right away as I have a few to finish.

      Keep turnin’ the pages!

      Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:40 pm

      MJ, you should have offered this recipe to one of your favorite culinary authors, and called it MJ’s Double Pumpkin Layer Bars! They look delicious. And this recipe has just the right amount of baking involved: crush Oreos and layer ingredients. I remember the non-fall “traditional layer bar” you’re talking about. My mom would make them for my older brother, so I benefited from that! I just added the ingredients to my shopping list! Thank you! (I might even use it during the Christmas holidays. I’m guessing Oreos & Nestles will have Christmas flavors…)

      When my daughter lived in New Orleans, I really enjoyed reading the Scrapbooking series by Laura Childs. I almost felt like I knew New Orleans’ traditions.

      Reply
  9. Sharon says

    October 14, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    I love all Cozy Mysteries, but my favorite are about food and cats. I love kicking back before the fire in winter with a cup of hot chocolate and my cat reading.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:41 pm

      Sharon, this comment reminded me of how I used to lay on the sofa reading with Sprite (our dog) sound asleep at my feet. What a great way to spend time!

      Reply
  10. Gina says

    October 14, 2015 at 8:55 pm

    My favorite cozy mysteries are ones involving cooking. One reason I like them is because I enjoy cooking and I like to see the recipes included. I think my favorite of these, and the one that got me hooked on them, are the Joanne Fluke books.
    I also really enjoy the Tourist Trap series. I think I like them because I wish I could own a combo bookstore/coffee shop.
    Love your site. Thank you so much for keeping up with all the latest in cozy mysteries for us!

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:44 pm

      Gina, while I don’t enjoy cooking, I do enjoy Joanne Fluke’s Cozies. I do enjoy reading the recipes, but I’ve never tried gotten myself to make one. I agree with you about the combo bookstore/coffeeshop >>> although I’d rather go to one than own one.

      (P.S. I’m happy to know you enjoy the site. Thanks!)

      Reply
  11. Joan in VA says

    October 14, 2015 at 9:38 pm

    I’m not sure this qualifies as a theme, but I tend to prefer locally based mysteries that are written by authors who actually know the area they are using as ‘home base.’ I live in the DC area, and some current favorites are the Diva books. The locale is usually correct. But,, I have read some that make me scratch my head and wonder where the author is actually describing.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 16, 2015 at 2:43 pm

      Joan in VA, unfortunately, I don’t have much patience with authors who try to “wing it” when it comes to details. Now that my daughter is in the DC area, I’m getting more interested in series that take place there. Our family lived there for four years when our son and daughter were little, itty-bitty so I remember the area enough to be able to pick up if an author is faking it. Anyway, I think I would be able to spot an inaccuracy…

      Reply
  12. Margaret StashEmpress says

    October 14, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    Ooooh lovely question!!!! I’m not that into “holiday” themed cozies — that is — I read them when they come out, if they’re part of a series I read anyway — whatever time of the year it happens to be, but I don’t search them out as “holiday themed” per se. I like food as a theme, but not “all food all the time” as some have become — and I don’t bother with the recipes at the end of the book either. I’m not into pets either — some have become loveable characters, just like any human recurring characters in a book, some not so much.

    What I do love are historical mysteries, particularly where the characters are upper class & live in luxury & have wonderful clothes — and ties to royalty are a plus too! Consider it the “Downton Abbey effect” — except I loved these books before Downton Abbey was around! As examples, I just adore Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series — I love her Molly Murphy series too, but LOVE Royal Spyness better. Anne Perry’s Thomas Pitt series is great too. Love the Tasha Alexander Lady Emily series. I just adore Andrea Penrose’s Lady Arianna Regency mystery series — they usually revolve around spies and chocolate (cocoa) as well!

    Oh yes — and chocolate — that’s an awesome theme in itself!!! (But has to be well written — some, like Joanna Carl’s Chocoholic series are wonderful — some others — not so much!)

    But then there are plenty of favorite series that are not part of any particular theme — the Aunt Dimity series, the Meg Langslow series, etc. — that I love just for themselves, not because of any particular theme.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 16, 2015 at 3:33 pm

      Margaret, it sure would make it easier on me if I read my holiday Cozies as they come out, rather than during the next holiday they fall into. Even though Margaret Grace is one of my very favorite Cozy authors, I’m still making myself wait for Manhattan in Miniature, which came out in April, and since I pre-ordered it, it’s been right there on my Kindle just waiting for me to dig in!

