Cozy Mysteries discussion

Here are your October 2015 Mini Challenges.


RULES

** Books DO NOT have to be mysteries. You can use any genres.

** A book can only be used once for this challenge, but can be used for other challenges (Seasonal, World Trip, Ultimate, etc.).

** You DO NOT have to choose books in advance.

** Do as many as you are able and have fun!


1. October is Clergy Appreciation Month: Read a book with a church on the cover, or with any member of the clergy (nun, priest, monk, pastor, vicar, etc.) as a character (does not have to be the main character) (Suggested: Anne Perry's WW1 series, Emilie Richard's Ministry is Murder series, A Nun in the Closet, Saint's Gate, Murder at the Vicarage).

2. The second week of October is Fire Prevention Week, and Oct 9 is Fire Prevention Day: Read a book that features a fire or fireman (Suggested authors/books: Pecan Pies and Homicides, Sheila Connolly, J.J. Cook, Jill Shalvis, Ray Bradbury, Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse).

3. Oct 9 is Leif Erikson Day and Oct 12 is Columbus Day: Read a book in which some goes exploring or makes a discovery (dead bodies count!).

4. Oct 24 is United Nations Day: Read a book set in a country other than the one in which you live. (See the World Trip challenge if you need ideas)

5. Oct 29 is National Frankenstein Day, Oct 30 is Mischief Night, and Oct 31 is Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween: Read a book with ghosts, witches, or monsters in it. (Suggested authors: Madelyn Alt, Anya Bast, Juliet Blackwell, Annette Blair, Heather Blake, E.J. Copperman, Roald Dahl, Shirley Damsgaard, Casey Daniels, Joyce Lavene, Sharon Pape, Nora Roberts, J.K. Rowling, Mary Shelley)

October Mini-Challenge
Progress: 3

1. October is Clergy Appreciation Month:

2. Fire Prevention Week and Fire Prevention Day: Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts

3. Leif Erikson Day and Columbus Day: Murder, She Barked by Krista Davis

4. United Nations Day:

5. National Frankenstein Day, Mischief Night, and Halloween:
Lowcountry Boneyard by Susan M. Boyer

Heather, Which one of Sheila Connolly's series were you thinking of for fire - glass blowing?? Have I mentioned that I love that give ideas out for these.

Linda: The glass blowing series would work, but there are a couple other books with fires -- both contained in a fireplace (Bitter Harvest) and another with an actual fire -- and now I'm drawing a blank on which one I was thinking of when I added her name to the list. :-\

ETA: Oh! Duh -- it was Fire Engine Dead.

I'm in.
6/6

√ 1. October is Clergy Appreciation Month: Read a book with a church on the cover, or with any member of the clergy (nun, priest, monk, pastor, vicar, etc.) as a character (does not have to be the main character) (Suggested: Anne Perry's WW1 series, Emilie Richard's Ministry is Murder series, A Nun in the Closet, Saint's Gate). The Ghost Walker

√ 2. The second week of October is Fire Prevention Week, and Oct 9 is Fire Prevention Day: Read a book that features a fire or fireman (Suggested authors/books: Pecan Pies and Homicides, Sheila Connolly, J.J. Cook, Jill Shalvis, Ray Bradbury, Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse). That Old Flame of Mine


√ 3. Oct 9 is Leif Erikson Day and Oct 12 is Columbus Day: Read a book in which some goes exploring or makes a discovery (dead bodies count!). Leif Ericson: Explorer of Vinland

√ 4. Oct 24 is United Nations Day: Read a book set in a country other than the one in which you live. (See the World Trip challenge if you need ideas) Buried in a Bog

√ 5. Oct 29 is National Frankenstein Day, Oct 30 is Mischief Night, and Oct 31 is Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween: Read a book with ghosts, witches, or monsters in it. (Suggested authors: Madelyn Alt, Anya Bast, Juliet Blackwell, Annette Blair, Heather Blake, E.J. Copperman, Roald Dahl, Shirley Damsgaard, Casey Daniels, Joyce Lavene, Sharon Pape, Nora Roberts, J.K. Rowling, Mary Shelley) If Onions Could Spring Leeks

√ Bonus Author of the Month Sheila Connolly Scandal in Skibbereen

October 2015 Mini Challenge 6/6

1. October is Clergy Appreciation Month: Read a book with a church on the cover, or with any member of the clergy (nun, priest, monk, pastor, vicar, etc.) as a character: Pane and Suffering 10/04/2015

