Cozy Mysteries discussion

Here are your December 2017 Mini Challenges!


RULES

** Books DO NOT all 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, and can change your mind at any time if you do.

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


1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement (Suggested authors: Jennie Bentley, Juliet Blackwell, Kate Danley, Celina Grace, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julie Hyzy).

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres).

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.

I’m in for December here are my choices:

1. Roof over your head: “Eaves of Destruction” Katie Carlisle
2. Bake cookies: “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder” by Joanne Fluke
3. Evergreen Day: “Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen” by Vicki Delaney
4. Shortest Day: “Ghost of a Chance” by Angie Fox
5. Make Cut Out: “Snowed In With Murder” by Ruby Loren

0/5 Complete

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement (Suggested authors: Jennie Bentley, Juliet Blackwell, Kate Danley, Celina Grace, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julie Hyzy).

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres).

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.

I got 4/5 as of 12/31

1. Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement. Eaves of Destruction

2. Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. No Mallets Intended

3. Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.

4. Read a short story or novella. Under the Hill

I'm In (although without bonus 😉)

Dec, 1 - Dec, 31

Done

1.- National Roof over Your Head Day: Deck the Hallways by Kate Carlisle (07/12/2017 - ★★★☆)
2.- Bake Cookies Day: Christmas Cookie Mystery by Naomi Miller (14/12/2017 - ★★★★)
3.- Look for an Evergreen Day: The Christmas Letter by Kathi Daley (19/12/2017 - ★★★★☆)
4.- Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere: An Open Book by Sheila Connolly (02/12/2017 - ★★★★)
5.- Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: A Question of Murder by Donald Bain (12/12/2017 - ★★★☆)

1. Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement.
The Way of the Guilty by Ellery Adams (actually, her pseudonym, J. B. Stanley) (12/15)


2. Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. Tough Cookie by David Wisniewski (12/01)

Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett (12/05)


3. Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.
Christmas Tree! by Florence Minor (12/01)

The Christmas Thief by Mary Higgins Clark (12/18)


4. Read a short story or novella.
"The Murder at the Towers" by E. V. Knox, in Murder at the Manor: Country House Mysteries (12/01)

"Jane and the Midnight Clear" by Stephaie Barron in The Usual Santas: A Soho Crime Holiday Anthology (12/05)


5. Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.
One for Sorrow by Mary Downing Hahn (12/05)

December mini challenge

Updated: Dec. 29
Progress: 5/5

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement (Suggested authors: Jennie Bentley, Juliet Blackwell, Kate Danley, Celina Grace, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julie Hyzy).
The Memory Watcher by Minka Kent 🏠 finished Dec. 2

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)
Murder in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon 🍪 finished Dec. 13

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.
Murder at Christmas by Kathi Daley 🎄 finished Dec. 17

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres).
Nogged Off by Barbara Ross ☕ novella in Eggnog Murder compilation ☕ finished Dec. 29

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.
Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost ❄ finished Dec. 8

December Mini Challenge

5/5

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement (Suggested authors: Jennie Bentley, Juliet Blackwell, Kate Danley, Celina Grace, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julie Hyzy).

A Little Bit of Christmas Magic by Kirsty Ferry 5★s 2/12/17

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)

Dial P For Poison by Zara Keane 5★s (MC works at aunt's cafe - Movie Theatre Cafe - where they bake cookies etc)

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.

Murder in Vail by Judy Moore 4★s 5/12/17

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres).

Return of the Magi: A heartwarming Christmas story by P.J. Tracy 5★ 1/12/17 170 pages

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.

Christmas at the Vicarage by Rebecca Boxall 4.5★s 8/12/17

Thanks for the early posting Heather! This will help me pick out the last books to read in November based on what doesn't work for December.

5/5 Complete

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement (Suggested authors: Jennie Bentley, Juliet Blackwell, Kate Danley, Celina Grace, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julie Hyzy).
Death in an English Cottage by Sara Rosett. Finished December 31, 2017.

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)
Macaron Murder by Harper Lin Finished December 18, 2017.

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.
Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Leslie Langtry. Finished December 20, 2017.

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres).
A Highland Christmas by M.C. Beaton Finished December 7, 2017.

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.
Rest You Merry by Charlotte MacLeod. Finished December 25, 2017.

December picks!

