Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge discussion

Can't wait for the new challenge to start! I was able to do two challenges in 2020, Level 4 Option B and Level 2 Option A. Can't wait to see what 2020 holds!

Book Tracking

40 of 40

Culinary (anything dealing with food: restaurants, baked goods, etc.)
Book 1: Coconut Layer Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke read August 28, 2020

Book 2: Brownies and Bloodshed by Agatha Frost read September 14, 2020

Animal related (cats, dogs, birds, etc.)
Book 1: Halloween Hijinks by Kathi Daley read January 26, 2020
Lead character is a animal control worker who always has her dog Charlie with her.

Book 2: Big Bunny Bump Off by Kathi Daley read February 12, 2020
Lead character owns her own animal resecue

Craft related (any kind of hobbies - knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, etc.)
Book 1: Hooked on Ewe by Hannah Reed - read May 26, 2020
A skein of yarn was used as the murder weapon which came from a yarn of the month club. Main character lives on a sheep farm where a yarn shop resides.

Book 2: Stuck on Murder by Lucy Lawrence - read June 20, 2020
Main character works in a paper store and specializes in decoupage.

Paranormal (witches, vampires, etc.)
Book 1: Haunted Hamlet by Kathi Daley - read February 29, 2020
Mystery is based around a house that has been "haunted" and unexplained deaths are occurring again.

Book 2: Double, Double, Toil and Truffle by H.Y. Hanna - read April 22, 2020
Main character is a witch discovering her talents in the countryside of England.

Based outside the US (example: Belinda Lawrence series)
Book 1: Cheesecake and Confusion by Agatha Frost read September 2, 2020

Book 2: Cocktails and Cowardice by Agatha Frost read September 20, 2020

Career-based cozy mystery (housekeeping, wedding planner, etc.)
Book 1: The Mother's Day Mishap by Kathi Daley - read January 1, 2020
- Main character is a US Postal Worker

Book 2: The Halloween House by Kathi Daley - read January 4, 2020
- Main character is a US Postal Worker

Holiday based (set during any holiday - Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentines, etc.)
Book 1: The Thanksgiving Trip by Kathi Daley - read January 6, 2020
- takes place over Thanksgiving

Book 2: The Christmas Clause: A Cozy Mystery by Kathi Daley - read January 17, 2020
- takes place over Christmas

Travel mystery (character could be on a cruise, touring another area, etc.)
Book 1: Maui Madness by Kathi Daley - read February 24, 2020
Book takes place on a trip to Maui.

Book 2:Alaskan Alliance by Kathi Daley- read March 11, 2020
Book takes place on a trip to Alaska

Historical mystery (any mystery not set in the present)
Book 1: The Titanic Murders by Max Allan Collins - November 22, 2020

Book 2: A Quiet Life in the Country by T.E. Kinsey - December 10, 2020

My choice!
Book 1: The Saint Paddy's Promise: A Cozy Mystery by Kathi Daley - read January 8, 2020

Book 2: The Halloween Haunting: A Cozy Mystery by Kathi Daley - read January 11, 2020

Book 3: Blizzard in the Bay by Kathi Daley - read January 21, 2020

Book 4: Christmas Crazy by Kathi Daley - read February 5, 2020

Book 5: Cupid's Curse by Kathi Daley - read February 7, 2020

Book 6: Beach Blanket Barbie by Kathi Daley - read February 19, 2020

Book 7: Derby Divas by Kathi Daley - read February 27, 2020

Book 8: Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies by Kathi Daley - read March 4, 2020

Book 9: Christmas Cozy by Kathi Daley - March 6, 2020

Book 10: Matrimony Meltdown by Kathi Daley - March 17, 2020

Book 11: Soul Surrender by Kathi Daley - March 28, 2020

Book 12: Heavenly Honeymoon by Kathi Daley - April 3, 2020

Book 13: Proof in the Photo by Kathi Daley - May 31, 2020

Book 14: The Puppy Project by Kathi Daley - June 6, 2020

Book 15: Ghost in the Gallery by Kathi Daley - read September 26, 2020

Book 16: Ghastly Gadgets by Mildred Abbott - read September 30, 2020

Book 17: Meddlesome Money by Mildred Abbott - read October 12, 2020

Book 18: Precarious Pasta by Mildred Abbott - read October 17, 2020

Book 19: Evil Elves by Mildred Abbott - October 25, 2020

Book 20: Phony Photos by Mildred Abbott - November 7, 2020

Book 21: Christmas Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke - December 27, 2020

Book 22: Despicable Desserts by Mildred Abbott - December 31, 2020

Good luck and have fun!

