I have been reading comments and letters from some of you all for several years now. I know that I have stated (several times) that paranormal mystery series just aren’t for me. However, I have read so many comments that make me think that maybe I should try a paranormal mystery and see if I can get on the Paranormal Mystery bandwagon. (I have tried several “unconventional themes” before, from talking cats and dogs to guardian angels…)
The last paranormal mystery author I tried was Nancy Atherton. I was hoping that she could change my “no-paranormals-for-me” attitude. I know that Atherton is a best selling author with many, many fans. Aother reason I chose the first in Atherton’s Aunt Dimity series is that I didn’t want to go from “no paranormal mysteries” to something as “strong” as a vampire theme. I thought I should take baby steps… and ease my way through Aunt Dimity’s “ghost” helping Lori solve mysteries before I tackled blood-thirsty vampires.
I enjoyed Nancy Atherton‘s writing style. >>> It flows easily while telling the story. But, I’m again facing the paranormal theme. I wasn’t quite sure how Aunt Dimity was going to communicate with her best friend’s daughter, so I was very interested in finding that out. I won’t include any spoilers here, suffice it to say that Atherton has come up with a communication process which I see will be easy for her to stick with in the following mysteries of the series.
I just finished the first in the Aunt Dimity series (Aunt Dimity’s Death). and I’m still not sure about my paranormal VS non paranormal mysteries stand. I guess I’ll just have to try another one!
Do you (or don’t you) agree with my “no-paranormals-for-me” attitude?
alfred says
Danna, if you haven’t tried Mind over Murder by Allison Kingsley you might try it. I think the two Ladies in the book are cousins and one of them had to leave town because she has the psychic gift and can see things in the future. She reminds me of Sylvia Browne on tv. Also have you read any of Sophie Kelly books with her magical cats that can go through doors. Is that considered paranormal? I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to start the 3rd Miranda James book that comes out tomorrow. If anyone can elaborate on Allison Kingley please do. thanks.
Andie says
I’ve dipped into the paranormal mystery genre but I am rather pragmatic and in spite of being raised in an area where “haints” were often spoken of as real, I just can’t bring myself to believe in these things.
It seems in so many cases to be simply a “trick” to make a story develop along a certain line which simply isn’t possible without the use of a ghost, paranormal talent or ability to see into the future (or past).
There are some mysteries that feature people who sense things in other people, but that is more believable as some people are very adept at reading body language, without doing it deliberately. I’m thinking of some of Marion Babson’s stories here. I don’t believe in numerology, astrology or any other occult “ology” but do believe that it is possible some people do have premonitions but never with enough detail to truly predict the future.
j herrington says
Love them,especially Joyce Lavene, Victoria Laurie, Madelyn Alt, Juliette Blackwell and Annette Blair to name a few. Not afraid of what might just be true. I do not go far beyond light paranormal just the cozy kind. Love ones written by actual practicing members.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
J, there’s a lot of difference between Cozy “light paranormals” and some of the paranormal mysteries out there today!
Du says
I don’t mind light paranormal books…you should give them a try. I was like you but I still won’t read vampires, werewolves or the like.
Kristi aka FiberFool says
I’m not in the all or none camp when it comes to paranormal mysteries. I suppose the Aunt Dimity was the first to lure me to that side. I’ve read a couple others with ghosts that are kind of fun. In general I go more for the ghosts than the vampires, but I don’t automatically rule out vampires either as I have enjoyed some. As with anything I won’t rule it out based solely on genre, but I’m probably a tougher critic on paranormal cozies than non-paranormal.
linda says
krista, that 10 point light star is gorgeous!
Marianne says
I used to feel like you but I just read Paige Shelton’s “If Fried Chicken Could Fly,” and it had a friendly ghost. Quite charming. I like my mysteries without vampires, though!
