Thanks--I'm going to save this list! I also enjoy M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series, and Lillian Jackson Braun's Cat Who books. My son just picked up the first three books in a knitting mystery series by Maggie Sefton (Kelly Flynn) for me, but I haven't had a chance to read these yet. I also enjoy the Inspector Morse series by Colin Dexter, but I'm sure those wouldn't be classified as cozies. I wish there was a Rosemary and Thyme book series--love the TV series!

Lynn wrote: "My favorite, still currently being written, cozy series authors are:

Susan Wittig Albert (China Bayles, tea shop)
Donna Andrews (Meg Langslow)
Nancy Atherton (Aunt Dimity)
M. C. Beaton (Hamish McB..."

My favorite, still currently being written, cozy series authors are:

Susan Wittig Albert (China Bayles, tea shop)
Donna Andrews (Meg Langslow)
Nancy Atherton (Aunt Dimity)
M. C. Beaton (Hamish McBeth)
Claudia Bishop (Meg & Quill)
Rita Mae Brown (Mrs. Murphy)
Dorothy Cannell (Ellie Haskell)
Mary Daheim (Alpine, newspaper)
Jo Dereske (Helma Zukas, and the Ruby Crane series were good too.)
Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum)
Sharon Fiffer (Jane Wheel, estate sales)
Joanne Fluke
Earlene Fowler (Benni Harper)
Elizabeth George (Thomas Lynley)
Martha Grimes (Richard Jury)
Carolyn G. Hart (Annie Darling; Henrie O)
Joan Hess (Claire Malloy; Arly Hanks)
J. A. Jance (Brady; Beaumont; Reynolds - not really cozies, as such, but I really like them!)
Faye Kellerman (Decker/Lazarus, again not really a cozy, but close!)
Margaret Maron (Deborah Knott; Sigrid Haraldson)
Rett MacPherson (Torie O'Shea, genealogy)
Anne Perry (Pitt; Monk)
Thomas Perry (Jane Whitefield)

There are so many more good ones out there, and some that are no longer published but that I wish were!

Well... As a former school librarian...I'd never use wikipedia as a legitimate resource and it is not recognized as a quote-worthy, cite-worthy reference material for public education, at all grade levels. It is a fun resource and in some situtaions provides good 'go-to' resources. So...I'm not going to comment on it.

Consider: www.lii.org for locating Online sources for reference and research.

Alcott and all other writers of her era sure did not have the advantages we have today in being able to develop a rapport with the readers of our books. I wonder what Alcott would have done had she had the advantage of answering in a forum such as this!

Personally, I don't think you were 'harping.' I think you were doing what all authors wish a reader would do... you got involved!

www.ElizabethEaganCox.net

Elizabeth wrote: "Oh..kay..I cannot resist this line of comments. Like Beth, above, I am also an author of a cozy mystery (mine is paranormal) novel series. Lead character is a young woman named Shannon Delaney...I feel that characters do take on their own personalities, and at the same time... I made a vow to myself not to ever let a character behave in a way that is ...shall we say...outside their character?

And I am beginning to understand the fascination and investment that readers have for particular personalities and their outcome/future. In book 3, one particular character is not mentioned much (he can't be, because he is recovering from an accident), but my husband, (who is the only person other than myself and my editor who ever reads one of my novels before publication)kept bugging me asking about Zach and I had to assure him, not to be concerned, Zach is there, just outside the main story and he is not out of the picture. So, I guess if a spouse of the author can get involved to the point of caring, I now have a better idea how readers invest in the characters and this helps me to stick to my vow. I am determined to not ever take the 'sensational' way out of a character's personal story and plot."

To Elizabeth, Beth, and all other authors that might be reading this post: Since I started this whole thing talking about Hannah Swensen in the Joanne Fluke series, I want to interject something that I just posted in another group. The discussion in the other group is about one of my all time favorite books, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I hope that most of you have read this book not once but many times (although I'm finding some managed to get through childhood without reading it--I can't imagine how but according to the other discussion it is true). Anyway, the controversy in any discussion of Little Women is always about Jo (the character based on Louisa May herself) not marrying the rich boy next door, Laurie (Theodore Laurence). Instead Alcott mated Laurie with her spoiled sister Amy (horrible match, as I have said before, every time I re-read Little Women I hope that the ending has magically changed and Jo and Laurie marry--after at least a dozen readings this has not yet happened). Anyway, if you have read anything about Louisa May Alcott, she never married. However in the book she has Jo marry an older man, Professor Bhaer.

