The Well-Placed Lie - A Review

 Review

THE WELL-PLACED LIE by Kari Lee Townsend
The Fourth Wishville Mystery 

Winter has arrived in Wishville, Vermont and with it Winter WishFest. Lanterns glow, cozy scents of cinnamon and pine fill the air, and fresh fallen snow makes a delightful picture, but something is off. Opening night turns tragic when lead caroler Violet Snowe suddenly collapses. If a heart attack during WishFest wasn't bad enough, it turns out that Violet was actually murdered. Did the killer truly mean to kill Violet or was Festival Chair Lyra Wells the intended victim? Multiple vendors are also reporting missing money. Is there a thief and a murderer? Are the crimes related? Lyra must uncover secrets and lies and trust in her friends to keep Wishville safe.

The fourth Wishville Mystery is a lot more serious than previous books in the series with a dark undertone that pervades it. While there is some humor, there's a fragile quality, a tenseness that exists. Lyra and Thorn's date night, Vex's snarky comments, enjoying festival events, all cozy activities showing warmth and friendship, but there's an unnerving sense of danger and the feeling that something could go irrevocably wrong. 

In THE WELL-PLACED LIE people are not who they seem. Some act out of desperation, some out of greed. Some are cunning and patient, others feel they've waited too long. Some, Lyra, Lulu, and even Calderis included, can act rashly. Family, friendship, and love all play pivotal roles. I was anxious for, not only Lyra, but Holden, Calderis, and Lulu. I was grateful for Vex and Fenrin and pleased to watch the Wellies in action. I really appreciate the calculated plotting of the series arc. There are some stunning surprises! 

THE WELL-PLACED LIE will have your heart in your throat as dark danger surrounds the Winter WishFest. 

The Well-Hidden Clue - A Review

 Review

THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE by Kari Lee Townsend
The Third Wishville Mystery 

Autumn has arrived in Wishville, Vermont and the Fall WishFest is underway. Things are running smoothly, almost too smoothly so Lyra Wells, Festival Chair, and, more importantly Guardian of the Well isn't too surprised when she received a frantic call that leads her to the library. Librarian Clara Winslow has discovered a box hidden behind a wall. A box left by her mother who disappeared forty years ago during a previous library renovation. In 1984 Maggie Winslow discovered a draft that didn't belong and blueprints that didn't match. Town officials called her crazy and after her disappearance police shut down any investigation. Did Maggie discover the underground world of Elarion? Determined to give Clara answers, yet safeguard that secret world Lyra will work with Police Chief Thorn, Elarion Enforcer Calderis, and friend and reporter Lulu. Are humans to blame? Could Rebels be involved? More importantly are there still people who would go to any length to keep their secrets?  

The themes of the third Wishville Mystery are control, a mother's love, and deception. These themes are entwined, ensnaring many a victim. Things are not always what they seem. And neither are people. THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE is a great addition to this unique series. While Lyra, Thorn, and Calderis are the triumvirate, is actually a quartet now, with Lulu becoming a solid addition to the group. Although I would be remiss without adding Vex and Fenrith so what we really have is more of a sextet!  I appreciate the way in which they investigate, especially Fenrith and I love how Lyra was able to take Clara's concerns yet still keep her true role quiet. The third Wishville Mystery is decidedly more ominous that the previous two books, especially as we near the end. And the ending itself...a stunner!   

Missing mothers, treachery, and a stunning revelation make THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE a dynamic nail biting entry into a fantastic series.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading The Well-Hidden Clue by Kari Lee Townsend. This book is the third in the Wishville Mystery series and was released yesterday.

Autumn has arrived in Wishville, Vermont and the Fall WishFest is underway. Things are running smoothly, almost too smoothly so Lyra Wells, Festival Chair, and, more importantly Guardian of the Well isn't too surprised when she received a frantic call that leads her to the library. Librarian Clara Winslow has discovered a box hidden behind a wall. A box left by her mother who disappeared forty years ago during a library renovation. In 1984 Maggie Winslow discovered a draft that didn't belong and blueprints that didn't match. Town officials called her crazy and after her disappearance police shut down any investigation. Did Maggie discover the underground world of Elarion? Determined to give Clara answers, yet safeguard that secret world Lyra will work with Police Chief Thorn, Elarion Enforcer Calderis, and friend and reporter Lulu. Are humans to blame? Could Rebels be involved? More importantly are there still people who would go to any length to keep their secrets? 

The Well-Laid Trap - A Review

 Review

THE WELL-LAID TRAP by Kari Lee Townsend
The Second Wishville Mystery 

Wishville's Summer WishFest is underway, but half-human, half-Dweller Lyra Wells senses an uneasy undercurrent. As Guardian of the Well it's Lyra's job to make sure the festivals run smoothly and the Well grants one wish. Doing so ensures peace between Elarion, world of the Dwellers, and Wishville, Vermont, whose residents no longer remember the existence of the underground world. But in the midst of the bunting and the sugar is something much more dangerous. A breach in Elarion that holds an entity bent on destruction, an elixir that seems to be causing miraculous recoveries, and a missing townsperson have Lyra, Police Chief Holden Thorn, and Chief Enforcer of Elarion Calderis working together to discover who is behind the plot and stop them before evil is released and the worlds begin to battle once more.

I continue to be entranced by Wishville and Elarion. The second Wishville Mystery brings a hidden danger to both worlds and tests our heroes even more. There are more secrets involved and what looks to be perfect we find isn't. People aren't what they seem. Fortunately, our triumvirate are up for the task aided by some good friends. I'm not a fan of love triangles in general, but, sometimes they work. The triangle with Lyra, Holden, and Calderis is one such time. Instead of sniping and desperation, this trio brings out the best in each other.  

With the joys of a summer festival, the danger of a mysterious entity, and a whiff of treachery THE WELL-LAID TRAP is part cozy mystery, part fantasy, and all fun.  

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading The Well-Laid Trap by Kari Lee Townsend. This book is the second in the Wishville Mystery series and was released last week.

Wishville's Summer WishFest is underway, but half-human, half-Dweller Lyra Wells senses an uneasy undercurrent. As Guardian of the Well it's Lyra's job to make sure the festivals run smoothly and the Well grants one wish. Doing so ensures peace between Elarion, world of the Dwellers, and Wishville, Vermont, whose residents no longer remember the existence of the underground world. But in the midst of the bunting and the sugar is something much more dangerous. A breach in Elarion that holds an entity bent on destruction, an elixir that seems to be causing miraculous recoveries, and a missing townsperson have Lyra, Police Chief Holden Thorn, and Chief Enforcer of Elarion Calderis working together to discover who is behind the plot and stop them before evil is released and the worlds begin to battle once more.

The Well-Kept Secret - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Kari Lee Townsend back to Cozy Up With Kathy. Kari starts a new series with THE WELL-KEPT SECRET. The first Wishville Mystery was released last month.

Kathy: A fan of the Sunny Meadows Mystery series, I was delighted to see you start a new series. Was there a specific inspiration for this series?

KLT: Thank you! I’ve always adored cozy mysteries with a twist of the extraordinary, and The Well-Kept Secret grew from my love of small towns in the Northeast with big secrets. The idea sparked when I imagined what would happen if a magical wishing well sat at the center of a quirky New England town—and what if the person guarding it wasn’t entirely human? From there, Wishville, Vermont, and my half-human, half-Dweller heroine, Lyra Wells, came to life. 

Kathy: I love paranormal mysteries and fantasies. What do you think makes them so popular? 

KLT: I think they offer the best of both worlds—literally! Paranormal and fantasy cozy mysteries let readers experience the comfort of a cozy town, friendship, and community, while adding a shimmer of wonder and danger just beneath the surface. It’s the thrill of asking “what if” in a world that feels familiar. We all crave a little magic once in a while. 

 

Kathy: Wishville, Vermont has forest festivals, quirky locals, and a centuries-old wishing well. I love festivals of all sorts and would love to attend a forest festival. Have you been to something similar?

KLT: I’ve attended plenty of fall harvest festivals and renaissance fairs, and each time I’m enchanted by the mix of nature, creativity, and community. WishFest in my books was inspired by those events—the laughter, the flicker of lanterns in the trees, the smell of fried dough and pine needles. I wanted readers to feel like they were right there, wandering through the forest with a cup of mulled cider and a mystery unfolding nearby. 

 

Kathy: Lyra Wells is the half-human, half-Dweller Guardian of the Well. She must keep the peace between the mortal world and the magical realm of Elarion. Would you fancy such a job?

KLT: Honestly? It sounds equal parts thrilling and exhausting! I’d love the magic and the connection to nature, but the responsibility of keeping two worlds from falling apart might require more coffee than I can handle. Still, I think Lyra’s role speaks to something a lot of people understand. Balancing two parts of ourselves and trying to find harmony in the process. 

 

Kathy: Wishville's well allegedly grants one wish each season. If given the opportunity, would you make a wish here?

KLT: I would! There's something so magical about making wishes and hoping they come true. I’d probably wish for continued inspiration and time to write all the stories swirling in my head. (And maybe for my characters to behave once in a while!) But mostly, more time with my pets. I wish they lived a lot longer than they do.
 

 

Kathy: When it comes to writing I understand there are 2 general camps-plotters, who diligently plot their stories, and pansters, who fly by the seat of their pants. Are you a plotter, a panster, or do you fall somewhere in between? 

KLT: I’m a proud plantser—half plotter, half pantser. I love a solid roadmap before I start, but once I begin writing, the story often takes delightful detours. My characters tend to whisper (and occasionally shout) new directions, and I’ve learned to trust them. Some of my favorite twists were happy accidents.

 

Kathy: Authors are required to do a lot of their own marketing, especially for a new release. What's your favorite part of marketing your work? What do you dislike about marketing? 

KLT: I love the creative side like designing graphics, countdowns, and promotions that allow me to connect with my readers. It’s an extension of storytelling, just visual and interactive. What I dislike is how time-consuming it can be. I’d rather be writing magical murder scenes than wrestling with algorithms! 
 

 

Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books? 

KLT: Absolutely! THE WELL-LAID TRAP, book two in The Well-Kept Secret series, arrives next 1-20-26. It follows Lyra, Chief Holden Thorn, and Dweller enforcer Calderis as they investigate the disappearance of a beloved physical therapist before the Summer WishFest—only to uncover a crack in the barrier between worlds. After that will be THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE out 5-12-26 and THE WELL-PLACED LIE out 8-4-26. I will eventually get back to my other series, but for now I'm riding the fantasy cozy mystery train and hope you will all will join me on this journey.


Thank you so much for having me. For a list of all of my works and social media links, check out my website karileetownsend.com

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Review

THE WELL-KEPT SECRET by Kari Lee Townsend
The First Wishville Mystery 

Lyra Wells straddles two worlds. With a human father and Dweller mother she's part of both worlds yet doesn't fully belong in either. After her father's death and mother's disappearance the Well has chosen Lyra as its guardian. She's responsible for ensuring the four festivals happen each year in Wishville, Vermont thus keeping the treaty between humans and Dwellers intact and the worlds at peace, even though the human world has no recollection of the Dweller world below. But when the new chief of police wants to lower the number of festivals, saying they bring an unacceptable increase in crime Lyra knows she has to act quickly. Unfortunately, the chief isn't the only problem. Something is off and trouble is coming. When antiques dealer Samuel Greer is found dead next to the well Lyra realizes that trouble is already here and about to get worse. Fissures have opened and she sees Dwellers amongst the humans at the current Spring WishFest. It also seems as if the well's magic is blocked. If Lyra can't solve murder the well will not grant its spring wish, the treaty will be broken, and war will erupt once more.

I really enjoyed my first visit to Wishville and Elarion. Wishville, that mortal town filled with wacky characters, differs greatly from the more regal and solemn Dweller world. I like how Chief Thorn slowly opened himself up to possibilities. I'm not a fan of love triangles, but the dynamics between Lyra, Thorn, and Calderis are interesting. As Lyra isn't fully of either world, neither is a perfect match, yet now they must all work together-things could get very interesting! There's plenty of humor to keep you giggling, especially when the Wellies are in the scene, and I love how Vex keeps Lyra grounded, in a sarcastically humorous way.

Wonderful world building, a sassy cat (well half cat half Whispen), a hint of romance, and a bit of magic make THE WELL-KEPT SECRET an enchanting start to a new series. 

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 The Well-Kept Secret (A Wishville Mystery) by Kari Lee Townsend

About The Well-Kept Secret

The Well-Kept Secret (A Wishville Mystery)
Cozy Fantasy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Wishville, Vermont
Publisher: ‎ Oliver Heber Books
Publication Date: ‎ October 28, 2025

A Spring Festival. A Magical Murder. A Secret Buried Beneath the Well.

Wishville, Vermont looks like a storybook postcard—complete with forest festivals, quirky locals, and a centuries-old wishing well that allegedly grants one wish each season. But for Lyra Wells, the magic isn’t just folklore—it’s her full-time job. As the half-human, half-Dweller Guardian of the Well, Lyra must keep the peace between the mortal world and the magical realm of Elarion. That means overseeing every seasonal WishFest, keeping tourists entertained, and pretending her glowing cat sidekick isn’t judging everyone.

But when an all-too-nosy antique dealer is found mysteriously dead by the well—and a rare memory crystal is discovered at the scene—the fragile treaty between worlds begins to unravel, and the ethereal Dweller chief enforcer isn't happy. As the townsfolk whisper about curses and coincidences, something ancient stirs beneath the surface—and it’s not ready to stay hidden.

About Kari Lee Townsend

National Bestselling Author, Agatha, RT Reviewers Choice & Golden Duck Award Nominee. Kari lives in Central New York with her husband & 3 Samoyeds. She's a lover of wine & travel (especially cruising), obsessed with reality TV, loves to try new things, and thinks there's nothing better than getting lost in a good book with at least some element of mystery, romance & humor. She writes cozy mysteries & upper middle grade as Kari Lee Townsend, as well as suspense, romance, romantic comedy & women's fiction as Kari Lee Harmon. She's most known for her Sunny Meadows Mysteries, Kalli Ballas Mysteries, and a crossover series featuring Sunny, Kalli, their detectives, and their crazy families! The Tasty Trio and Greek Mamas are her favorite characters to write about. Granny Gert is based on her late grandmother and Great Grandma Tootsie is based on her husband's late grandmother who lived to be nearly 109 years old!

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Purchase Link - Amazon

Interview in the Palm with Review

I'm pleased to welcome Kari Lee Townsend to the blog today. Kari writes the Sunny Meadows Mystery series, also known as the Fortune Teller Mystery series. Perish in the Palm, the fourth book in the series, was released in July.

Kathy: Sunny Meadows is a clairvoyant who helps people, including the police, in Divinity, NY. Have you ever met anyone who was clairvoyant?

KLT: My first experience with a fortune teller was years ago before I got married. I went to a tea leaf reader, and it was uncanny how accurate her reading was. Then I went to a psychic fair and several workshops at conferences with my best friend/critique partner/fellow author Barbara Witek. It’s safe to say we’re hooked!


Kathy: There are many forms of divination including tarot cards, tea leaves, and crystal balls. Have you ever used any of these tools, or had them used to see into your future?

KLT: I had my tea leaves read as I mentioned above. As far as using the tools myself, I compiled my research and came up with the method my character would use. Then I demonstrated readings for tea leaves, crystal balls, and tarot cards on my CP Barbara Witek (poor woman has been through so much over the last 20 years being my friend, haha, yet she’s always game for anything). Next up palm reading ;)


Kathy: I can just picture Sunny's Victorian home in Divinity. Is it, as well as the town, based on real places, or are both purely fictional?

