Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge discussion

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2015 Level 4(Sleuth Extra) > Arow 2015 Cozy Challenge

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message 1: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Looking forward to reading about other cozy mysteries and seeing what series people love!


message 2: by Arow (last edited Dec 30, 2015 08:15PM) (new)

Arow | 553 comments I decided at the end of 2014 to reread the entire Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke. I am already on the third novel and I am very happy that I decided to reread them to start 2015.

Running Tally of Completed Books in 2015
Book 1 - Strawberry Shortcake Murder
Book 2 - Blueberry Muffin Murder
Book 3 - Lemon Meringue Pie Murder
Book 4 - Fudge Cupcake Murder
Book 5 - Sugar Cookie Murder
Book 6 - Peach Cobbler Murder
Book 7 - Cherry Cheesecake Murder
Book 8 - Key Lime Pie Murder
Book 9 - Candy Cane Murder
Book 10 - Carrot Cake Murder
Book 11 - Cream Puff Murder
Book 12 - Plum Pudding Murder
Book 13 - Apple Turnover Murder
Book 14 - Devil's Food Cake Murder
Book 15 - Cinnamon Roll Murder
Book 16 - Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
Book 17 - Blackberry Pie Murder
Book 18 - Double Fudge Brownie Murder

Well I finished the Joanne Fluke series so I am now picking up new cozy mysteries as I stumble upon them. I discovered this series by Dianne Harman:
Book 19 - Kelly's Koffee Shop
Book 20 - Murder at Jade Cove
Book 21 - White Cloud Retreat

I really was not a big fan of the Dianne Harman novels. I am sure others would really like them, they were just not for me.

I found a new series on Kindle Unlimited and I really enjoyed the first book.
Book 22 - Death of a Dapper Snowman
Book 23 - Death of a Crafty Knitter
Book 24 - Death of a Batty Genius
Book 25 - Death of a Modern King (Book 4 of a Humorous Cozy Murder Mystery Series): Stormy Day Mystery #4

Another new series has been discovered!
Book 26 - Murder in Christmas River
Book 27 - Mayhem in Christmas River


message 3: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 1 - Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 of 5 stars

I first read this novel June 2010 and gave it 3 stars. It was my first cozy mystery and I found it very entertaining and it made me smile often.

I decided to re-read the series as part of this group and I thought the second installment of the Hannah Swensen series was very entertaining. Joanne Fluke's storytelling and mystery building improved dramatically from The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. I am really happy that I started to re-read the series from the beginning I have a greater appreciation for it this time around.


message 4: by Jenn (new)

Jenn C | 14 comments I'll have to check out Fluke - thanks for the review! The only problem is that there's not enough time to read everything I want to!

Good luck with your challenge!


message 5: by Lisa (new)

Lisa (mshinako) | 15 comments I started reading the Hannah Swensen series many years ago, and haven't read one in quite a while, but I think a re-read from the start sounds like a good idea.


message 6: by Arow (last edited Jan 05, 2015 08:40AM) (new)

Arow | 553 comments @Jenn & @Dagny,

That is great to hear, Joanne Fluke was my first true cozy mystery writer and I really enjoy this series. Joanne Fluke writes stand alone novels as well, these have not been as good in my opinion but I think its because I love the town and the people Joanne Fluke has created within her Hannah Swensen series.


message 7: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Lisa wrote: "I started reading the Hannah Swensen series many years ago, and haven't read one in quite a while, but I think a re-read from the start sounds like a good idea."

You really should if you are in the mood. The 18th book in the series is set to come out February 2015 which was one of the reasons I decided to re-read the entire series. I am sure I will need to break them up with something else so that the stories remain fresh but I am excited either way which hasn't been the case with the last few books I have read.


message 8: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 2 - Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 of 5 stars

This is the third installment of the Hannah Swensen series and after reading it for the second time it is still my favourite, although I am sure I say that after every book.

The little details that are coming out about all the townspeople are perfect and really keep my attention on the story. I also enjoyed that the murder and the investigation took place a little later in the story than the first two books. Really helped to make me invested in the story.


message 9: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Dagny wrote: "I just checked and my library doesn't have Blueberry Muffin Murder. They have Strawberry Shortcake though for when I get a chance to get started. I might be able to pick up Blueberry used."