In the Wikipedia article about Little Women Louisa May is quoted " Alcott later wrote, 'Jo should have remained a literary spinster, but so many enthusiastic young ladies wrote to me clamorously demanding that she should marry Laurie, or somebody, that I didn't dare refuse and out of perversity went and made a funny match for her'".

(You can read the whole Wikipedia article about Little Women at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Wome...)

So with that, I will quit harping on Hannah making up her mind between Mike and Norman, and while most of us would like to see her with Norman we will wait to see what Hannah (and Joanne Fluke) decide is right. (However Ms. Fluke and Hannah must realize, especially if they have followed our discussion here on Goodreads, that many readers are getting annoyed with Hannah's waffling and are ready to, or have already, quit reading the series. As a marketing person I would think that reader's wishes should have some merit especially when publishers are declining to award continuing contracts. Hannah doesn't have to do something out of character, we just want her to DO SOMETHING.)

Oh..kay..I cannot resist this line of comments. Like Beth, above, I am also an author of a cozy mystery (mine is paranormal) novel series. Lead character is a young woman named Shannon Delaney.

Anyway, book 2 (A Ghost From the Shadows) just came out in paperback and I am putting the last touches on book 3.

I rarely make in-person appearances, but recently did one for a nearby book-readers group.... this issue was addressed at the meeting. And I feel that characters do take on their own personalities, and at the same time... I made a vow to myself not to ever let a character behave in a way that is ...shall we say...outside their character?

And I am beginning to understand the fascination and investment that readers have for particular personalities and their outcome/future. In book 3, one particular character is not mentioned much (he can't be, because he is recovering from an accident), but my husband, (who is the only person other than myself and my editor who ever reads one of my novels before publication)kept bugging me asking about Zach and I had to assure him, not to be concerned, Zach is there, just outside the main story and he is not out of the picture. So, I guess if a spouse of the author can get involved to the point of caring, I now have a better idea how readers invest in the characters and this helps me to stick to my vow. I am determined to not ever take the 'sensational' way out of a character's personal story and plot.

www.ElizabethEaganCox.net
when fingers fly, typos land, esp. in these darn
@$%^&*!!!! letter box forms!

Betty wrote: "Dorothy wrote: "What are my favorite cozy series? I have so many! And they tend to change over time. But two enduring favorites are Anne Perry and Elizabeth Peters." You listed a lot of my favor..."

I have read all of Sharyn McCrumbs books and I love her writing! I don't know why I didn't think of her when I was naming my favorites. I have not read any of the other four authors you mention. Andrews and Fielding have been on my list of "to be read" authors for a while. One of these days, I'm going to get to all of these writers!

Dorothy wrote: "What are my favorite cozy series? I have so many! And they tend to change over time. But two enduring favorites are Anne Perry and Elizabeth Peters." You listed a lot of my favorites. Have you tried Donna Andrews or Tamar Myer yet? They aren't historical, but they are certainly cozy to read. Also Sharyn McCrumb's Elizabeth MacPherson, Dana Cameron's Emma Fielding in the archaeological field.

I still like Goldy, even better now that she has married Tom Schulz. I have read all 15 of the books and will probably continue.

Many have commented on the "time" or era that they like reading. Most of the mysteries that I read are current time but I do like the Grace and Favor mysteries set in the 1920's. That is an era that I like to read about.

Melodie wrote: "Dorothy wrote: "What are my favorite cozy series? I have so many! And they tend to change over time. But two enduring favorites are Anne Perry and Elizabeth Peters.

I really like historical..."

I confess I haven't actually read the last couple of Mott Davidson's books. I've been busy reading, as you say, a lot of other books that I really do like and discovering new series to read, like Goff's series. But, like you, I enjoyed following that series for years. Perhaps one of these days I will get around to reading the latest few books in the series. Then I may even find that I agree with you!

Dorothy wrote: "What are my favorite cozy series? I have so many! And they tend to change over time. But two enduring favorites are Anne Perry and Elizabeth Peters.

I really like historical mysteries and t..."

I used to be a big Diane Mott Davidson fan, and though I love her as a person (she lives around here and always does great signings and brings goodies based on a recipe from the newest book), I have really gotten tired of Goldy and the gang. The last 2 before FATALLY FLAKY were off-putting and FATALLY FLAKY finally sealed the deal for me. Which is okay as that leaves more time for the books I do like!

What are my favorite cozy series? I have so many! And they tend to change over time. But two enduring favorites are Anne Perry and Elizabeth Peters.

I really like historical mysteries and these writers, in my opinion, combine the best of the historical mystery genre with the cozy genre. I love Perry's Monk and Pitts series for their evocation of the Victorian era. I confess I have not read her series set in the World War I period, possibly because that period of history just doesn't interest me as much. But then, of course, I do read Peters' Amelia Peabody series and the later books in that series are set in the WWI period, but in this case, I have followed the adventures of the Peabody family for so long that I can't desert them now. I love the Peabody series because it feeds my interest in archaeology and specifically Egyptian archaeology.

I have many other favorites as well - Evanovich, Susan Wittig Albert, Mott Davidson. I used to read Earlene Fowler's Harper series religiously, but at some point it just got a little...cloying and preachy for my taste and I gave it up.

The next series that I am going to read is Christine Goff's birdwatcher mysteries. As a birder, I can't believe I am only now discovering these, but I am looking forward to reading them.

Melodie wrote: "No, Dove doesn't die. And Hud is younger than Gabe"

Oops, my mistake. I was thinking Hud was Dove's husband. As soon as I read your post I realized who Hud is (the other guy who has the hots for Benni right?).

Denise wrote: "I wonder if the book "State Fair" that is coming out in May 2010 will be after Love Mercy in timeline? Please tell me that Dove doesn't die in Love Mercy. If Gabe is retired Dove and Hud have to be getting up there in age. .."

No, Dove doesn't die. And Hud is younger than Gabe, but I don't know how much younger. His daughter, Maisie, is also in the book.

Melodie wrote: "Denise wrote: "Melodie wrote: "I agree with you, Denise. I can see that the writers would have an idea of where their story is going, but if your readers are telling you they are more than tired o..."

I will definitely have to read as soon as I get through the 18 books that I already have in my TBR pile. I will be going to Phoenix for about a month to house hunt so I am trying to get as many of my library books read as I can before I go. When I come back though I think Love Mercy will be #1 on my list to read. I wonder if the book "State Fair" that is coming out in May 2010 will be after Love Mercy in timeline? Please tell me that Dove doesn't die in Love Mercy. If Gabe is retired Dove and Hud have to be getting up there in age.

Denise wrote: "Melodie wrote: "I agree with you, Denise. I can see that the writers would have an idea of where their story is going, but if your readers are telling you they are more than tired of a storyline a..."

I've read both THE SADDLEMAKER'S WIFE and LOVE MERCY. THE SADDLEMAKER'S WIFE was good, but not as good as the Benni books. LOVE MERCY is one of my highest rated books this year. Benni, Gabe, Hud & Dove all make appearances in it. It is set in current time whereas the Benni books are a few years behind current time. In LOVE MERCY Gabe is retired.

Beth wrote: "Love your comment, Denise! Reminds me of watching the old Moonlighting series and yelling at the two main characters to "get a room already!" The scriptwriters kept teasing the audience for multipl..."

I have the same feeling about the series Bones.

Melodie wrote: "I agree with you, Denise. I can see that the writers would have an idea of where their story is going, but if your readers are telling you they are more than tired of a storyline and don't want to..." "And I also agree about characters becoming old friends. I feel that way about several series, but Earlene Fowler's Benni Harper books in particular. Her grandma Dove reminds me so much of my "Mamaw" who passed away almost 7 years ago that it's like listening to her talk to me in the books."

