You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Please link the book you read, itemizing your points according to the criteria below. Tally up your points with a grand total.

Please keep this thread for reporting your score only. It makes it so much easier to keep track.

Scoring: (Count all that apply)

Specifically Cozy Scoring:
5 pts - The amateur sleuth is not a woman (man, cat, child or teenager).
4 pts - The book contains an actual recipe(s).
3 pts - Is set in New Orleans, France, or Italy.
2 pts - Has a Christmas theme as well.
1 pts - Is the first book in a series.

Author:
5 pts - First and last name have same initial
4 pts - Has one or more initials
3 pts - First name could be male or female
2 pts - Lives in Europe
1 pts - The last name is two syllables

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
5 pts - Main words have same initial (Choked on Craisins) (Tea for Two)
4 pts - Has two food/drink related words in it (must be two - not three or more)
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation.
2 pts - Has a savory connotation.
1 pts - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
5 pts - Does not have a picture of a food item on it.
4 pts - Has a cat or dog on it.
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured.
2 pts - Has a table on it.
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
5 pts - 500 - 1000 pages
4 pts - 400 - 499 pages
3 pts - 300 - 399 pages
2 pts - 200 - 299 pages
1 pts - 150 - 199 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. (counts only once regardless of how many gifts are mentioned)
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned (observance of Root Vegetable and Exotic Fruit Month). specify
3 pts: - If the book has a recipe in it (see above), add 3 points if you make the recipe. You must post pictures.

A Pocket Full of Rye by Agatha Christie

Specifically Cozy Scoring: 0

Author:
1 pts - The last name is two syllables

Title: 0

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
5 pts - Does not have a picture of a food item on it.
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured.

Pages:
1 pts - 150 - 199 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. (counts only once regardless of how many gifts are mentioned) It's mentioned that Percy gave his wife as a gift some jewellery.

Total: 10

Hey, Anna - way to be first to report. I am waiting to read my book during the Dec Toppler while I try to finish off ABC books.

Cherie wrote: "Hey, Anna - way to be first to report. I am waiting to read my book during the Dec Toppler while I try to finish off ABC books."

I was first to report last month too! *is proud*

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Specifically Cozy Setting:

The amateur sleuth is not a woman (11 year old Flavia): 5 points
Is the first book in a series(Flavia de Luce): 1 point

Author:

Last name has two syllables(Bradley): 1 point

Title:

Has a sweet connotation(sweetness & pie): 3 points

Cover:

Does not have a picture of a food item on it: 5 points
Is bright and multicolored(green and orange): 3 points

Pages:

200-299 (298 in my nook edition): 2 points

Bonus Points:

If anyone gave or received a gift: Ned mentions to Flavia that he has left flowers on the doorstep for Ophelia more than once: 3 points

Total: 23 points

Well done, Amy!

Thanks! It was really fun!

The Whole Enchilada

Specifically Cozy Scoring:
4 pts - The book contains an actual recipe(s).

Author:
5 pts - First and last name have same initial (Diane Davidson)

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured. (blue, red, yellow and green)

Pages:
3 pts - 300 - 399 pages (372 pages)

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. (counts only once regardless of how many gifts are mentioned)(main character's son, Arch, was given birthday gifts and one specifically mentioned was manly smelling soap and cologne.)

Total: 18 points

Specifically Cozy Scoring:
4 pts - The book contains an actual recipe(s).
1 pts - Is the first book in a series.

Author:
3 pts - First name could be male or female

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
5 pts - Main words have same initial (Choked on Craisins) (Tea for Two)
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation.
1 pts - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
4 pts - Has a cat or dog on it.
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured.
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
3 pts - 300 - 399 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. (counts only once regardless of how many gifts are mentioned)
There was gifts giving galore in this book, the first was Katy's Aunt giving her a bed.
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned (observance of Root Vegetable and Exotic Fruit Month).
This book was packed full of food talk which included coconut (and many more)

Total points: 34 points

--------

Thank you for this challenge, Cozy Mysteries are not really something I read very often. I really enjoyed this book and will be reading the rest of the series.

Cinnamon Roll Murder

Scoring: (Count all that apply)

Specifically Cozy Scoring:
4 pts - The book contains many, many recipes

Author: 0 points

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation (Cinnamon rolls)
1 pts - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover:
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
3 pts - 333 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - Gifts all over the show! A parka, a bracelet, and more cookies than are entirely helpful!
3 pts: - Carrots! Carrot slaw to be exact

Total 18 points.

Not my favourite of the series, but a good fun read all the same.

Tracked to here - please do not go back to adjust points reported prior to this message unless you draw my attention to it.

