Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge discussion
2017 Level 4 (Sleuth Extra.)
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Arow 2017 Cozie Challenge
Book TrackingCulinary (anything dealing with food: restaurants, baked goods, etc.)
Book 1: Ganache with Panache: Book 2 in The Chocolate Cafe Series by Valley Sams - read 01/17/2017
Book 2: Bonbons and Betrayal: Book 3 in The Chocolate Cafe Series by Valley Sams - read 01/24/2017
Animal related (cats, dogs, birds, etc.)
Book 1: A New Leash on Death by Susan Conant - read 03/11/2017
Book 2: Desperate Housedogs by Sparkle Abbey - read 03/17/2017
Craft related (any kind of hobbies - knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, etc.)
Book 1: Twisted Threads by Lea Wait - read 05/02/2017
Book 2: Forget Me Knot by Mary Marks - read 06/04/2017
Paranormal (witches, vampires, etc.)
Book 1: The Witches Of Enchanted Bay by Amelia Morgan - read 02/02/2017
Book 2: Wisteria Witches by Angela Pepper - read 02/07/2017
British cozy mysteries (example: Belinda Lawrence series)
Book 1: A Scone to Die for by H.Y. Hanna - read 03/28/2017
Book 2: Tea with Milk and Murder by H.Y. Hanna - read 04/04/2017
Career-based cozy mystery (housekeeping, wedding planner, etc.)
Book 1: Hearse and Buggy by Laura Bradford - read 03/22/2017
Book 2: Going Organic Can Kill You by Staci McLaughlin - read 07/28/2017
Holiday based (set during any holiday - Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentines, etc.)
Book 1: Banana Cream Pie Murder - by Joanne Fluke - read 05/14/2017
Book 2: All Natural Murder by Staci McLaughlin - read 08/04/2017
Travel mystery (character could be on a cruise, touring another area, etc.)
Book 1: Shore Excursion by Marie Moore - read 05/10/2017
Book 2: Game Drive by Marie Moore - read 08/09/2017
Historical mystery (any mystery not set in the present)
Book 1: Real Murders by Charlaine Harris - read 06/07/2017
Book 2: A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris - read 06/14/2017
My choice!
Book 1: Candy Cats and Murder: Book 4 in The Chocolate Cafe Series by Valley Sams - read 01/25/2017
Book 2: Wicked Wisteria by Angela Pepper - read 02/12/2017
Book 3: Wisteria Wonders by Angela Pepper - read 03/04/2017
Book 4: Two Down, Bun to Go by H.Y. Hanna - read 04/09/2017
Book 5: Till Death Do Us Tart by H.Y. Hanna - read 04/16/2017
Book 6: Muffins and Mourning Tea by H.Y. Hanna - read 04/21/2017
Book 7: Four Puddings and a Funeral by H.Y. Hanna - read 04/28/2017
Book 8: Three Bedrooms, One Corpse by Charlaine Harris - read 06/17/2017
Book 9: The Julius House by Charlaine Harris - read 06/20/2017
Book 10: Dead Over Heels by Charlaine Harris - read 06/25/2017
Book 11: A Fool and His Honey by Charlaine Harris - read 06/26/2017
Book 12: Last Scene Alive by Charlaine Harris - read 07/02/2017
Book 13: Poppy Done to Death by Charlaine Harris - read 07/07/2017
Book 14: All the Little Liars by Charlaine Harris - read 07/13/2017
Book 15: Steps from Death by Stacey Alabaster - read 08/11/2017
Book 16: Dying for a Drive: A Senoia Cozy Mystery by Susan Harper - read 08/13/2017
Book 17: Arts, Crafts and Murder by Stacey Alabaster - read 08/16/2017
Book 18: Dial P For Poison by Zara Keane - read 08/19/2017
Book 19: The Postman Always Dies Twice by Zara Keane - read 08/20/2017
Book 20: A Finely Crafted Murder by Stacey Alabaster - read 08/26/2017
Book 21: Better Off Wed by Laura Durham - read 09/15/2017
Book 22: For Better or Hearse by Laura Durham - read 09/18/2017
Extras
Book 1: Killer Dress by Nancy McGovern - read 09/20/2017
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Book 1: Ganache with Panache: Book 2 in The Chocolate Cafe Series by Valley Sams3 Stars
I didn't enjoy the second installment of the Chocolate Cafe series as much as the first but it did have good parts. I guess I expected more from the author this time around. I felt that the murder and sleuthing was rushed.