KLT: I live in central New York and grew up in upstate so I based the town on things I liked from a few different towns. As far as the décor of Sunny’s house as well as the local businesses, that was all research. I thought an old-fashioned town with different themes for the businesses would be unique and fun. Mostly I wanted Divinity to be memorable.


Kathy: I love Morty! Is he based on a real cat?

KLT: No. In fact I don’t have any pets, just 4 wild children J But I do love animals and thought if I did have a cat, he would be full of character. People always ask me what exactly is he, and the funny thing is, I don’t even know for sure. I am figuring him out as I go along and that’s half the fun.


Kathy: Perish in the Palm is the fourth book in the Sunny Meadows Mystery series, although the first three books in the series are referred to as the Fortune Telling Mystery series. Was the change in name due to the change in publisher?

KLT: Yes. Due to contract negotiations falling through, I decided parting ways with the original publisher was my only option. But I love the new packaging and the stories are still just as fun.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

KLT: I started out writing romance and had no idea what cozy mysteries were. When someone pointed out that cozy mysteries were set in a small town with fun characters and could have romance, I realized they were very much like my romantic comedies with a mystery thrown in. After I started reading them, I was hooked.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

KLT: I write mysteries and teen superheroes under Kari Lee Townsend, and I write romance and women’s fiction under Kari Lee Harmon. But no matter what I write, you will always find fun characters and humor and usually something mysterious to figure out.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

KLT: It’s about a psychic fortune teller from the big city who starts over in a small town, befriends an immortal cat, and assists the local police department with their investigations as a consultant, much to the dismay of the cynical non-believing detective who later becomes her fiancé.


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

KLT: Granny Gert because she was created after my Grandmother Gertrude with her snow white hair, snappy brown eyes, and pumpkin cookie jar with the foil covered plate for a lid. I grew up eating the best cookies from that jar, and just like Granny Gert, my grandmother his money around the house and wore her apron and plastic rain cap everywhere. It took my real grandmother 5 tries to pass her road test as well. The only thing that’s more like my mother are the crazy fads Granny follows. Half the things that happened in the book my mother has tried ;)


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

KLT: When I first decided to do some research on what cozy mystery themes had been done, I didn’t find anything on fortune telling. I saw some with psychics in general but nothing like what I had in mind. And to make it even more unique, I decided to have each book revolve around a different fortune-telling tool to keep my readers interested and learn something new along the way.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

KLT: Becoming published has always been a dream of mine. It took 16 years (4 with my agent) until she landed me a 3-book deal off a partial and then 6 months later another 3-book deal off just a synopsis. I’ve seen my books in the bookstore, and now with the digital age booming and technology changing rapidly, I’ve seen my books as ebooks. I think it’s important to keep up with the times and be open to change and be willing to try new things. You never know what you might like or be good at unless you put yourself out there.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

KLT: Nora Roberts and Janet Evanovich to ask them what their secret is. Stephen King because he’s just so fascinating. And Barbara Witek because we do everything together anyway and the party wouldn’t be half as fun without her.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

KLT: Jo Jo Moyes One Plus One


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

KLT: Photography. You won’t see me at any conference or convention without my camera. Just ask my poor friends and fellow authors. It’s the same with family functions and my children’s sporting events. Life goes by so darn fast, I can’t help wanting to capture every moment. One day they will all thank me. In the meantime, watch out. You just might be on my version of candid camera.


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

KLT: Coffee, wine, Greek yogurt, Nutella


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

KLT: Next up for Sunny Meadows is Hazard in the Horoscope (book 5), Chaos and Cold Feet (novella 5a), Murder in the Meditations (book 6).

I possibly might write more of my Mind Reader Mystery series or another in the Sister Mary Sleuth series. There’s only 1 book in each of those now.

And I will definitely be writing more women’s fiction. I just finished a historical women’s fiction that my agent is currently shopping so cross your fingers.


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

KLT: Finishing a book fills me with such excitement and pride. Getting to share that with other people feels amazing. And the satisfaction of getting paid to do something I love is priceless. Setting my own schedule and writing in my PJ’s doesn’t hurt either J


Kathy: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions.

KLT: Thank you so much for having me. It’s been a blast. To find out more about me and all of my books check out my website at karileetownsend.com

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Review
  
Perish in the Palm by Kari Lee Townsend
The Fourth Sunny Meadows Mystery

Sunny Meadows is back! Sunny is a fortune teller in Divinity, New York. She lives in an old Victorian with Morty (a more than mysterious cat), her Grandma Gert, and now her boyfriend Mitch (who still sometimes morphs into Detective Grumpy Pants). Sunny is pleased to be maid of honor at her friend Jo's wedding, even though her mother is horning in. When her mom takes one to many verbal jousts at the owner of the reception site, Sunny steps in with some entertainment in order to distract everyone. She reads Peirce's palm, but sees some disconcerting images...and treasure. When a storm hits and the lights go out, everyone is shocked-especially when Sunny's mom is found standing over the dead body of Peirce, knife in hand. Was it Peirce's financial activities that caused his death, or was someone just out to ruin a wedding? Whatever the case, Sunny is determined to prove her mother innocent!

Sunny and her mother have a difficult relationship, neither truly understanding the other.  We see that while her mom can relate to her friends, to Sunny's eyes even being more of a mom to them, their own relationship is fraught with tension. But your mom's your mom so when Vivian becomes prime suspect in a murder investigation, Sunny will do everything she can to prove her innocence, whether the assistance is wanted or not. In Perish in the Palm Kari Lee Townsend explores more of this mother/daughter relationship and we see the growth and bond of these two characters deepen.

I was happy to hear that Sunny was back in Divinity with a new mystery. Living in Western New York I can easily picture this Central New York town and feel quite at home, especially in Sunny's Victorian. I'm thrilled to read more about Morty and love getting his take on the situation and the clues he tried to provide Sunny. I appreciate how Kari Lee Townsend is exploring different forms of divination-palm reading in this book as well as how Mitch is coming to appreciate her paranormal abilities. While Sunny still shows her immaturity at times, both she and Mitch are growing as characters as well as growing as a couple. Perish in the Palm is also a good mystery with numerous plausible suspects as well as a secondary mystery-a hunt for treasure!

Recipes are included.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Perish in the Palm by Keri Lee Townsend. This book is the 4th Sunny Meadows (Fortune Teller) Mystery series and was released July 9th.

I'm glad to see that Sunny Meadows is back. Sunny is a fortune teller in Divinity, New York. She lives in an old Victorian with Morty (a more than mysterious cat), her Grandma Gert, and now her boyfriend Mitch (who still sometimes morphs into Detective Grumpy Pants). Sunny is pleased to me maid of honor at her friend Jo's wedding, even though her mother is horning in. When her mom takes one to many verbal jousts at the owner of the reception site, Sunny steps in with some entertainment in order to distract everyone. She reads Peirce's  palm, but sees some disconcerting images...and treasure. When a storm hits and the lights go out, everyone is shocked-especially when Sunny's mom is found standing over the dead body of Peirce's , knife in hand. Was it Peirce's financial activities that caused his death, or was someone just out to ruin a wedding? Whatever the case, Sunny is determined to prove her mother innocent!

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Corpse in the Crystal Ball, the second Fortune Teller Mystery by Kari Lee Townsend. I'm trying to catch up with this enjoyable series.

In this entry Sunny gains a house guest, her Granny Gert, who brings laughter for the readers and trouble for Sunny and Morty. I have to laugh as I had a Granny Gert too-only to me she was Grandma Gertie and the only thing she had in common with Lizzie's gran, aside from her name, was the apron she almost always wore. And the fact that she didn't drive, although, thankfully-she didn't try to learn! Another newcomer also comes in to town, Detective Grumpy Pants' ex, throwing more than one wrench in his and Sunny's relationship.

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.

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?