I love the Benni Harper series also. I really miss Benni and am looking forward to the next one in May 2010. I like Dove, Benni and Gabe--all three. Has anyone read book:The Saddlemaker's Wife|4588206] or Love Mercy? I understand that The Saddlemaker's Wife has nothing to do with the Benni Harper series but that in Love Mercy Benni and Gabe do make an appearance.

Regarding Stephanie Plum and her two men as I've said before I would like to see Stephanie with Ranger. I really thought Stephanie was leaning Ranger's way in Finger Lickin' Fifteen till right there at the end, darn it!

Love your comment, Denise! Reminds me of watching the old Moonlighting series and yelling at the two main characters to "get a room already!" The scriptwriters kept teasing the audience for multiple seasons with the characters' sexual attraction that was never consummated.

I agree with you, Denise. I can see that the writers would have an idea of where their story is going, but if your readers are telling you they are more than tired of a storyline and don't want to read about it anymore, I would think that would be incentive to do something about it. I'm serious about the Hannah books. If something doesn't happen in PLUM PUDDING MURDER I am done with the series. It is tiresome, it is COMPLETELY unrealistic and has gotten just plain silly. I am also tired of Lee McKinney's "twisted tongue" and no longer read that series either because of it. Stephanie's cars blowing up doesn't bother me. And I also agree about characters becoming old friends. I feel that way about several series, but Earlene Fowler's Benni Harper books in particular. Her grandma Dove reminds me so much of my "Mamaw" who passed away almost 7 years ago that it's like listening to her talk to me in the books.

Denise wrote: "Beth wrote: "I'll comment on Hannah, Denise's character, being a mystery author myself. We authors spend so much time developing our characters, especially the main character, and living with them ..."

One character habit I've wondered about is Magdalena's "wailing" in Tamar Myer's Pennsylvania Dutch series. I'd noticed the frequent use of "Magdalena wailed" in earlier books in the series. Now, in later books, other characters occasionally tell Magdalena that she wails too much. I wonder if someone criticized the author for using "wail" too much, and instead of changing her usage, she turned the criticism into a character flaw. Anyone know?

Beth wrote: "I'll comment on Hannah, Denise's character, being a mystery author myself. We authors spend so much time developing our characters, especially the main character, and living with them in our heads so much that they become almost real people to us. As such, we can't force them to do anything that's out-of-character, even if it's convenient for the book's plot or would fulfill the desires of readers. The characters have to do what they themselves decide to do. ;-)"

Beth: We readers spend a lot of time with the various characters of our favorite series too and I won't speak for others but to me many of the characters seem real and I feel like they are my friend (some examples for me are China Bayles, Sarah and Meg Quilliam, Lee McKinney (and her annoying speech problem), all the characters in the Elm Creek Quilts series (not cozies), Theodosia in the Tea Shop Mysteries, Jane Jeffry, Lily and Robert Brewster (I love the Grace and Favor Mysteries), Holly Winter, the March sisters especially Jo, Scarlett and Rhett, etc....).

I would not expect an author to change the story that they have in their head for a character but I would consider (if I were a writer) if enough fans said that they are tired of a particular thing in a series (Hannah and the Mike/Norman controversy or for me the Stephanie Plum blowing up/wrecking vehicle thing both are getting old) and I think if enough fans say that they are going to quit reading if things don't change I would take that into consideration and perhaps either speed up the story line (Hannah, Mike, Norman) or drop the annoying habit (Stephanie Plum, Lee McKinney).

I think we all have probably changed a personal habit that annoys people in our lives, I quit wearing perfume or using highly perfumed lotions/soaps when a coworker told me how allergic she was to perfume etc. I no longer work with this person but still do not wear perfume when I go out. When I used to smoke (I quit ~ 9 years ago) I was careful about smoking around people that smoke bothered.

I'm just saying....maybe Hannah should be encouraged to make up her (expletive) mind.

Melodie wrote: I read the Tattoo Shop mystery last month. Just couldn't pass that up! I don't have a tattoo, but my niece has been trying to talk me into one. She's starting to wear me down!"

Just think carefully about where you put it. When you get old and start to sag it may stretch out of shape and look very strange (LOL).

