In all of the postings that I participate in (Cozy currently reading, favorite cozy, what's next, just finished) I tend to see the same books and authors over and over. Have you read a series that you think is great but never see mentioned?

Everyone thinks of the Jane Jeffries series when you hear Jill Churchill's name. I absolutely love the Grace and Favor mysteries by Jill. Here is a description of the first book in the series Anything Goes that I found on Jill's website www.cozybooks.com:

The Crash of 1929 has ended the party for high-living New Yorkers Lily Brewster and her brother Robert and takes them from upper echelons of the idle rich and deposits them to the lowly depths of the disillusioned poor. However, rescue arrives in the form of their recently deceased great-uncle Horatio who bequeaths to them Grace and Favor "Cottage" which is really a great sprawling mansion. And there's a fortune to go with it, but only if they reside there for ten years.
With no other alternative, the spirited Manhattanites move to a quiet and quaint Hudson River community and try to fit in. But they soon find out that great-uncle Horatio didn't die peacefully. He was murdered while on an elaborate sailing party on the Hudson River aboard his yacht–and Lily and Robert are suspects. But when another corpse appears in the kitchen of the mansion, the siblings are determined to clear themselves. Without a clue how to begin, Lily and Robert start snooping unaware that their savvy sleuthing could make them the killer's next targets.

This is an excellent series. So far there are 6 books in the series (the last one was written in 2005) and I'm hoping for more. If more people would read this series and talk about it I'm sure Jill's publishers would be interested in asking for more books in the series.

Here are a few others:

Nancy Fairbanks author, Carolyn Blue--Food writer. I found one entry for Nancy. The rest of these there were 0 entries.

Marianne Macdonald author, Dido Hoare--antiquarian bookseller.

Judith Van Gieson author, Claire Reynier--university librarian archivist

Lou Jane Temple author, Heaven Lee--restaurant owner

Tim Myers author, The Candle Shop Mysteries

Janet Laurence author, Darina Lisle--cookbook author, series set in England

E L Larkin author, DeMary Jones--genealogy and historical research

Peter King author, Goodwin Harper--food consultant, series set in England.

I've got this started. Any authors you'd like to mention that never seem to get mentioned but have a really good series?

Laura Childs is one of my favorite cozy authors - she writes the tea shop and scrapbooking mysteries.

Elizabeth Bright a/k/a Tim Myers - cardmaking mysteries

John Lamb - teddy bear making

Maggie Bruce - gourd making

Joanna Carl - chocoholic series

These are just a few I have tried

Yes I have a few that don't get mentioned most of them are newer series, Sarah Atwell, who's main character is a glass artist. 2 books, Through a glass, Deadly and Pane of Death. A. K Arenz, only book, The Case of the Bouncing Grandma
Kathy Brandt: forensic diver series set in the Bahamas.
Donna Ball, search and rescue dog series, Miranda Bliss ( about 5 in the series) set in a restaurant.
Lorna Barrett, set in a bookshop, Murder is Binding and Bookmarked for Death.
Carol Higgins Clark about 12 in the series.
Sheila Connelly, apple orchard mystery called One Bad Apple, there's a new one just out or out soon.
Shirley Damsgaard, a cozy series with a supernatural twist.
Casey Daniels, same sort of thing.. Felicia Donovan, Black Widow Agency and Spun Tales.
Kaitlyn Dunnett. Cozies with a Scottish bent, Kilt Dead and Scone Cold Dead.
Krista Davis, (cooking theme), The Diva Runs Out Of Thyme and The Diva Takes the Cake.
Yasmine Galenorn, cozies with a supernatural bent.
Christine Goff, birdwatcher theme,Susan Goodwill, lots of humor, ( Brigadoom, Little Shop of Murders).
Maddy Hunter, stories about a group of older folks on tour in different countries.
Alesia Holliday, Blondes have more Felons.
Mary Ellen Hughes, craft mysteries, India Ink, mysteries with a supernatural bent.
Alice Kimberly, haunted bookstore mysteries,Peter King, gourmet detective and travel.
Joyce and Jim Lavene, Poison mysteries they also have a renaissance faire series. John J Lamb.
Hailey Lind, fine art cozies ( 3).Cricket McRae
Leslie Meier, Amy Patricia Meade, G A Mckevett.Claire O Donahue,Linda Palmer, ( the main character is a writter for a soap.
Cathy Pickens, Leann Sweeny, yellow rose series, Michelle Scott, Mary Saums,Deborah Sharp,Emily Toll, travel mysteries,Heather Webber, gardening mysteries. S K Weber,Kate Carlisle, Kate Collins, Nina Wright .....

