Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge discussion
2018 Level 4 (Super Extra)
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Arow 2018 Cozie Challenge
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Book Tracking37 of 40
Culinary (anything dealing with food: restaurants, baked goods, etc.)
Book 1: Pancakes and Corpses by Agatha Frost - read February 14, 2018 (main character owns a cafe)
Book 2: Lemonade and Lies by Agatha Frost - read February 16, 2018
Animal related (cats, dogs, birds, etc.)
Book 1: Cruel Candy by Mildred Abbott - read August 14, 2018
Main character's best friend and partner in solving crime is Watson, the Corgi.
Book 2: Bickering Birds by Mildred Abbott - September 10, 2018
Craft related (any kind of hobbies - knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, etc.)
Book 1: Paper, Scissors, Death by Joanna Campbell Slan - read October 7, 2018 - Scrapbook
Book 2: Cut, Crop & Die by Joanna Campbell Slan - read October 18, 2018 - Scrapbook
Paranormal (witches, vampires, etc.)
Book 1: Watchful Wisteria by Angela Pepper - read January 24, 2018
Book 2: Wisteria Wyverns by Angela Pepper - read January 31, 2018
Based outside the US (example: Belinda Lawrence series)
Book 1: Dead in the Water by Agatha Frost - read January 8, 2018
Based in the British South Coast
Book 2: Castle on the Hill by Agatha Frost - read January 9, 2018
Based in the British South Coast
Career-based cozy mystery (housekeeping, wedding planner, etc.)
Book 1: Death of a Double Dipper by Angela Pepper - read January 17, 2018
She owns and manages a gift shop
Book 2: Posies and Poison by Wendy Meadows - read January 11, 2018
She owns and manages a B&B
Holiday based (set during any holiday - Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentines, etc.)
Book 1: Gingerbread and Ghosts by Agatha Frost - read February 28, 2018
- takes place at Christmas
Book 2: Traitorous Toys by Mildred Abbott - read August 25, 2018
- takes place at Christmas
Travel mystery (character could be on a cruise, touring another area, etc.)
Book 1: Shortbread and Sorrow by Agatha Frost - read February 22, 2018 - main character travels to Scotland for a retreat at a spa.
Book 2: Ice Cream and Incidents by Agatha Frost - read July 30, 2018
- the whole gang goes on a holiday by the sea
Historical mystery (any mystery not set in the present)
Book 1: The Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton - read December 5, 2018: written 1992
Book 2: The Vicious Vet by M.C. Beaton - December 25, 2018: written 1993
My choice!
Book 1: Girl in the Shadows by Angela Pepper - read February 5, 2018
Book 2: Sleep Like a Baby by Charlaine Harris - read February 9, 2018
Book 3: Doughnuts and Deception by Agatha Frost - read February 19, 2018
Book 4: Chocolate Cake and Chaos by Agatha Frost - read February 21, 2018
Book 5: Macarons and Mayhem by Agatha Frost - read February 24, 2018
Book 6: Espresso and Evil by Agatha Frost - read February 24, 2018
Book 7: Fruit Cake and Fear by Agatha Frost - read February 26, 2018
Book 8: Birthday Cake and Bodies by Agatha Frost - read February 27, 2018
Book 9: Cupcakes and Casualties by Agatha Frost - read July 18, 2018
Book 10: Blueberry Muffins and Misfortune by Agatha Frost - read July 23, 2018
Book 11: Savage Sourdough by Mildred Abbott - read September 16, 2018
Book 12: Scornful Scones by Mildred Abbott - read September 20, 2018
Book 13: Chaotic Corgis by Mildred Abbott - read September 27, 2018
Book 14: Quarrelsome Quartz by Mildred Abbott - read October 3, 2018
Book 15: Ink, Red, Dead by Joanna Campbell Slan - read October 23, 2018
Book 16: A Frosty Mug of Murder by Constance Barker - read November 20, 2018
Book 17: Raspberry Danish Murder by Joanne Fluke - read November 25, 2018
Book 18: Christmas Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke - read November 27, 2018
Book 19: Wicked Wildlife by Mildred Abbott - read December 29, 2018
Book 20:
Book 21:
Book 22:
Mod
Book 1: Dead in the Water by Agatha Frost4 Stars
Light hearted, straight forward read, just what I wanted out of my first cozy in 2018. I liked the character development and the ease of the writing. it was short without feeling like I was missing anything. Curious to see how the series unfolds.