I will read on though as I am invested enough to want to know what happens to the characters.
Book 2: Bonbons and Betrayal: Book 3 in The Chocolate Cafe Series by Valley Sams3 Stars
The third installment has a bit more drama and darkness surrounding it. Not sure if it was the subject matter or the fact that the author was writing at a higher level than before.
I get hooked each time, I enjoy the over all story flow...still wish for a bit more padding to make we feel fulfilled after reading.
Book 3: Candy Cats and Murder: Book 4 in The Chocolate Cafe Series by Valley Sams3 Stars
Not my favourite in the series but still enjoyable. I want the stories to be longer...I feel like there is a lot we don't know about the characters and I want more.
Maybe I will get that if there is a book 5.
Book 4: The Witches Of Enchanted Bay by Amelia Morgan3 Stars
A fairly basic cozy mystery with a bit of supernatural flare added for good measure. I wanted more supernatural, a bit more sleuthing and a fuller story.
Our main character Meg Walton didnt really sleuth so much as verbally attack suspects. I was hoping for a bit more detective work, seemed to laid out in the beginning.
As for the supernatural, a few short Latin words repeated a couple times and volia, spell is cast. I wanted it to be a bit more in depth than that.
Still going to read book 2 as I am like that lol.
Book 5: Wisteria Witches by Angela Pepper4 Stars
I had zero expectations when I chose this book for this challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed another Angela Pepper series so figured this would be good too.
I was not disappointed, the first novel in the Wisteria Witches Mystery was perfect. The right balance of humour, romance, friendship, mystery and of course the paranormal.
The book follows Zara Riddle and her daughter Zoey as they move to a new town, Wisteria as Zara has taken a job at the local library. Zara becomes aware that they are actually witches whose talents have been lying dormant for 16 years.
I can't wait to finish this series. Started book 2 the second I finished this one.
Book 6: Wicked Wisteria by Angela Pepper4 Stars
Book two of the Wisteria Witches series has left me wanting more and I am very excited that there are two books to go. Really enjoy Angela Pepper's style. The series is a true series with each book revealing new layers about Zara Riddle, her family and her new close friends.
Book 7: Wisteria Wonders by Angela Pepper4 Stars
I was not disappointed with the third instalment in the Wisteria Witches series. This story revealed answers to some long awaited questions raised in the first novel and even though each novel has its own mystery to solve I know there is a larger mystery still outstanding and I can't wait to see what answers the fourth novel will bring.
Can't wait for it to be released!
Good luck and you are off to a great start Arow!
Book 8 - A New Leash on Death by Susan Conant3 Stars
I enjoyed this, I haven't read any novels with this much focus on animals or any kind let alone dogs and it surprised me.
We follow Holly through a night at obedience training where a murder takes place...she is lucky enough to take Rowdy home for the night due to the untimely death of his handler. From there the book follows Holly as she tries to figure out the murder in order to keep Rowdy for herself.
There is a lot of information about dog training and obedience so if you are on the fence about dogs I do not recommend this series. I would like to read the second in the series but have been unable to find it on Kindle yet. I am hopeful that it will be added soon as the next few in the series are there.
Book 9 - Desperate Housedogs by Sparkle Abbey4 Stars
This series surprised me...I really enjoyed the humour and the style of writing. It relaxed me and was a nice distraction from the world around me.
The solving of the murder was front and center however I was more interested in Caro's animal clients and their owners.
I think I will continue with this series, I am curious to see how Caro's life unfolds.
Book 10 - Hearse and Buggy by Laura Bradford4 Stars
I really enjoyed the characters and the story development. I felt that I was leaning about a new culture and their friendships and hardships. I think I will read more from this series.
