OK, here’s a warning: If you are reading the comments, then this will all be a repetition. But, this is exactly why I do NOT like authors’ pseudonyms!
One of MJ’s recommendations for the February 2013 list:
“Ada Madison – ‘Function of Murder’ This series is so smart and intellectual. The story is well crafted and well paced (which is why I really like it – it’s such a smooth and even read). The sleuth (Sophie Knowles) is a math professor at a Massachusett’s college. There’s plenty of drama with the characters and the interaction keeps the story moving, holding the reader’s attention. There’s several possible suspects for the murder of a prominent city official during graduation festivities. Also, subplots involve other student problems to resolve throughout the story. Although I haven’t read of her other series (Margaret Grace – Miniature Mystery series), this is obviously a gifted writer/author who knows how to tell a story, with much attention to detail. Don’t be ‘turned off’ by the math professorial connection. I’m NOT a math (or science) person, but it is very relatable to my ‘level’. It’s an entertaining/easy read.”
My reply:
“MJ, have you tried Ada Madison’s Camille Minichino mysteries? Those are the ones that first caught my attention of Ada Madison/Margaret Grace/Camille Minichino. I am now reading all of her Grace mysteries, and will follow those with her Madison books.”
MJ:
“I haven’t read the Minichino books yet, but plan to do so. Originally I had been ‘put off’ by the technicalities of the series, but after reading the Sophie Knowles mysteries, I plan to start with the Hydrogen Murder. Although I haven’t read the Miniature mysteries yet either, I recommended this series to a friend who is a hobbyist in miniatures. She really enjoys that series (and she isn’t even a cozy mystery reader!).”
My reply:
“MJ, I’m not a “miniaturist” nor am I a physicist-type of person, but I truly enjoy both the Miniature Mystery Series and the Periodic Table Mystery Series. I hope other people aren’t staying away from Minichino’s/Grace’s/Madison’s mystery series because they think the authors (really the “author”) is going to get technical. “They” are on my favorite authors list. I always look forward to reading “their” books.
(This comment is one of the reasons I don’t like pseudonyms! They are GREAT when an author isn’t good, and the publisher doesn’t want you to know they write other series >>> that you might try reading UNLESS you know you don’t like one of the author’s pseudonyms! In this case, I like books by two of this author’s pseudonyms so much, that I am going to go ahead and read the author’s other pseudonym’s books.)”
I am serious about this! I think the publishers must be behind this move for every author having a pseudonym, or in some cases two, three, or four of them. I can’t imagine any other reason than because the publisher wants all of the new series to go out as a ” new series by a new author”>>> thus getting more publicity, and better yet, making sure that in case the author’s other series are stinkers, people would try the “new series by a new author.” In the case of the author MJ and I are talking about, I have her listed in my alphabetized favorite authors’ list, in three different places: Margaret Grace, Ada Madison, and Camille Minichino. To me, even with all three of those names, SHE (not they!!!) is a great find. I just wish she only used one alias!
Wouldn’t it be easier for you to follow an author you enjoy if he/she was able to write all of her/his series under one name? What do you think?
(PS>>> I should add that I have talked about this very same problem before, on various occasions! Can you imagine having an Agatha Christie Miss Marple, a Jane Doe Poirot, and a June Dough Tommy & Tuppence?!?)
Oh my gosh! It’s the last day of February, and I forgot the monthly Cozy Mystery Recommendations! Good grief! Where have I been?!? In all fairness, I will say that the end of February sometimes catches me off balance. I mean, let’s face it, twenty eight days? (Even to me, that excuse is VERY lame!)
OK, since we had such good luck yesterday in identifying the sleuth for Betts, let’s see if we can come up with this sleuth for Kathy.
I am going to try to go through a few questions and/or requests for help that I have received from some Cozy Mystery readers. I have several queries to ask your help with. The first one comes from Betts. Betts writes: