2018 - A Year of Reviews in Review

As 2018 draws to a close I thought I'd take a look back at some of the great books I was privileged to read.

By the time the year ends I will have read at least 91 books. The most books I've read in a year, primarily due to me overextending myself...and also because so many interesting books are being published!

I was introduced to a lot of new series this year. I think my favorite is one that cannot fully be categorized. It's a historical, a paranormal, and a comedy all rolled up in a traditional mystery: the Barnabas Tew Mystery series by Columbine Noonan. I actually read the first two in the series this year. Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Missing Scarab and Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Nine Worlds are a delightful romp through mythology and great mysteries.

It should come as no surprise that I am partial to historical mysteries as well as paranormal ones.  MURDER ON MILLIONAIRES' ROW by Erin Lindsey also fits both of those categories. 

Vampires are quite popular and I was delighted to discover a Vampire Mystery series. THE VAMPIRE KNITTING CLUB is the first in this series by Nancy Warren. Other top paranormal entries this year include A MAGICAL MATCH by Juliet Blackwell, CLAIRVOYANT AND PRESENT DANGER by Lena Gregory, and the new Magic Garden Mystery series by Amanda Flower which starts with FLOWERS AND FOUL PLAY.

I also love Gothics and THE BOOK OF THE BELOVED by Carolyn Haines fits that bill.

A historical series that really stood out for me is the Art Deco series by L. A. Chandlar. This series really should be read in order so start with THE SILVER GUN and continue with THE GOLD PAWN. Other historical mysteries that stood out this year include DEADLY FASHION by Kate Parker, MURDER, SHE REPORTED by Peg Cochran, and TURNING THE TIDE by Edith Maxwell. I also adore series that combines the present with the past. PAST AND PRESENT by Judy Sheluk is the second Marketville Mystery and I read all three of the Dr. Pimms Intermillennial Sleuth Mystery series by L.J. M Owen this year: OLMEC OBITUARY, MAYAN MENDACITY,  and EGYPTIAN ENIGMA.

The return I was most excited about was seeing Jack Shepard again. I waited ten years to hear from my PI and was thrilled for his return in THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER by Cleo Coyle.

I also love food and was thrilled to find two new series showcasing Chinese and Mediterranean restaurants. I love Vivien Chien's Noodle House Mystery series, not only for her great characters and intriguing mysteries, but the setting, Cleveland, Ohio, where I once lived. Start with DEATH BY DUMPLING and continue with DIM SUM OF ALL FEARS. Baklava is one of my favorite desserts and, although known for their hummus bar, I might be able to find some in Tina Kashian's Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. Start with HUMMUS AND HOMICIDE and continue onto STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA. Want some breakfast? I love Sarah Fox's Pancake House Mystery series. The fourth book in this series was released this year, YEAST OF EDEN. She also started a new series, the Literary Pub Mystery series. I really enjoyed WINE AND PUNISHMENT. When speaking of food we can't forget beverages and I love the Whisky Business Mystery series by Melinda Mullet. DEADLY DRAM, the third book in the series, was released this year.

I'm fond of several religious mysteries and was delighted to discover Sister Agnes. You can find her in the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery series by Jane Willan. Check out my review of the second book in the series, THE HOUR OF DEATH.

New books in favorite series also include LETHAL IN OLD LACE by Duffy Brown and TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET by Donna Andrews.

If you like short stories, you mustn't miss Gigi Pandian's THE CAMBODIAN CURSE & OTHER STORIES: A JAYA JONES TREASURE HUNT MYSTERY COLLECTION.

I read many more delightful mysteries and I know that I'm leaving out some great ones...but I hope you enjoy seeing some of the books that meant a lot to me this year. I'm certain that 2019 will bring even more great reading.

A Magical Match - Review

Review

A MAGICAL MATCH by Juliet Blackwell

The Ninth Witchcraft Mystery

While preparations continue for the magical show down coming to San Francisco, Lily Ivory is getting ready for her store's Magical Match charity event. But there's soon a bigger problem than a shady cupcake lady and not being able to find the perfect wedding dress. The groom-to-be has been arrested for murder. Multiple witnesses saw Sailor leaving the scene of the crime and a video confirmed it! The victim, a man Lily barely remembers, showed up at Aunt Cora's Closet earlier claiming she stole something from him. But things don't add up and even Detective Carlos thinks things are hinky. Lily must look to the past and get help from unexpected places in order to figure out what's going on and get Sailor out of jail in time for their handfasting!