      As for pets, even though Sprite was a dog, I see a lot of her in the Cozies I read that have cats in them. (I sure do miss that little dog!) And the food theme >>> I read the recipes but I have yet to try one!

      Reply
  13. Amy says

    October 15, 2015 at 12:56 am

    There are no seasons where I live, either! Just iced coffee weather and hot coffee weather. ? Fall is my favorite and I miss it, and I love snow, too. So like you, I find that reading about the seasons fills that empty space. I also like cozies that center around one of my hobbies (knitting, crafting of various kinds). Thanks for all you do!

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 16, 2015 at 7:09 pm

      Amy, I miss autumn, too. We’re going out to DC to visit our daughter, but by that time, the leaves will all be gone. (It sounds like we might read the same Cozy themes…)

      Reply
  14. Susan* says

    October 15, 2015 at 3:19 am

    95 degrees here, too – but we’re in spring! Lol! – and tomorrow is supposed to drop right down to about 70. (I wish it would make up it’s mind!!)

    Themes – I don’t really have a favourite theme. Like Kim said, above: “For me, it is more about the flow of the writing, the author’s skill in bringing me into her world without undue effort…”
    I can only agree. If you get a really good author, they can make almost any setting appeal.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 16, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      Susan*, I know I have mentioned our Christmases in Chile >>> swimming in the pool. When you post information about your weather it always takes me back.

      I like it twice as much when the holiday theme author has a flow and the skills to make me feel I’m right there with the sleuth.

      Reply
  15. Susan Sundwall says

    October 15, 2015 at 7:09 am

    Danna, We have family coming from Dallas over the weekend. My sister-in-law wants to know how to dress since it’s in the 90’s there. Well, in upstate NY over the next few days we’ll have evening lows in the 30’s. Fall color is at it’s peak. I told her to plan on layering. Wish I could send some cool your way! Love your book choices.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 16, 2015 at 7:15 pm

      Susan S, as hot as it is down here, all of the stores have the traditional fall/winter clothes out >>> while almost everyone is wearing shorts. Very odd!

      Reply
  16. Linda C says

    October 15, 2015 at 7:45 am

    Danna, I read Leslie Meier”s “Candy Corn Murder” earlier this month and once again was very happy with this continuing series. Having the plot centered around Lucy’s husband Bill was an extra treat.
    One thing I noticed was that Lucy seemed to be a little grouchy. I thought maybe Lucy was either going to be showing signs of going through the change or maybe be a little Preggy!!!! Just a thought!!

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 16, 2015 at 7:16 pm

      Linda C, I’ll be reading Candy Corn Murder soon. Hmmm… Lucy is grouchy?

      Reply
  17. Susie says

    October 15, 2015 at 8:33 am

    #11 in the unraveled series is double cross crochet by Marlene chase
    #12 is finished off-don’t have the author yet

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 16, 2015 at 7:22 pm

      Susie, thank you so much for this information. I just added these books to the Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled page.

      Reply
  18. S. J. Pajonas says

    October 15, 2015 at 8:58 am

    I love books that evoke the seasons! Especially holidays during those seasons. This is a great list. 🙂

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 16, 2015 at 7:25 pm

      S.J., thanks, I love seasonal Cozies, too!

      Reply
  19. Laurel says

    October 15, 2015 at 9:26 am

    I prefer the cozies with a library or bookstore theme or a magic/witch theme and the main character always has a cat or dog. My favorites take place up North where there’s a chance of snow. Not big on the food cozies, but love Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mysteries. Of course, holiday cozies with any theme are good too!

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 3:31 pm

      Laurel, while I’m not a big paranormal fan, I have become a fan of cat/dog Cozies. I think that while our Sprite (dog) was alive I enjoyed these Cozies, but now I really, really enjoy the cat/dog theme >>> I see a lot of Sprite in their antics.