I put these here as probobly the lesser known authors compared to say, Churchill or Fluke.
These are ones that I liked. Here is another list of cozy authors that I tried but wasn't crazy about, however others might like some of these:
Nancy Atherton, Alina Adams,Lori Avocato, Donna Andrews,MC Beaton, Deb Baker, Nancy Bush, Cynthia Baxter,Ellen Byerum, Joan Bartlett, Claudia Bishop,Maggie Barbieri,Barbara Colley, Cleo Coyle,Ellen Crosby,Nora Charles,Leslie Caine,Isis Crawford, Jessica Conanat Park, Dixie Cash,Evelyn David,Jo Dereske,Selma Eichler, Jimmie Ruth Evans,Elaine Flynn, Shelley Fredont, Jerrilyn Farmer,Sharon Fiffer,Gwen Freeman, Monica Ferris,Kerry Greenwood, Melissa Glazer, Sally Goldenbaum,Betty Hechtman, Carolyn Hart,Ellen Hart, Gabriella Herkert, Kathryn Miller Haynes,Rosemary Harris, Joan Hess,Roberta Isleib,kate Kingsbury,Harley Jane Kozak,Laura Levine, Cecile Lamalle,Patrick McManus, CE Murphy, Tamar Meyers, Nancy Martin, Rhett Mcpherson, Amanda Matetsky,Toni Mcgee Causey, Marlys Miller,Suzanne Price, Ann Purser, Louise Penny, Joanne Pence, Wendy Roberts Jennifer Rardin, Lora Roberts, Fran Rizer, Denise Swanson, Jessica Speart, Patricia Sprinkle, Patricia Smiley, Lou Jane Temple,Teri Thayer, Elaine Viets, Livia Washburn, Kate White,Peggy Webb, Melinda Wells,

Its obvious that I spend way too much time reading.
But there are still so many authors and not enough time.! The authors I've listed are cozy authors.( I might have a couple of regular mystery authors by mistake but they should be just cozies) I didn't put down anything that is a regular mystery, thriller, crime novel, romance, or "Oprah pick". I hope this will give everyone plenty of ideas of authors to try. If anyone has new ideas of cozy authors please let me know!!

Angela wrote: "Laura Childs is one of my favorite cozy authors - she writes the tea shop and scrapbooking mysteries.

Elizabeth Bright a/k/a Tim Myers - cardmaking mysteries

John Lamb - teddy bear making

..."

I really like the Teddy Bear Making series. But I thought the last one was just a bit too unbelievable.

Lisa wrote: "Yes I have a few that don't get mentioned most of them are newer series, Sarah Atwell, who's main character is a glass artist. 2 books, Through a glass, Deadly and Pane of Death. A. K Arenz, only b..."

Donna Ball, search and rescue dog series - I really liked this series, but it just seems to have died.

Lorna Barrett, set in a bookshop, Murder is Binding and Bookmarked for Death - I can't decide if I like this series or not. The heroine is just unlikeable to me.

Sheila Connelly, apple orchard mystery called One Bad Apple, there's a new one just out or out soon - I read the first one of thes just the other day. It was a nice way to while away an evening.

Shirley Damsgaard, a cozy series with a supernatural twist - another one I am ambivalent about. I just don't like Ophelia.

Casey Daniels, same sort of thing - now this series I like. Pepper is funny and I particularly liked TOMBS OF ENDEARMENT.