Angela says
Personally I like the paranormal genre but I relate to how you feel Danna as I feel the same way about the “animals as sleuths” genre. I have yet to find a series in that vein that I enjoy. If you want to continue giving paranormal a go I suggest sticking with Atherton as, what you have already experienced is as much as it ever is (lol it’s hard to talk in non-spoiler code!) I would also suggest Carolyn Hart’s ghost series as she takes more of a guardian angel slant to the paranormal which seems a little easier than say, vampires, for some. Carolyn Haines series has the paranormal element but really only as an aside to the story. The ghost never helps out with the mysteries other then to give cryptic insights into the human psyche.
Have fun on the road! Safe traveling. 🙂
Shirley says
Hello……….January 31, 2012
I don’t like Vampire or werewolves either….so I touch them. grin. It is sort of scary to read about these kind books, as I am a widow and at night is when i usually read…………..
Nancy Atherton, someone gave me her first book and I have been reading her ever since. These stories make me smile.
Also I like Alice Kimberly Young woman & her son buy a bookstore that has a ghost that helps her solve mysteries; Why you say….because he was a P.I who got murdered in the bookstore in the 40’s…..in the store someone always dies.
Sort of funny, a ghost and the family. These I guess are cozy and nice…..haha. no pun intended. smile.
linda says
Shirley, A person never knows how mysterious and noisy a house can be until that person sits up all night to read a murder mystery!
Jeanette says
I have tried with some paranormal mysteries but they tend
to annoy me.It seems a lazy way to get a character out of
difficult situations or to warn them of impending dangers.I like
my mysteries to have some basis in reality,I don’t mind some
of the rather far fetched plots authors come up with but I do
not believe in ghosts or vampires,that to me is a whole different
fiction genre and does not succesfully cross over to solving a
murder.
Susan says
For me, it depends on the author and their writing. I love Nancy Atherton, but I found Jana de Leon irritating.
Carolyn Haines’s ghost could be annoying, but her writing is so smooth that it just makes me smile, instead. I’d recommend giving her a try next, if you can.
Gail says
I like paranormal mysteries if the paranormal thing is well integrated into the story. The mystery is the key, not paranormal as gimmick.
I’m weary of gimmick mysteries where the gimmick (cooking, psychic powers, stitchery, miniatures, whatever) are added in–and the action stops so they can perform whatever special thing it is they do.
The Aunt Dimity stories are very nice….I enjoy those immensely.
I actually like paranormals in general if the story is well told. Vampires don’t thrill me. A really good series, not mystery per se, is the Kitty the Werewolf series. Smart heroine, good action, strong story lines and interesting paranormal elements.
Michelle says
I read Wendy Roberts “Ghostdusters” series first and fell in love with the ghost paranormal cozies. It is different than your normal cozy because now they have help from beyond. EJ Copperman’s mysteries are light and funny with ghosts involved. Sue Ann Jaffarian has “Ghost of Granny Smith”… great! I could go on and on. All ghost cozies are my favorites!
Karen says
I really enjoy the Nancy Atherton series. However, the vampire ones don’t really appeal to me. Carolyn Hart has a series about a ghost that is rather good and light reading. I can handle the light paranormal and realize that these novels are just stories and to me are not real life.
Petie says
Like Alfred, I read Sofie Kelly (I love cats!) and the Aunt Dimity series I’ve read to a certain point but it seems A.D. doesn’t ‘appear’ as often as I’d like. I enjoy some paranormal; that’s about all my twin sister reads! I will definitely try ‘Mind Over Matter’.
Regina says
Danna, I do not like paranormal books that said I do enjoy Nancy Atherton’s series. I was disappointed when Charlaine Harris began concentrating on Sookie Stackhouse. I prefer her other series better. Another series I prefer and I can’t think of the author’s name is about a American vampire in England who can take medicine to make him “normal”.
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
Oh, I just love a paranormal and you know it!!! I love a good ghost story. I just finished “A Gift of Ghosts.” It turned out to be a romance with ghost stories to carry the plot. No, it wasn’t all that plausible, but it was sweet.
You might really enjoy Dorothy Gilman’s The Clairvoyant. It’s a great little mystery and while she uses some psychic energy/ability it’s really all about the characters, instinct and well, yes, some psychic ability. But it was so much fun. I think you’d love the character.
Larraine says
As far as I’m concerned, there is paranormal overload right now. Every time you turn around someone else has come up with a vampire, witch, ghost, guardian angel, etc. I’ve tried a couple of them, but they leave me yawning. Most of them are not particularly well written. However, that’s true of a lot of the newer mystery writers. I keep on wondering what is going on in the publishing world. I’m currently reading Elizabeth George’s latest book. It is elegantly written for adults. The vampires, angels, etc. are, for the most part, either sickeningly sweet or have a “cutesy” writing style that is supposed to be funny. There is no wit, no real humor. I’m finding more and more I’m leaning toward the Brits because at least they seem to have SOME editorial standards. I love Elizabeth George who is an American writer, Donna Leon, also American and Charles Todd, the American writing team. I do enjoy the Claire Malloy books. They are funny but not stupid. I think the problem is that so much of the writing is just plain stupid. It’s really sad. I’ve started 4 or 5 books of new writers that received great reviews by readers and got bored quickly. Two of the most recent ones come to mind. One involved a a woman who works for a Midwestern outdoor historical museum. Another was a couple who had moved from NYC to Vermont and a dead body is found in their house. They are bored so they start investigating. Give me a break! The writing is just awful in so many of these books.
Lynn T. says
Your blog made me think about something that I really hadn’t considered before as to if I like paranormal books. After thinking about it I realized that I have read many firsts in the series of paranormal books but never continued on with the series. So even though the books were well written, I must not care for them.
I don’t know if Victoria Laurie’s Abby Cooper books qualify or not as she is an intuitive psychic. I do like this series very much. I started it after reading the good reviews on Amazon. I don’t think I would have chosen it in a book store due to the cover. It looks like a young adult cover. However, it is a good series. It can be humorous. I read the first book in her other series about Ghost Hunters but didn’t continue on with the rest of the series.
Deb says
I think Aunt Dimity was my first venture into the paranormal, too, encouraged by a great bookseller at Waldenbooks who happened to have the same tastes. She introduced me to Amelia Peabody and Vicky Bliss by Elizabeth Peters, and so many others I can’t even remember. I miss her! This blog is the next best thing, even if I can’t see you all in person.
It took me a long time to try any other paranormals, but now I have quite a list of favorites. I just finished the latest Ghost Hunter mystery by Victoria Laurie, and I loved it. She also has a series about a psychic called Abby Cooper, which was how I first found her. They both require some suspension of disbelief, but her main characters are spunky and fun.
I love the Home Repair is Homicide series from Sarah Graves, but I wasn’t happy when one of the characters became a ghost because it felt like she was jumping on the ghost bandwagon. That character has faded away – pun intended – and I’m happier without it.
There are a number of good mysteries involving modern-day witches. I especially like Madelyn Alt’s Maggie O’Neil and Shirley Damsgaard’s Ophelia and Abby.
I just finished the latest in Mary Stanton’s intriguing Beaufort & Company series. Bree Winston-Beaufort is a lawyer who inherited both her uncle’s law firms – one for the living and one for the dead, the latter staffed by angels. It’s the first angel series I ever liked, but it can be rather macabre.
I’m with you about the vampires, Marianne. I guess that’s one of my last paranormal prejudices!
Susan says
I love Aunt Dimity! I wasn’t sure at first either & it took me until the 2nd book to get totally hooked, but now I can’t wait to pick up the newest book in the series.
Laura says
Well, never say never! There is one series that I like and that is “The Haunted Bookshop” mystery series by Alice Kimberly (aka Cleo Coyle). There are two mysteries that are going on. One is the current real life mystery that is solved by the end of the book. The second is who killed the ghost detective back in the the 1940’s? The first book is titled “The Ghost and Mrs. McClure”.
MJ says
Laura –
I, too, like the Haunted Bookshop series. However, I can’t figure out why there is a January release date of the latest one (Ghost and the Bogus Bookseller) and it isn’t available anywhere! Also, the cover picture has Cleo Coyle as the author NOT Alice Kimberly.
When questioned about it on her message board, Ms. Alfonsi (author with her husband of both series) wouldn’t discuss this on her website (coffeehousemystery.com), stating if anyone wants to know when it will be available they have to subscribe to her newsletter via email.
Tonya says
No paranormals for me. Not at all. So you aren’t alone!
linda says
Danna, I don’t really care for the paranormal books much either. But sometimes I forget that books like the Harry Potter books and Aunt Dimity are paranormals.
Sue says
i agree – no paranormals for me. I have to believe in my characters.
Andie says
I need to add an addendum to my previous post. I did enjoy the first two of the “Bones” mysteries by Carolyn Haines because the stories were good and somewhat believable.
However by the third one, they seemed to be written to a formula and that nagging ghost was really irritating. It’s bad enough for someone to be told what to do by a live person but when an insubstantial or imaginary thing begins dictating the actions of the principal character, it loses my interest.
I did read one or two afterward but the story lines were so predictable that I quickly lost interest.
I would much rather read one of the early British mysteries where something that “goes bump in the night” is a live person bent on mischief and not a haunt from another era.
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
I liked the first two as well. Then book three sort of wandered around and instead of being cute just didn’t seem to have a plot. But the paranormal wasn’t the issue there–it was the lack of a story. I didn’t feel like the main character was the same as she had been in previous books.
Sue says
I’m also a No paranormal reader—but I think I’d like to try the light version.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
OK, now everyone! You aren’t making my decision easy!!!
readerdiane says
I read all kinds of mysteries including paranormal. You might want to try: Karen White (Tradd Street,) Casey Daniels, Shirley Damsgaard, Terri Reid (Online e-books,) Annette Blair. These are not over the top. Actually there are quite a few cheap e-books with the paranormal angle-some better than others. I like a little bit of magic, who-hoo or pyschic ability.
Margaret says
I love a good old fashion ghost story especially a”dark and stormy night spooky victorian type! I am not crazy about the new Vampire, Werewolf stuff; but of course I loved DRACULA when I was young! The newer options seem to be geared to the younger set. If I were 20 something, not 40 something I do think I would enjoy them. In my younger days I loved King, Saul, Knootz and the like; and they trend paranormal. But, I don’t know if having the Ghost as the sleuth or Sidekick is for me. I have not really read many, the ones I have just didn’t do it for me. I think like with everything in life reading goes thru stages. Right now my taste is with traditional Female Sleuth Cozies and I am kind of happy there.
Dayna says
I’m with your other readers who are just looking for good writing. I don’t really care if the main character is a chef, a bookstore owner, a dog sitter, a ghost, etc. as long as I like the characters and the writing style. I have been reading mysteries since my first Nancy Drew at 9 years old, but I have always realized that they aren’t exactly grounded in reality. It seems equally realistic to me that a murder could be solved by a vampire as by a knitter. In the end, I just want to enjoy the book.
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
Whatdayamean, not grounded in reality???? I feel like you just announced there is no Santa…! :>)
Charlene says
I’m reading Don of the Dead of the Pepper Martin Series; I read one of her later ones previously. I love them. Pepper “sees” & communicates with those who have passed on.
I also like The Psychic Eye series and Heather Webber’s series with a psychic. My partner (who happens to be a professional psychic) is currently writing her first cozy. Of course the sleuth is a psychic named Sarah.
Gayle says
Yes, I am looking for a book by Laura Childs that features an Alice in Wonderland Party or Through the Looking Glass. It has the main character planning the decorations for the party……….tea party of course, then enlarging playing cards to make place mats, and rabbits. If you know the title, please let me know. Laura says it is one of hers but does not remember which one. Thanks, again.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Oh my gosh, Gayle… I know you have been looking for the Alice in Wonderland Party book since October, 2011. I’m sorry it didn’t turn out to be one of Elizabeth Casey’s Tori Sinclair mysteries as Rebecca thought it might be. Hopefully someone will come up with the correct Laura Childs’ mystery for you.
linda says
Our main library is featuring books that have a “tea” theme. Several Laura Childs books are setting on the display table for people to read!
Petie says
I hope someone recalls which Laura Childs book Gayle is looking for – sounds wonderful!
Petie says
I just ‘googled’ Laura Childs & Alice in Wonderland and got “The Teaberry Strangler” with comments about an Alice in Wonderland tea party. Haven’t read the book but that same response came up on several ‘google’ inquiries. Hope this helps.
Regina says
Danna, This is not relevant to the present topic about paranormal books, but I would like to refer back to a previous topic many blogs ago. I just finished Maddy Hunter’s latest book and she mentioned on the last page that her original publisher had ended her contract after her previous books. She now has a new publisher and resumes her series. It seems to me that we discussed this point before. I just wanted to mention it before I absently forget it. Old Age.
linda says
I DO NOt like the vampire books. There are just too many of these books on the book selves right now. Too many young insecure girls are getting hooked on these stories..
I also do not care for the books that have the animals as sleuths. All my dogs want is to have a nice place to sleep, a good supper, a good walk each day and someone to play ball with and to scratch their backs and bellies.
I guess maybe we can all be glad there are so many different types of books to read. To each his/her own, I guess.
I finally finished reading “The Help.” Since I was a teenager during the 1960s I remember a lot of the history that was in the book. I was glad that I read the book. But just as there are so many vampire books out now, I see there is quite a large supply of books out now about the Civil Rights in the South. I think there just are too many copycat books.
linda says
Just thought I would clarify something here. I love books with animals in them. It seems to me that the large majority of Cozie sleuths have some kind of pet. I love this. I love animals. I just don’t want then “writing” the book!
Deb says
The Alice in Wonderland party is in Laura Childs’ The Teaberry Strangler. Enjoy!
Linda says
Like you, I also am not a fan of the paranormal based themes. I have read several of the Aunt Dimity books and enjoyed them. However, I cannot really get past my problem with the paranormal. I will stick with the non-paranormal as long as there are plenty for me to read out there.
Susan says
Give Madelyn Alt’s series a try – it is a delightful read about a young woman who knows she is different and she is exploring that paranormal side of herself. A perfect series to dip one’s curiousity in to.
Judith says
Since I read science fiction and fantasy as well as mysteries, I have no problem suspending my disbelief and enjoying well-written paranormal mysteries, including those with vampires and werewolves. However, I distinguish between those books that create a world with other worldly creatures (vampires, etc.) and those that might simply have ghosts or some other psychic ability. For someone who is just testing the paranormal waters, those are the books you should start with. These include the Aunt Dimity books, Mignon Ballard’s Augusta Goodnight books and Victoria Laurie’s Abby Cooper books. What you want to avoid are some of the paranormal romances being published – I have read a number of short stories that were included in collections with stories by authors I like where it is nothing more than the woman meets the other-worldly creature, determines they are soul-mates and they have sex – there is no story!
linda says
I love Star Wars and Star Trek and I dearly loved the Harry Potter books and movies. I also like a good ghost story now and again. I also enjoyed “Dark Shadows” years ago. I loved the Adams family! But I just can’t get the hang of all these vampire movies and books. I also don’t care for the paranormal TV shows. It just seems to me that because someone has made a few dollars on books and movies like the “Twilight” series that other people think they can get in on the act and make a few bucks too. I just can’t see why certain book publishers publish so many of these sort of books when they seem to refuse to publish the more seasoned writers. I guess it is make a buck when the making is good. I would think these publishers would see that these vampire and werewolf books and movies are just a fad. Soon all they will have is a bunch of these books going out to the discount book stores or they will be left with a bunch of books no one wants to read sitting in their warehouses.
My goodness publishers, publish your tried and true authors! Fads and fancies only last a short time. I would think a publisher’s job would be more secure this way.
Carrie says
Although I don’t like paranormal books (mystery or otherwise), I do like the Aunt Dimity books. Maybe because the “ghost” doesn’t solve the mysteries so it doesn’t seem as though the author is using a cheat to provide a resolution to the story.
I also don’t like vampire, werewolf, angel, etc., type mysteries. I just can’t get involved in plots that have the detective assisted by some sub-human force that can find clues in impossible places and thereby solve the plot.
Equally, I just can’t take mysteries that are solved by cats, dogs or any other animals seriously. Maybe I’ve just been unlucky, but my dogs and cats seem to be more interested in sleeping and eating than finding my lost items around the house. Although, that might be because they are usually to blame for them being lost in the first place!
I like my mysteries to be definitely earth bound and solved by humans using there intelligence and not assisted by a paranormal entity who can walk through walls, invisibly listen to conversations, communicate by telepathy, etc.
To me using such devices just seem like a lazy way for an author to solve plot issues so that their detectives can emerge triumphant and “save the day”.
Tressa says
Hi Danna,
I didn’t realize Paige Shelton’s “If Fried Chicken Could fly” was paranormal until I was well into it. I wouldn’t have made the purchase if I had known. Is paranormal a heading you could add in the description?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you all for your opinions about Paranormal VS Nonparanormal Mystery Books. It looks to me like a lot of you read (and enjoy) them. But, at the same time, a lot of you wouldn’t spend your time reading one. For now, I think I’m going to think about it some more.
It does look like a lot of very popular mystery authors have decided to go the paranormal route. I don’t know if this is because their hearts are really in that subgenre, or if they have received nudges (and pushes!) from their publishers. Either way, it seems to be a mystery subgenre that is really growing.
Merry says
I never thought I would read any paranormal books, however I enjoyed Cleo Coyle’s Coffee Shop series and decided to try her The Ghost and Mrs. McClure (written as Alice Kinberly). I like this so much that I read the whole series.
I am not a believer in the paranormal, but I can enjoy a good story. I have found a few paranormal favorites that I can easily recomend. I have read all of the following series: Sharon Pape – Portrait of a Crime, Casey Daniels – Pepper Martin, Joyce & Jim Lavene – Missing Pieces, Charlaine Harris – Harper Connelly.
francy says
I just finished reading Sofie Kellys’ “Curiosity Thrilled the Cat”……give her a try….she was totally enjoyable and it is very *light* paranormal. fyi: the cats do not talk.
MJ says
I’m with you, Danna. I, too, have a hard time reading paranormal mysteries. One of the best mysteries I’ve ever read is ‘Shattered Silk’ by Barbara Michaels. I’ve often recommended this book and everyone liked it. She followed this with ‘Stitch in Time’, which was pretty good. ‘Search the Shadows’ is also an excellent mystery. However, most of her other books are too weird for me. Since I believe she’s a great mystery writer, I wish she had written more books with realistic story lines.
I’ve read and enjoyed the Annette Blair series. I agree with the previous post about Charlaine Harris. I really enjoyed the Aurora Teagarden series, but just couldn’t read the vampire series. I’m sorry the A. Teagarden series ended.
linda says
I watched the two ghost stories on the HallMark channel lastnight. Both great movies.
Today I woke up with a terrific headcold. We got about an inch of snow overnight. It’s cold outside but then sun is shining. But not to worry. I started reading J.A. Jance’s “Left for Dead” and will have a great writer to keep me company today. This is another author that when I start reading a book that I make sure I have nothing else to do because nothing else will get done! Love this author.
The only thing wrong with me having a cold is now my hubby will insist that he has one, too! Nothing worse than a hubby with a cold!
linda says
This “Left for Dead” by J.A. Jance was a very good book. This author just gets better and better with each book she writes, just miss Joanna Brady.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Linda, for telling us about your enjoyment of J. A. Jance’s Left for Dead. A lot of us like seeing who other readers are enjoying.
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
Just finished a WONDERFUL paranormal cozy–Danna, you should list this in your recommended authors on the site for paranormal cozies!!!
Unicorn on Speed Dial by Jeanette Cottrell — a cozy fantasy. A couple of great mystery plots run through the story and lots and lots of great animal characters.
I reviewed it on my blog and will port the review over the Amazon in a bit. I really enjoyed it!