      Reply
  20. Tamara says

    October 15, 2015 at 10:32 am

    I’ve been following your site for over a year…thank you for all the work you put into it. It’s helped me find several new series, yay! My absolute favorite theme is paranormal, Juliet Blackwell and E.J. Copperman being a couple authors I always read. Ghosts are just unpredictable I guess, making the stories fun. If no ghosts, going back in history a bit, like the Royal Spyness series, it’s also a favorite.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 7:17 pm

      Tamara, I only read a few paranormal series, but can certainly see what you mean about ghosts being unpredictable and fun…

      Reply
  21. Barb2 says

    October 15, 2015 at 10:34 am

    I love to hear all of you wax poetic about seasons. Last fall while visiting daughter in MI, I fell walking the dogs, broke my nose, cleared all the skin off my face down the center, and broke the C2 neck vertebrae. I tried to put the best face (pun) on it by saying I hadn’t had winter in 40 years and snow would be wonderful. By the end of January (still in the body/head brace), I was getting tired of snow and -9 degree temps……just breathing felt like my lungs were paralyzed…but I had to get out to the neurosurgeon and radiology to be sure I was healing well (I was!) Anyway I have now had enough cold weather, snow, and freezing temps to last me another 40 years, and hooray! daughter was transferred to San Antonio in May so she is also back in the land of sunshine and air conditioning! Thanks for your Cozy Mystery site and comments that kept me reading and counting my blessings all during this period and still today (still walk with a cane but better). Doesn’t keep me from traveling…Cuba in May, Italy this month! I love books featuring older sleuths, preferably female….and locations often. Since I am a nurse, also enjoy medical related types (bone detective, coroners) and legal based like female attorneys/prosecutors …. i.e. Marcia Clark. Thanks again for all your hard work. I love San Antonio even with the heat….our beautiful winter is on the way!
    Barb2

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 7:21 pm

      Barb2, how awful was that! One of the times my husband and I were in Colorado Springs visiting my mother, as my husband was walking through icy sludge, he said it reminded him of why he doesn’t like the Ohio (where he’s from) weather. So, I know it’s easy to forget how messy and dangerous it can get. (I also remember doing a 360* spin-out on black ice once.) Thanks for the reminder!

      Reply
  22. Jacquie says

    October 15, 2015 at 10:35 am

    First, thank you for bringing me back to reading cozies. I had given them up in the last few years for much darker crime novels, but a steady diet of those leaves one pretty glum and cynical. Your blog has reignited my interest in cozies and vintage mysteries and now I read them in between the darker ones.

    I have a special interest in art-themed mysteries (Larissa Reinhart) and also mysteries that include magic or magicians (Daniel Stashower) or mystery conventions and bookstores — anywhere readers and authors are gathered together. The less romance in my cozies, more mystery, the better. I love cozies with a unique setting, isolated locations, closed group of suspects, cut off by a blizzard, etc. A strong intelligent female character is essential and humor is a plus.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 7:24 pm

      Jacquie, aren’t Cozies terrific! (That’s not really a question, thus the “!”) I hope you have taken a look at the Mystery Books with a Snowed-In / Snow-Bound Theme.

      Reply
      • Jacquie says

        October 19, 2015 at 8:37 pm

        Thanks for the “hot” tip, Danna. I certainly will. Love the enthusiasm of your readers for cozies. This topic sparked a lot of great comments!

        Reply
        • Danna - cozy mystery list says

          October 20, 2015 at 7:16 pm

          Jacquie, I had no idea there where this many snowed-in mystery books out there.

          Reply
  23. Sheila in CT says

    October 15, 2015 at 11:44 am

    Temperature in CT – 48 degrees.
    I have no theme preference at all. Right now I am rereading Catherine Coulter’s FBI series – not a cozy.

    Reply
    • Joan in VA says

      October 15, 2015 at 4:44 pm

      Not a cozy at all, but I love the characters in those!

      Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 7:26 pm

      Sheila in CT, I have to admit that the 48* doesn’t sound all that terrific. However, your autumn colors must be in full swing!

      Reply
  24. Lexie says

    October 15, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    First let me thank you for all your hard work. I do appreciate everything you do for your readers. Your information is how I follow our cozy world and all its authors.

    I live in Santa Cruz CA where it is finally 73 today after two months of days of 90 or higher so today we are all happy.