The first book in the series is great as well, check to see if your library has Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. It is a good introduction to the characters. I don't think you have to read them in order but they do reference each other.

Enjoy!


message 10: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 3 - Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the 4th installment of the Hannah Swensen story. The beginning was a bit slow but it picked up 1/3 of the way through and I enjoyed it until the end.

I was happy that this story was set in the summer in Lake Eden, it brought an interesting element to the story. I also can't wait to try to recipe for the Lemon Meringue Pie. I have tried some of the other recipes Joanne Fluke has included and I am sure this one won't disappoint.


message 11: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Dagny wrote: "Arow wrote: "The first book in the series is great as well, check to see if your library has Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. It is a good introduction to the characters. I don't think you have to rea..."

Nice! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. For me its like tuning into one of my favourite TV shows.


message 12: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 4 - Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 of 5 stars (really 3 1/2)

The first time I read this story I didn't enjoy it as much as the first 4 novels. But I still enjoyed it. The second time around I enjoyed it a lot more.

I really enjoyed the interaction with the townspeople as they are trying to prepare the 'Lake Eden Cookbook'. A lot of interesting recipes to try.


message 13: by Amy the book-bat (new)

Amy the book-bat (batkisses) | 20 comments I love how the actual Lake Eden Cookbook continues the story and has a place in the series. I am impatiently waiting for the next book, due out next month, I believe.


message 14: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Amy wrote: "I love how the actual Lake Eden Cookbook continues the story and has a place in the series. I am impatiently waiting for the next book, due out next month, I believe."

Me too! I have tried a lot of the dessert recipes in the series but never anything else. I may have look over the recipes again to see if one fits my mood :-)

I can't wait for the next book, it comes out in February 2015!


message 15: by Arow (last edited Jan 22, 2015 09:34AM) (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 6 - Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 of 5 stars

The Peach Cobbler Murder follows the wedding day of someone close to Hannah (I don't want to spoil it for anyone) and the fact that the entire town has shown up in support made the story enjoyable for me.

The story takes place over a week period around Valentines Day which made the sleuthing that Hannah and her friends in crime complete as entertaining as always.

I have actually made the Peach Cobbler recipe a few times now, really yummy.


message 16: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Completely forgot to include Book 5.

Book 5 - Sugar Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this one the second time through. It is different from the other books in the series in the fact that the events all take place in one evening and almost the entire town is there. It was almost like reading a murder mystery dinner theater style.

Also loved all the recipes at the end of the novel. They included all the dishes featured in the story and a lot of them look delicious.


message 17: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 7 - Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke

3 1/2 stars (gave 4 stars the first time I read it)

This story opens with a prologue which is unusual in the Hannah Swensen series but was nice as the lead up to the events in the prologue occur fairly late in the story and the readers would be questioning where the murder was.

Hollywood invades Lake Eden in the Cherry Cheesecake Murder and the whole town is invited to join in the fun and excitement that the movie being made creates. I enjoyed the story and the additional characters introduced to throw a wrench with the everyday life of Hannah Swensen. There was just something missing for me. I can't put my finger on it though.


message 18: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 8 - Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

3 1/2 stars (gave 4 stars the first time I read it)

We join the Lake Eden community during the annual County Fair. We are taken around the fair grounds through out the week experiencing the daily lives of the characters we have grown to love. Lots of great recipes through out the book. The sleuthing was well done in the story but I just found myself not really caring too much. Could have just been my mood though.


message 19: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Dagny wrote: "Arow wrote: "Book 8 - Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

3 1/2 stars (gave 4 stars the first time I read it)

but I just found myself not really caring too much. Could..."


You are 100% correct! Its funny though, the next book in the series which I just finished is 3 short stories, 1 by Joanne Fluke and 2 by other authors. I really wanted to go back to Joanne Fluke after reading the other 2.

I will be mixing it up after the Carrot Cake Murders though. Need to take a break.


message 20: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 9 - Candy Cane Murder by Joanne Fluke

3 stars

This is a series of 3 short stories. A good introduction to cozy mysteries.