Toni wrote: "Had to laugh at Beth's post about the characters demanding to live in accordance with who they are. I was reminded of Agatha Christie who began to despise Hercule Poirot, but couldn't dispose of him."

Or Arthur Conan Doyle who killed off Sherlock Holmes and then brought him back. Kind of like the soaps when they kill off a character and then bring them back sometimes years later.

Melodie wrote: "Melissa wrote: "My favorite cozy mysteries currently are the Cat Who Series by Lillian Jackson Braun, the Hannah Swenson series by Joanne Fluke, and a new series I found recently is the Tattoo Shop..."

I am fascinated by the art of the tattoo. If it weren't for the fact that I don't do well with pain and don't like needles, I might consider getting one. I have been thinking about a Henna tattoo. Not permanent and no needles.

Had to laugh at Beth's post about the characters demanding to live in accordance with who they are. I was reminded of Agatha Christie who began to despise Hercule Poirot, but couldn't dispose of him.

Melissa wrote: "My favorite cozy mysteries currently are the Cat Who Series by Lillian Jackson Braun, the Hannah Swenson series by Joanne Fluke, and a new series I found recently is the Tattoo Shop Mystery series ..."

I read the Tattoo Shop mystery last month. Just couldn't pass that up! I don't have a tattoo, but my niece has been trying to talk me into one. She's starting to wear me down!

My favorite cozy mysteries currently are the Cat Who Series by Lillian Jackson Braun, the Hannah Swenson series by Joanne Fluke, and a new series I found recently is the Tattoo Shop Mystery series by Karen E. Olson. The first book in this series is out now and the 2nd book is due in April of 2010.

I'll comment on Hannah, Denise's character, being a mystery author myself. We authors spend so much time developing our characters, especially the main character, and living with them in our heads so much that they become almost real people to us. As such, we can't force them to do anything that's out-of-character, even if it's convenient for the book's plot or would fulfill the desires of readers. The characters have to do what they themselves decide to do. ;-)

Melodie wrote: "I contacted her a year or so ago about this subject and her response was that Hannah has a mind of her own and she doesn't know when Hannah might make up her mind. I thought that was a bit weird m..."

Slightly more than a bit weird. Okay, well I guess I won't write and invite her to review our discussions. Maybe we should invite Hannah to review our discussions?

I contacted her a year or so ago about this subject and her response was that Hannah has a mind of her own and she doesn't know when Hannah might make up her mind. I thought that was a bit weird myself, but whatever.

Melodie wrote: "Denise wrote: "Plum Pudding Murder, the 12th book in the Hannah Swensen series will be out in October '09. I'm a little disappointed because I had in my notebook that Plum Pudding Mu..."

Maybe we should contact Joanne Fluke and suggest she read all of the comments that have flown back and forth about Hannah, Mike, and Norman here on Goodreads? Do you think that would influence her in any way? Of course I would guess that it is too late for Plum Pudding Murder but maybe her next one if she doesn't rap up Hannah's love story (or lack thereof) in this book.

I'd be curious to hear from our Goodread authors on this subject. Do authors ever change direction based on reader comments?

Denise wrote: "Plum Pudding Murder, the 12th book in the Hannah Swensen series will be out in October '09. I'm a little disappointed because I had in my notebook that Plum Pudding Murder was to com..."

I'm hoping the Norman/Mike thing is finally put to bed in this one. If it isn't I don't think I'll read this series anymore. It's gotten beyond stupid with that whole thing!

Plum Pudding Murder, the 12th book in the Hannah Swensen series will be out in October '09. I'm a little disappointed because I had in my notebook that Plum Pudding Murder was to come out in September but before I posted that I checked on Joanne Fluke's website (www.murdershebaked.com) and I'm glad I did.

Here is a quote from the website to get your "juices going" for the new book. "Right now Jo is busy testing recipes and writing Hannah’s next adventure, PLUM PUDDING MURDER. It will be released in October 2009, and it will include recipes for the Swensen family's entire Christmas dinner. PLUM PUDDING MURDER will also feature one very dead elf, a new romance for Norman's mother, Carrie, and the only Christmas guest who could possibly leave Hannah shocked speechless!" Sounds good doesn't it? And of course we will all be reading it to see if Hannah finally makes a choice between Mike (yuck) or Norman (yes, yes, yes).

