Cozy Mysteries discussion

Howdy, with fall just around the corner I am in desperate search for a new cozy series to get lost in.

I have read "The Cat Who" series, and the series by Diane Mott Davidson, most of the series by Maggie Sefton and the first few of the series by Joanne Fluke. Really I am looking for anything: I have interests in cooking, knitting, reading etc..so no preference. Just something fun, maybe with a little heft (length) to them, preferably one that has been around for awhile so most if not all are out on paperback.

If you have any other questions let me know, I will try to help you, help me. Thanks!

I have also read all but the most recent one of the Janet Evanovich "Stephanie Plum" series (which was last years cozy to get lost in)

Katrina, have you read any of Earlene Fowler's? They have quilt names. I've read the first 3 or 4 and enjoy them.

Both the tea shop mysteries and the Spellman series sound interesting, could you give me more detail on either of them.

What about the featured author in the group this month ? That is a good series :)

by Iain Pears

This is the first in an series of Jonathan Argyll & Flavia di Stefano mysteries.

This series describes the adventures of art historian Jonathan Argyll and two members of the (fictitious) Art Squad of the Italian police: Flavia di Stefano (deputy) and General Bottando (head of the squad).

If you like humorous cozies, have you tried Ellen Byerrum's series that starts with or Donna Andrews' series that starts with ?

I have really enjoyed the Death on Demand series by Carolyn Hart. There are currently 16 books in the series. The first one is Death on Demand. The main character, Annie Lawrence, owns a mystery book store in South Carolina. The surrounding characters are all interesting, and there are many references to other mystery authors and books.

Katrina, just start looking through the threads here in the group and you'll find lots of new series to take a look at.

I've just read the first two books in the "Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter" series by this month's featured author, Susan Wittig Albert -- The Tale of Hill Top Farm and The Tale of Holly How -- and greatly enjoyed them. Will definitely be continuing that series!

I see that 2 of my favorite series, Earlene Fowler's Benni Harper books and Susan Wittig Albert's China Bayles books, have already been mentioned. There are loads more if you check out some of the threads here!

Miki said: "I have really enjoyed the Death on Demand series by Carolyn Hart."

I, too, enjoy this series. I've read one her Henrie O series books and liked that, too.

Ok I am confused! I went to the library today to get the first book in the Death on Demand series on audiobook since you gals recommended it; however, the cover for what I thought is the first book in the series Death on Demand said it was the 4th book in the series. I am still fairly certain it is the first book though. I am lost!

Visit http://www.cozy-mystery.com for cozy authors and their series. I just found it recently so can't critique it, but it has answered some of my questions. I especially like the Cozy the Theme feature.

Cindy wrote: "Visit http://www.cozy-mystery.com for cozy authors and their series. I just found it recently so can't critique it, but it has answered some of my questions. I especially like the Cozy the Theme ..."

Thanks! That site says Death on Demand is book one as well. I knew I was right :)

When in doubt, you can always check out the copyright dates, too. That's also a good way to tell if a book is new or a reissue.

Heather L wrote: "When in doubt, you can always check out the copyright dates, too. That's also a good way to tell if a book is new or a reissue."

Yeah, I tried that, but with audiobooks they are all over the place sometimes :)

I decided on the first of the "The Spellman Files" series and the first of Cynthia Baxter's Reigning Cats and Dogs series Dead Canaries Don't Sing. I will get them started as soon as booksfree delivers them. Keep the suggestions coming though.

I'm not into vampires so haven't read her Sookie Stackhouse series but I like Charlaine Harris' Aurora Teagarden series and a very short series she did--The Lily Bard Mysteries

BTW, how do you guys get pictures of the book covers in your posts?

Katherine wrote: "BTW, how do you guys get pictures of the book covers in your posts?"

At the top of the comment box on the right there is add book/author, click that and search :)

I didn't like either of Elaine Viets current series when I read the first books, but they've since grown on me, tho I didn't care much for the latest Dead End Jobs book. I found the Scumble River series terribly up and down and finally gave up on it. I liked the Yellow Rose books and was sorry to see them end. She's writing a different series now that doesn't appeal to me.

Heidi I wrote: "Katherine wrote: "BTW, how do you guys get pictures of the book covers in your posts?"

At the top of the comment box on the right there is add book/author, click that and search :)"

Personally, and I'm sure I'm not alone, but I find it difficult to read posts where the covers are inserted instead of the hyperlinked titles. To be honest, I usually skip over posts like this. The covers are often hard to read and don't always load right, and it gets tiring and is very time-consuming trying to mouse over them. JMO. ; )

Heather L wrote: "Heidi I wrote: "Katherine wrote: "BTW, how do you guys get pictures of the book covers in your posts?"

At the top of the comment box on the right there is add book/author, click that and search ..."

And I prefer them with the covers......different strokes, huh? Guess you must skip over lots of my posts.

I like the covers too Melodie.

Just wanted to say I like the covers *except* when it's a book I don't know anything about. Then I dislike it because I can't read the title and I can't 'mouse over' it from my iPad, so I'm left with clicking on it to find out what it is. Minor inconvenience, I know. :)

I'd rather use the text link, it's easier to read and it's default for the "add book/author." The covers take up more room when you're scrolling, too. In one of my groups, somebody was posting her choices for a long challenge and took up two screenfuls of picture links, LOL. I just put mine side by side on one line, then list the text underneath in a list format.

Three series I really enjoy (and KEEP the books because I read them again when I feel like it) - Vicki Lane's Elizabeth Goodweather books, Beverly Connor's Diane Fallon series and Mark de Castrique's Buryin' Barry series (but I also love his newer Sam Blackman series as well!). These are all good solid reads with interesting settings and great characters.

Caroline wrote: "Three series I really enjoy (and KEEP the books because I read them again when I feel like it) - Vicki Lane's Elizabeth Goodweather books, Beverly Connor's Diane Fallon series and Mark de Castrique..."

Good to know Caroline! I just got my first Beverly Connor book from PBS and also my first Mark de Castrique book on my Kindle ;) I'll have to start them soon!

I have to say I love this thread. I'm starting to get back into Cozies and some great recommendations here!

I'm in the middle of the Yellow Rose Mysteries by Leann Sweeney, just love them!

Bella wrote: "I have to say I love this thread. I'm starting to get back into Cozies and some great recommendations here!

I'm in the middle of the Yellow Rose Mysteries by Leann Sweeney, just love them!"

I liked the Yellow Rose books. Too bad she stopped writing them!

When I first discovered the Yellow Rose Mysteries I sent her a note, asking if there would be anymore and she replied and said her publisher didn't want to renew them. That's sad. I like these ones lots!

Another series I discovered this past summer (and got and read ALL the books in the series) was the Southern Sisters series by Anne George. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2001 so there are no more books in that series but I love all the ones there are. The sisters are so funny!

Caroline wrote: "Another series I discovered this past summer (and got and read ALL the books in the series) was the Southern Sisters series by Anne George. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2001 so there are no m..."

This series was one of my favorites too! She did a wonderful job with characters - both the sisters who are really close though they are opposite in every way and the friends and family.

If you want a series that I describe as a full-course meal as opposed to dessert or an appetizer, check out Vicki Lane's Elizabeth Goodweather series. The woman grows herbs in the mountains of North Carolina and the books are full of local color and a bit of history. These are what I consider really solid books, not fluff. Although fluff has its time and place as well. I don't always want to read something heavy or solid. But Vicki's books are ones I keep since I will go back and reread them from time to time. Another series I have kept since I like to reread them is Aaron Elkins' Skeleton Detective series. These are great and a lot of fun.