2. The second week of October is Fire Prevention Week, and Oct 9 is Fire Prevention Day: Read a book that features a fire or fireman Pecan Pies and Homicides10/24/2015

3. Oct 9 is Leif Erikson Day and Oct 12 is Columbus Day: Read a book in which some goes exploring or makes a discovery (dead bodies count!). Scrapbook of the Dead 10/01/2015

4. Oct 24 is United Nations Day: Read a book set in a country other than the one in which you live. Top O' the Mournin'10/05/2015

5. Oct 29 is National Frankenstein Day, Oct 30 is Mischief Night, and Oct 31 is Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween: Read a book with ghosts, witches, or monsters in it. The Final Catch: See Jane Charm 10/07/2015

6. Author of the Month: Sheila Connolly Defending the Dead10/14/2015

Have a question....On the clergy appreciation...could spiritual guru count? Or say an Indian spiritual leader?

Oh boy, sounds like a tough month! Not sure if I'll be able to complete the challenge, but this is my tracking post.

*~Edit~* I can't believe that I actually have books that fit every category and they are books that I had already scheduled to read during October. Woo-hoo! I thought for sure this would be tough month. Fooled me!

Julesy's tracking post

Updated: Oct. 29th
Progress: 5/5

1. October is Clergy Appreciation Month: Read a book with a church on the cover, or with any member of the clergy (nun, priest, monk, pastor, vicar, etc.) as a character (does not have to be the main character)
Dracula by Bram Stoker - A chaplain had performed the marriage ceremony of one of the main characters.

2. The second week of October is Fire Prevention Week, and Oct 9 is Fire Prevention Day: Read a book that features a fire or fireman
Big Bunny Bump Off by Kathi Daley - The main character and her love interest built a fire in the pit on the beach. The MC also has a floor-to-ceiling river-rock fireplace in her home.

3. Oct 9 is Leif Erikson Day and Oct 12 is Columbus Day: Read a book in which some goes exploring or makes a discovery (dead bodies count!).
Scraps of Paper by Kathryn Meyer Griffith - The main character discovers the gravesites of 3 victims.

4. Oct 24 is United Nations Day: Read a book set in a country other than the one in which you live. (See the World Trip challenge if you need ideas)
You Are One of Them by Elliott Holt - This book took place in Russia (today)/USSR (1980s).

5. Oct 29 is National Frankenstein Day, Oct 30 is Mischief Night, and Oct 31 is Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween: Read a book with ghosts, witches, or monsters in it.
Haunted Hamlet by Kathi Daley - This book had it all: zombies, monsters, witches, etc. with it's annual Spooktacular event.

aiming for two (will post as i read):

have gotten one read:

opt #3 erikson,columbus day:exploring/dead body found:

Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman 10.11

still planning to read for opt #5: frank, mischief, carve, hallow day: witch, ghosts, monsters:

I'm in. :) Once I can figure out why Safari is acting up (or can get on my PC w/ Explorer) I'll paste my link.

Also, quick question... Would a religious cult leader count for a member of the clergy? :)

Oy, two tough questions on the clergy topic. I'd say yes to an Indian spiritual leader, but am leaning towards no for cult leaders. What do others think?

I agree with you, Heather. Indian spiritual leader, Buddhist monk, something like that, yes.. but cult leader and clergy :(

I asked because the next book in the Wine Lover's Mystery that I have on my to read list revolves around the Guru Sansibaba (a spiritual leader for Enlightenment) that is visiting the winery with his flock. Did not know if it would count. I have another, I discovered after I asked the question, that I could use as well. It has a Catholic priest in it. (I thought, since it takes place on an Indian reservation, that it might have a Native American spiritual leader...and, it just might.)

Ok, thanks. I have a book where a religious cult is trying to "reclaim" some people who left and wanted to know if it would work. I'm using it for the Autumn challenge and was going kill two birds with one stone, but I'm sure I can find another book in my collection. No problemo. :)

I'm in -
5/5

1. October is Clergy Appreciation Month: The Icing on the Corpse - Finished 10/12/15

2. The second week of October is Fire Prevention Week, and Oct 9 is Fire Prevention Day: In Hot Water - Finished 10/24/15

3. Oct 9 is Leif Erikson Day and Oct 12 is Columbus Day: Bodice of Evidence - Finished 10/5/15

4. Oct 24 is United Nations Day: Empty Nest: A Birds of a Feather Mystery - Finished 10/25/15

5. Oct 29 is National Frankenstein Day, Oct 30 is Mischief Night, and Oct 31 is Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween: Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore - Finished 10/10/15

"October is Clergy Appreciation Month..." How about reading one of the Father Brown or Father Dowling mysteries?

