Three Cozy Mystery Series

Just going to put down three fun, quick cozy mystery series that I have read in 2021. The fact that I read all the books in each of these series is a testament to how much I enjoyed them!

Rosie A. Point’s Mission Inn-Possible Cozy Mysteries

Charlotte “Charlie” Mission is a spy who outs her husband as a double agent.  As a result, she is sent into hiding to work as a maid at Gossip Inn, which just happens to be owned and operated by her superspy, ex-agent grandmother. Somehow Charlie’s arrival coincides with a murder spree in her newly adopted community and she and her grandmother must solve each murder so they can both stay under the radar.

Title	Pages
Vanilla Vendetta	208
Strawberry Sin	278
Cocoa Conviction	270
Raspberry Revenge	270
Mint Murder	272
Chocolate Chills	252

Elain Viets’ Dead-End Job Mysteries

After Helen Hawthorne catches her unemployed, unfaithful husband with her neighbor, she divorces him. Then, vowing her ex will never receive another dime from her, she goes on the run, winding up in Florida where she works a series of dead-end, low-wage jobs where she is paid under the table to avoid a paper trail. Somehow or other, each job seems to have an accompanying murder which she has a knack for solving.

Title	Pages
Shop Till You Drop	292
Murder Between the Covers	292
Dying to Call You	292
Just Murdered	292
Murder Unleashed	249
Murder with Reservations	232
Clubbed Together	283
Killer Cuts	284
Half-Price Homicide	274
Pumped for Murder	306
Final Sail	350
Board Stiff	359
Catnapped!	290
Checked Out	304
The Art of Murder	320

 Pepper Frost’s Betty Snickerdoodle Mysteries

Bea Sickles aka Betty Snickerdoodle is the unexpected author of a cozy Christmas stories. But she is also a poker-playing, humorous curmudgeon who loves to solve mysteries ala her role-model Jessica Fletcher.

Title	Pages
The Return of Betty Snickerdoodle	240
A Sleuth Is Born	298
Bake It Like Betty	219
Mixed to Death	262
Murder Takes a Bough	368

 

Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado

We used Because of Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Near by Max Lucado as our advent book/video study option. The series encouraged us to step back from the busy-ness of the season and the challenges of the pandemic to reflect on Christ's birth and what it means for us. It comes complete with an advent devotional/study guide. (224 pages)

This video-based series encouraged us to:

• Revive our wonder that the One who made everything chose to make himself nothing for us.
• Rekindle our connection to the Christ of Christmas who offers lasting hope.
• Lay down our endless Christmas to-do list and receive what Jesus has already done.
• Heal our heartache by embracing the God who is always near us, always for us, and always in us.

The Advent devotional guide content focused on:

• Week 1: Hope
• Week 2: Peace
• Week 3: Joy
• Week 4: Love
• Christmas Eve / Christmas Day

If you haven't read anything by Lucado, I highly recommend him!! 

Christmas Cozies Plus a Couple More

Some people watch Hallmark movies during December; I enjoy cozy mysteries with a Christmas theme. Some were good; some were not so good. Here's the list:

Inn at Holiday Bay: Cookies in the Cottage by Kati Daley

A man is found dead at the Rosewood Estate where Shelby, Sage, and Sierra, are staying for the holiday. Officer Colt Wilder is out of town visiting family, so of course part-time innkeeper, part-time author Abby must investigate. A light-hearted read with enjoyable characters. 133 pages.

Christmas at The Grange: A Lady Hardcastle Mystery by T.E. Kinsey

Lady Emily Hardcastle and her maid, Florence Armstrong are retired spies, planning to enjoy a cozy Christmas at The Grange, when a thief makes off with a pearl necklace. Lady H. and Flo are asked to discreetly investigate. There is a fun O. Henry ending on this one.  I highly recommend this series. You can always expect strong characters and a good plot. 66 pages.

The Fatal Flying Affair: A Lady Hardcastle Mystery by T. E. Kinsey

OK. Not a Christmas-themed cozy, but when I found out a new book in this series was available, I couldn't resist. Lady Emily and Florence are asked to go undercover at an airplane manufacturing plant to find out why a pilot plummeted to his death and if there might be other nefarious activities going on as well.  315 pages.

Merry Christmas Murder: A Roland Bean Cozy Mystery by Rachel Woods

Oh, no! Someone has attacked Santa while he was on break from taking pictures with children. Reporter Roland Bean and his children are eye witnesses to the traumatic event. Bean writes about Santa and his good deeds, eliciting plenty of well-wishes for restored health from fans. But then Bean gets a tip that Santa should be on the naughty list. Is Santa naughty or nice? You'll have to read this book to find out! 340 pages.