Judy says
I don’t mind paranormal cozy mysteries, the problem is whenever I find what I think is going to be a good paranormal mystery it turns out to be more of a romance – complete with explicit sex. I don’t know why but the majority of paranormal stuff (that’s not written for teens) seems to insist on having explicit sex. I don’t like romances to begin with even if they aren’t explicit, but most anything involving vampires or werewolves seem to be a romance first, mystery second.
I did like the first Haunted Bookshop mystery which some others have mentioned. And I’ve actually always meant to try the Aunt Dimity series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Judy, have you read either of Sofie Kelly‘s paranormal mystery books? I just started the first one in her Magical Cats Mystery Series and am really enjoying it. I’m almost 50% finished (my Kindle doesn’t show the page numbers, just the percentage milestones) and so far there has been absolutely NO explicit hanky-panky.
From what I have gathered from Cozy Mystery site readers, you’re right about the vampires and werewolves going more that route…
Glenda says
I used to read just regular mysteries and then decided to branch out to paranormals. I now even enjoy the darker paranormals. By expanding what I will read I have so many more books to choose from. My favorite authors just don’t write fast enough!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Glenda, I am “branching out” now, too. I am currently reading Curiosity Thrilled the Cat (the first in the Magical Cats Mystery Series) by Sofie Kelly and am really enjoying it. She is the second “paranormal” author I have tried in the last month.
So many people have “talked” about paranormal authors here, I decided it was high time I give them a try. My next adventure with the paranormal is Alice Kimberly’s The Ghost and Mrs. McClure (Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series) – which I’ve heard a lot of good things about.
Donna says
Danna, first post so let me say I love this website! THANK YOU! I prefer “Cozies” over all other books but I did/do enjoy the Sookie Stackhouse books (won’t watch the TV series), loved the Twilight series and Harry Potter. I bought a Kindle hoping it would be easier to find my fav books in a series for free. Now, I’ve settled for .99 and I’ve bought quite a few seconds and thirds at $2.99. I also find myself on your website more often as I try to keep up with the next book in multiple series!
Kindle is how I have stumbled across the Paranormal “cozies”. I avoided them for a long time but I’m quickly going through the free and .99 mysteries so I gave one a try, then another and now, I really love the ones I have read so far. I recommend the Mary O’Rielly paranormal series about a woman brought back from the dead who can now communicate with ghosts and promises to help them get to “the other side”. I also like The Granny Apple series about a woman visited by a long lost relative and who now can communicate with ghosts and the Deadwood mystery series about a woman realtor in AZ who can see spirits. For the most part, all three are full of mystery, humor and a touch of romance but nothing explicit. Although I guess it falls into another category, I’ve also read “The Modern Witch series” by Debora Geary which is a sweet, funny series about a family of witches. They always leaves me looking for a hankie because the characters and their stories are so darn endearing!
So, I say, give some of them a try!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Welcome to the site, Donna! I didn’t even know there is a Sookie Stackhouse television series. (Or, if I did know, I didn’t remember.)
I think I might be the only NON Harry Potter fan out there. I barely made it through that ‘chess in the sky’ game (I think it was movie #1), which didn’t make me run out and buy the book. (I also was in the minority of people who did NOT like The English Patient, so I know already I have weird taste.)
Thanks for telling us about your enjoyment of:
Terri Reid’s Mary O’Reilly Mystery Series
Sue Ann Jaffarian‘s Granny Apples Mystery Series
Ann Charles’ Deadwood Mystery Series
Debora Geary’s Modern Witch Mystery Series
Robin Murphy says
Hello, I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I recently published a paranormal mystery called Sullivan’s Secret. A sort of Ghost Hunters meets Psychic Detectives type of story. If you’re interested, it’s found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This post was very interesting to read to learn from readers. Thank you
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you for telling us about your Sullivan’s Secret paranormal mystery, Robin.
Mary Ann Carman says
Try the Helena Foster Paranormal Mystery series, book seven in the series will be out in 2024. I think you’ll love the way Helena works.