I am almost done, 1 have 4/6 read (author of the month is #6) so am moving along.

Julie wrote: ""October is Clergy Appreciation Month..." How about reading one of the Father Brown or Father Dowling mysteries?"

Those would definitely apply. ;-)

There is also the Christine Bennett series by Lee Harris. Wonderful mystery series. The main character is an ex-nun but in every book discusses the murder or mystery with Mother Superior.

The one I am using is part of the Wind River Mystery series that has Father John O'Malley by Margaret Coel...in case anyone is interested. Several books in this series. I am enjoying it so far.

http://www.cozy-mystery.com/margaret-...

I finally got most of my list up. It can be found HERE. I haven't decided on my ghost, witches, or monsters book... I'm holding off to see if the Paranormal theme pops up on Bingo. :) Also, I found a book with a clergy member... A curate is accused of murder, and best of all, the amateur sleuth will be Agatha Christie! I got the book free on my Kindle awhile back and look forward to reading it (Murder Will Out by Alison Joseph). :)

1. October is Clergy Appreciation Month: Read a book with a church on the cover, or with any member of the clergy (nun, priest, monk, pastor, vicar, etc.) as a character (does not have to be the main character) (Suggested: Anne Perry's WW1 series, Emilie Richard's Ministry is Murder series, A Nun in the Closet, Saint's Gate, Murder at the Vicarage). Burial Rites10.15.15

2. The second week of October is Fire Prevention Week, and Oct 9 is Fire Prevention Day: Read a book that features a fire or fireman (Suggested authors/books: Pecan Pies and Homicides, Sheila Connolly, J.J. Cook, Jill Shalvis, Ray Bradbury, Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse).

3. Oct 9 is Leif Erikson Day and Oct 12 is Columbus Day: Read a book in which some goes exploring or makes a discovery (dead bodies count!). Pines10.16.15

4. Oct 24 is United Nations Day: Read a book set in a country other than the one in which you live. (See the World Trip challenge if you need ideas)

5. Oct 29 is National Frankenstein Day, Oct 30 is Mischief Night, and Oct 31 is Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween: Read a book with ghosts, witches, or monsters in it. (Suggested authors: Madelyn Alt, Anya Bast, Juliet Blackwell, Annette Blair, Heather Blake, E.J. Copperman, Roald Dahl, Shirley Damsgaard, Casey Daniels, Joyce Lavene, Sharon Pape, Nora Roberts, J.K. Rowling, Mary Shelley)

Finished today, Woo Hoo

October 2015 Mini Challenge 6/6

1. October is Clergy Appreciation Month: Read a book with a church on the cover, or with any member of the clergy (nun, priest, monk, pastor, vicar, etc.) as a character: Pane and Suffering 10/04/2015

2. The second week of October is Fire Prevention Week, and Oct 9 is Fire Prevention Day: Read a book that features a fire or fireman Pecan Pies and Homicides10/24/2015

3. Oct 9 is Leif Erikson Day and Oct 12 is Columbus Day: Read a book in which some goes exploring or makes a discovery (dead bodies count!). Scrapbook of the Dead 10/01/2015

4. Oct 24 is United Nations Day: Read a book set in a country other than the one in which you live. Top O' the Mournin'10/05/2015

5. Oct 29 is National Frankenstein Day, Oct 30 is Mischief Night, and Oct 31 is Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween: Read a book with ghosts, witches, or monsters in it. The Final Catch: See Jane Charm 10/07/2015

6. Author of the Month: Sheila Connolly Defending the Dead10/14/2015

Congratulations Carla! :)

Good job, Carla!

Congrats, Carla!

Great job, Carla!

Well, this month has been good for the challenge:

Done

1. Clergy Appreciation Month: Margaritas & Murder by Donald Bain (09/10/2015 - ★★★)

2. Fire Prevention Week / Fire Prevention Day: A Hiss-Tory of Magic by Harper Lin (04/10/2015 - ★★★★)

3. Leif Erikson Day / Columbus Day: Buried in a Bog by Sheila Connolly (06/10/2015 - ★★★★)

4. United Nations Day: Chef Maurice and a Spot of Truffle by J.A. Lang (14/10/2015 - ★★★★)

5. National Frankenstein Day / Mischief Night / Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween: Pawsitively Dead by Harper Lin (20/10/2015 - ★★★)

Congratulations Marisa, nice choices.