Book 2: Castle on the Hill by Agatha Frost4 Stars
Enjoyed the second installment of the Scarlet Cove Mysteries and looking forward to the third. The authors have a good, straight forward style that is easy to get lost in. Definitely delivers what a cozy should.
Book 3: Posies and Poison by Wendy Meadows2 Stars
It was a easy read, however there was a lot not written which could have been. The novel wasn't bad but it also wasn't great, I did kind of forget what was happening each time I picked it back up. I mean, the story could have had a bit more. Just a bit and I would have liked it more.
Book 4: Death of a Double Dipper by Angela Pepper4 Stars
I really enjoy Angela Pepper's writing style, it is fluid, light-hearted, entertaining, visual and funny. I really don't know what else I could ask for out of a cozy-mystery.
Stormy Day is one of my favourite characters and I was excited to discover book 5 had been released. The story picks up a short while after book 4 and right back into Stormy's unique life. She is a Private Investigator as well as a Gift Shop store owner/manager. She seems to balance life well and still finds time to help solve murders when she isn't suppose to be.
All in all, enjoyed this book and can't wait for book 6!
Mod
4 Stars
Light hearted, straight forward read, just what I wanted out of my first cozy in 2018. I liked the character de..."
Sounds like an interesting series
Book 5: Watchful Wisteria by Angela Pepper - 4 StarsBook 6: Wisteria Wyverns by Angela Pepper - 4 Stars
I am a big fan of Angela Pepper, I enjoy her writing style and characters. This series follows a mother and daughter with different super natural powers and there interaction and conversation always reminds me of Gilmore Girls, which I am a big fan of.
Can't wait to see what book 6 brings, this little town is filled with magic around every corner and underneath every rock. Love it!
Book 7: Girl in the Shadows by Angela Pepper3 Stars
Good, easy read. Not my favourite Angela Pepper character but the overall concept was entertaining. I don't think I will read more in this series though.
Book 8: Sleep Like a Baby by Charlaine Harris3 Stars
What can I say, I know that I should have stopped reading this series two books ago but of course I didn't. I needed to know what was happening next in Aurora's life.
Like previous books in this series, the majority of the book is just readers learning about the everyday aspects of Aurora's life in its current state, which I could have done without.
I did however like the murder and the discovery, good job done on that portion of the book. I just wish there was more of it.
Book 9: Pancakes and Corpses by Agatha Frost4 Stars
The first installment of the Peridale Cafe Mystery did not disappoint. It has a main character, Julia South, who is honest, hard-working, humorous and entertaining. Julia is running a cafe back in her hometown while going through a divorce and trying to get her life back on track. Throw in an attractive policeman who is new to town, a few murders and a best friend who's name needs to be cleared and you have the perfect cozy.
Can't wait to read the next installment and see what else the village of Peridale has to offer.
Book 10: Lemonade and Lies by Agatha Frost4 Stars
I am loving this series, solid cozy that delivers everything a cozy should. I enjoyed the introduction to new family members and aspects of the village. I am looking forward to reading a few more and seeing how the relationships in the village unfold.
The Peridale Cafe series is a lot of fun. I have read almost all of them. Happy to see you enjoy them too :)
Sabine wrote: "The Peridale Cafe series is a lot of fun. I have read almost all of them. Happy to see you enjoy them too :)"I am definitely a bit addicted at this point. I just started book 4 and enjoying it still. I foresee them all being read this year at some point lol :-)
Book 11: Doughnuts and Deception by Agatha Frost4 Stars
I am really enjoying this series, I have been finding it relaxing to read. The village, characters and the overall story-lines are exactly what I look for in a cozy.
Book 13: Shortbread and Sorrow by Agatha Frost4 Stars
I enjoyed this installment of the Peridale Cafe cozy mystery series. I liked that it took Julia, her sister Sue and her Gran on a little vacation. Interesting to see the characters develop a bit outside of the regular village setting.
