Today is a very special day. It is both Thanksgiving (here in the USA) and the beginning of Hanukkah. I hope ALL of you and yours have a happy and healthy day. 
Finally It’s Time for a Winter Carnival Mystery…
In March of this year, I finally tried my first Joanne Fluke Hannah Swensen (Cookie Jar) mystery. I liked it so much that I actually recommended Fluke as my pick for the monthly mystery book recommendation entry. While it has been (more than) several months since I last read about Hannah and the rest of Lake Eden’s towns’ people, I am currently feeling very Cozy reading about the town’s Winter Carnival.
For those of you who read Fluke’s series, you will probably remember that the Winter Carnival takes place in the third book of the series. Why, you may ask, has it taken me so long to read these mysteries if I enjoy them so much?
This all gets back to my seasonal mysteries hang-up. For some reason, I just don’t enjoy reading about a winter carnival that takes place up in Minnesota during a San Antonio 100° summer day. Those two things just don’t mesh for me. That’s a problem that I encounter from time to time when I really like an author, but I know the next book in the series takes place in a certain type of weather/season.
So after I read Strawberry Shortcake Murder (the second in the series) I took a rather long break before reading the third in the series, Blueberry Muffin Murder, since I knew I would want to read it during one of our infrequent cold snaps, which is exactly what we are experiencing right now.
I have spoken a lot about how much I enjoy reading seasonal Cozy Mystery books during their appropriate seasons. This sort of thing often leads to me feeling like I’m not able to read a book until the “correct time of year.” It’s a major drag when I really like an author, but it’s what I do.
So, while I may not have to put on a winter coat, a scarf, and mittens, at least I am wearing my jacket these days. Perfect weather in San Antonio for a Winter Carnival.
If You’re Having a Not-So-Good Day, This Will Surely Make You Smile…
You know how the internet is… You look for one specific thing, and that leads you to a second somewhat related thing, which in turn takes you to a third subject, which really isn’t at all related to the first item. You always seem to go from point 1 to destination Z. No rhyme or reason to it, which would be why it’s called “surfing” >>> although it may be called something else these days.
This leads me to a YouTube clip that I just watched from an old television show called “I’ve Got a Secret”. Anyway, before I post the clip, I will point out that it was a different time. The host had his perfunctory Winston cigarette hanging from his mouth while he greeted and played with the toddler. (So the next time you hear the “those were the days” you can remind yourself that not everything was better back then.)
Here is the I’ve Got a Secret clip off the YouTube site:
Thanksgiving Mystery Book List Recommendations
I know I should have done this a week ago, but I am wondering if any of you can think of a Thanksgiving mystery that you think the rest of us should absolutely know about. I did this at Halloween time (Halloween Recommendations), and thought you all had such great ideas, that I should try to do this at different holiday times. I really let time get away from me, and know this is pretty close to Thanksgiving, but wonder if you all would let us know about Thanksgiving Day mysteries you really like. We may not be able to finish the Thanksgiving mysteries we start reading, but at least we can get some of the book’s ambiance before the holiday.
If you’re anything like me, you might need to refresh your memories. Here is the Thanksgiving Mystery Book List from the Cozy Mystery site. Also, if I am missing any Thanksgiving mysteries on the list, please let me know.
Thanksgiving Mystery Book Recommendations:
Donald Bain & Jessica Fletcher: A Fatal Feast
Kate Borden (aka Kate Grilley): Death of a Turkey
Krista Davis: The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
Jane Haddam (aka Orania Papazoglou): Feast of Murder
Lee Harris: The Thanksgiving Day Murder
J. Alan Hartman, editor: The Killer Wore Cranberry
J. Alan Hartman, editor: The Killer Wore Cranberry: A Second Helping
J. Alan Hartman, editor: The Killer Wore Cranberry: Room for Thirds
Leslie Meier: Turkey Day Murder
Livia J. Washburn: The Pumpkin Muffin Murder
If you know of any Thanksgiving theme mysteries that you think should definitely be on this Thanksgiving mysteries recommendations list, please post a comment.