Good reading so far!

I read The Chocolate Snowman Murders.
Specifically Cozy Scoring:
2 pts - Has a Christmas theme as well.

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation.

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured. (ick blue with red text & dark chcolate snowman)
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
3 pts - 300 - 399 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. (counts only once regardless of how many gifts are mentioned) - she leaves gift boxes of choclates liberally about the place.
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned (observance of Root Vegetable and Exotic Fruit Month). specify they eat chips at one point, I assume that will count?

Total: 18 points

Helen wrote: "specify they eat chips at one point, I assume that will count?"

As in potato chips? Yes.

Black Coffee by Agatha Christie

Cozy Scoring:
5pts : The amateur sleuths (Hercule Poirot and his assistant Captain Hastings) are not women.

Author:
2pts: Agatha Christie lived in Europe. (UK)
1pt: last name is two syllables

Title:
1 pt: does not start with a, an, or the

Cover:
5pts: does not have a picture of a food item on it
1 pt: title in large type

Pages:
2pts: 290 pages

Bonus:
3 pts: If anyone gives or receives a gift:
Richard Amory gives his wife Lucia a vase of spills. (view spoiler)[The spills are actually the secret formula his father Sir Claud, the famous scientist, has worked out to bombard the atom. (This is in the 1930s) the secret formula is priceless and at the heart of the mystery. When Poirot gives the vase of spills containing the priceless formula to Richard, he gives it to his wife whom he loves. Lucia burns the formula because she does not want the deaths of millions on their hands. (hide spoiler)]

3 pts: Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned:
They discuss gooseberries and mangos.

Total: 23 points

Grinning in His Mashed Potatoes

Specifically Cozy Scoring:
1 pts - Is the first book in a series.

Author:
5 pts - First and last name have same initial
1 pts - The last name is two syllables

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
2 pts - Has a savory connotation.
1 pts - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
5 pts - Does not have a picture of a food item on it.
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
3 pts - 320 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift.
Gift goody bags at luncheon, huge diamond ring, business start up money

3 pts: - Has a root vegetable.
potato

Several described meals but no recipes!

25 points Total

Thanks Almeta!

Mai Tai One On


Specifically Cozy Scoring:
4 pts - The book contains 3 recipes
1 pts - Is the first book in a series.

Author:
1 pts - The last name is two syllables

Title:
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation.
1 pts - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured.
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
2 pts - 200 - 299 pages (228)

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. (Em received several weapons from the Tiki Goddess dancers.
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned (papaya, pineapple, mango, taro)

I'd have to buy at least 3 different types of alcohol just to get 3 points. LOL!

Total - 22 points

Janice wrote: "I'd have to buy at least 3 different types of alcohol just to get 3 points. LOL!
..."

And That's a problem, because?☺

I read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Specifically Cozy Scoring: (6 pts)
5 pts - The amateur sleuth is not a woman (flavia, 11 yo)
1 pts - Is the first book in a series.

Author: (3 pts)
2 pts - Lives in Europe ( Malta)
1 pts - The last name is two syllables (brad-ley)

Title: (3pts)
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation.

Cover: (8 pts)
5 pts - Does not have a picture of a food item on it.
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured.(any brighther, it would glow in the dark)

Pages: (3pts)
3 pts - 300 - 399 pages

Bonus points:(6pts)
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. (Flavia gave candy)
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned (coconut)

Total: 29 pts (tentative, awaiting ruling on the coconut)

Esther wrote: "I read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie"

Yes, coconut will work.

I'm also bumping up AmyCynthia's score o 29 because she missed a couple of items. Good catch on the fact that Alan Bradley lives in Malta!

Almeta wrote: "Janice wrote: "I'd have to buy at least 3 different types of alcohol just to get 3 points. LOL!
..."

And That's a problem, because?☺"

Here's one recipe:

Huli Huli Boolie

1 oz rum
1 oz vodka
1/2 oz bourbon
2 oz sweet and sour
3 oz passion fruit or 1/2 papaya

Blend all with ice. Pour into a tall glass. garnish with a pineapple slice and cherry.

Good grief! One drink and I wouldn't be unable to take a picture of it. But then I guess I would have to take the picture before I drank it. Reword that - I wouldn't be able to post said picture. That's a lot of booze and the leftovers would sit in my cabinet forever.

Oh my goodness, thanks Janice and Esther! I totally thought that Bradley lived in Canada for some reason and good catch on the coconut!

AmyCynthia wrote: "Oh my goodness, thanks Janice and Esther! I totally thought that Bradley lived in Canada for some reason and good catch on the coconut!"

