As I said in my entry from two days ago, I will highlight a few of the other “prolific” authors who are on the March 2012 Mystery Book New Releases list. Today I thought we could help the “newbie” to Cozy Mystery books hear from those of us who read another tremendously popular mystery author, Susan Wittig Albert.
So again, we have the hypothetical “newbie” person who (this time) has never read one of Susan Wittig Albert‘s mystery books. Yes, I know this sounds virtually impossible… since almost every Cozy Mystery reader has read at least one mystery book by this New York Times bestselling author!
China Bayles Mystery Series stars China Bayles, an ex-lawyer who now owns her own herbal shop in Texas.
Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter Mystery Series has, as its sleuth, early 1900s Beatrix Potter – the wonderful British author and illustrator.
Darling Dahlias Mystery Series features a group of garden club ladies during the Depression.
Victorian Kate Ardleigh Sheridan & Sir Charles Sheridan Mystery Series was written by Susan and her husband, Bill Albert.
Which one of Susan Wittig Albert’s four series would you recommend a newbie to the Cozy Mystery genre to begin with? (And, would you mind telling us why?)
Kristi aka FiberFool says
China Bayles is one of my all time favorite cozy series. The first Beatrix Potter was not for me. I may give the second book a try one of these days. I haven’t read any of the other two series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kristi, I would say China Bayles is the most popular of Susan Wittig Albert’s mystery series…
Margaret says
Danna, you must be a mind reader. I was just going to find a place to post a call for a little help.
I just joined a new Mystery Book Club and the book for this month is a China Bayles Mystery. There is no preference to which book we must read. At this point, I just assume I should track down a used copy of the first book from Barnes and Noble Market Place, just in case I ever choose to add it to my list. The problem is I really don’t want to add another series at this time. I have so many I am committed to.
So my question to you and the other readers on the site is if I had to read one and just one for the club, what one should it be. I was hoping there was just one that might have been the best in the series. I figured if I decide to read further I could just go back to the begining. (Even tho I do prefer to read in order)
Thanks in advance to all who might be able to lend a hand!
MJ says
Margaret, start with the first China Bayles book. Most likely you can get it from the library (or from interlibrary loan). I can pretty much guarantee you will like this series and will want to add it to your favorites! Susan Wittig Albert is an excellent storyteller.
The reason to start with the first book is because the characters are introduced and you can follow their progress as they grow/interact. The mystery is the mystery and, of course, is solved. You’ll find the mystery story line in each book is very good. The only controversial/questionable book is the one set away from Pecan Springs, which was discussed on this blog awhile back.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret, I agree with MJ. I would definitely start with Thyme of Death, the first in the China Bayles Mystery Series.
Of course, this is because I only like to start with the first book in a series. Now that most mystery authors are going the series route, they tend to introduce their characters as the books progress. I have to admit that with some authors, I have started a series out of sequence… usually due to wanting to read holiday-themed mysteries during their appropriate seasons.
Deb says
Although the China Bayles series started first, I came across the Victorian Mysteries first because I love historicals. That series was written by Susan with her husband Bill Albert and published under the name Robin Paige. Besides the mystery, there was so much background on the period and some of the important people in it, like Beatrix Potter and Jennie Churchill, that they were very absorbing.
I think the China Bayles series makes a good first series, though. It features three strong and interesting women: China the herbalist, her best friend Ruby who runs a New Age store, and Sheila, the local sheriff. The mysteries are good, there’s lore about a different herb in each book, and lots of focus on the characters.
I couldn’t get into either the Darling Dahlias or the Beatrix Potters, so I won’t comment on those.
Danna, I really like these threads comparing different series by the same author. I really enjoy everyone’s comments and it reminds me why I like the books so much!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Deb, I like the mystery series comparisons, too. Hopefully I will do an author who some of the blog readers have sort of been teeter-tottering about, and all of your answers will help them make up their minds…
*Susan says
I would say start with the China Bayles mysteries. I think they’re great. Good contemporary cozies, with a little bit of an edge.
Although, to be fair, I should state that I’m not a fan of most historicals that were not written in the period they are set – and definitely not of series that try to play off of other writers’ characters or settings.
There are a few exceptions, but I’ve never managed to get into the Robin Page mysteries, and most ‘Historical Cozies’ just don’t ring true to me for some reason. 🙁
Well, that’s me. Best Wishes to any newbies and have fun in the New World ahead! (There’s definitely plenty to explore!)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
*Susan, I would definitely agree with you about Susan Wittig Albert’s China Bayles mysteries being “Good contemporary cozies, with a little bit of an edge.”
aurian says
Wow, another of my favourite authors. I myself have started with the China Bayles books, which I love. Those are in first person though. The Robin Paige books, which I discovered only last year, are totally different, and a must if you like history. Those are in third person, as it is a couple that does the sleuthing.
The Darling Dahlias, taking place during the depression, are different again, and I like them. Which one to start, I think that depends on what you like to read. Contemporary or historical? I have not read the Beatrix Potter books yet though.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Aurian, I just bought The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree (the first in the series) for my Kindle, and I am really looking forward to reading it.
Regina says
Without a doubt in my mind, I would pick her China Bayles series. My first introduction to her writing was that series, it was fun and quite informative. Her Victorian series was enjoyable but I did not like her other books. The Darling Dahlias I found too wishy washy. One of her Kate Ardleigh books related to another author I like not a mystery story writer, Angela Thirkell.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Regina, as I just mentioned to Aurian, I just bought the first in Susan Wittig Albert’s Darling Dahlias Mystery Series. The group of garden ladies really has me excited about the series.
I think that most people would say Susan Wittig Albert’s China Bayles Mystery Series should be the starting point to her writing – for newbies. I’m going to tally up all of our answers (hopefully!) later today.
Barbara Thompson says
I would go with the China Bayles to start with. But I would also like to recommend the Beatrix Potter books if you like fiction mixed with true characters. Albert did a wonderful job incorporating Potter’s real life in the Lake District with her fictional characters including the animals who are a big part of the books. They are very charming.
linda says
I have not read the Beatrix Potter series yet but I found one in the large print section this past weekend so I will try this. I love China so why wouldn’t I like this series too!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Barbara, thanks for letting us know about how good Susan Wittig Albert’s Beatrix Potter books are.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, that’s great news that you found a mystery book you were looking for in the large print section of your library. I have found that large print books are just a lot more enjoyable to read than some of the tiny font they use… now that a lot of authors are putting out longer books.
Andie says
I’ve been an enthusiastic fan of the China Bayles mysteries since I received the first one as a gift in 1994 (I remember the year because it was while my present kitchen was being added on to my house and the place was torn up.)
A friend gave it to me because I then had a very extensive herb garden and had helped her to design hers.
I didn’t have as much time for reading then as I had a “regular” job and was doing some part-time catering.
As soon as I finished the first one I checked at Waldenbooks and found Witches’ Bane had just appeared in paperback and I liked it even better than the first. After that I read each one as it appeared and so also a few years later with the Robin Paige mysteries.
I also subscribed to the AboutThyme website and Thyme for Tea to get news about upcoming books and order signed copies of the new HBs.
The China Bayles series is my favorite by far.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Andie, I remember reading Witch’s Bane during a Halloween season.
As an aside, boy, Andie you have had some very creative careers! What a neat life!!!
Sue says
LOVE China Bayles! Always excited when a new one comes out (yay, March 6). Also read Darling Dahlias but wait for my turn at the library with those. Haven’t read her other ones.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sue, I mentioned earlier that I have the first of Albert’s Darling Dahlias. I can’t wait to read it, although, I am really enjoying my current mystery book, too.
Sue says
I just tried a bunch of new authors off this site. Made a list and hit the Library hard! A couple of new fans have emerged but my goal is to get through all these books so I’ll be ready to read the new China when it comes out. We’re headed to NY to visit our oldest son at college for parent weekend … before he heads to Florida for his spring break … and that will be my read for the trip as long as I can make myself NOT read it before we leave! =)
Sue says
I meant FAVS not fans…gotta love autocorrect!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sue, I thought about correcting favs to fans, but then I thought you might be like me and end up wondering and wondering “did I, or didn’t I?)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sue, I hope you have a great time in New York visiting your son. Good thing they have parent weekend so that the parents can see their college children… Spring Break in Florida is tough competition!
Denise says
Definitely China Bayles. I have read them all and am looking forward to her next one. I have read the Potter books and the Darling Dahlias and while I liked them I did not love them.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Denise, it looks like most of us would agree that China Bayles should be the first Susan Wittig Albert mystery series to try.
Dru says
I love her China Bayles series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
You’re among the majority, Dru!
Kathy says
I, too, would suggest starting with the China Bayles series. I have also read the Robin Paige books as well as the Dahlia series. I haven’t yet read the Beatrix Potter series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathy, I feel like I just keep writing the same comment to everyone! China Bayles is clearly our first choice. And then, of course, after reading a China Bayles, the newbie wouldn’t need our “helping guidance”…
Sharon says
I like the Robin Paige Victorian mysteries, loved the first Darling Dahlias, and didn’t read a second book in the China Bayles series. As someone mentioned, China Bayles did have a bit of an edge and I tend to prefer the more “cozy” or historical setting. I do enjoy my herb garden though, and after reading this thread, maybe I’ll read the second book. I have not read the Beatrix Potter series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Oh my gosh, Sharon! You really threw a wrench into the mix!!! I have mentioned (several times in my comments about this thread) I am really looking forward to reading the first of Albert’s Darling Dahlias series.
readerdiane says
China Bayles is by far my favorite and I buy in hardback book. I love that series.Great characters and I love how they grow & change over the books. I may have to line them up & re-read them before the next one comes out.
I read several of the Victorian mysteries & they were ok. I did not like the Beatrix Potter or Darling Dahlias.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Readerdiane, it’s weird how a lot of us will absolutely love one series by an author, while we don’t particularly care for their other series.
linda says
I love the China Bayles series. This series is again one of my all time favorites. I have tried reading the “Beatrix Potter” series but just couldn’t get past the first one. The China series are just the type of Cozie that I want to read.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, there are quite a few authors who I really like who write more than one mystery series. I have tried reading some of their series (under their pseudonyms) and simply come away not liking the characters or the setting. It has gotten to the point that a lot of the time, I don’t even try their other mystery series.
Edie Dykeman says
I’m a huge fan of the China Bayles series and have read most of them at least twice. I have all but the last one, and am looking forward to the newest coming up next month.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Oh my gosh, Edie, you ARE quite a China Bayles fan! Reading them all twice!!!
Angela says
My vote would be China Bayles as well. I enjoyed the Victorian series as well and the DD series is “cute” so far. I have yet to try the Potter series, although the first 2 are waiting in my TBR pile. I really enjoy Albert’s writing style and you can tell her subjects are well researched to add that air of authenticity. Overall, I think it’s hard to go wrong with this author.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Angela, the reasons you state are why Albert is a best selling author…
Larraine says
I really love Susan Wittig Albert’s China Bayles series, but can’t get into the Darling Dahlias at all for some reason. Never tried the Beatrix Potter series, but am thinking it’s just a little too cutesy for me. I tend not to get into a lot of the Victorian stuff for the same reason. Maybe I’m wrong about that series though.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Larraine, the comments about Susan Wittig Albert’s Darling Dahlias Mystery Series are why I quickly bought the first in the series. I had been thinking about it for a while, but those of you who enjoy it helped me finally commit!
Regina says
Danna, This is somewhat appropriate to our topic, but I am becoming a little annoyed with authors who write long series of books and in the latest book refer to characters who have appeared in previous books. If an author writes a book every year in a series, I, for one, can only remember the basics of the last book but not every minor character. This has happened to me again as I started to read Deborah Crombie’s newest book and I could not remember most of the characters. I bought the last book for my Nook so I could become familiar with the newest book characters. Sorry to be so long in my diatribe.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Regina, I had the same thing happen with one of the Claire Malloy mysteries (by Joan Hess)>>> I had to go online and search out what I had missed. I can’t remember exactly what it was, but I can remember I was a bit annoyed that I couldn’t remember.