It is a great introduction to the Hannah Swensen series. It has tons of recipes and is short and sweet. Joanne Fluke did not let down in this short story. She had the pieces that I have grown to love when I sit down with one of her books.

The second book The Dangers of Candy Canes by Laura Levine I could have done without. I did not enjoy the story line or the flow of the story.

I was pleasantly surprised by the third story Candy Canes of Christmas Past by Leslie Meier. I found myself getting lost in the story and loving the characters of this small town.


message 21: by Amy the book-bat (new)

Amy the book-bat (batkisses) | 20 comments I agree with your assessment. I love the Joanne Fluke stories, like the Leslie Meier, and don't go out of my way for the Laura Levine.


message 22: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 10 - Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 stars

Another great installment to the Lake Eden tales. We join Hannah with her friends and family at the end of summer when her business partner and husband decide to hold a family reunion.

Lots of great recipes in this one, the carrot cake sounds incredible, I think I will be trying that one soon!


message 23: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 11 - Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 stars

I took a bit of a break from the Lake Eden stories and coming back to Cream Puff Murder made the break worth while. This story takes place in the fall and it follows Hannah on a diet so she can fit into her dress to wear to her mother's book release party. Joanne Fluke ties the diet into the sleuthing that Hannah completes in order to solve the most recent murder in Lake Eden.

I found this story very easy to read, nothing to taxing which is exactly what I was looking for.


message 24: by Karen (new)

Karen (xkamx) | 446 comments Arow wrote: "I found this story very easy to read, nothing to taxing which is exactly what I was looking for."

I started and read through this series last year. I was trying to finish before the new year, but wound up finishing the last to date, Blackberry Pie Murder, about 1a on Jan 1. The newest, Double Fudge Brownie Murder, was just released.

I, too, find the series fast, easy reads. I noted in my list that I sort of got tired of the Hannah-and-her-two-men plot device. I also thought the last two or three weren't as good as earlier books. I'm hoping because there's been at least a month since I read Hannah Swensen that the latest addition to the series will be better than the last few I read.

Enjoy. Overall, the series is a fun one to read and I plan to continue with it.


message 25: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Karen wrote: "Arow wrote: "I found this story very easy to read, nothing to taxing which is exactly what I was looking for."

I started and read through this series last year. I was trying to finish before the ..."


I agree with you on almost all accounts. I starting reading this series in 2009 and have kept up with it as each new installment was released. As I am re-reading them I can pin-point the moment I started to lose interested and it is coming up fast.

I just finished Plum Pudding Murder and really enjoyed it but have started wanting Hannah to make a decision and move on. I am about 1/3 through Apple Turnover Murder and the future story line is flooding into my mind as I am reading.

I wanted to re-read the series before reading the new Double Fudge Brownie so fingers crossed that some decisions and answers are provided.


message 26: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 12 - Plum Pudding Murder by Joanne Fluke

3 stars (really 3 1/2)

This book takes place just before Christmas in Lake Eden and we are following Hannah with her friends and family a few weeks leading up to the holidays.

The story was very light hearted and easy to read. I finished is rather quickly and enjoyed reading it but more for the recipes then the storyline. The murder happens late in the story and we are really just reading about Hannah's struggles having a Christmas Tree with her cat Moshie.

All in all a good read that fits with the rest of the series.


message 27: by Karen (new)

Karen (xkamx) | 446 comments Joanne Fluke was just at a discussion/signing event for Double Fudge Brownie Murder here (AZ) at The Poisoned Pen. The store posted the event on LiveStream, if you're interested. You can watch the event without joining.

At one point Fluke says that by the end of the book some readers will be happy and some won't. Wonder if there's a choice in this book. Or, is Hannah found guilty in the accident she was in last book??


message 28: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Karen wrote: "Joanne Fluke was just at a discussion/signing event for Double Fudge Brownie Murder here (AZ) at The Poisoned Pen. The store posted the event on LiveStream, if you're..."

