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

Mystery Book Featuring Archivist in Colorado or New Mexico…

January 28, 2010

Here is the latest question I have been asked, but I’m not sure of the answer. At first I thought that perhaps Sara was describing Judith Van Gieson’s Claire Reynier Mystery Series (which is on my list of pages to make…)

Sara asks:

“I have no idea where to post this question, so I’ll start here. Could you please point me in the right direction to find the answer to my question (below)? Is there a specific website where I can post a question about a book?

 A while back I read at least two — if not — three books in a series about a woman who was part archivist and part sleuth. The details are very sketchy in my mind, but I recall that the series was based out west. I’m thinking she was in Colorado or New Mexico maybe. The main character, a young woman, would be asked to evaluate the authenticity of a book or archaeological find or artifact. The readers then followed her efforts in researching the provenance of the item. She was constantly getting into complicated schemes of people meant to trick or deceive others. Does anyone remember which author’s series this was or does anyone have any other details about the series that I can use to track it down? This has been bugging me for months now and I kept hoping I’d find the answer. I hope you can help.”

If you have any guesses, please post a comment on the site. I know how frustrating it is to try to remember an author!

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Miss Seeton Mysteries… Are There Any More on the Horizon?

January 26, 2010

I might have asked this question before, but I’m not sure. If I have, please bear with me. I know that I have had other Cozy Mystery Site readers ask this question, but I’m just not sure if it was a question posed in a “comment” or a question sent to my e-mail address. (I try to answer every question I get at my e-mail address… and hopefully, I do! I hope my “canned ham” hasn’t accidentally deleted any of your letters.)

Elsa asks:

“I’ve just finished re-reading the complete Miss Seeton series.  These books are just delightful, but there is not a new title after 1999 (Miss Seeton’s Finest Hour).  Would appreciate hearing whether or not there will be any more Miss Seeton books.”

 As some of you may know (if you are fans of Miss Seeton) I have a page made up for the Miss Seeton mysteries, which is divided into three sections. During Miss Seeton’s sleuthing time, she has been “brought to you by” three different authors: Heron Carvic, Hampton Charles, and Hamilton Crane.

If you have any information about future Miss Seeton mysteries… please post a comment.

(And, while I’m asking for information on future books… Does anyone know if  (and if so when)The Cat Who Smelled Smoke by Lilian Jackson Braun will be published?)

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Knowing the Culprit Without Clues… Does This Bother You?

January 24, 2010

Yesterday, in a conversation I had with my daughter, I described a “problem” I just had with the mystery book I finished very recently. While I really appreciate the author’s writing style, my “complaint” is that since I LOVE cozy mysteries, I put a lot of weight on the “mystery” part of the book. I have only read two of this author’s mysteries. I don’t know if the third will prove to be different, but in the first two books of her series, I knew exactly who the culprits were as soon as I was “introduced” to the characters.

I don’t mean to say that the characters first appeared holding  knives, while their clothes were drenched in a telltale crimson-colored substance >>> I mean that the characters did something as simple as say hello. I absolutely KNEW they were the culprits… Why else would they have been included in the mystery books?!? The culprits seemed to ingratiate themselves with the sleuth >>> becoming overly friendly with the sleuth in a very short time >>> always asking about the sleuth’s progress solving the crime.

Of course, mystery books are full of new characters… Some are added to the series’ rosters of  “regulars” and some are simply there for one book. So, why is it that in both books by this author, I knew which characters were the “bad guys” upon meeting them? Have I read too many mystery books? Nope!!! That could never be the case for me!

Why am I not able to do this with every author? Why can I be left wondering whodunit in the vast majority of the mysteries I choose to spend my time reading?

When I told my daughter about this particular “problem,” she asked me if the author’s style of writing outweighs the “problem.” And, she suggested that I write an entry about this and ask you all:

If you really enjoy the writing style of an author, is it important that the mystery be well-played? Do you continue with authors who aren’t able to keep the culprit a mystery until the end of the book? Do you enjoy going along with the author as he/she weaves red herrings in and out of the mystery?

PS>>> I am currently taking a break from the author described above  while I read my next Susan Wittig Albert mystery. She keeps me guessing all of the time, and I love her writing style!

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Robert B. Parker :Jesse Stone Mystery Series, Spenser Mystery Series, & Sunny Randall Mystery Series…

January 22, 2010

Sandra wrote to me with this very sad news about Robert B. Parker:

“FYI: Robert B. Parker, one of my top 5 all time favorite authors passed away suddenly while sitting at his desk in Cambridge, Mass on Jan. 18th. He was 77 yrs old and it was reported this A.M. that the cause of death was heart attack.

While not “cozy”, Mr. Parker wrote over 50 books mostly in the Jesse Stone (tv shows starred Tom Selleck) and Spenser private detective very long series which were the basis for the 1980’s tv series, Spenser for Hire. A less known fact is that a smaller book series “Sunny Randall” was created for actress Helen Hunt(at her request) to star in but the shows never materialized but Parker continued to write the book series.

The latest Spenser novel was just released, The Professional, top 10 on the NY Times list now. I just today finished this book and wow, it was as good as any of the others that I have enjoyed.

His last Jesse Stone novel will be released 2/23/10, Split Image. He completed this but alas never got to see it published.

If you go to his website, www.robertbparker.net you can find so much info and good interviews but an added little treasure is in the “press room” button where you can listen to “Moon River” as sung by Robert B. Parker and his son Dan Parker.

Danna, if you could post news on Mr. Parker’s death, I am sure others would like to know and comment. Thank you, Sandra”

I know that he will be missed by many!

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