Gingerbread to Die For: Dunbarton Christmas Mysteries by Valerie Tate

The residents of Dunbarton are abuzz with excitement. Famed chef Davina Dove has chosen Dunbarton to be the location of one of her special event cooking shows. The mayor decides it would also be the perfect time to host a Christmas cooking contest, with the Divine Dove as the judge. When Dove winds up dead after declaring the winners, there turns out to be plenty of suspects willing and able to commit the crime.  220 pages.

Miz Scarlet and the Holiday Houseguests: A Scarlet Wilson Mystery by Sara Barton

The Four Acorn Inn is closed to general guests for the holiday, but open to a good friend and her family, homicide investigator Laurencia “Larry” Rivera. Innkeeper Scarlet Wilson does her best to soothe the family squabbles while Larry investigates a new murder. To me, the character of Larry didn't quite work, but the others were fine and I am willing to try a second title in the series if one comes my way. 145 pages.

Christmas Cupcakes and a Caper: A Humorous Culinary Cozy Mystery by D.E. Haggerty 

A dead elf is found on the doorstep of Callie's Cakes and it soon becomes apparent he was murdered! Callie and friends decide they must investigate to solve the crime and save Christmas. This was my least favorite of the Christmas cozies. The characters are one-dimensional and the plot was simple. An OK read if you are looking for something light, quick and not too challenging. 108 pages.

Aloe and Goodbye: Southwestern Small Town Cozy Mystery by Janice Peacock

Ruby Shaw and her daughter are placed in witness protection in Paradise, Arizona, a former ghost town. From day one, Ruby is unable to stay under the radar when a murder takes place right next door the day she moves in and Ruby is the number one suspect. Can she clear her name? Time will tell. I liked this title enough to start following the author.  223 pages.

Turkey in the Trap-Room by Kathi Daley

I couldn't resist finding a cozy mystery with a Thanksgiving theme and settled on this book in a series I thoroughly enjoy. Once again, all is not well in Holiday Bay and it looks like inn-owner and popular author, Abby Sullivan will need to put her sleuthing cap on to discover who murdered an unpopular lawyer in the midst of a Thanksgiving Pageant rehearsal.

Inn at Holiday Bay series, book 12

207 pages

How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado

 COVID-19 got you down? Looking for ways to pick yourself back up and have joy restored? Then check out Max Lucado's How Happiness Happens: Finding Lasting Joy in a World of Comparison, Disappointment, and Unmet Expectations. Lucado points us to the "one anothers" in the Bible to remind us that:

• Happiness is not selfish
• People are a joy - yes even that pesky co-worker
• There is strength in choice
• Happiness happens when you give it away

We recently did this as a book study at a church. The study guide and DVD are great, too!

208 pages.

Tiffany Black Series by A.R. Winters

While some people have been binge-watching TV shows in the last couple of months, I have been binge-reading this fun series. Tiffany Black is a part-time casino card dealer and a part-time private investigator, but always good for a laugh as she solves mysteries set in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here are the ones I have read since October 1, books 16-23...book 24 is coming out soon!

• Lounge Singers and Liars in Las Vegas - 227 pages
• Deceptions and Decisions in Las Vegas - 234 pages
• Snapshots and Suspicions in Las Vegas - 236 pages
• Pride and Prejudice in Las Vegas - 259 pages
• Just Desserts in Las Vegas - 245 pages
• Dinners and Disasters in Las Vegas - 262 pages
• Art and Apprehension in Las Vegas - 248 pages
• Masks and Malice in Las Vegas - 285 pages

TOTAL PAGES: 1,996, 8 titles

Shine by Lauren Myracle

Summary: After a personal trauma, Cat shuts herself away from her friends and closes herself off from her emotions. But they resurface when a formerly close friend is the victim of a hate crime. When local law enforcement fails to make progress, Cat is determined to investigate the crime herself and in doing so, finds herself again.

My Review: I heard this author speak at the 2019 YALSA Symposium, so decided to check her out. This is a well-written story about complex issues.

Pages: 380 pages     My Rating: 4 out of 5

Leadershift by John C. Maxwell

Summary: John Maxwell identifies the eleven changes, or shifts, he has made over the course of his career as a leadership expert.