Hey, I just went to my library and typed in the titlePlum Pudding Murder and they are on order. When this happens my library will let me put the book on reserve. So I am #39 on the list which means I should get it fairly quickly once it arrives (of course depending on the number of copies that the library orders--I just looked back atCream Puff Murder and my library has 53 regular copies and 8 large print copies so if they order about the same amount for the new book I should be in the first group to get it).

Denise wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Hope I'm not beating a dead horse here but I finished Cream Puff Murder and wanted to comment on Hannah's relationships with Mike/Norman. I was reading th..."Hi Denise,
Oh, that's right, I forgot about that part! I like that quote from the book. I agree, I just think Mike would be trouble and Norman would treat her right. He already does, the proof is right there so to speak. We will have to see what happens in the next book, I'm really curious.Do you know the release date???
I'll look it up..

Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Hope I'm not beating a dead horse here but I finished Cream Puff Murder and wanted to comment on Hannah's relationships with Mike/Norman. I was reading this book very ..."

Lisa: About Mike being arrogant, I liked how the book ended with the book release party and Mike is the first to go up to Hannah and say that her mother based the main male character after him (and several others come up and say the same about both the male and female characters) and then Hannah gets introduced to Dr. Love and Dr. L says "Keep your eyes open, Hannah. If you find a man who doesn't think he's the hero, grab him and give him a hug because he's the only realist in the bunch!" And of course Norman then comes up to Hannah to tell her how good she looks and she asks him if he thinks the main character is based on him and he says heck no. I don't know what more Hannah needs to see that Norman is the better of the two men--maybe she needs to be hit over the head with a baseball bat!

Denise wrote: "Hope I'm not beating a dead horse here but I finished Cream Puff Murder and wanted to comment on Hannah's relationships with Mike/Norman. I was reading this book very carefully as we..."Hi Denise,
Glad you read Cream Puff Murder, that is the point where the problems with Mike DO come really to the forefront, thanks for reminding me..I had forgotten those exact points.Especially where he says now we're even...WHAT???He's looking for a justification for his own bad behaviour. UGH! All I can say is Mike is just arrogant and that is a really bad sign, it doesn't seem like he would change that and seems to me to indicate a dead end for Mike and Hannah....We will have to see what happens in Plum Pudding...thanks for your post.

Hope I'm not beating a dead horse here but I finished Cream Puff Murder and wanted to comment on Hannah's relationships with Mike/Norman. I was reading this book very carefully as we have been writing so much about Hannah and "the boys". I noticed that Hannah was starting to see Mike for what he is (although she did have to comment about his kissing being the best). But on page 262 it says that Hannah lost respect for Mike who lied about his relationship with Ronni. She also was getting annoyed with him calling her at midnight and having her come downstairs to discuss the case. Also when Hannah spent the night at Norman's house and Mike called her and wanted to know where she had been the night before and she said Norman's house, Mike immediately jumped to the conclusion that Hannah and Norman had "slept together" and said they were even now and could get on with their relationship. What an ass. (oops--hope that is an okay word to use here) And then when Mike got reinstated on the case and on page 272 he kissed her on top of the head and said "write up what you've learned so far, will you? I'll take over now" you could almost see steam coming off the page. However Mike rescues her from death and I really wish that could have been Norman. But the final scene at Hannah's mother's book signing she again sees that Norman is the better person. Norman all the way through the book was just wonderful to Hannah, much more considerate of her needs and respectful of her decisions (ie not having sex/sleeping in the same bed etc). I truly hope that Ms. Fluke will resolve this relationship in Plum Pudding Murder. My fingers are crossed. We shall see what happens in September.

<Melodie wrote: "Did you like ? ? I really didn't and have decided I'm done with this series as the last few books have been duds. I really like Diane as a person, she's awfully nice, but this series has worn itself out."