I'm thrilled to be back in San Fransisco with these characters I've come to love. A MAGICAL MATCH kept me enthralled from start to finish. There is so much going on! Knowing that everyone is in danger from the magical big threat. Not knowing what problems are mundane and which may be magical threats. Is someone looking to weaken Lily? So many questions! The prophesy! Why can't Lily remember the time in Germany with her father? Is her relationship with Sailor harmful? How much does she really know about him? Could Aidan actually be working against her? 

Ultimately, this ninth Witchcraft mystery is about trust and family, the one you make as well as the one you're born into. Mother issues are explored as well as having to face your past. We also see that working together, acceptance, and believing in yourself will help you to succeed and be happy.

 

A MAGICAL MATCH is a complex action packed mystery with plenty of humor balancing out the danger and the unknown. It's a book that makes you think, laugh, and at the end, feel happy and filled with love.

Review - A Toxic Trousseau

Review

A TOXIC TROUSSEAU by Juliet Blackwell

The 8th Witchcraft Mystery

Lily Ivory is surprised when she is served papers and finds herself being sued! Autumn Jennings is claiming that Oscar attacked her in Aunt Cora's Closet and is seeking compensation. But Autumn is no ordinary customer. In fact, not only does she run a high end vintage clothing shop she's also in debt to the witchy godfather of San Fransisco - Aidan Rhodes. When Lily and Maya go to Autumn's store to attempt to work things out-they find her spouting paranoid ideation while holding a gun on them and ultimately collapsing. Despite the prompt arrival of paramedics Autumn dies in the hospital. When doctors and police suspect poison Lily and Bronwyn top their suspect list. Now Lily needs to find out what's really going on. Could it have something to do with Autumn's latest clothing addition? With Sailor and Oscar for support Lily searches for the truth while handling city matters for Aidan and preparing for the Nebulous Big Nasty which is heading their way. 

A TOXIC TROUSSEAU is unique in that the mystery takes a more meandering path. In fact, we're not sure what the mystery really is. The mystery of the trousseau, of the curse, of the house, of the death, and who and where is Scarlet; all these questions entwine Lily, along with the mysterious satchel and the job with which Aiden has tasked her. Instead of a simple mystery story it's more of a preparatory book, setting the stage for a huge magical showdown. By the end of the book we have a much clearer view of that Nebulous Big Nasty heading their way, as well as a group of reinforcements coming to town.

Lily and her friends continue to delight. These characters are imbued with such spirit and vitality, it's sometimes difficult to believe they're fictional. Character development has been an integral part of this series, deepening the bonds connecting the characters, both with each other and readers. Lily has grown so much, yet she still manages to keep a sense of innocence, awkwardness, and charm even as she has become a powerful woman. Part of that power has come from her ability to accept help and friendship from others. While a part of her will always be a solitary witch, she can count on the love and friendship of others to support and encourage her, even as she supports and encourages them. And while Sailor remains swoonworthy, it is Oscar who has truly captured my heart!

Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft series continues to be one of my most favorite series. A TOXIC TROUSSEAU is a multifaceted mystery including a local legend involving a curse, a fictional representation of the famous Winchester House, and a fascinating part of fashion history which combine to create a captivating story.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading A Toxic Trousseau by Juliet Blackwell. This book is the 8th in her Witchcraft series and was released earlier this month.

Lily Ivory is surprised when she is served papers and finds herself being sued! Autumn Jennings is claiming that Oscar attacked her in Aunt Cora's Closet and is seeking compensation. But Autumn is no ordinary customer. In fact, not only does she run a high end vintage clothing shop she's also in debt to the witchy godfather of San Fransisco- Aidan Rhodes. When Lily and Maya go to Autumn's store to attempt to work things out-they find her spouting paranoid ideation while holding a gun on them and ultimately collapsing. Despite the prompt arrival of paramedics Autumn dies in the hospital. When doctors and police suspect poison Lily and Bronwyn top their suspect list. Now Lily needs to find out what's really going on. Could it have something to do with Autumn's latest clothing addition? With Sailor and Oscar for support Lily searches for the truth while handling city matters for Aidan and preparing for the Nebulous Big Nasty which is heading their way.

Spotlight - Spellcasting in Silk

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell. The Witchcraft Mystery series is just about my favorite series and I'm excited to read this latest entry. Just released last week, Spellcasting in Silk is the 7th book in the series.