Book 14: Macarons and Mayhem by Agatha Frost4 Stars
I just devoured this book, started it to ease my way into Saturday and finished it in one sitting. Even though there were more murders than normal in this installment, I found it more light hearted and hopeful than some of the ones before. I guess that was due to small but distinct changes in the personal lives of the characters. Loving this series.
Book 15: Espresso and Evil by Agatha Frost4 Stars
I can't seem to get enough of this series. Really enjoyable to read, I smile throughout and occasionally laugh out loud. Happy to have stumbled across the author and series through Kindle Unlimited.
Book 16: Fruit Cake and Fear by Agatha Frost4 Stars
The 8th installment of the Peridale Cafe Mystery series was another solid effort by Agatha Frost. I can not get enough of this village and its residents. I liked that we got introduced to new characters and expanded on a few that have been included from the beginning.
I am going to be sad when I reach the end of this series.
Okay it has been awhile, took some time to read Lord of the Rings so it took me away from my cozy's for a bit. But I am back and have fallen in love with a new series. Excited to be back with full force!
Book 17: Birthday Cake and Bodies by Agatha Frost4 Stars
The gang is at it again, they are back at the Peridale Manor trying to celebrate a surprise birthday when the plan goes sideways and someone is found dead. This story occurs within a condensed timeline compared to the past installments. A page taken out of the movie Clue.
Still 4 stars, can't get enough of the characters.
Book 18: Gingerbread and Ghosts by Agatha Frost5 Stars
I loved this one and yes, a large part of that is due to the personal lives of the characters and the changes they go through. But it also takes place at Christmas which will hold a happy place in my heart.
I would actually be okay if the series ends here but as I know there is another installment out in early 2018, I am excited to get my hands on the next one!
Book 19: Cupcakes and Casualties by Agatha Frost4 Stars
Took a bit of a break from cozies and this was a great way to get back into the swing of things. Always love the Peridale town and Julia and Jessie definitely keep it interesting.
Book 20: Blueberry Muffins and Misfortune by Agatha Frost4 Stars
Another great installment in the Peridale Cafe series. It has love, laughter, jealously, rage, desire and above all else a little bit of murder. Can't wait for the next one!
Book 21: Ice Cream and Incidents by Agatha Frost4 Stars
I love this series, Julia, Barker and Jessie bring a smile to my face everytime I read them. With the addition of Alfie and everyone on a holiday with drag queens I am sold! Can't wait for the next in the series.
Book 22: Cruel Candy by Mildred Abbott4 Stars
Really enjoyed the first installment of a cozy corgi mystery. The series follows Wilfred Page as she moves to the cozy town of Estes Park to start her dream job of owning her own bookstore. Fred and her side kick Watson (her awesome corgi) are great together and its amazing what they can get up to!
Book 23: Traitorous Toys by Mildred Abbott4 Stars
I enjoyed this Christmas themed cozy. Fred and Watson were at it again, stumbling upon a treats, clues and adventure. I can see me reading this series for awhile 😊
Book 24: Bickering Birds by Mildred Abbott4 Stars
I am really falling in love with the town, Estes Park, the residents, the shops and of course the cute little corgi Watson.
Book 25: Savage Sourdough by Mildred Abbott 4 Stars
The fourth installment of the Cozy Corgi Mysteries does not disappoint. All the major characters return, a few answers were received however more questions have risen surrounding some of the characters.
I love the friendship between Fred and Katie, I love that this series focuses on the friendship between the ladies with the love interests close behind.
Book 26: Scornful Scones by Mildred Abbott4 Stars
Another fun edition of the Cozy Corgi Mysteries, we join Fred and Watson on another adventure in their small fairly sweet town. I enjoyed this edition as it focused on relationships and friendships of a few more townspeople.
Loving this series.
Okay, after that massive update, looks like I need to find some craft related and a historical cozy to round out my requirements. After that its smooth sailing on my choice.
Looks like I need to check out Agatha Frost!For craft ones have you read Amanda Lee or Lea Wait? Or the scrapbook series by Laura Childs or Joanna Campbell Slan? I also liked a series by Cricket McRae. Lye in Wait, the first one, was free on Amazon for a long time.
Thanks Lena! I will take a look at those.