    My favorite cozy themes are someone that owns an agricultural enterprise or a bookstore or works with books in another capacity. But I gravitate to the cozy that is on a farm or orchard first. I love Meg Corey of the Orchard series as she started an apple orchard all by herself with only her courage. Each book built on her love of her land and her ability as a orchard owner. Sheila Connolly has done her research with that series. I love when cats are in my cozies, not dogs. I think dogs make cozies boring as they have to have the same routine every day where cats add pizazz and fun to every book. Cats make every book better and more interesting to me. Cat people I relate to, dogs I do not. I pass up cozies with dogs. I do enjoy the vintage kitchen series. That is fun to visit as it takes me back to cooking with Mom in the 60’s and Grandma’s kitchen as well. The cookbook nook series is a lot of fun and has led me to some great recipes.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 7:30 pm

      Lexie, thank you for the very kind words about the site! My husband and I were able to go on a walk yesterday, and then again this morning, since we finally got into the 70s out here in San Antonio. It looks like you have quite a few different themes you read, which is a good thing since you probably rarely run out of Cozies to read.

      Reply
  25. Margaret M. says

    October 15, 2015 at 4:45 pm

    I love the change of seasons here in the Northeast; but I could easily live with out January and February. And for me there is just something about Autumn and mysteries, so I love my Autumn, Halloween and Thanks Giving theme cozies. I do love reading all the Spring and Summer theme mysteries too. But sitting out side on a cool sunny Fall day, with a good mystery, listening to the leaves blow around….
    I started my Fall reading in late August (I was so happy to have some great selections this year) and I just finished CANDY CORN MURDER today! Loved it.
    I know I am in a HUGE minority, but I am not huge on Christmas/Winter theme cozies. I don’t read a lot of full books over three Winter months, mostly short stories and I tend to read a lot of short ghost stories. And since we get real snow in January and February I just don’t have the need for the extra fictional snow (LOL.)

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 7:32 pm

      Margaret M, I haven’t read Candy Corn Murder but it’s in my TBR queue. I’m looking forward to it, but thought I would first (re) read another of Leslie Meier’s Halloween themed Cozies.

      Reply
  26. Kathie Deviny says

    October 15, 2015 at 6:13 pm

    My favorites involve a “community”, whether based around a town, area of a city, bookstore, club, church, etc.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 7:33 pm

      Kathie, it sounds like you’re in luck! “Community” is pretty important in a Cozy!

      Reply
  27. Kim says

    October 15, 2015 at 6:54 pm

    Wish we all could sit down together and exchange in person…I suspect cozy readers are a wonderfully warm group of people.
    Re the weather topic….I love the Vermont, and New England scenery, ambience but only in my mind’s perfect setting, not in reality for my body these days. After several decades in Michigan, I was ready for a return to my home states of MD and VA. Yes, I made the best of it…I did dog sledding, learned to ski, enjoyed a wood stove. But now when the temp drops even in mild VA, I re think what it might be like to live even further south. I was a Tasha Tudor fan and need my scenery fix in our lovely Blue Ridge setting but there are times when your warmer temps in Texas hold great appeal. Yes, the leaves smell good, the fall feel is lovely but so is the feeling of Texas sunshine on your skin, still warm for you in Jan, right? And yes, hope you Google Rappahannock County, VA, particularly the realtor website of Alan Zuchslag with his web page on a description of the county. We are only seventy miles from DC but have no traffic lights, no grocery stores, no fast food, only small general stores. The scenery is stellar, rivaling anything I have seen in Europe or the U.S. for cozy beauty. It is Tuscany like. There are vineyards, horse farms, dirt roads and plenty to explore. So I hope you have time to explore with your family.
    And book wise, I copied the names of those authors mentioned by a few commentators but who is the author of the Diva series? Guess I can google it.
    Enjoy your Texas warmth…Kim

    .

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 15, 2015 at 9:13 pm

      Kim, I’ll comment back later >>> but wanted to tell you the author of the Domestic Diva series is Krista Davis.

      Reply
    • Lynn T. says

      October 16, 2015 at 7:00 am

      Kim,
      When I read your post about the lovely place you live, I wondered if you have read any of Ellen Crosby wine mystery books. They take place in wine country in Northern Virginia in the Blue Ridge Parkway area. It sounds like the area where you live. I know when I first read these books, I was surprised about Virginia being a wine producing state. Danna has Ellen’s books on this site to look at in case you aren’t aware of them. The first one is the Merlot Murders.