Thanks everyone, it was an interesting month for selections.

Thank you, Carla, it has been a good month for reading, as I've began some good series (for me, at least)

Congrats to Marisa and Carla...and, others who I may have missed.

Finished my challenge...and, I was VERY happy with my J J Cook choice. Had to read the next in the series. Just saddened by the fact that one of the authors passed this week.

Valerie wrote: "Finished my challenge...and, I was VERY happy with my J J Cook choice. Had to read the next in the series. Just saddened by the fact that one of the authors passed this week."

Congrats Valerie, I just found one of their series and now she is gone, So sad.

Fantastic job, Carla and Marisa!

Valerie wrote: "Finished my challenge...and, I was VERY happy with my J J Cook choice. Had to read the next in the series. Just saddened by the fact that one of the authors passed this week."

Oh no! I did not hear this. How sad. I wonder what will become of these series. Will he write alone and continue the series or stop? I do want to try one of these Lavene/JJ Cook series. Glad to see you enjoyed them so much, Valerie. I think I will include one of the series for a serial challenge next year since I won't be participating in the Nov. & Dec. serial challenges due to too many holiday reads.

Congrats, Valerie!

Julesy, Valerie, I was very sad when I read the news. I like their books a lot, and they have a lot of paranormal/cozy mysteries ongoing, I don't know what will happen now.

Congrats Marisa! Congrats Valerie! :) :)

Thanks. I am hoping he will continue. But, I certainly will understand if he does not. It is a sad day. I have really gotten into the Retired Witches series, and I think there was at least one or two books in that one. It is so sad. I feel like I lost a friend.

Finished my challenge (message 15). I read a JJ Cook this month also - and was so sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. I love the Sweet Pepper series and hope that Jim will be able to continue, but would understand if he needs to take a break from writing for a while.

Congrats on completing your challenge Marissa, Brenda and Valerie!

I'm just about to start a book that I hope will fit the final criteria needed for this month's challenge. Sadly, I have not done as much reading as usual this month. For one, Sons and Lovers, a book I read for a challenge and group read, took a lot longer than I hoped it would. Second, I have started a part-time job (in addition to the day job) working a few evenings a week and Saturdays. While I can read on the bus to and/or from, I cannot read on the job. That darn needing to pay the rent thing always gets in the way.

All done! :)

October 2015 Mini Challenge
5/5

1. Book with a church on the cover or with any member of the clergy as a character. Murder Will Out by Alison Joseph 10/28/15

2. Book that features fire or a fireman. The Walk by Lee Goldberg 10/8/15

3. Book in which someone goes exploring or makes a discovery. Lost Cargo by Hollister Ann Grant 10/15/15

4. Book set in a country other than the one in which you live. The Voynich Cypher by Russell Blake 10/25/15

5. Book with ghosts, witches, or monsters in it. Any Witch Way You Can by Amanda M. Lee 10/27/15

Congrats, Kimberly! Heather, thank you and well, real life is an annoyance usually.

Congratulations, Kimberly!

Heather, don't you hate when your job(s) gets in the way of reading? ;-)

Congrats to all who are finishing! Looks like some good reads where listed.

I updated message #8. I technically will finish the challenge tomorrow because I have a 4-hour drive for a business trip and only 3 hours left of the audio of Dracula.

Congrats Brenda and Kimberly and the soon to finish Julesy. Again, lots of great sounding books for me to add to my TBR list.

Bring on November.

Early congrats, Julesy!

Marisa said: Heather, don't you hate when your job(s) get(s) in the way of reading? ;-)"

Definitely!


Congrats on finishing, Kimberly and Julesy!

Congratulations Julesy! :)

Finally had a book with clergy in it and not just going to church. Didn't think I was going to get that one in but now it's a completed challenge!! Congrats to everyone who has finished!

Clergy Appreciation Month: Wicked Witch Murder 10/29/15

Fire Prevention Week, and Fire Prevention Day: Pardonable Lies 10/21/15

Leif Erikson Day and Columbus Day: Clubbed to Death 10/3/15

United Nations Day: The Witch Doctor's Wife 10/24/15

National Frankenstein Day, Mischief Night, and Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween: Murder Buys a T-shirt 10/6/15