Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge discussion
2019 Level 4 (Sleuth Extra)
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Arow 2019 Cozie Challenge
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Book Tracking40 of 40 - finished July 30, 2019
Culinary (anything dealing with food: restaurants, baked goods, etc.)
Book 1: Red Velvet and Revenge by Agatha Frost - read March 14, 2019
Lead character owns a bakery and this mystery starts out at a baking challenge.
Book 2: Missing in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon - read March 23, 2019
Lead character owns a bakery
Animal related (cats, dogs, birds, etc.)
Book 1: Perilous Pottery by Mildred Abbott - read March 20, 2019
Fred's sidekick Watson (Corgi) played a larger role in this installment of the Cozy Corgi Mysteries. He was present in all scenes and helped in the final reveal.
Book 2: Apple Strudel Alibi by H.Y. Hanna - read April 16, 2019
Gemma's cat Muesli plays a larger part in solving this mystery.
Craft related (any kind of hobbies - knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, etc.)
Book 1: Stroke of Death by Agatha Frost - read June 8, 2019
Liz Jones owns an art shop and leads a painting workshop in this installment.
Book 2: Knot In My Backyard by Mary Marks - read June 29, 2019
Main character is a quilter and talks with her quilter friends while solving the crimes.
Paranormal (witches, vampires, etc.)
Book 1: Southern Spirits by Angie Fox - read January 7, 2019. Main character speaks and see's ghosts and she assists in solving their murders to assist with their eternal rest.
Book 2: The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox - read January 9, 2019. Main character speaks and see's ghosts and she assists in solving their murders to assist with their eternal rest.
Based outside the US (example: Belinda Lawrence series)
Book 1: Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage by M.C. Beaton - read March 2, 2019
Takes place in England
Book 2: Champagne and Catastrophes by Agatha Frost - read March 7, 2019
Takes place in England
Career-based cozy mystery (housekeeping, wedding planner, etc.)
Book 1: Booked for Murder by CeeCee James - read January 3, 2019. Main character is a hotel manager who writes cozy mysteries on the side.
Book 2: X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett - read July 11, 2019. Main character owns a Scottish themed store.
Holiday based (set during any holiday - Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentines, etc.)
Book 1: Meltdown in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon - read March 28, 2019
Takes place around and at Christmas
Book 2: Midnight in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon - read March 30, 2019
Takes place around and at Halloween
Travel mystery (character could be on a cruise, touring another area, etc.)
Book 1: Murder on the Sugarland Express by Angie Fox - read February 5, 2019
Main characters in the series go on a vacation on the Sugarland Express, the entire book takes place on a train trip through the mountains of Tennessee.
Book 2: Killer Keys by Mildred Abbott - read February 13, 2019
Main characters are away for the weekend at a mountain retreat to celebrate an anniversary.
Historical mystery (any mystery not set in the present)
Book 1: Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener by M.C. Beaton - read February 19, 2019
Written in 1994
Book 2: Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley by M.C. Beaton - read February 22, 2019
Written in 1995
My choice!
Book 1: The Haunted Heist by Angie Fox - read January 15, 2019
Book 2: Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox - read January 18, 2019
Book 3: Sweet Tea and Spirits by Angie Fox - read January 25, 2019
Book 4: Pecan Pies and Dead Guys by Angie Fox - read February 9, 2019
Book 5: Wedding Cake and Woes by Agatha Frost - read March 11, 2019
Book 6: Mistake in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon - read April 3, 2019
Book 7: Another One Bites the Crust by H.Y. Hanna - read April 10, 2019
Book 8: The Dough Must Go On by H.Y. Hanna - read April 24, 2019
Book 9: Dark, Witch & Creamy by H.Y. Hanna - read April 28, 2019
Book 10: Witch Chocolate Fudge by H.Y. Hanna - read May 2, 2019
Book 11: Witch Summer Night's Cream by H.Y. Hanna - read May 7, 2019
Book 12: Blood, Sweets and Tears by H.Y. Hanna - read May 13, 2019
Book 13: Bonbons and Broomsticks by H.Y. Hanna - read May 26, 2019
Book 14: A Crafty Crime by Eryn Scott - read June 5, 2019
Book 15: Vegetables and Vengeance by Agatha Frost - read June 9, 2019
Book 16: Ginger of the West by Meg Muldoon - read June 23, 2019
Book 17: Stamped Out by Terri Thayer - read July 1, 2019
Book 18: A Fresh Kill by Eryn Scott - read July 15, 2019
Book 19: A Sweet Death by Eryn Scott - read July 18, 2019
Book 20: A Flaky Alibi by Eryn Scott - read July 22, 2019
Book 21: A JUICY MURDER by Eryn Scott - read July 25, 2019
Book 22: Literally Dead by Eryn Scott - read July 30, 2019
Mod
Mod
2019 kicks off today and I am excited to see if I can actually do it this time around. I find the app hard to respond to people's comments on so goal this year is to improve upon that! Happy reading everyone!