Amazing! Thanks for sharing that, I will have to watch it. I am looking forward to the newest installment, I am getting close I think I only have 3 more to go :-)


message 29: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 13 - Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke

3 stars

I really don't have a lot to say about this installment. Was definitely not my favourite and besides the recipes looking tasty I think I could have passed on reading it.


message 30: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 14 - Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 stars

As you can tell, I find that the Hannah Swensen novels can go back and forth between a really good one and one that is just so so. In my opinion the Devil's Food Cake Murder was a vast improvement on the Apple Turnover Murder. The storyline was a little thicker and the murder was actually a bit tricky to solve which for those of us who have read a Hannah Swensen novel before can understand that they are not always tricky to solve.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who has enjoyed a Hannah Swensen novel in the past.


message 31: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 15 - Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 stars

I really enjoyed how the sleuthing for the murder overlapped with the sleuthing to protect someone close to Hannah in this installment of the series. I personally did not figure out the who dunnit till the end which was a nice change of pace.

Be prepared for many recipes throughout the story but I am pretty sure that's why most of us keep coming back.


message 32: by Karen (new)

Karen (xkamx) | 446 comments Arow wrote: "Book 7 - Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke... I enjoyed the story and the additional characters introduced to throw a wrench with the everyday life of Hannah Swensen."

I have yet to read the latest book, Double Fudge Brownie Murder, but (view spoiler)


message 33: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Karen wrote: "Arow wrote: "Book 7 - Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke... I enjoyed the story and the additional characters introduced to throw a wrench with the everyday life o..."

I am curious now, I am almost done Blackberry Pie Murder so I will be getting to Double Fudge Brownie Murder shortly.


message 34: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 16 - Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 stars

What can I say? I truly am a fan. I know they are not the best books but there is something about Hannah Swensen that I just love. Yes there are a ton of recipes but I honestly feel that at this point there are so many due to the fact that Joanne Fluke must receive new recipes daily from fans. I really like the fact that she takes the time to test them and put them in the novels.

Red Velvet Cupcake Murder does not let us down. It is filled with the same old love triangle, along with the silly family dynamics we have grown to love and expect and let’s not forgot about the unsolved murder to figure out.

For me it offered exactly what I have grown to expect from Joanne Fluke, so although it was not the best book in the series it is still worth the read for the true fans. I will still continue to wait to see what Hannah decides to do with her life in the next installment.


message 35: by Karen (new)

Karen (xkamx) | 446 comments Arow wrote: "I am curious now, I am almost done Blackberry Pie Murder so I will be getting to Double Fudge Brownie Murder shortly."

I have it on hold at the library. I think there are six people ahead of me. Thankfully, I have other things to read. I'm pretty sure I can hold out until it comes in!

I didn't particularly care for Blackberry Pie Murder. It seemed to be filler between Red Velvet Cupcake Murder and Double Fudge Brownie Murder. I won't spoil the story for you. I'll look for your mini review when you finish it.


message 36: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 17 - Blackberry Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 stars

I enjoyed the story the second time through. I will admit that this story is slightly different. The murder is not your traditional murder and the mystery is Hannah trying to figure out the identity of the murder victim. I enjoyed how Joanne Fluke tied the story-line together and how she brings all of Hannah's friends and family into the mix.

I did not bookmark as many of the recipes this time around but I love how Joanne Fluke incorporates her fans recipes.


message 37: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Karen wrote: "Arow wrote: "I am curious now, I am almost done Blackberry Pie Murder so I will be getting to Double Fudge Brownie Murder shortly."

I have it on hold at the library. I think there are six people ..."


You are not wrong, I found I enjoyed it more the second time I read it. Not sure if I am just in a different head space this time around or what it is. I also enjoyed the fact that it was a different type of murder. I have read some reviews where people complain that there is no murder in Blackberry Pie Murder but I feel those people just did not grasp what Joanne Fluke was trying to get across.

I just started Double Fudge Brownie Murder yesterday and I am almost done. I am enjoying it so far. The first half the book deliveries some answers which is what all the readers have been asking for.

Don't get me wrong, nothing firm has been decided upon yet but you can see that Hannah is starting to actually form some opinions of her life. If that makes sense.


message 38: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 18 - Double Fudge Brownie Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 stars

Okay, I have been waiting for this novel for a year and I can honestly say that I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed reading it and I felt that Joanne Fluke tied up a few loose ends nicely as well as provided some hope and joy for all the Hannah Swensen fans.