Melodie: Yes, I did like Fatally Flaky. I'm still okay with Goldy and husband Tom. I thought Fatally Flaky brought a lot of background info about Goldy that we didn't know before. All the information about her godfather was new information. It's too bad that he got killed off in the book though. Not sure why Diane introduces him and his help to Goldy in the past and then kills him off right away. I will keep reading this series for a while yet.

There really aren't too many series that I quit reading unless it is right away--i.e. I didn't like the first book and mark that author off my reading list. For example Natasha Cooper's (Common Death, A)

Some authors' new books I don't jump on as quickly (Donna Andrews' Meg Lanslow series is one of those. I have read up through Cockatiels at Seven and really am not in a hurry to get Six Geese A-Slaying or Swan for the Money.

Then there are series that I am okay that they ended even if you are left "hanging", for example: Carole Berry's Bonnie Indermill series Death of a Downsizer.

On the other hand there are series that have stopped and I have written to the author to see if there are any more books forthcoming and been disappointed when I was told no. Example: Mary Freeman's Devil's Trumpet Rachel O'Connor series. Or Anne George's Murder on a Girls' Night Out A Southern Sisters Mystery(because Ms. George died.)Or any of Jean Hager's series (Tess Darcy's Iris House B&B, Molly Bearpaw, or Mitch Bushhead)because Jean retired. Also Lyn Hamilton's Lara McClintoch series because Lyn has retired from mystery writing.

What is really nice though is I can start reading new series (new as in the author is just starting a series or new to me because of all the wonderful referrals from postings on Goodreads). I don't think I will ever run out of books to read! :-)

Denise wrote: "I whipped through Diane Mott Davidson's Fatally Flaky in one day. I have started Joanne Fluke's Cream Puff Murder. As soon as I am done we can continue bashing Mike (f..."Yeah that was really romantic......right!!!

Denise wrote: "I whipped through Diane Mott Davidson's Fatally Flaky in one day. I have started Joanne Fluke's Cream Puff Murder. As soon as I am done we can continue bashing Mike (f..."

Did you like
? I really didn't and have decided I'm done with this series as the last few books have been duds. I really like Diane as a person, she's awfully nice, but this series has worn itself out.

I whipped through Diane Mott Davidson's Fatally Flaky in one day. I have started Joanne Fluke's Cream Puff Murder. As soon as I am done we can continue bashing Mike (from the comments that I have read about how he treats Hannah in Cream Puff Murder it sounds like he deserves it. I just got through the part where she has Mike over for dinner (in the beginning of the book) and he says to her that sometimes he wishes that she had accepted his marriage proposal so that he could eat like that every day. Hannah wasn't too pleased with that but she doesn't speak up for herself to him either.

Betty wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Angela wrote: "Lisa - welcome - I am new to this group too, but I love cozy mysteries

Angela"
Welcome to you as well! Let me know what cozies you like I'm always looking for new autho..." Hi Angela!
Thanks for letting me know all those that you liked!
I liked many of those as well. And will be trying the Mrs Pollifax series shortly as well.

Lisa wrote: "Angela wrote: "Lisa - welcome - I am new to this group too, but I love cozy mysteries

Angela"
Welcome to you as well! Let me know what cozies you like I'm always looking for new authors, cause ..."
My favourite cozies (at least at the present) are a bit of offbeat: Carolyne Haines Southern series (eg. Them Bones, Hallowed Bones)featuring a ghost of decades previously, lots of fun; Shirley Damsgaard with two witches (Witch Way to Murder, etc.), one rather reluctant; Aaron Elkins, Skeleton Detective (anthropoligist, eg. Twenty Blue Devils, Skeleton Dance, Little Tiny Teeth); Donna Andrews (strange & likeable offbeat family, eg. Murder with Puffins
Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos); Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown (co-author is a cat, main sleuths are 2 cats & dog, eg. Wish You Were Here,
Cat on the Scent, Claws and Effect). Many other favourites as well. Just the right age to love Dorothy Gilman's books especially the Mrs. Pollifax series.

Sandy wrote: "Hannah should dump Mike. He was a real sleeze in the Cream Puff Murder. Norman loves her the way she is and has always been there for her."