Book 1: Booked for Murder by CeeCee James2 stars
Not the greatest start to the year, this was not my favourite cozy, although not the worse either.
I wish there was more to the storyline, it seemed to touch on a good story but never gave me what was needed. I just didn't end up caring about the characters, or the why and how the murder occurred.
Book 2: Southern Spirits by Angie Fox4 stars
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed Southern Spirits. This is the first 'Ghost' cozy mystery or mystery in general that I really got into.
Angie Fox's writing style draws the reader in and although it was on the shorter side, I didn't feel like I was missing anything from the story-line.
The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is how quickly the mystery resolved, but I feel that is something that occurs in most cozy's.
Book 3: The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox4 stars
This is quickly turning into a series that I am going to devour. I really enjoy how Angie Fox lays out her story, I need to know how the characters are going to develop and which way their lives are going to end up. Definitely hooked.
Book 4: The Haunted Heist by Angie Fox3 stars
This was an interesting installment to the series. In this one the spirits play a larger role and that is not my favourite. I wish there was a different twist on it but I still enjoyed it. Not really spoilers but more than I would normally say.
Book 5: Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox4 stars
I have been brought back in by Angie Fox, the fourth installment of Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery series had everything I could ask for. A good mix of love, thriller, and humor. I am back into the series in full, looking forward to book five.
Book 6: Sweet Tea and Spirits by Angie Fox4 stars
I thought I wrote a review of this after reading but I did not. I remember liking it and thinking that it kept to the heart of the series.
Book 7: Murder on the Sugarland Express by Angie Fox3 stars
This was a good twist on the Agatha Christie classic Murder on the Oriental Express. I enjoyed how Angie Fox brought the spirit world onto the train. I just wasn't the biggest fan of how the story unfolded but still enjoyed it overall.
Book 8: Pecan Pies and Dead Guys by Angie Fox4 stars
I really enjoyed this installment of the series. I enjoyed the ghost mystery more than the real world mystery. I felt that Angie Fox really brought the 20's carefree times to life. Can't wait for the next one!
Book 9: Killer Keys by Mildred Abbott4 stars
I love this series, Fred and Watson are great characters and their friends and family bring the small town to life. In this adventure, the gang is celebrating Fred's Uncle's anniversary in an Inn in the mountains. There is a little love, romance, hidden secrets and of course a murder (or two).
Can't wait for the next in the series.
Book 10: Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener by M.C. Beaton3 stars
Another slow start with strange introductions to the plot line in this installment of the Agatha Raisin series.
Although I will say Agatha's character annoyed me a lot less this time around. I also enjoyed the overall theme of the open gardens and how that played into the storyline.
I just felt that the intro was too drawn out and that the murder investigation was a bit wishy-washy.
I do like reading novels over 20years old though, it's nice to see the references to things that I had around growing up.
Book 11: Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley by M.C. Beaton4 stars
This was my favourite in the series to date. I felt that M.C. Beaton really found the flow of the storyline and the character development. I was engaged and hooked from fairly early on. I am excited to start the next in the series.
Book 12: Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage by M.C. Beaton3 stars
Such a strange unfolding story. Many layers, almost too many. Was hard to read, I had a hard time staying engaged.
Book 13: Champagne and Catastrophes by Agatha Frost4 stars
I love this series so much and this installment brought a few mysteries to uncover and some nice surprises along the way.