My Review: Maxwell had me from “…the future seems to be coming at us faster than ever. It is not going to slow down. Would anybody seriously consider the idea that tomorrow will be at a slower pace than today? Technology, social media, and the rate of change will never allow that to happen. To go forward, we need to move faster. And as leaders, we need to stay ahead, we need to see more than others, and we need to see before others.” Wise words of wisdom!

Pages: 288 pages          My Rating: 5 out of 5

Answers in the Attic by Kathi Daley

Summary: The renovations of the Inn is nearing completion and the only thing left to do is clear out the attic. The job takes on extra intrigue when a woman who is the great, great, great, niece of Abigail Chesterton, the wife of the man who built the house, arrives wanting to learn more about her ancestors. This time around, the mysteries are in the past, but that won’t slow down Abby Sullivan who is a part-time Inn owner, part-time author, and part-time amateur sleuth.

Series: Book 4 in the Inn at Holiday Bay series

My Review: A gentle, cozy mystery series with endearing characters. I read this one out of order, but that wasn’t a problem.

Pages: 201 pages

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Haunting in the Hallway by Kathi Daley

Summary: The residents of Holiday Bay, Maine are preparing for Halloween and inn owner and author Abby Sullivan is no exception.  But amidst the preparation, Abby and Police Chief Colt Wilder manage to discover not one, but TWO bodies the same cemetery plot. Who could they be and why did someone want them dead? Have no fear! Abby and Colt are on the case.

Series: Book 5 in the Inn at Holiday Bay series

My Review: I wanted a cozy mystery that was Halloween-themed and this one met the requirements. I’m a bit disappointed the series is becoming more simplistic in nature. Still, I plan to gobble up the next one, as I’m sure I will want to read a Thanksgiving-themed, cozy mystery soon!

Pages: 219 pages     My Rating: 4 out of 5

Hubbert and Lil Series by Gallagher Gray

Summary: T.S. Hubbert retires in his 50s from a stuffy banking firm only to be called back briefly into service when one of the managers is killed. In steps his 84 year old aunt, Lil, who has personality and energy to burn. Together they are tasked to solve their first crime. Then, as is the tradition with cozies, the bodies just keep turning up in book after book.

My Review: I really, really wanted to like this series because I like senior sleuths. The premise was good. The setup of the characters was fine. The series is touted as being hilarious. But I found the plots to be slow-moving and the dialogue dragging.

Series Titles:

Book 1: Partners in Crime, 330 pages

Book 2: A Cast of Killers, 343 pages

Book 3: Death of a Dream Maker, 368 pages

Book 4: A Motive for Murder, 344 pages

My Rating: 3 out of 5

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg

Summary: A gentle story of three lonely people who bond together to become a family.

My Review: Engaging characters, thought-provoking situations, wisdom, humor, and an ending that can fill…and break…your heart.

Pages: 240           My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser

Summary: This book attempts to remove some of the mystique surrounding Laura Ingalls Wilder. Major events and relationships in her life are painstakingly set into their historical context. Myths are debunked. Family relationships are explored.

My Review: I found parts of this book thoroughly engaging and learned or relearned a lot of US history. Other parts of the book were repetitious and slow-moving. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to hearing the author speak at the Fox Service Center in Arnold on October 17, thanks to a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (#IMLSGrant).

Pages: 625          My Rating: 4 out of 5

Personal Improvement

Summary: I’ve been reading quite a few books lately designed to help me better understand myself and those

around me, looking for ways to bring out the best in all of us.

Review: I have found some piece of truth in each of the books below. By far the most engaging and helpful titles were When, Grit, and Quiet, which I rank 5 out of 5. The others were good as well, though, so I give them each a 4 out of 5.

Author	Title	Pages
Joyce Meyer	Eat the Cookies - Buy the Shoes: Giving Yourself Permission to Lighten Up	208
Angela Duckworth	Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance	353
Charles Duhigg	The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business	400
Brene Brown	The Gifts of Imperfection	158
Daniel Pink	When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing	272
Cain, Susan	Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking	368

Cozy Mysteries

Tiffany Black Mystery Series by A.R. Withers

Summary: Tiffany may work in a casino, but she hopes to leave that job behind her for good once she gets her private investigator’s license. Ironically, her very first case is investigating the death of casino mogul, Ethan Becker. Throughout the series there are loveable characters, like Nana and Ian, as well as a love interest or two.