Sandy, when I read your comment I thought "Cream Puff Murder"? I didn't remember the book and when I went to my Joanne Fluke page in my notebook I didn't even have "Cream Puff Murder" listed. OMG, I am missing a whole book. I immediately went to my library website and put it on reserve. I also made note of Lisa's comment that "Plum Pudding Murder" will be out in September. So Sandy, thanks for bringing up "Cream Puff Murder" so I can catch up with the rest of you on Hannah and Mike. I read the preview on Joanne Fluke's website and I can see what Sandy was talking about.

I also didn't remember the Ross character and had to do a search to find out who he was and where he came from. I don't think I agree with Toni though. I think we have too much invested in Hannah, Norman, and Mike for Hannah to dump both of them for a new someone (even Ross who she supposedly went to college with). I can see her dumping Mike (my preference) but really Norman hasn't done anything to become a "dumpee" and I think Hannah has more integrity than to dump him just because.

And I agree with Karen who wrote "Norman has steadily supported Hannah and Moishe"--being a cat person myself all you have to do is watch Moishe with Norman and Mike. Cat people will know exactly what I mean. Hannah should pay attention to what Moishe is trying to tell her.

Sandy wrote: "Hannah should dump Mike. He was a real sleeze in the Cream Puff Murder. Norman loves her the way she is and has always been there for her." Well the newest one, Plum Pudding Murder comes out in September of this year, it will be interesting to see what happens to Mike and Norman....

Hannah should dump Mike. He was a real sleeze in the Cream Puff Murder. Norman loves her the way she is and has always been there for her.

Karen wrote: "The one thing about the Mike/Norman situation that really stands out is that Mike doesn't trust Hannah nor does she trust him. In the "Carrot Cake Murder" Mike asks for a fair trade of information..."Yes I can agree with that, Mike is always a little unpredictable and seems to want things his way, its ok for him to "help" out his neighbor and I think he even slept over at her place on her couch....mmmm, don't think I'd want a guy that just sleeps over at some other woman's house and Hannah is just supposed to accept that..... I agree about Norman, he obviously cares and puts her first even if she is getting into tough spots, he accepts her as she is and doesn't pull the "do it my way" thing. He helps her without being a doormat. Agreed, love to have a guy like that! I've run into a few "Mike's" myself!

The one thing about the Mike/Norman situation that really stands out is that Mike doesn't trust Hannah nor does she trust him. In the "Carrot Cake Murder" Mike asks for a fair trade of information, yet the first thing Hannah things of is how Mike could be tricking her. In my experience that type of thinking is death on a relationship.

The thing is, Mike doesn't set himself up to be trustworthy either. He denies the claim that he is seeing anyone else, but every time you turn around, he is "helping" someone, it is a woman with a reputation of wanting him and anything else in pants.

Norman has steadily supported Hannah and Moishe. He helps her even against his better judgment. He is loving, kind and sexy. He is also trustworthy in every situation. What more could a woman want?

Karen wrote: "Hannah is a very independent person and needs someone who will always be there for her. Sound familiar? It should, it is what we all want in life. If there is a choice between the two men, I woul..."Gosh, I don't remember the character of Ross except for vaguely, he did sound better. But yeah the last book turned me so totally off of Mike ( because of what you said and the fact that he seems to get to be more of a jerk as time goes on) that I went with Norman. And I know the not having a sexual relationship for years might've worked in the 1920's or somewhere in history( I kindof like that she's "proper") but Obviously wouldn't be happenning in current times.

Hannah is a very independent person and needs someone who will always be there for her. Sound familiar? It should, it is what we all want in life. If there is a choice between the two men, I would choose Norman for Hannah. Toni has the right idea though. Remember that Ross is still out there somewhere. Ross was more of a combination of Mike and Norman.
A negative point about Mike is that he is not consistent in his feelings about Hannah's "snooping". In one minute he is telling her to but out and the next he is pumping her for information. This doesn't bode well for the long term.
The one thing that does say a lot about a different guy showing up is the moreI read the series I get the feeling that although Hannah is "in love" with both. she hasn't had a sexual relationship with either and this has been going on for YEARS?
This last fact boggles the mind........