      Reply
      • Kim says

        October 16, 2015 at 4:08 pm

        Thank you Lynn T for the heads up re the Crosby mysteries…yes, awhile back I did enjoy her first book. I will have to check out more of hers. Thank you for reminding me.
        We are indeed in the area described in her books. It is very much vineyard, horse and cattle country with miles of stone and blackboard fencing. Of course there is also plenty of history and hidden places such as a plantation nearby, privately owned and pre dating Montpelier. I love to smell the giant old boxwoods and think of the carriages that once labored up our gravel road. It is hard to imagine Thomas Jefferson riding from Cville all the way to DC. I wonder if his ride was more pleasant in many ways than our quick drive along the same route. I hope you do get to see this section of the state before it changes. Rappahannock County is trying to prevent growth but it cannot hold out forever. The northern VA sprawl is slowly headed our way.
        Nice to meet you online, Kim

        Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 7:37 pm

      Kim, I agree with you. It would be lots of fun to be able to sit and talk about one of the things we all enjoy: Cozy Mysteries!

      As for the Texas sun >>> sometimes it is absolutely too hot and humid to enjoy. Something that has struck me as odd is how few children play outside during our summers. We live in a housing development that has a neighborhood pool, which is about the only place you see a lot of children enjoying the outdoors. Once it starts cooling down here (in mid to late October) you can start seeing children playing outside, after school.

      Reply
  28. Lynn T. says

    October 15, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    I had to think about this one as I like quite a few different themes and locations. My favorite for cozy mysteries and crime fiction such as police procedurals take place in the British Isles. I don’t know if reading Agatha Christie early on sparked this interest. Most of my ancestry lived in these areas before coming to the U.S. I like and a get a kick out of the different words and meanings. I have always wanted to travel to these areas and haven’t had the opportunity so I imagine that is a large part of the reason too.

    I also, am drawn to needlecraft,quilting, knitting etc books. I did crochet a little at one time. I worked for close to 20 years in the number one yarn manufacturer in the US. It was bought out by a competitor so jobs went to a new area. I have now a lot of yarn information in my head-how to manufacture etc that I don’t need anymore. The company also sold needlecraft items. So I think these books feel comfy to me and I can see the colors and feel the products as I read.

    It was a surprise to me several years ago when I found out I really like cozies with a talking ghost-the Molly MacRae, Paige Shelton, Juliet Blackwell and J.J.Cook books. Paige Shelton County Cooking School series started this interest. I had thought that I didn’t care for paranormal books before I found these books.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 7:44 pm

      Lynn T, how neat that you took a chance and tried your first paranormal Cozies. Now you have a whole slew of paranormal books to pick and choose from! I didn’t think I’d enjoy any paranormal Cozies either >>> until I read my first Sofie Kelly Magical Cats book. It surprised me!

      Reply
  29. Sheila in CT says

    October 16, 2015 at 11:49 am

    Hi Danna. Just got Cleo Coyle’s Coffehouse newsletter. She mentioned a new series:
    The Humbug Murders: An Ebenezer Scrooge Mystery (Ebenezer Scrooge Mysteries). It will be released for sale Oct 27, 2015.
    http://www.scroogemysteries.com/.
    Amazon has it for the Kindle priced at $6.99

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 19, 2015 at 7:46 pm

      Sheila in CT, thanks for telling us about L.J. Oliver’s The Humbug Murders. I tried to find out if this is a Christmas themed mystery, but it doesn’t appear to be. I thought that since it features Ebenezer Scrooge it might be…

      Reply
  30. Shauna says

    October 19, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    I am also a fan of your website. I love being able to get all my reading needs in one place.

    As for my favorite cozy themes I would have to say culinary, crafty and Christmas/Halloween cozies are my favorites. For the most part I enjoy reading all different types of cozies but those listed above are my go-to’s.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:58 pm

      Shauna, I’m glad you think of the site as a place that fulfills all your reading needs! Thanks!

      I, too, find that my favorite authors come from various themes, with an emphasis on some themes more than others.

      Reply
  31. Tootie in Missouri says

    October 21, 2015 at 9:36 am

    Any snowbound or “storm-bound” cozy–even if I don’t read the particular series.

    Reply
    • Danna - cozy mystery list says

      October 21, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      Tootie, I’m with you about the snowbound/stranded theme. Last year I read Phoebe Atwood Taylor‘s Death Lights a Candle, and really enjoyed it!

      Reply

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