No problem.
The page talking about the author in my edition mentions Malta, so it was easy. :)

Janice wrote: "Almeta wrote: "Janice wrote: "I'd have to buy at least 3 different types of alcohol just to get 3 points. LOL!
..."

And That's a problem, because?☺"

Here's one recipe:

Huli Huli Boolie

1 oz ru..."

The rule does not say the picture has to be straight. :)
Looks yummy.

Janice, a Huli Huli Boolie might just hit the spot on one of your frightfully frigid nights. What do you think? Curl up with a Huli Boolie by the fire?

Of course, you might not make it to work on time the next morning. lol

Connie wrote: "Janice, a Huli Huli Boolie might just hit the spot on one of your frightfully frigid nights. What do you think? Curl up with a Huli Boolie by the fire?

Of course, you might not make it to work on ..."

LOL! The other two drink recipes had tobasco sauce in them. They'd be sure to light a fire, all right!! If it keeps snowing the way it has been, I might not be going anywhere. I was stuck in my apartment parking lot for 2 hours yesterday morning.

Janice wrote: "Connie wrote: "Janice, a Huli Huli Boolie might just hit the spot on one of your frightfully frigid nights. What do you think? Curl up with a Huli Boolie by the fire?

Of course, you might not make..."
we have been lucky so far. Snowy days and windy days were not the same. But the white stuff is definitely piling up. And we should get another 15cm during the weekend. I might stretch the toppler to include to whole sunday.

Strawberry Shortcake Murder

Specifically Cozy Scoring:
4 pts - The book contains an actual recipe(s)- Yes, many cookie recipes
2 pts - Has a Christmas theme as well. - It's not an obvious Christmas story, but it's set from December 18-22, and there is twice a description of how The Cookie Jar (the coffeeshop the amateur sleuth owns) is being decorated for Christmas. Does that count?

Author:
0 pts

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
4 pts - Has two food/drink related words in it (must be two - not three or more) - strawberry and shortcake
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation.
1 pts - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured. - Hurts my eyes!
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
3 pts - 300 - 399 pages (320 pages)

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. (counts only once regardless of how many gifts are mentioned) - Many cookies were given away, and child's toys as well
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned (observance of Root Vegetable and Exotic Fruit Month). specify - I had onion flavoured pretzels, pot roast with onion, potato and carrot, and pineapple flan


Total: 27 points

Peggy, you forgot to link the name of the book you read. :)

As for the Christmas theme... I will allow it.

Oops!! I edited my post :)

And thanks!

Thanks! Tracked to here....

I read The Grave Gourmet by Alexander Campion.

Specifically Cozy Scoring:
3 pts - Is set in New Orleans, France, or Italy.
1 pts - Is the first book in a series.

Author:
2 pts - Lives in Europe (Paris, France)

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
5 pts - Main words have same initial (Choked on Craisins) (Tea for Two)

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
5 pts - Does not have a picture of a food item on it.
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured.
2 pts - Has a table on it.
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
2 pts - 200 - 299 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned (observance of Root Vegetable and Exotic Fruit Month). specify: Carrots, leeks and potatoes. Truffles are also described as being used in a recipe

1st book total: 23

Finished Too Many Crooks Spoil the Broth by Tamar Myers.

Specifically Cozy Scoring:

4 pts - The book contains an actual recipe(s).
1 pts - Is the first book in a series.

Author:

3 pts - First name could be male or female
1 pts - The last name is two syllables

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
2 pts - Has a savory connotation.
1 pts - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured.
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
1 pts - 150 - 199 pages 183 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned (observance of Root Vegetable and Exotic Fruit Month). specify carrots and beets
3 pts: - If the book has a recipe in it (see above), add 3 points if you make the recipe. You must post pictures. Susannah Yoder Entwhistle's Boiled Cookie Recipe
Picture coming if I can figure out how to upload it from my iPad via photobucket.

http://s1366.photobucket.com/user/qui...
23 pts.

Thanks to Esther and my hubby for helping me with posting the photo.

Got your points tracked, Lara & Lynn. I used to make those cookies all the time. We called them "No Bake Cookies". Yum, I want to go make some now! LOL!

Boiled cookies?! Never heard of that, but they look good!

They are yummy! They taste more like fudge than cookies.

They look odd but they tasted yummy

Lynn G. wrote: "They look odd but they tasted yummy"

Yay, good job posting your picture. We have always loved these kinds of cookies! Takes me waaaaayyyyy back! :) We used to make some with shreaded coconut in them too that we called haystacks.

I just finished Crime Brûlée by Nancy Fairbanks.