Yvonne wrote: "Good luck and have fun!"

Thank you! Already finding new series to help me reach my goal.

Book 1: The Mother's Day Mishap by Kathi Daley

4 stars

I really enjoyed this installment, basically read it in one sitting. There is no immediate murder or death that needs to be solved, but Tess and Tony are looking into mysteries and the bond developing is one I am heavily invested on seeing how it turns out.

Book 2: The Thanksgiving Trip by Kathi Daley

4 stars

We take a little week long cottage vacation in this installment and the group happens upon a dead body which is a bit of a change for them as the usual story is tracking an older mystery or a disappearance.

I am enjoying where the characters are in their relationships however the search for Tess and Mike's dad is getting more bizarre by the book.

Book 3: The Halloween House by Kathi Daley

4 stars

This was an interesting installment, focused on a old legend/disappearance. I loved the development of the main characters and finding out more about the lives they lead. Some parts still seem quite unrealistic but I am loving the story.

Book 4: The Saint Paddy's Promise: A Cozy Mystery by Kathi Daley

4 stars

Another entertaining installment, an old mystery, a new murder and planning a wedding. What more could I ask for? Not much lol

Book 5: The Halloween Haunting: A Cozy Mystery by Kathi Daley

3 stars

Not my favourite in the series, not a lot happening in the relationships. I enjoyed the mystery from the past but the current murder being investigated didn't really grab my attention. Curious to see how the next book in the series plays out.

Book 6: The Christmas Clause: A Cozy Mystery by Kathi Daley

4 stars

Another fun installment, my second least favourite though. It dragged a bit and I guess I wanted a bit more in some areas and a but less in others. Hard to say, looking forward to the next being released soon.

Book 7: Blizzard in the Bay by Kathi Daley

4 stars

I went back to Holiday Bay for its newest installment, Blizzard in the Bay, and I was not disappointed. We join Abby and Georgia at the Inn where they are hosting a writer's retreat. There is a blizzard starting and surprisingly the mystery itself is not at the Inn but at the home of a friend of one of their guests. Colt is a honest and reliable as ever and I definitely will keep reading to see how their relationship turns out.

Book 8: Halloween Hijinks by Kathi Daley

2 stars

I have read two recently released series by Kathi Daley and I personally loved those so had a hard time getting into this one.

By the end I was getting into it but it was a bit choppy, quick and all over the place.

I will be giving the next in this series a try as I feel that Kathi must come into her writing style as this series progresses based upon the other books of hers I have read.

Book 9: Christmas Crazy by Kathi Daley

3 stars

This was a decent installment in the series. I wasn't to engaged in the murder mystery, more curious about the relationships and the town.

Book 10: Cupid's Curse by Kathi Daley

3 stars

A strange installment, enjoyed it but struggled with the mystery. I liked the relationship growth though.

Book 11: Big Bunny Bump Off by Kathi Daley

3 stars

Enjoyable, not my favourite mystery but I do like the characters and am invested in seeing how their stories play out.

Book 12: Beach Blanket Barbie by Kathi Daley

3 stars

This one was hard for me to get through. Mystery seemed to go on too long without movement and then was solved in the last few pages. The parts I did like were the personal stories but those too where kind of skipped over and tied up in a few pages.

Book 13: Maui Madness by Kathi Daley

4 stars

I enjoyed this installment more than the last few. The mystery was definitely not your typical one but it wasn't too far fetched either. The gang is on vacation in Maui and the fun and adventures they get up to kept me entertained.

Book 14: Derby Divas by Kathi Daley

4 stars

A nice change in the storyline and characters in the 8th installment of the Zoe Donovan mystery. I do find aspects (many) of their lives completely unbelievable but that's why I read. I don't need anything too realistic these days.