National Roof over Your Head Day: If Fried Chicken Could Fly

Bake Cookies Day: The Gingerbread Bump-Off

Look for an Evergreen Day: Cheddar Off Dead

Winter Solstice: Pros and Cons

Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Home For The Holidays

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement (Suggested authors: Jennie Bentley, Juliet Blackwell, Kate Danley, Celina Grace, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julie Hyzy). The Bear and the Nightingale 12.06.17

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies) Peach Cobbler Murder 12.11.17

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres). Candy for Christmas 12.13.17

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title. The Diva Paints the Town 12.21.17

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Here are my current choices but may make changes...

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement

Karen Rose Smith - Slay Bells Ring done ****

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)

Harper Lin - Cremas, Christmas Cookies, and Crooks (A Cape Bay Cafe Mystery) done ****

[Managed one batch of cookies before oven died on Christmas Eve!]

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.

Jana DeLeon, Denise Grover Swank - Rose and Helena Save Christmas done ****

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella.

Deborah Brown - Christmas in Paradise done****

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.

Kathi Daley - Snowmen in Paradise done (3.5*)

I'm in.

Progress: 3/5

✔: 1. Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement: Better Homes and Corpses by Kathleen Bridge (finished 12/9/17)

2. Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)

3. Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.

✔ 4. Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres): "The Gingerbread Cookie Murder" from Gingerbread Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

✔: 5. Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title: Snow Way Out by Christine Husom (finished 12/26/17)

Progress: 5/5 complete

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement
Secrets and Pies - house on cover - Read 22 Dec

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)
On the Chopping Block - Callie, a food business owner, bakes cookies to sell - Read 18 Dec

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.
Spiced and Iced - Christmas tree on cover - Read 20 Dec

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella
Murder at Mistletoe Manor - novella - Read 14 Dec

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.
Lights, Camera, Murder - snowflakes on cover -
Read 10 dec

I just finished the November challenge and I'm feeling a little cocky so might as well do this one.
I will list books as I read them.


Completed 5/5

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Dashing Through the Snow by Mary & Carol Higgins Clark - Finished 12/6/17

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Gingerbread at Moonglow by Deborah Garner- Finished 12/7/17

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.

finished 12/18/17- A (Gingerbread) Diarama of Death by Gin Jones

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere —

*** A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd completed 12/5/17

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title. The Christmas Chronicles by Tim Slover 12/11/17

5/5

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Grace Under Pressure -- 12/7

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies): Wicked Intentions -- 12/9

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover: Christmas at the Tycoon's Command -- 12/11

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Proof of Concept -- 12/14

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title: The Snowman Killer -- 12/13

December Mini Challenges
Completed: 5/5

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement.
12/27

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies.
12/18

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.
12/25

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres).
12/28

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.
12/3

Ah, December! Birthdays and holidays. I'm going to have fun finding books and stories and even more fun reading.

1.National Roof over Your Head Day - A Mind Reader's Christmas: An Eric Beckman Mystery by Al Macy (12.29)
2. Bake Cookies Day Gingerbread and Ghosts by Agatha Frost (01/01)
3. Look for an Evergreen Day - Tis the Sneezin' by Ava Mallory (12/17)
4. Winter Solstice Catching Elijah by Jeri Westerson (12/27)
5. Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day - The Christmas Grandma Ran Away from Home by Nancy Warren (12/27)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

I'm in again :)

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement (Suggested authors: Jennie Bentley, Juliet Blackwell, Kate Danley, Celina Grace, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julie Hyzy). - Secret of the Painted Lady by Elizabeth Ashby

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies) - Cookie Dough or Die by Virginia Lowell

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover. - Murder Fir Christmas by Joyce Lavene

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres). - Dead Letters by Sheila Connolly

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title. - Deck the Hallways by Kate Carlisle

I’m in. I skipped November but I already have books in all but one in these categories. So I’ll give it a go. Will add books tomorrow.

Hilary S.:
Good choice for number 1. Sad that there will be no follow ups to that part of the Danger Cove shared universe. That book was the last written by the late Christina A. Burke. I loved that book.

Gary, I totally agree with you.

Oh no! I didn't realise that :( I was hoping that there would be another one or two with Alex :(

Here we go

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement.
This Old Homicide, Kate Carlisle (07/12/17)

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)
Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti, Bailey Cates (12/12/17)
Cookies are among many things baked in this book. Plus, it has a baker called Cookie!

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.
We Wish You a Murderous Christmas, Vicki Delaney (14/12/17)

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella.
The Murders in the Rue Morgue: The Dupin Tales, Edgar Allan Poe (04/12/17)

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.
The Cat of Christmas Future, Kathi Daley (05/12/17)

1. , 2. , 3. , 4. , 5.