I will say that I do not recommend this novel for individuals who have grown tired with the storyline and feel that past books have included too many recipes. This novel follows the storyline and includes just as many recipes as before. I love it for that reason. I read this series almost like I would watch a TV show over and over again. I like the characters, I like the way I feel when I read it and it makes me smile.

I can't wait to see where the next installment takes us! I hope I don't have to wait too long this time around.


message 39: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Now that I have re-read the entire Hannah Swensen series I will need to find a few other cozy mysteries to complete my challenge.

Can't wait to look through everyone's posts to get some ideas!


message 40: by Amy the book-bat (new)

Amy the book-bat (batkisses) | 20 comments Have you read the White House Chef series yet? Julie Hyzy writes them and they are pretty good. I am really enjoying them right now.


message 41: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Amy wrote: "Have you read the White House Chef series yet? Julie Hyzy writes them and they are pretty good. I am really enjoying them right now."

No I have not, I will have to take a look at it. Thank you!


message 42: by Karen (new)

Karen (xkamx) | 446 comments Arow wrote:
"I felt that Joanne Fluke tied up a few loose ends nicely as well as provided some hope and joy for all the Hannah Swensen fans." ~~AND~~ "I can't wait to see where the next installment takes us! I hope I don't have to wait too long this time around."
Me, too. Sadly, (view spoiler)I'm hoping the events will be a catalyst for change that allows Hannah to return to being a strong, independent woman who knows her own mind.

For newbies to the series, I recommend reading them in order. This book alone may not make you want to read the series, but as a part of the series, it's good (not great).


message 43: by Arow (last edited Jul 31, 2015 05:06PM) (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 19 - Kelly's Koffee Shop by Dianne Harman

2 Stars

Not my favourite book, wasn't the best cozy. Good base but I was not a fan of the dialogue. It felt really forced and I had a hard time really loving the storyline.


message 44: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 20 - Murder at Jade Cove by Dianne Harman

3 Stars

I thought it was better than the first novel but still not my favourite cozy series. I am not really sure why I read the second instalment and even as I am writing this I am considering trying the third. The character development was a bit better but I really disliked the way Kelly used information from Mike's police reports and such.


message 45: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 21 - White Cloud Retreat by Dianne Harman

2 stars

I really don't have a lot to say about this novel, it was okay. I really do not connect with the characters which I think is my biggest hold back.


message 46: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 22 - Death of a Dapper Snowman by Angela Pepper

4 stars

I was really surprised with this novel. I have been looking for another cozy mystery and this delivered everything I wanted. It was light hearted, entertaining, engaging and well written. I smiled at parts, shook my head in others and truly enjoyed reading it.

A very nice surprise from Kindle Unlimited.


message 47: by Arow (last edited Dec 05, 2015 04:04PM) (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 23 - Death of a Crafty Knitter by Angela Pepper

4 stars

Book two of the Stormy Day series was just as entertaining as the first.


message 48: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 24 - Death of a Batty Genius by Angela Pepper

4 stars

I think this is my favourite so far. Stormy Day and her best head to the hills for a weekend away at a new resort that Stormy's ex-finance's cousin is opening. The characters that Angela Pepper has created are always entertaining and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.


message 49: by Arow (new)

Arow | 553 comments Dagny wrote: "Karen wrote: "For newbies to the series, I recommend reading them in order."


I have Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder in my "next" pile which currently has about twenty books in it. I need to clone my..."


Sorry for the super late reply; this year has gotten away from me. Did you ever end up reading Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder?


message 50: by Arow (last edited Dec 16, 2015 02:13PM) (new)

Arow | 553 comments Book 25 - Death of a Modern King (Book 4 of a Humorous Cozy Murder Mystery Series): Stormy Day Mystery #4 by Angela Pepper

4 stars

We join Stormy Day on another adventure, we are re-introduced to a few characters from the previous novels and I loved them even more this time around.

One thing, Stormy appears to be on track to getting her private detective license's which means she may not be considered a cozy for much longer. I hope she stays amateur a bit longer as it definitely makes for a fun story-line.


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