Book 15: Haunted Hamlet by Kathi Daley

4 stars

I enjoyed this Halloween installment. A current accident leads to the gang investigating a haunted story from 13 years earlier. Enjoyed where the characters are headed and the mystery kept me engaged.

Book 16: Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies by Kathi Daley

4 stars

I really enjoyed this installment. It was a different format and brought in some new characters which worked well with the existing usual crew. I like that Zoe and her mom are settling into a relationship and watching the grow.

Book 17: Christmas Cozy by Kathi Daley

4 stars

I enjoyed this one, nothing crazy happened, even the murder mystery was low key. It just made me happy. Can't explain it.

Book 18: Alaskan Alliance by Kathi Daley

3 stars

I couldn't get into this one, I was glad they went to Alaska but I didn't care about the murder portion of the mystery.

Book 19: Matrimony Meltdown by Kathi Daley

2 Stars

This has been my least favourite. I just didn't understand the point, it didn't move the characters forward and the murder was nothing I cared about. Felt pushed, maybe it was meant to be a closing to one book and a setup of another. However, maybe the last book and the next book just could have incorporated what was needed instead.

Book 20: Soul Surrender by Kathi Daley

3 Stars

It took me a bit to get into this one. I enjoyed it in the end though.

Book 21: Heavenly Honeymoon by Kathi Daley

4 Stars

I enjoyed a lot of this story, other parts though just made me shake my head. The murder mystery was one of the best in the series to date. I just struggled with some of the personal decisions.

I enjoyed the author's note at the end explaining where the series is going next. I am going to take this time to read a few other books but will definitely be returning to this series again

Book 22: Double, Double, Toil and Truffle by H.Y. Hanna

4 stars

I have been away from this series for awhile and I have to say I really enjoyed jumping back in. I enjoy the characters and the way that H.Y. Hanna mixes the enchanted world of magic into the English Countryside. Can't wait for Book 7 to be released.

Book 23: Hooked on Ewe by Hannah Reed

4 stars

Good installment in the series. Took me a bit to get through but I enjoy the characters and the setting.

Book 24: Proof in the Photo by Kathi Daley

4 stars

It was great to return to Holiday Bay and The Inn that Abby and Georgia run. This installment follows the traditional lines of the books before it in the series.

Book 25: The Puppy Project by Kathi Daley

4 stars

This may be my favourite series from Kathy Daley that I have read so far. Each that I have read is similar and enjoyable but I think Tess's character is the one I believe in the most. Anyways, looking forward to the next installment.

Book 26: Stuck on Murder by Lucy Lawrence

4 stars

I really enjoyed this first installment of the Decoupage Mysteries. I enjoyed the small town and the characters we were introduced to. Brenna has some heartache and life experiences to move through. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Extra (not enough pages): The Wedding Plan by Kathi Daley

3 stars

Another enjoyable installment. Not my favourite but still ticked all boxes.

Book 27: Coconut Layer Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

3 stars

I enjoyed this installment more than the last but it was simple, nothing really pulling me in. Looks like a few fun recipes though.

Book 28: Cheesecake and Confusion by Agatha Frost

4 stars

It was great jumping back into the Peridale Cafe series. The characters are thoughtout, entertaining with the perfect mix of unbelievable to wrap up the fantasy.

Book 29: Brownies and Bloodshed by Agatha Frost

3 stars

A fun, strange wedding followed by a random murder, just what I have come to expect out of these books. Wanted a bit different story line of the main part but overall good.

Book 30: Cocktails and Cowardice by Agatha Frost

3 stars

A slightly odd one, we travel to Spain for a dual honeymoon to have one of the couple's kidnapped. Some good banter but I was ready for them to return to Peridale.

Book 31: Ghost in the Gallery by Kathi Daley

3 stars

Took me a bit to get into the mystery but the progress in the personal lives was just what I needed.

Book 32: Ghastly Gadgets by Mildred Abbott

4 stars

I was excited to get back into the Cozy Corgi Mysteries, I stopped reading for a bit so I have a few to read back to back. This one stays close to home and is definitely odd but I have really been enjoying it.

Book 33: Meddlesome Money by Mildred Abbott

3 stars

It took me awhile to read but enjoyed it overall.