Book 11 - A Scone to Die for by H.Y. Hanna4 Stars
Really enjoyed this first installment of the Tearoom Mysteries. It follows Gemma Rose through her daily life in Oxford where she owns Tea Shop. I enjoyed the flow of the story and the layers that the author was able to peel away.
Looking forward to seeing if the second book follows through with this feeling.
Book 12 - Tea with Milk and Murder by H.Y. Hanna3 Stars
Nothing really to say, enjoyed it but didn't wow me.
Book 13 - Two Down, Bun to Go by H.Y. Hanna4 Stars
I enjoyed the third installment a bit more than the second. This time around we are following Gemma as she sets out to clear one of her closest friends names.
I enjoy the writing and the characters. Each book brings out the little crazy bits of everyone which is enjoyable.
Book 14 - Till Death Do Us Tart by H.Y. Hanna4 Stars
The fourth novel has many funny, quirky bits which kept me interested.
Book 15 - Muffins and Mourning Tea by H.Y. Hanna3 Stars
Not my favourite in the series...I felt that Gemma was a bit off this book and I didn't like the direction her character was taken in aspects of her personal life.
I will go on though, only one book left that has been published.
Book 16 - Four Puddings and a Funeral by H.Y. Hanna3 1/2 Stars
After how I felt at the end of book 5 I was a bit hesitant to read book 6 but figured hey, there is only one left at this time. I seem to always need to know how it ends!
Very enjoyable read, it has made me curious to see what the next installment in the series will bring.
Book 17 - Twisted Threads by Lea Wait3 Stars
I found this one of the least cozy, cozy mysteries I have read so far. It is definitely still a cozy but certain subject matter pushed it to the far reach for my own personal categorization.
I loved that each chapter opened with a quote concerning needlepoint. I think it was a really clever way to introduce the chapter and keep the theme of needlepoint throughout.
I loved the characters and the development of each was quite good. I was torn about giving it 4 stars...there was just something more that I was hoping for.
Book 18 - Shore Excursion by Marie Moore3 Stars
Picked this novel to read for this challenge and it didn't disappoint. It follows Sidney Marsh on a cruise with the tour group she is leading - the High Steppers. It had all the good characteristics of a good cozy mystery with a slight touch of adult themes through out without being too vivid.
I think I will read book two in the series to see what else Sidney Marsh can get up to.
Book 19 - Banana Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke2 Stars
Okay; for those in the group who have followed what I have read over the last 2 1/2 years will know how much I love the Hannah Swensen novels, it was my introduction to Cozies and I am quite invested in the life of Hannah Swensen. I know it slightly unhealthy :-)
This novel picks up a week after the last book, Hannah has just married and they are finishing up their honeymoon cruise. I was hoping for the murder to occur on the cruise and to be introduced to new characters, alas that is not the way it went.
Dolores (Hannah's mother) happen upon a murder victim and Hannah is called home to assist. This takes place during Thanksgiving and Hannah's youngest sister comes home from college to assist with the annual Thanksgiving town play.
I have never given a book in this series 2 stars and it was by far my least favourite in the series. The characters were very civil to each other in a strange way that just didn't seem like a natural way to treat your family nor was it the way they treated each other in the past.
I really don't know what happened in this one. I am hoping it turns around in the next installment.
Book 20 - Forget Me Knot by Mary Marks4 Stars
This is the first novel in the 'A Quilting Mystery' series. It follows Martha Rose and her Tuesday Quitters club on quite the little adventure tied to a potential new member to their weekly quilter club.
I really enjoyed the characters, the subject manner turned out to be incredibly serious however Mary Marks handled the writing of it in a smooth manner.
I can see myself reading more in this series to see what other adventures the Tuesday Quilters can get into.
Woohoo! I have hit the half way mark and I am excited to see what books I end up reading to close the year. I am in need of assistance in finding some 'Historical Mysteries' to read so I will start looking at other posts to see what sparks my interest.