Book 27: Chaotic Corgis by Mildred Abbott4 Stars (almost 3 1/2)
Another good edition, I was close to making this one 3 1/2 stars though, not my favourite in the series. Still enjoyable but not as entertaining.
Book 28: Quarrelsome Quartz by Mildred Abbott4 Stars
A bit of a different spin this time around but still entertaining and the characters fun to take a journey with.
Book 29: Paper, Scissors, Death by Joanna Campbell Slan3 Stars
I was surprised with how much time elapsed during the course of the novel, typically cozy mysteries are a shorter timeframe than a year or more. It took me a bit to get into the characters and the overall flow of the story but once I settled in I became a fan and I am starting Book 2 right away.
The scrapbook element was carried through-out. I enjoyed that it was a major piece of the puzzle.
Book 30: Cut, Crop & Die by Joanna Campbell Slan3 Stars
Definitely an improvement over the first in the series. Kiki is growing as a person and comes across as a bit more realistic. I have liked the character development and will be starting book 3 shortly.
Book 31: Ink, Red, Dead by Joanna Campbell Slan3 Stars
I was really enjoyed this installment of Scrap'n' Craft mysteries. Kiki Lowenstein is becoming more of her own women and we start to see her become a smart women in her own sense. I enjoyed the base for the murder mystery but then it all of a sudden was over, case closed without much detail. I know it's a cozy but I really had hoped for a bit more.
Book 32: A Frosty Mug of Murder by Constance Barker2 Stars
Not my favourite, I had a hard time getting into the story and I felt like there were too many hands in the pot figuring everything out.
Book 33: Raspberry Danish Murder by Joanne Fluke2 Stars
** spoiler alert **
I don't know what I expected but it was more than I got. I honestly wanted to stop reading 5 chapters in but I kept going for some reason.
Ross is still missing, and it's like she doesn't even care. How does a person let 2 weeks go by without looking for her husband.
Anyways, then a murder occurs and that is what makes Hannah really start looking into Ross's disappearance. Seriously? Joanne Fluke brought me back in along the way but seriously, what a way for the series to turn.
I want to know how it ends but only because I have invested years into this series.
Book 34: Christmas Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke4 stars
I loved this 'classic' Hannah Swensen novella. It was simple and sweet. A look into the past that lead to the initial storyline that I insistently loved. The series has taken a turn recently and it was nice to have this rebalance my view of the series a bit.
Book 35: The Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton3 stars
It took me a bit to ease into the storyline and the authors style but I was hooked after a few chapters in and I really wanted to find out how Agatha was going to settle into her new life in small town and how the mystery would unfold.
I think M.C. Beaton did a great job outlining the village and setting up the characters for the series. I am looking forward to seeing what adventures Agatha and her new friends get into.
Book 36: The Vicious Vet by M.C. Beaton3 stars
A good story, I am not falling in love with Agatha Raisin though. She seems to rely too much on a finding a man to make her life complete. I can definitely tell that this was written in the early 90's, reading it has reminded me of when i was growing up, just words used, overall ideas.
Book 37: Wicked Wildlife by Mildred Abbott4 stars
Another great installment of the Cozy Corgi Mystery series. This one brings a lot to light and closes a few storylines. Interesting to see some of the plot lines develop the way i expected them to and others surprising me.
Book 38: Malevolent Murder by Mildred Abbott4 stars
Maybe I am in the Christmas spirit or maybe it was just that good, I don't know any more lol. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of the Cozy Corgi Mystery series. It's Christmas time once again and Fred and Watson have spent a year in their new home. We are introduced to some new character's and a surprising but required friendship (tolerance) is developed. The murder is a bit unexpected and I enjoyed following along on the path to solving it. Can't wait the next in the series to be released.
That's all she wrote for me, I am on book 39 but only 30% done so that will be used for the start of 2019's challenge! It has been a great year for reading, I am going to push to get the 40 done in 2019.
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Wicked Wildlife (other topics)The Vicious Vet (other topics)
The Quiche of Death (other topics)
Christmas Cake Murder (other topics)
Raspberry Danish Murder (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Mildred Abbott (other topics)M.C. Beaton (other topics)
M.C. Beaton (other topics)
Joanne Fluke (other topics)
Joanne Fluke (other topics)
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Going to go with Option B :-)