Hilary S wrote: "Oh no! I didn't realise that :( I was hoping that there would be another one or two with Alex :("

She has cameo appearances in books by other authors or is at times mentioned in passing. I just figure Alex hasn' t stumbled over another dead body and is busy working on houses.

December 2017 Mini Challenge

✔1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement (Suggested authors: Jennie Bentley, Juliet Blackwell, Kate Danley, Celina Grace, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julie Hyzy).
Grace Takes Off by Julie Hyzy 12/4/17


✔2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)
Chocolate Covered Murder by Laura Meier 12/10/17


✔3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci 12/12/17


✔4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres).
The Complete Sookie Stackhouse Stories by Charlaine Harris 12/17/17

✔5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.
A Gala Event by Sheila Connolly 12/7/17

Wow one down. I still have one book left from last month.

Finished this challenge :)

December Mini Challenge

5/5

1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement (Suggested authors: Jennie Bentley, Juliet Blackwell, Kate Danley, Celina Grace, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julie Hyzy).

A Little Bit of Christmas Magic by Kirsty Ferry 5★s 2/12/17

2. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day: Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)

Dial P For Poison by Zara Keane 5★s (MC works at aunt's cafe - Movie Theatre Cafe - where they bake cookies etc)

3. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day: Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.

Murder in Vail by Judy Moore 4★s 5/12/17

4. December 21 is the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere — the shortest day of the year: Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres).

Return of the Magi: A heartwarming Christmas story by P.J. Tracy 5★ 1/12/17 170 pages

5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.

Christmas at the Vicarage by Rebecca Boxall 4.5★s 8/12/17

Nice one, Brenda!

Thanks Trish 😊

Congrats, Brenda! Guau, that was fast!

Well, I've advanced a bit, updated message 5 with the three books I've read till now.

Thanks Marisa :) Was a fun lot of books!

Congratulations, Brenda!

You're on a roll, Marisa!

Well done Brenda!

Congrats, Brenda!

Brenda, that's even better. And Julesy, let's see how we finish, I've switched gear now to two other genres, with no way to go inside this challenge (but one has already been finished, crying in the subway again 😔)

I am going to try!
1. Read a book with a house on the cover, or about a home improvement.
(none)

2. Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (I baked cookies last night.. yay!)



3. Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.


4. Read a short story or novella,



5. Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover.

Go, Amy!

Thanks Julesy, Hilary and Meg :)

Thought I wrote my entry as well but I haven't..


December Mini Challenge

Progress: 5/5

1. Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement.
A Little Yuletide Murder by Jessica Fletcher - 10 Dec

2. Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (Bonus: Bake cookies)
Mistletoe Murder by Leslie Meier - 29 Dec

3. Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.
Mrs. Jeffries and the Three Wise Women by Emily Brightwell - 23 Dec

4. Read a short story or novella (short stories are generally 5-20 pages, while novellas can come in around 120 pages -- there are a lot of free short stories online, in all genres).
The Old Man in the Corner by Emmuska Orczy - 17 Dec

5. Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.
Mrs. Jeffries and the Silent Knight by Emily Brightwell - 16 Dec

Congratulations Brenda. Love your festive puppy profile picture :)

Jess wrote: "Congratulations Brenda. Love your festive puppy profile picture :)"

That's the picture cover from this book:

Jess wrote: "Congratulations Brenda. Love your festive puppy profile picture :)"

Thanks Jess :)

Julesy wrote: "Jess wrote: "Congratulations Brenda. Love your festive puppy profile picture :)"

That's the picture cover from this book:
"

And wow! I didn't know that Julesy :) I don't remember where I found it, but I've had it for the past 2 Christmases...

Julesy wrote: "Jess wrote: "Congratulations Brenda. Love your festive puppy profile picture :)"

That's the picture cover from this book:
"

Thanks Julesy! Have you read this book? Wonder how you could recognise it. Very impressed.

December Challenge: 4/5 complete..


1. Read a book with a house on the cover, or about a home improvement.
none..

2. Find a book with cookies on the cover, or in which someone bakes cookies. (I baked cookies last night.. yay!)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder--Joanne Fluke..

3. Read a book with an evergreen/fir/Christmas tree on the cover.

Not a Creature was Purring by Krista Davis (Paws & Claws #5)


4. Read a short story or novella,

Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person by Barbara Venkataram

5. Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover.

Let it Snow by Elizabeth Casey (Sewing Circle #7)

Jess wrote: "Thanks Julesy! Have you read this book? Wonder how you could recognise it. Very impressed."

Yes, I read the story by Laura Levine a few years back. That's how I remember the book cover. ;-)

Yay that's me done for this month :D