Anne says
I like China Bayles but I really enjoyed the Dahlia’s. It looks like I am in the minority but I do enjoy and look forward to the next Dahlia book.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Anne, I’ll add you to the China Bayles list. You might be in the minority about the Darling Dahlias, but I will be reading the first in the series very soon…
linda says
I know earlier this week I said that I didn’t care for the Beatrix Potter series but then I got to thinking that I had really only tried reading the first few pages. During my recent trip to an area library I picked up “The Tale of Briar Bank.” I also found an Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael book “The Sanctuary Sparrow.” Also Ellis Peters “Flight of a Witch.” This Ellis Peters is a new-to-me author. But hey, I thought if I am going to be able to contribute to any of the dicussions in this blog I should at least read some of these authors that some of you are suggesting. With me it’s just that I can get so hung up on only wanting to read my already favorites that sometimes those are the only authors that I look for. Silly, huh?
I found these 3 books in the large print section at the library. I am getting to the age where the print of the book makes a big difference to me. I don’t know why but to me the large print books seem to be better books, better stories. Another silly, huh?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, I am sure the reason I am loving my Kindle is because I can control the font size. So, no, what you said in this comment is not silly to me.
I had gotten to the point that reading just wasn’t as enjoyable to me as it had been. I absolutely could not figure out why, and at one point I had actually thought that maybe I had gotten tired of my Cozy Mystery books! I just wasn’t reading as much as I used to.
After getting my Kindle, I remember telling my husband that it was the size of the font that had me not wanting to read as much as I had been accustomed to doing. Reading had gotten to be somewhat of a “chore” for me.
I started wearing reading glasses when I was in my 30s. I can remember exactly when it was… I had been doing a lot of very fine needlepoint, and I wonder if I didn’t “damage” my eyes a little with such tiny mesh.
Regina says
Danna, I have been extremely near sighted since I was 13. It never hindered my reading any books including my college text books. Now I find as I grow older, my eyes grow tired easily. For that reason, I like books with larger print, paperbacks unless they are large size paperbacks are very difficult. My Nook has proved a boon because I can make the print very large and I can re-read my old favorites.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Regina, since I can read smaller fonts, it never occurred to me that the font size was the reason I wasn’t reading my mystery books with as much gusto as I used to.
My only problem with my Kindle is that I bought games like Sudoku and Mahjong, and now I find I spend too much time playing them!
Rachelle Lerner says
I had the good fortune of getting to meet Susan Wittig Albert at the Montoursville, PA library. I collect children’s series books and Susan and her husband wrote a few of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books. I bought some of her books that day and she autographed them. I must admit I have not read all of them but loved the ones I read.
Nan Cinnater says
I can relate to everything that’s been written, including needing reading glasses and larger print. Personally I loved China Bayles, but I have changed to reading almost all historicals. Now that I know that Robin Page is Susan Wittig Albert and Bill Albert, I went to the library and got one of the series, “Death on the Lizard.”
Danna, wanted to let you know that I have a link on my blog to your theme page. I wrote a rant about how dark and disturbing British mysteries are these days (“Grim in Great Britain?”) and said that there are hardly any British cozies being written. When I checked your Website, though, I thought I might have to eat those words. So I just inserted a link to your list. Thanks for opening my eyes to how many cozies are out there!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Nan, for the link. When I first started the Cozy Mystery site, most of the authors were Cozy, and if they weren’t, I would annotate that they weren’t. That’s because I had read every author, and could vouch for all of them. However, since then, I have added a lot of authors who have been recommended as belonging on the site, and since I haven’t read all of them >>> Well, I guess you can see where I’m going with this long story…
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rachelle, you really were very fortunate to have not only met Susan Wittig Albert, but been able to get autographed copies of her Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mystery books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I just tallied our votes for the order by which we would recommend a newbie read Susan Wittig Albert‘s mystery series:
1. China Bayles Mystery Series
2. Victorian Kate Ardleigh Sheridan & Sir Charles Sheridan Mystery Series (written as Robin Paige with her husband, Bill Albert)
3. Darling Dahlias Mystery Series
4. Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter Mystery Series
Thanks to all who voted!