From the back cover:

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Vision in Velvet comes more spooky sleuthing with Lily Ivory, vintage boutique owner and gifted witch....

Lily would like nothing better than to relax, enjoy her friends, and take care of business at her store, which is booming, thanks to San Francisco's upcoming Summer of Love Festival. But as the unofficial witchy consultant to the SFPD, she is pulled into yet another case.

A woman has jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, and her apparent suicide may be connected to a suspicious botanica in the Mission District. When the police investigate the shop, they ask Lily to look into its mysterious owner, whose granddaughter also appears to be missing. As Lily searches for the truth, she finds herself confronted with a confounding mystery and some very powerful magic....

Romance & Mystery

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Personally, I'm not a fan of this particular holiday...although I do appreciate the sale on Valentine's candy that will start on the 15th! That being said, I do like some romance in my mysteries. I guess that's not too surprizing in that I like romance novels as well.

When it comes to mysteries, cozies in particular, romance comes in several forms. One form has our protagonist meet her romantic partner at the start of the series, but circumstances (or their own opinions) keep them apart. This "will they or won't they" is probably my favorite form of mystery romance. Sometimes, this form changes. As the series progresses the couples sometime finally get together, sometimes they even get married. The romance between upper class hotel owner Cecily Sinclair and her butler, Baxter in Edwardian England is my favorite example of this sort of romance and can be found in the Penneyfoot Hotel Mystery series by Kate Kingsbury. Kate Carlisle also gives us a memorable couple with Brooklyn Wainwright and Derek Stone in her Bibliophile series. And I certainly cannot leave out Amelia Peabody and Radcliffe Emerson from Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody Mystery series.

As in life, not all romantic couples in books last. Some series start with one romantic liaison which ends and our heroine finds a new love...or she keeps looking. Carole Nelson Douglas deftly handles this switch in the Midnight Louie Mystery series. Krista Davis explores this form in her Domestic Diva series.

Sometimes our authors give us a variety of possible romantic partners. Juliet Blackwell gives my favorite version of this romantic form in her Witchcraft series...although now I think Lily has found "the one". (He certainly is my pick!) Sometimes, the author has her heroine keep more than one romantic interest at the same time, specifically Joanne Fluke and the Hannah Swensen Mystery series.

While several of these romantic styles eventually lead to marriage, much more rare is the mystery series that starts with our romantic couple already wed. Cate Price has tackled this form in the Deadly Notions Mystery series. Peg Marberg also started her Interior Design Mystery series with a married couple.

What about you? Do you like some romance with your mystery? Do you have a preference as to romantic form? Who are some of your favorite couples?

Review - A Haunting is Brewing

Review

 A Haunting is Brewing by Juliet Blackwell
A Haunted Home Renovation and a Witchcraft Mystery Novella

 Mel Turner has been called upon to help get the Spooner House, a volunteer run museum, up to code so that it can be used as the site for a fundraising Halloween Ball. She's "assisted" by college theatre students and Maya, who heard about the fundraiser from Lily Ivory who donated clothes to the museum. Things get odd when the life sized dolls made by Mr. Spooner himself in the 1800s seem to have a life of their own. When Mel and Maya discover the body of one of the students dead in the house, they realize something dangerous is going on. Maya suggests Mel call upon Lily for help and soon all are involved to try to discover what is going on in the haunted house.

It's always fun imagining what would happen if I got to meet the characters in favorite books. The next best thing? Having characters from different books meet up!

A Haunting is Brewing is told from Mel Turner's point of view, the protagonist in The Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series. While I have enjoyed the books I've read in this series, I must admit that I'm behind. I am, however, up to date with the Witchcraft Mystery series and was delighted when Mel contacted Lily for help. I have more of an affinity with Lily. I'm pretty sure I'd have better results brewing a spell than performing home repairs!

Although short, it is a novella, there is a solid mystery with a definite creep factor. Sorry, to me dolls are creepy anyway and once you add Halloween and possible poppets...you're going to wish you had a voodoo guy! A Haunting is Brewing is a quick read for fans of Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery series, her Haunted Home Renovation series, both, or even readers unfamiliar with either series.

Currently Reading...