Dagny wrote: "I've read all of this series by Conant and enjoyed them. Just one dud that I really recall. I'm more of a cat person, but who can resist Rowdy and Co."That is good to know - I might just skip the one I can't locate on Amazon Kindle and go to book 3. I want to finish the outstanding categories I need to...but will come back to this for sure.
Arow wrote: "Book 11 - A Scone to Die for by H.Y. Hanna4 Stars
Really enjoyed this first installment of the Tearoom Mysteries. It follows Gemma Rose through her daily life in..."
I'm glad you liked it. I read it and enjoyed it also. :)
Book 21 - Real Murders by Charlaine Harris4 Stars
I was struggling with what to read for my Historical choices and when I realized that Charlaine Harris came out with a new novel in the Aurora Teagarden series I decided to re-read it.
I must say, you can really tell that it was written prior to 2000 and that it takes place within that timeframe. The language she uses and how she writes about different races is quite striking. I honestly did not notice it the first time I read it, but there are definite references and terms used that I know she wouldn't use in 2017 and I now know that as I read them back to back.
I enjoyed the novel the second time around. Definitely one of the best in the series.
Book 22 - A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris3 Stars
This novel was written in 1992 and it is very similar to 'Real Murders' in the style of writing and language used.
Of all the books in this series, this is the one that confuses me the most. There is just a whole lot of nothing happening in it. I like the under lining idea of the novel but there needed to be a lot more than what was provided.
Book 23 - Three Bedrooms, One Corpse by Charlaine Harris3 Stars
This installment of the Aurura Teagarden series is a slight improvement on the second novel but there is still a lot that could have been improved upon. After the second reading my like of the series is decreasing.
Book 24 - The Julius House by Charlaine Harris4 Stars
This novel has reminded me why I liked the series. It does help make up for the last two novels. It was well rounded and I felt like the character development was back on track.
Book 25 - Dead Over Heels by Charlaine Harris4 Star
I think this was my favourite, it seemed to have the most sleuthing done by Aurora Teagarden.
Book 26 - A Fool and His Honey by Charlaine Harris4 Stars
I did really enjoy this novel however I was beyond surprised with the direction it was taken at the end. I have to wonder what Charlaine Harris has planned.
Book 27 - Last Scene Alive by Charlaine Harris4 Stars
This was an interesting twist in the series; Charlaine Harris brings us back to the initial book 'Real Murders' and she has done a great job in bringing everything full circle. I almost felt this was the direction she always wanted to go but got lost along the way.
Book 28 - Poppy Done to Death by Charlaine Harris4 Stars
Original Review:
It was all in all a great end to the Aurora Teagarden series. I was a little sad that there were no more after this installment. Again, Charlaine Harris did a good job in the who done it department. It wasn't until close to the end that I realized the whole plot.
After 2nd Reading:
After my second read I think this is my favourite in the series. I think I can only say that now as it's not the last book anymore. I always wanted to see what happened next and I guess now I can.
I guess I often thought the latest book was my favourite. Its funny to read these all back to back and see how I was feeling as I was reading.
Book 29 - All the Little Liars by Charlaine Harris4 Stars
The last book in the series was released in 2003; this installment was released in 2016 and man, you can really see the difference.
I thought Charline Harris did a fairly good job of starting the timeframe of book 9 a few weeks after the end of book 8 even though the actual writing was done 13 years later.
Resources, timeframe, social outlets, past times, and how we communicate with each other etc have all changed so much from the early 2000's to the 2013 that I found it noticable how much had changed in her writing. Some of it threw me for a loop but I enjoyed that she tried to keep it with the times either way.
The title of this book was perfect, the book is really all about the little lies and how they can snowball out of control and ruin people's lives.
I enjoyed reading it and will read book 10 when it's released later this year. I know readers found a lot of things inconsistent with the storyline of Roe's novel history but it keeps me entertained so I shall continue.
Not sure if I would recommend it to others though.
Book 30 - Going Organic Can Kill You by Staci McLaughlin3 Stars
This series follows Dana who is a Marketing Coordinator/ Jane of all Trades on at an Organic Farm/Spa.
I liked and disliked this book. I just couldn't get over some of the scenarios and interactions Dana had with other characters in the book.