Specifically Cozy Scoring:
4 pts - The book contains an actual recipe(s).
3 pts - Is set in New Orleans.
1 pt - Is the first book in a series.

Author:
1 pt - The last name is two syllables

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation.
1 pt - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
5 pts - Does not have a picture of a food item on it.
1 pt - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
2 pts - 274 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - Gifts - love potion and a voodoo doll as gifts.
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable - sweet potato, yam, carrot, and potato.
3 pts: - if you make the recipe. You must post pictures.

Exhibit A: Cajun Bloody Mary



Exhibit B: Catfish Pecan with Meuniere Sauce (please excuse blurry photo - exhibit A consumed prior to exhibit B!)



30 points

I read A Pocket Full Of Rye.

Specifically Cozy Scoring:
3 pts - Is set in New Orleans, France, or Italy. - There is a scene set in Paris. Since most of the book is set in England, I am not sure this counts

Author:
1 pt - The last name is two syllables

Title: 0pts

Cover: (the issue linked is the one given by the isbn code on the back of the book, but my issue has a different cover: http://apaperbacklife.files.wordpress...)
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages: 317pages
3 pts - 300 - 399 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. (it is mentioned percy gives his wife jewelry)

Total: 11pts

Kirila wrote: "I read A Pocket Full Of Rye.."

Anna also read Pocket Full of Rye and had 1 point less than you, but that would be the difference in the cover points based on the editions read.

Kirila wrote: "I read A Pocket Full Of Rye..."

And also because of the different number of pages for different editions...

I guess it's all the luck of the draw edition.

The Quiche of Death byM.C. Beaton
First in a series- 1 pt

Author
Has one or more initial -4 pts
First name could be m/f (Marion- John Wayne's first name was Marion-3 pts
Lives in Europe (Cotswolds& Paris) 2 pts
Last name has 2 syllables - 1 pts

Title
Has savory connotation - 3 pts


272- pages- 2 pts
Cover
Bright and multi colored- 3 pts

Bonus
Gifts were given -3 pts

Total 22 points

I read Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams.

4 points - contains recipes
1 point - first in series

Author
3 points -first name could be male or female
1 point -last name is two syllables

Title
5 points - main words have same initial (Pies and Prejudice)
3 points - sweet connotation
1 point - doesn't start with a/an/the

Cover
4 points - dog on cover
3 points - bright and multicolored
1 point - title in large type

Bonus
3 points - many gifts. Ella Mae makes pies for many people she wants to impress or get information from; several people send her gifts when her pie shop opens.

3 Points - Onions in quiche

Pages 2 points (297 pages).

Total 34 points

My second book was Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates

Specifically Cozy Scoring:
4 pts - The book contains an actual recipe(s).
1 pts - Is the first book in a series.

Author:
3 pts - First name could be male or female

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
5 pts - Main words have same initial (Choked on Craisins) (Tea for Two)
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation.
1 pts - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
4 pts - Has a cat or dog on it.
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured.
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
3 pts - 300 - 399 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. Heroine receives a rosemary bush
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned. specify: A pasta dish is made and the sauce has onions in it

TOTAL: 34 points

Tracked to here. So far we have 3 people tied with 34 points.

I read Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton

Specifically cozy: 1 pt - Is the first book in a series.

Author:
4 pts - Has one or more initials
2 pts - Lives in Europe
1 pts - The last name is two syllables

Title:
4 pts - Has two food/drink related words in it - Raisin/Quiche
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation. - Raisin
2 pts - Has a savory connotation. - Quiche
1 pt - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
2 pts - Has a table on it.

Pages:
1 pts - 185 pages

Bonus points:
3 pts: - If anyone gave or received a gift. - vase, garden stuff, crotchless knickers
3 pts: - Has a root vegetable or exotic fruit mentioned - potato, carrot

TOTAL: 27 pts

Just compared my point score to Marnie's and it would seem we have very different scores for the same book. We probably read different editions which affected the title and cover.

Sarah wrote: "Just compared my point score to Marnie's and it would seem we have very different scores for the same book. We probably read different editions which affected the title and cover...."

And the page length. Editions can definitely make a difference.

You Cannoli Die Once by Shelley Costa

Specifically Cozy Scoring:
4 pts - The book contains an actual recipe(s).
1 pts - Is the first book in a series.

Author:
1 pts - The last name is two syllables

Title: (sub-titles do not count)
3 pts - Has a sweet connotation.
1 pts - Does not start with the words "the", "a", or "an"

Cover: (based on the issue you read)
3 pts - Is bright and multicoloured.
1 pts - The title's name is in large type.

Pages:
3 pts - 300 - 399 pages - 336 pages

Total points = 17