I just started reading A Vision in Velvet by Juliet Blackwell. This book is the 6th in the Witchcraft Mystery series. I adore this series and am glad to be back at Aunt Cora's Closet with Lily and the gang. Lily happens to be a witch, a witch who specializes in fabric. She can read the fabric and sense the vibrations of the people who once wore the vintage clothes she finds. Although she's about to refuse to buy a truck of damaged clothes, she stops when a piece of clothing seems to call to her. The cloak, however, may prove to be more dangerous than it seems. Oscar (her familiar) knows something is wrong, but before he can stop her Lily puts the cloak on, and is awash in a nightmarish experience. In addition, someone connected with the cloak has been murdered-and I haven't even started chapter 3! I'm eager to see what else in store-and happily await reuniting with Sailor.

Extra Special

I read a lot of books. Not as many as some, but, a good amount. I guess I'm lucky because, in general, I enjoy all the books I read. Since expanding the blog, I've been fortunate enough to read some books I may not have normally chosen. I've had some wonderful surprises, and a few that I didn't like.

When it comes to liking cozy mysteries, I can fit the ones I read into 4 categories: 1. the rare: I don't like you, 2. the good solid bunch: I like you and there's a good chance I'll buy you, 3. the great ones: I really like you and can't wait for the next installment, and 4. the extra special ones: you have something extra special about you, I can't wait to read more, I must have you!

What does it take for a book to reach that super level? It's something quite subjective. What I may find fantastic, you may think just good. Attributes that lead to extraordinary for me, may not do it for you. So what is it about the top books that make them stand out for me?

First of all, they must be well written. I think that goes without saying. But just being well written doesn't do it. In fact, just being written by a specific author doesn't count. The author of one of my top series writes another series; a series I enjoy, one that I will buy, and recommend, but it doesn't make it into the top bunch.

What do my top cozy mystery series have it common? They have a main character I relate to-they are not necessarily like me, but I understand them and see where they're coming from. There's a touch of romance, in the extra special books there's a male character with whom I could fall for myself. There's subject matter beyond the mystery that I find interesting. In many cases, there is a hint, or more, of the paranormal.

I guess I have to say that the books that resound with me, that make my super special list have a certain je ne sais quoi! Have I piqued your curiosity as to my favorite series? The Nell Sweeney Mystery series by PB Ryan (Still Life with Murder is the first in this historical mystery series which has concluded), The Witchcraft Mystery series by Juliet Blackwell (Secondhand Spirits is the first), The Bibliophile series by Kate Carlisle (Homicide in Hardcover is the first), and The Magical Cats series by Sofie Kelly (Curiosity Thrilled the Cat is the first in the series) are all in my extra-special category.

What are some of your extra special cozy mystery series?

Spotlight - Home for the Haunting

Today I'd like to spotlight a recent release, Home for the Haunting, which was released December 3, 2013. This book is the 4th in the Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series by Juliet Blackwell.

From the back cover:

No good deed goes unpunished.

San Francisco contractor Mel Turner is leading a volunteer home renovation project, and while she expects lots of questions from her inexperienced crew, she can't help asking a few of her own-especially about the haunted house next door...the place local kids call the Murder House.

But when volunteers discover a body while cleaning out a shed, questions pile up faster than discarded lumber. Mel notices signs of ghostly activity next door and she wonders: Are the Murder House ghosts reaching out for her help, or has the house claimed another victim?

Now, surprised to find herself as the SFPD's unofficial "ghost consultant," Mel must investigate murders both past and present before a spooky killer finishes another job.

I look forward to catching up with this series!

Pink Zebra Winner

Congratulations to Brooke. Random.org chose her comment to win a custom jar of Pink Zebra Sprinkles-Witchcraft, the scent inspired by Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery series.

Christina, cyn209, Elizabeth, and Sue, if you'd like a sample, please e-mail your address to me at CricketHollowSprinkles at aol dot com, letting me know your heard about Pink Zebra from Cozy Up With Kathy.

If anyone is interested in placing an order, I have an online party going on at this time. You can use this link to order through today, Black Friday: https://www.pinkzebrahome.com//parties/53718

You may order at any time through my website: http://www.pinkzebrahome.com/crickethollowsprinkles and find out more information on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CricketHollowSprinkles

For more cozy information, be sure to check out my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/CozyUpWithKathy

Thanks everyone for visiting with me at Cozy Up With Kathy! 

Pink Zebra & Mysteries Go Hand in Hand - Giveaway!

You’re walking down the street and suddenly you stop – the smell of perfume has caught you and you immediately think of that special someone.