My Review: It’s no secret, I tend to binge-read cozy mystery series. This one kept me interested until about book five, when the plots, dialogue and characters started to fizzle. I hung in there for a few more titles, in hopes the author could pick it back up again. But alas, she did not. That said, though, if I were looking for a quick read on a lazy day, I might seek out book 9 in the series.

Title	Pages
1. Innocent in Las Vegas	217
2. Green Eyes in Las Vegas	248
3. Red Roses in Las Vegas	252
4. Lost Kitten in Las Vegas	263
5. Reality Check in Las Vegas	235
6. Deadly Disco in Las Vegas	148
7. Pesky Politicians in Las Vegas	256
8. A Perfect Murder in Las Vegas	201

My Rating: 3 out of 5

Look Alive Twenty-Five by Janet Evanovich

Summary: There's nothing like a good deli, and the Red River Deli in Trenton is one of the best. World-famous for its pastrami, cole slaw, and for its disappearing managers. Over the last month, three have vanished from the face of the earth, and the only clue in each case is one shoe that's been left behind. The police are baffled. Lula is convinced that it's a case of alien abduction. Whatever it is, they'd better figure out what's going on before they lose their new manager, Ms. Stephanie Plum. – Publisher’s description

My Review: After the Tiffany Black mysteries fizzled, I knew I needed to find a sure winner. Stephanie Plum and company are up to their usual antics, and it’s all fun!

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Upper Elementary and Middle School Reads

Books by Gary D. Schmidt

My Review: I had the privilege of hearing author Gary D. Schmidt while on an Author Visit in Springfield, and was very impressed with his storytelling abilities. His writing is also masterful as he leads the reader through coming of age stories.

Title	Pages
1. Pay Attention, Carter Jones	224
2. Orbiting Jupiter	192
3. The Wednesday Wars	272

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

Summary: Supernanny Mary Poppins joins the Banks family in a mystical fashion, blowing in on the wind holding her infamous umbrella aloft. Throughout the first book, we are introduced to a woman who has little time for frivolity and yet is able to take us on wild, imaginative adventures that teach us life lessons along the way.

My Review: When Mary Poppins Returns came out and I learned that the author of the series, P.L. Travers was disappointed in Julie Andrews’ portrayal of Mary Poppins in the movie, I had to see why. It’s true, the movie didn’t do a good job of staying true to character – but I sure loved the music!  I found the movie version of Mary the more captivating of the two. I’m not sure I would have finished the book were it not for wanting to compare the two Marys to the bitter end. I rank the book a four, just because of the inspiration it provided for the musical. Pages: 232

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Rose Hill Mystery Series by Pamela Grandstaff

Summary: Rose Hill is a small mountain town in West Virginia where everyone knows everyone else’s business. In this cozy mystery series, amateur female sleuths (also cousins) Maggie, Hannah, and Claire navigate the challenges of marriage, family, children, and nosy neighbors as they solve crimes and entertain each other. If you like small town cozy mysteries with a little humor and romance, you will love the Rose Hill mystery series. (Publisher’s description) 

Review: I found the mysteries to be secondary and really got caught up in the family saga and the antics of the cousins. 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 

Series Order:

	Pages
1.   Rose Hill	258
2.   Morning Glory Circle	284
3.   Iris Avenue	329
4.   Peony Street	354
5.   Daisy Lane	330
6.   Lilac Avenue	379
7.   Hollyhock Ridge	326
8.   Sunflower Street	268
9.   Viola Avenue	258
10. Pumpkin Ridge	331
TOTAL	3,117

Oxford Tearoom Mysteries by H. Y. Hanna

Summary: When Gemma realizes she is missing out on the important things in life, she ditches her high-powered, high-stress job and returns to Meadowford-on-Smythe to follow her dream of opening a traditional English tearoom. What she doesn’t expect is to turn into an amateur sleuth. But, as is the case in all good cozy mysteries, that is exactly what happens. With the aid of four little old ladies, affectionately known as the Old Biddies, and her cat, Muesli, Gemma feels compelled to get to the bottom of every mystery she stumbles across.

Review: I find the characters endearing, thoroughly enjoyed binge-reading this series, and can’t wait for the next one to come out!

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Books Read in Series:

1. A Scone to Die For	334
2. Tea with Milk and Murder	326
3. Two Down, Bun to Go	356
4. Til Death Do Us Tart	378
5. Muffins and Mourning Tea	360
6. Four Puddings and a Funeral	340
7. Another One Bites the Crust	322
8. Apple Strudel Alibi	318
9. The Dough Must Go On	340