Book 34: Precarious Pasta by Mildred Abbott

4 stars

I love Halloween and enjoyed that Precarious Pasta took place right in the mix of it. An old friend makes an appearance and brings with him more questions than answers. I loved it though, enjoyed more than the last one.

Book 35: Evil Elves by Mildred Abbott

5 stars

I loved this installment of the Cozy Corgi Mystery. Right mix of holidays, mystery, character development. Made me smile and want to read in one sitting (even though I couldn't).

Book 36: Phony Photos by Mildred Abbott

3 stars

I love the characters but this one came out of left field for me. I had a hard time getting into it. Still enjoyed it but not my favourite.

Book 37: The Titanic Murders by Max Allan Collins

1 star

I really don't know what to say, it wasn't the best read, I feel though it might be for some people, just not me. There was a lot of description of the guests, staff and the boat itself. The actual mystery though just didn't grab me and took me ages to actually get through.

Book 38: A Quiet Life in the Country by T.E. Kinsey

3 stars

This was okay, I really enjoyed the beginning but it really started to drag prior to the half way mark. I think I would have liked it more if I had read at another time.

Extra Book: Turkey in the Trap Room by Kathi Daley

Only 136 pages so not counting towards the challenge.

4 Stars

I love this series, fun, entertaining, great characters. Wish they were slightly longer books but I will take what I get.

Book 39: Christmas Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

3 Stars

I don't know any more, I love this series but I feel like the writing has gotten simpler and I don't feel smarter for reading it. The flow is really choppy and the language and conversations that the characters have just don't seem logical to me. I will keep reading for some reason though as I want to know how the lives will turn out, I am way to invested. I hope something changes though and they return to the early days of the series.

Book 40: Despicable Desserts by Mildred Abbott

4 Stars

I love this series, I look forward to the releases and am very rarely disappointed. I loved getting to knew more about Katie's back story and as always, more characters from the town :-)

Okay, that's it 2020. Just got the last book in. Can't wait to dig into some new series in 2021!

First... I know this is two months late. I went to my 2020 post to check on something and saw there were four new posts in your list I hadn't read.

Second... Thank you for your mini reviews and descriptions. I have added several books and series to my TBR (and Kathi Daley's work might move up!).

Third... regarding Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson series, Arow wrote: "I don't know any more, I love this series but I feel like the writing has gotten simpler and I don't feel smarter for reading it. The flow is really choppy and the language and conversations that the characters have just don't seem logical to me."
Yes, "choppy" is a perfect word for it. Everything seems stilted. And, you're right about not feeling "smarter" for reading it. Not that I have to have that feeling, but I don't like to feel like I've wasted time. I'd at least like to enjoy what I read rather than be frustrated by it.

~and~... Arow wrote: "I will keep reading for some reason though as I want to know how the lives will turn out, I am way to invested. I hope something changes though and they return to the early days of the series."
Ditto. Though I'm behind several, I'm sure I'll be back to the series at some point to catch up with the lives. I've read too many to just leave it.

It just annoys me that the series took a turn that I thought would rejuvenate it then took another that brought us back to the same old thing. The "choppiness" doesn't help.

Oh well.. Fourth... I look forward to your 2021 list.

Karen wrote: "First... I know this is two months late. I went to my 2020 post to check on something and saw there were four new posts in your list I hadn't read.

Second... Thank you for your mini reviews and d..."

Thank you Karen; this was really lovely to see over the weekend.

I agree, I don't go into a book expecting to feel smarter for reading it, however the last Hannah Swenson had me walking away wondering if I gained anything or lost something.

I will definitely check out your 2021 list. I am looking for good historical cozies, that seems to be the one I can't find a good series for each year.

Arow wrote: "I will definitely check out your 2021 list. I am looking for good historical cozies, that seems to be the one I can't find a good series for each year..."

Bad luck there, I'm afraid. I do the "A" challenge and see where they fall for the "B." I have yet to hit the "B" goals because I am not much of an historical mystery reader. I also usually fall short in the "out-of-the-US" category, too. :o(

The good thing is that the definition of "historical" is very broad for this challenge -- anything not set in the present. Though most cozies are timeless, this could be doable.

Good luck!