You catch a whiff of lilac and you’re immediately transported to your grandmother’s backyard.

The smell of pine makes you think of Christmas.

Scent is the most evocative of the senses. An aroma can bring back memories long forgotten, and it can also create new memories.

I recently became an independent consultant for Pink Zebra. Pink Zebra is a direct sales company for home fragrance products. Our main product is Sprinkles. Sprinkles are tiny beads of a fragranced soy blend wax you melt to create wonderful fragrances in your home. The wonderful thing about Sprinkles is that because of their small size, they blend really well. So, even though we have around 51 scents, you can mix and combine to create your own personalized fragrances!

Mystery writers transport us to another world with their words. Their words inspired me to create scents designed especially for them! As I was reading Isabella Alan’s Murder, Plain and Simple I could imagine myself walking around Rolling Brook, Ohio. To make it even more real I began to smell-apples and to help celebrate Watermelon Fest-watermelon! I got my Sprinkles and mixed. Equal parts of Red Delicious Apple and I Love Watermelon became Amish Festival, my Pink Zebra recipe inspired by Murder, Plain and Simple.

I came up with that recipe for the whole book, but you could create recipes for individual characters as well. For Rachel, what about mixing Blueberry Muffin with Mom’s Lemon Bars? Or perhaps Chocolate Whoopie Pie and Vanilla Crème?

When thinking about Amanda Flower’s Appleseed Creek Mystery series I came up with a blend inspired by the whole series thus far. Red Delicious Apple (of course, it is Appleseed Creek) and Citrus and Herbs. I call that recipe Amish Countryside.

When I read the Witchcraft series by Juliet Blackwell I always smell a unique and wonderful scent. Although I could have chosen a clean linen type of scent, I went to a more mystical place. I mixed Garden Lilac with a little bit of Moroccan Spice and call it Witchcraft. This scent is extra special to me. It reminds me of wonderful times and places in my past as well as the infinite possibilities of the future. Pink Zebra has discontinued the Moroccan Spice, but I stocked up, so if you want some, just let me know!

More series inspired more combinations: Apple Orchard (equal parts Red Delicious Apple and Farm House Cider for The Orchard series by Sheila Connolly) and Bibliophile (Napa Leather and Citrus & Herbs for the Bibliophile series by Kate Carlisle).

It’s wonderful to be able to combine my love of mysteries with my love of home fragrance-and my new business. I’d like to share Pink Zebra with you. One winner will receive a jar of Sprinkles, Witchcraft, the blend inspired by Juliet Blackwell’s Witchcraft series. I trust that melting this scent will transport you to Aunt Cora’s Closet in the Haight Ashbury district of San Francisco. All you have to do to enter is mention one cozy mystery book or series and what scent or scents you think correspond to it in the comments section here. Also be sure to leave your e-mail address so that I know how to find you if you’ve won! The winner will be chosen by random.org Thursday, Thanksgiving night at 11:59pm EST so be sure to comment before that time!

I hope I’ve piqued your interest in Pink Zebra. Let me tempt you to create scents for your favorite mysteries and characters. Come check out my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CricketHollowSprinkles ) and website (http://www.pinkzebrahome.com/crickethollowsprinkles) where you can order any time you’d like. If you have any questions about Pink Zebra, please e-mail me at CricketHollowSprinkles@aol.com. If you have mystery questions you can use my mystery address: cozyupwithkathy@gmail.com

I currently have an online party going on-feel free to join the party and order through this link: https://www.pinkzebrahome.com//parties/53718 Orders will be shipped after the party closes, early November 30th.

My Top 4 Cozy Mystery Guys

Most cozies have a bit of romance in them. That annoying detective just may become a love interest. That vexing archeologist might become a husband! I freely admit that I enjoy reading romance novels. I also enjoy the sparks of romance found on TV. Therefore, I appreciate literary love…and lust.

I also admit to falling for fictional characters: Edward in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter novels (no, NOT the sparkly vampire), Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series (admittedly helped by Alan Rickman’s film portrayal), and Roger Lococco in the TV series Wiseguy. It should be no surprise that I’m also drawn to some of the guys we meet in our cozy mysteries.

Here is my list of the top 4 cozy mystery guys with whom I’d like to be involved.

1. My first choice has to be Sailor from the Witchcraft mysteries by Juliet Blackwell. Sailor is a dark mysterious man who at first appears unapproachable, angry, and dangerous. And yet there’s something else. As much as he pushes you away, you want to get closer. There’s something wounded about him. You want to discover his secrets.