Book 14: Wedding Cake and Woes by Agatha Frost4 stars
I really enjoyed this installment, Agatha Frost has not let me down. As always, we are introduced to a few new characters from the village and she continues to develop the lives of the main characters I have grown to love.
I started the next on the series right away! Keep them coming.
Book 15: Red Velvet and Revenge by Agatha Frost4 Stars
Another great installment, a few twists and turns and my favourite characters. I love the village and the trouble and fun the residents get up to.
Book 16: Perilous Pottery by Mildred Abbott3 stars
Not my favourite in the series, don't really have a good reason why not. Curious to see where the series is headed.
Book 17: Missing in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon4 stars
I picked up this series after a 3 year break and I was not disappointed. I forgot how much I loved Cinnamon and Daniel and the town of Christmas River. Happy to see that there are at least 3 more for me to read next!
Meg Muldoon has a lovely style of writing which draws the reader in and makes us fall in love with the story and the world she has created. I enjoyed that this installment is around a mystery of years past and not a murder. A nice break from the traditional cozy.
Book 18: Meltdown in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon4 stars
Another enjoyable installment of the Christmas River Mystery. A little Christmas fun, a little town gossip (or a lot) and the love and friendship that follows Cinnamon around. Love the cliff hanger, definitely reading the next.
Book 19: Midnight in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon4 stars
This is a stand-alone book which is part of the Christmas River series, it was light hearted, easy and fun to read.
It takes place in October with a focus on Halloween. Lots of wonderful fall references which is making me wish it wasn't the end of March but actually the end of September.
There is something about Cinnamon, Daniel, their love of each other, friends, family, strangers and pies which makes me want to stay within this series always.
Book 20: Mistake in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon4 stars
I enjoyed this latest installment in the Christmas River Mysteries. I enjoyed the throw-back to the cold Case from 25 years ago.
Book 21 - Another One Bites the Crust by H.Y. Hanna2 Stars
The entire time I read this installment I thought I had read it previously. It was not my favourite and I found it dragged on a bit and I didn't like the characters as much.
Book 22 - Apple Strudel Alibi by H.Y. Hanna2 stars
In this installment Gemma and the Old Biddies end up on a vacation in Vienna. I enjoyed the change in scenery however the overall storyline didn't grab me. Her cat Muesli did play an active role though so happy to use it for the challenge.
Book 23 - The Dough Must Go On by H.Y. Hanna2 stars
I enjoyed this installment slightly more than the last few. We follow Gemma and crew as they cater a TV reality show where the 'old biddies' are trying to reach for the top and as always stumble into a murder victim.
I think my biggest issue with this series is the first 9 books have all taken place within a year of Gemma moving home. I have really struggled with that timeline.
I think I am done with this series as is and going to try another H.Y.Hanna series instead.
Book 24 - Dark, Witch & Creamy by H.Y. Hanna4 stars
Bewitched by Chocolate is a fresh of breath air as a new cozy series by H.Y. Hanna. I started reading it after finishing the latest in the Oxford Tearoom series and I couldn't have enjoyed it more.
We follow Caitlyn on a journey of self discovery and impromptu sleuth job over the course of 3 days in a small English village of Tillyhenge. This first book in the series has everything, a little laughter, a little love, intriguing mysteries, hints of magic and a lot of delicious sounding chocolate!
Book 25 - Witch Chocolate Fudge by H.Y. Hanna4 stars
The second installment in the Bewitched by Chocolate series occurs a few days after book one. It follows Caitlyn on her journey of self discovery while throwing in some fun romance, delicious chocolate tales and of course a murder to solve.
I am really enjoying this series and curious to see how it plays out.
Book 26 - Witch Summer Night's Cream by H.Y. Hanna4 stars
I am really enjoying this series. This installment takes place over the summer solace and the tails around Midsummer Eve. Perfectly magical, light and fun.
Book 27 - Blood, Sweets and Tears by H.Y. Hanna4 stars
Another good installment in the Bewitched by Chocolate series. This one is roughly 3 months after Caitlyn arrives in the village and focuses more on guests to the village than the villagers themselves. I think that is why I liked this one a bit less. We are learning more about the town and it's mystical past but I am at the point where I want more answers than additional questions. Curious where book 5 will take us.