I enjoyed the love interest though so I am reading book 2 to see where it all goes.
Book 31 - All Natural Murder by Staci McLaughlin3 Stars
This installment takes place over the July 4th (Independence Day) weekend. Staci did a good job tying the story-line into the Holiday and different July 4th activities that would be happening in a small town.
I really want to like this series. I love the concept and the idea of the series but can't seem to get into the writing style nor do I like the character development.
I may one day finish the series but at this point it is just making me want more. Maybe I am stopping too soon but I figure by the 2nd book I should be hooked and I am not.
Okay only 9 more books to go. I am reading book 32 now which will complete the required reading and then I need to line up a few more books to finish it off. I have really enjoyed the challenge this year. Can't wait for the 2018 challenged!
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Britney wrote: "Looks like you have really enjoyed Charlaine Harris."I guess I really do lol I have read the majority of her series and I keep coming back. In all of them though there are installments that I love and those that I hate. I don't think she is the most consistent with her story and character lines.
Book 32 - Game Drive by Marie Moore3 Stars
I decided to read the second installment of this series to full fill a final spot in my cozy mystery challenge. I had read book 1 and wasn't impressed but kind of know I would eventually read book 2 and maybe book 3 because I have a problem of once I start a series I have to finish it unless it is completely un-readable.
I don't think this series is un-readable but there is something about it that I can't quite get past. I enjoy the overall premise of the story but I felt the sleuthing was an after thought.
The story focused on the African Safari and the little back stories of the characters. I just didn't feel engaged in the mystery. I never understood why she was questioning the deaths. There are hints that something might be off but I didn't think it was fully developed.
Book 33 - Steps from Death by Stacey Alabaster3 Stars
Not a bad start to the series; I enjoyed the banter that George (Georgina) has with herself and her cute little doggy Jasper. It was short so I found the story pace much quicker than others I have been reading lately.
In the end I think that was nice; it was a good, solid cozy mystery that gave me all the main elements that I love. Definitely closer to 3 1/2 stars.
Book 34 - Dying for a Drive: A Senoia Cozy Mystery by Susan Harper3 Stars
This was a fun, light-hearted cozy which when it comes down to it they all should be. It was fun to read but it didn't wow me or really push for me to read more in the series. I think I will look at other Susan Harper series to see if they grab me a bit more. I did like her over-all style so I think it may have just been the characters mixed with this particular story-line.
Book 35 - Arts, Crafts and Murder by Stacey Alabaster3 Stars
I don't know what it is about this series, I love it and hate it which is why its getting 3 stars not 4. There is something about the writing style and the flow of information that I like. Then again, there are two sweet sounding doggies in the story so that might be why I keep coming back.
Overall, good cozy, hits all the main cozy points and made me smile while reading. I think I will go back for a third on this one!
Woohoo! Only 5 books to go and 4 months! Very happy that I am going to meet this goal. I have really enjoyed my reading this year; thanks for creating such a fun challenge!
Book 36 - Dial P For Poison by Zara Keane4 Stars
I really enjoyed this novel. A funny, smart, light hearted cozy. I kept wanting to get back to it to see what was going to be uncovered next.
Really looking forward to the next in the series!
Book 37 - The Postman Always Dies Twice by Zara Keane4 Stars
Enjoyed this second installment in the movie club mystery series. There is something about the characters, the setting, the writing style and overall feel of the series that I am loving.
Finshed this one in a day and already started the 3rd.
Okay - I really enjoyed the Movie Club Mysteries series. I read the third one but I am not counting it as a cozy as our leading lady changes careers in the third book and although it is still light hearted and fairly carefree, it is borderline regular fiction/mystery. I would still recommend the series to those here.
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Killer Dress (other topics)For Better or Hearse (other topics)
Better Off Wed (other topics)
For Better or Hearse (other topics)
Better Off Wed (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Nancy McGovern (other topics)Laura Durham (other topics)
Laura Durham (other topics)
Laura Durham (other topics)
Nancy McGovern (other topics)
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Here goes nothing!