2. Kate Carlisle gives us two great candidates for this list from her Bibliophile Mystery series. We first meet Derek Stone, British security officer and former member of the Royal Navy and British Intelligence. He’s tall, dark, and handsome. As delectable as Derek is, Gabriel is the guy that makes my list! Is he a thief? A con man? Or a hero? He certainly shows up when least expected, and most needed. Gabriel is another man with secrets, secrets I’d like to uncover first hand.

3. Another Gabriel makes my list: Private Investigator Gabriel Striker from the Beaufort & Company Mystery series by Mary Stanton. Although he certainly fits the bad boy image this Gabriel is definitely not bad-he’s an angel after all.

4. My final choice is a bit different from the above mentioned dark and dangerous bad boys. But he’s no less enigmatic. Nancy Atherton writes a kinder gentler cozy in the Aunt Dimity Mystery series. She also gives us Kit Smith. Kit first appears in the 5th book in the series, Aunt Dimity’s Christmas. We find him, an apparent vagrant, near death in the snow covered bushes by Lori’s cottage. We eventually discover that Kit has an almost otherworldly goodness. With violet eyes, a melodious voice, and a face of utter beauty, his outside isn’t bad either!

When it comes to fictional characters I guess I have a thing for bad boys. However, they’re all bad boys with hearts of gold!

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Tarnished and Torn by Juliet Blackwell. This book, the 5th of the Witchcraft Mysteries, was just released last week. I cannot praise this series enough. I love the characters, the mysteries, the hints of romance, the humor, and the legends behind the stories! I don't know if I could ever name my ultimate favorite series, but if asked the question, this series would be one I'd always mention!

In this outing Lily Ivory attends a gem festival, only to find trouble of a possible demonic nature. There's a murder, committed in the manner of witch hunts, and the surprise of the presence of her estranged father. I can only hope to learn more about Sailor-the end of the previous book left me stunned. And, of course, I want more Oscar!

Love is in the Air and Winner Announced

While the mystery is the reason for the cozy mystery, it's not the only thing. Reading cozy mysteries is like traveling to places you want to go to visit with friends. Good cozy series develop characters you want to care about. More than that you want to learn about them. Love is such an integral part of real life, whether good or bad, and it stands to reason it finds its way into cozies.

Almost all cozies have a touch of romance in them. Sometimes it's hints, sometimes it's more obvious. It's never explicit and sometimes it's never even acted upon. The "will they or won't they" is a common theme. The cozy mystery embraces all types of romance.

Probably the least common romance in cozy series are those that start with a couple already married. There are married couples involved in many series, but it's not that common for our protagonist to start off married. The Bear Collector's Mysteries by John J. Lamb feature a happily married couple as does the Clay and Crime Series by Melissa Glazer. While I'm sure there are others, these are the only two series that pop into my head. What I find interesting is that both of these authors are men!

Some cozy protagonists start out single, but eventually marry their love interest. I'll only give one example of this type as I don't want to spoil anyone's reading-but since the first book in the series was published in 1975 I'll risk this one, The Amelia Peabody Series by Elizabeth Peters.

A lot of times the love interest is a member of the police force. The romance oftentimes starts as a conflict, with the protagonist being a suspect. Sometimes she's not a suspect, but she's poking her nose in police business. This was the case with Jessie Hewitt in the Cueball Mysteries by Cindy Blackburn, Sophie Winston in the Domestic Diva Mysteries by Krista Davis, Sunny Meadows in the Fortune Teller Mysteries by Kari Lee Townsend, and many more.

Sometimes our protagonist has multiple romances throughout the series. Josie Marcus in the Mystery Shopper series by Elaine Viets is a single mom who is unlucky in love. We get the romance, but as oftentimes happens in real life, we discover he's Mr. Wrong.

Sometimes there's more than one love interest. Katie Lightfoot has feelings for two men in the Magical Baking Mysteries of Bailey Cates. This series has only just begun, so we'll have to see if she'll choose either of these men. There are currently 16 books in the Hannah Swenson Mysteries by Joanne Fluke and, unless something happened in the newly released Red Velvet Cupcake Murder, which I haven't read yet, our baker still hasn't decided which of the two men she's seeing is Mr. Right.