Book 28 - Bonbons and Broomsticks by H.Y. Hanna4 stars
Another great installment in the Bewitched by Chocolate Mysteries. Caitlyn and friends stay close to the manor and we are introduced to new supernatural creatures and ideas. Slowly Caitlyn is learning more about her heritage and that has introduced more questions for the most part.
Book 29 - A Crafty Crime by Eryn Scott4 stars
I enjoyed the introduction into the world of Stoneybrook. It has a nice mix of small town charm, fun characters, jilted past and a promising future. The murder mystery was unique enough and I liked how Hadley, her brother and best friend all worked together to figure out the who did it.
Book 30 - Stroke of Death by Agatha Frost4 stars
I don't know why I waited so long to read this, it has been on my shelf for awhile. I would love to see this series continue, the relationship and friendship building as Liz restarts her life in Scarlett Cove is touching, almost believably and a pleasure to read.
Book 31 - Vegetables and Vengeance by Agatha Frost4 stars
I love this series, it's fun and light hearted to read. The characters in Julia's family and the town always entertain and the murder(s) keep me guessing till the end.
Book 32 - Ginger of the West by Meg Muldoon3 Stars
Not my favourite cozy series but still good. I think I will try the second in the series next year when I need another supernatural cozy for my challenge.
Book 33 - Knot In My Backyard by Mary Marks3 Stars
Not my favourite, I like the characters but I couldn't get into the plot line or the murder.
Book 34 - Stamped Out by Terri Thayer4 Stars
An enjoyable read, even though it was a straightforward mystery. I liked the characters and want to learn more about them which is a mark of the first in the series.
Book 35 - X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett3 Stars
It is very unusual for me to start a series at book 11 however I did so for this challenge and was pleasantly surprised that I was able to jump in and get to know the characters.
Overall the story was okay, the mystery was decent but I found it a bit unbelievable. I enjoyed the characters though and may go back and read from the beginning.
Book 36 - A Fresh Kill by Eryn Scott4 stars
I enjoyed this installment of the Stoneybrook Mysteries. I loved finding out more of Hed's past and the interaction while house hunting and sleuthing. Can't wait to read the next one.
Book 37 - A Sweet Death by Eryn Scott4 stars
I am loving this series, I enjoy the writing, the characters and the storylines of both the mystery and the town as a whole. Can't wait to read the rest in the series.
Book 38 - A Flaky Alibi by Eryn Scott4 stars
I can't get enough of this series. I am loving the flow, characters, storylines.
Book 39 - A JUICY MURDER by Eryn Scott4 stars
I love this series, so happy to read that the next is coming out later this year. This series just makes me happy.
Book 40 - Literally Dead by Eryn Scott3 stars
Good cozy mystery, not my favourite by the author but enjoyable. I might pick up the series for my reading challenge in 2020 but putting the series down for this year
And I am done!! I am excited to have finished this at the almost half way mark for the year. I think I will start another challenge, just need to decide what my goal will be for the next 5 months :-)
Arow wrote: "40 of 40 - finished July 30, 2019"and
Arow wrote: "And I am done!! I am excited to have finished this at the almost half way mark for the year.
I think I will start another challenge, just need to decide what my goal will be for the next 5 months :-)"
CONGRATULATIONS!! And you did the harder challenge!! I'm lucky to get a quarter of that challenge done. (I like reading what I want and that doesn't always fit the categories. So, I read what I like and see where they fall.)
Did you go for another challenge?
Karen wrote: "Arow wrote: "40 of 40 - finished July 30, 2019"and
Arow wrote: "And I am done!! I am excited to have finished this at the almost half way mark for the year.
I think I will start another challenge..."
Hi Karen, thank you! I too tend to read what I want and then I fill in the blanks with new books which sometimes I love and sometimes dislike.
I did start a second challenge, I was going for 20 any choice. I haven't done as well but I think I am close.
Hope your challenge went well! Looking forward to starting 2020.
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
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Eryn Scott (other topics)Eryn Scott (other topics)
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Going to go with Option B :-)