In life, love and romance isn't always easy. The same goes for our cozy mystery romances. But some people have it trickier than others. I so want Penelope Thornton-McClure to find happiness with Jack Shepard. Author Alice Alfonsi makes it difficult for these two in the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries as Jack is a ghost! One of my favorite characters is Lily Ivory in the Witchcraft Mysteries by Juliet Blackwell. I'm not sure which of the possible love interests is best for her, and that makes the reading even more interesting.

What do you think about romance in cozy mysteries?

Now for the winner of the e-book A Charming Wish by Tonya Kappes: Cricket! Cricket, please send me your e-mail address so that we can get your prize to you. You can message me on Facebook at my Cozy Up With Kathy page or e-mail me at cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com. Thanks to everyone who entered.

Location, Location, Location

While characters and plot are of extreme importance in a mystery series, its location can often play an important role as well. The vibe of a book may change if the setting is set in a small town rather than a big city or is urban instead of rural.

A series may be set in a real location. The White House Chef Mysteries by Julie Hyzy, for example, are set in Washington DC while Betty Hechtman has a setting in Los Angeles, California; Tarzana to be more precise. Writers must be careful when using real locations. Inaccuracies in the setting may be picked up by readers familiar with the area. Artistic license aside, nothing annoys me more when I see glaring errors in book.

Some cities are characters unto themselves; San Francisco, New Orleans, and New York City are iconic places that bring their own style to the story when mysteries are set there. Juliet Blackwell brings the magic of San Fransisco to her Witchcraft Series. The vibe of New Orleans can be felt in the Piece of Cake Mysteries by Jacklyn Brady and Laura Childs' Scrapbooking Mysteries. You can feel the rush of New York City in Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse Mysteries.

Some authors create fictional towns. In this way they can set the stage exactly as they need it, creating the perfect town for them. Oftentimes they will set this fictional town near real places-to add verisimilitude and pull interest for readers attracted to those real locations. Lorraine Bartlett's Victoria Square mysteries are set in McKinley Mill, New York. While you won't find this town on a map, it is based on a real town, and the books sometimes talk about the nearby real cities of Rochester and Buffalo.

Some authors use a variety of locations in a single series.The Passport to Peril series by Maddy Hunter features a travel organization-so each book goes on a trip. Changing settings like this also makes all the murders a little more plausible as well. We don't have to willingly suspend our disbelief as much. It's a bit more likely to stumble across murders worldwide than to have them all occur in your own small town backyard.

I enjoy settings both fictional and real. I love to read about places I've been...or wish to go... and I especially love books set in towns I know and love. What about you? Do you enjoy reading mysteries is settings you know, or do you prefer to explore the unknown?

Which Witch?

Growing up I loved watching the TV show Bewitched. To this day I wish I could be like Samantha. Oh to be able to wiggle my nose and have all of the house cleaning done. The world of witchcraft is varied and infinitely interesting. Sol Saks' vision of witches is just one. Cozy authors give us differing views of witches and witchcraft as well. Our protagonists generally have to work at their craft. Wiggling noses to accomplish housekeeping is as much a dream for them as it is for me!

One of my absolute favorite mystery series is a paranormal cozy featuring a witch. Juliet Blackwell has created Lily Ivory, the protagonist, and witch, in the Witchcraft Series. Lily owns a vintage clothing store in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. Lily is a witch who has never been comfortable with her powers. Throughout the series she learns and grows...and solves murders. As a side note-I love the TV show Grimm and was so excited about the Halloween episode which aired yesterday about La Llorona. It was through the Witchcraft series that I first learned of this legend. Lily has to face La Llorona in Secondhand Spirits, the first novel in the Witchcraft series.

Lily Ivory isn't the only cozy witch who has been uncomfortable with her powers. Ophelia Jenson is a psychic in Summerset Iowa whose grandmother, Abby, is a witch in the Ophelia and Abby Mystery Series by Shirley Damsgaad. While Abby is happy and content with her gifts, her granddaughter would be perfectly content without hers...at least as the series begins.

The Bewitching Mysteries by Madelyn Alt show another view of witchcraft, this time in Stony Mill, Indiana. In the first book in the series, The Trouble with Magic, we meet Maggie O'Neill as she discovers a great new job. While Maggie's new boss is a witch, Maggie doesn't really believe in witches...or the fact that she herself is one.

Heather Blake creates a new and different version of witchcraft in her series: The Wishcraft series. Darcy Merriweather and her sister, Harper, discover that they are wishcrafters-witches who are able to grant wishes. They arrive in the Enchanted Village, near Salem, Massachusetts to help their aunt and learn their craft.

Katie Lightfoot also moves to help her aunt... and uncle in their bakeshop in Savannah. What she doesn't realize is that her aunt is a witch...and she is too. Bailey Cates combines the paranormal and culinary genres is this great new series-the Magical Bakery Series. he also includes recipes.

Ella Mae LaFaye also bakes...and is also a witch in Havenwood, Georgia. The Charmed Pie Shoppe mysteries by Ellery Adams serve up a delightful combination of magic and food...pies to be exact. Recipes are included as well!

Whether our witches are just learning about their powers or are honing their skills, whether they're working with clothing, food, antiques, or books, they'll gladly welcome you to their world. I hope you'll visit them soon.

Haunted

     While I'm always in the mood for paranormal mysteries, they seem to be even more fitting in October. There's a crisp chill in the air, darkness comes earlier, and you get the feeling that something spooky could be just around the corner. Halloween will be here soon and thoughts turn to ghosts...at least my thoughts do. I love reading about haunted buildings, especially local haunts. All kinds of places may be haunted-and our cozy mysteries give us many examples!
     If you enter Buy the Book Bookstore in Rhode Island you'll meet one of the owners Penelope Thornton-McClure. You may also see a shadow of a man in a fedora. His name is Jack Shepard, a private investigator, and a ghost. You can read more about them in The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries by Alice Kimberly.
     Perhaps you need a place to stay and want to try a nice inn. May I recommend a new guest house on the Jersey Shore? The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries written by E.J. Copperman introduce us to single mom Alison Kerby who is renovating an old Victorian and turning it in to a guest house. The house is already occupied however, by two ghosts...and we meet more ghosts as the series progresses.
     It's said that remodeling homes increases paranormal activity. Ask Melanie Turner what she thinks. You can find her in Juliet Blackwell's Haunted Home Renovation series.
     Want to have a quiet evening knitting? You may want to stop in The Weaver's Cat in Blue Plum, Tennessee. Members of the TGIF Club (Thank God It's Fiber) will be sure to help you...and perhaps the late owner will as well. Molly MacRae writes the Haunted Yarn Shop Mysteries.
     Some ghosts are more free roaming than others. Bailey Ruth Raeburn returns to her home town to help solve mysteries after her death in the Bailey Ruth Mysteries by Carolyn Hart.
     Other ghosts haunt people. Sam Wescott finds his ex-wife, Hollis Ball, and pesters her into helping discover who murdered him in a series written by Helen Chappell.
     These are just a few of the many ghost mysteries out there. This October I dare you to come face to page with at least one of our cozy mystery ghosts.

     

The Paranormal Mystery

Interest in the paranormal cannot be denied. Look at the popularity of such TV shoes as True Blood, Being Human, and The Vampire Diaries. Let's not forget about the big screen with Twilight and Harry Potter. Books featuring ghosts, vampires, witches, and the like have been popular for decades...if not centuries. Actually all of the above shows and movies, with the exception of Being Human, were books first! Why, then, shouldn't the paranormal be found in cozy mysteries?

There are several different types of paranormal characters, with multiple types existing in the same book in some cases. You may find ghosts: The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries by Alice Kimberly, The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries by E.J. Copperman, The Aunt Dimity Series by Nancy Atherton, witches: A Witchcraft Mystery by Juliet Blackwell, The Ophelia and Abby Mysteries by Shirley Damsgaard, The Wishcraft Mysteries by Heather Blake, or psychics: The Chintz’n China Mysteries by Yasmine Galenorn, The Psychic Eye Series by Victoria Laurie, A Fortune Teller Mystery by Kari Lee Townsend.

What is somewhat surprising is that while the vampire is one of the most popular paranormal subjects when it comes to entertainment, including books, there are very few vampire cozy mysteries. Perhaps vampires tend to be a bit too dark for cozies.You can find a fun vampire cozy, however, in the Simon Kirby-Jones Series by Dean James.

There are differing degrees of the paranormal as well. Some series just hint at it. In others it's prominent. Some authors welcome you into their paranormal world as they welcome the character, who has only recently learned of their power or have known, but are relatively new to their craft. Readers get a good introduction into this world, learning as the protagonist does.

If you haven't already, try a paranormal cozy. After all, what's life without a little magic?