Krista Davis, (cooking theme), The Diva Runs Out Of Thyme and The Diva Takes the Cake - another series I really like. Read DIVA TAKES THE CAKE in June. Likeable characters.

Yasmine Galenorn, cozies with a supernatural bent - she's dropped the cozies for the series she's writing with the part fairy sisters. One's a vampire, one's a shapeshifter and I forget what the other one is.

The Maddy Hunter series grew stale for me pretty quick. As for the Alesia Holliday series, I've only ever been able to find the first book. The second one seems to have never been published. I read the first 2 Cricket McRae books in June and really liked them. Have the 3rd on my PBS wishlist. Leslie Meier is hit or miss, but I love G.A. McKevett's Savannah Reid series. Leann Sweeney appears to have abandoned the Yellow Rose series, and I like Kate Collins Flower Shop serie and am hoping for a 2nd book in Kate Carlisle's series.

On your other list, I have read the following: Lori Avocato (seems her series is done), Donna Andrews (some of her books I like, most I don't), Deb Baker (read 2 of her doll series and didn't care for them), Nancy Bush (on the whole I like her books), Cynthia Baxter (read 2 of hers..eh!),Ellen Byerum (can't get into these books), Cleo Coyle (don't like these, but I don't like coffee and the coffee talk is boring to me),Isis Crawford (this series is fun. Liked the last one...a little ghost story is always good), Selma Eichler (another series that has dragged on FAR too long!), Jimmie Ruth Evans (love these! And the fact that they're written by a man, albeit a gay man, just cracks me up!), Jerrilyn Farmer (another series that was good and seems to have died),Monica Ferris (this series has been put on my don't read list after the last one),Roberta Isleib (liked the first Advice Column book, but not the 2nd),Laura Levine (the Jaine Austen books are good for a giggle), Tamar Meyers (this series has gotten too silly for words), Nancy Martin (like the Blackbird Sisters, but there wasn't a new one this year), Louise Penny (have these in The Pile due to recommendations), Joanne Pence (haven't read her in years!), Wendy Roberts (LOVE the Ghost Dusters books!), Fran Rizer (these are a bit silly. Hate the "kindergarten cussing"), Denise Swanson (some of these are good, some not so much), Jessica Speart (liked this series. She did much of her research on the next to last book with a relative of mine), Elaine Viets (like both of her series), Livia Washburn (this series is TOO cozy for me!).

Melodie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Yes I have a few that don't get mentioned most of them are newer series, Sarah Atwell, who's main character is a glass artist. 2 books, Through a glass, Deadly and Pane of Death. A. K ..."Hi Melodie,
That's cool! A fellow bookaholic.. I agree about Leslie Meier. I loved Alesia Holiday but her second book was supposed to come out last year I think...then it never did, have no idea what happenned with that.
I've noticed that Donna Ball seems to have quit writting this series.I think Leanne Sweeney is now writting another series with a pet detective, not my speed but I mention it in case you would like to look into it.
I really agree about McKevett, the characters are great. I love Savannah especially! I can agree on Krista Davis and Casey Daniels... I really wanted to like Wendy Roberts but after many detailed explanations of blood splatters I couldn't read more about it. The stories were good other than that though... One of Denise Swanson I liked but after that didn't like them anymore, seemed too repetetive.

I can see what you mean about Ophelia in the Damsgaard series..
Its interesting what you said about things you liked and why. I think it depends on what someone relates to... I know that some books I have "nothing in common with" but still like them cause the story is interesting and other times I like it cause it does have something I have an interest in like gardening or food or bookstore setting or whatever. Hard to say, but I definitely don't like characters that are cutting and disagreeable, unless that is the character that got killed off!

Anyway thanks for your post and please let me know any new authors you find ( I've got a few on my to be read list, like Beth Goldwater, have you read her?)

Melodie wrote: "Angela wrote: "Laura Childs is one of my favorite cozy authors - she writes the tea shop and scrapbooking mysteries.

Elizabeth Bright a/k/a Tim Myers - cardmaking mysteries

John Lamb - teddy..."Yeah it was a bit unbelievable but I like the characters a lot so I cut them some slack..! We shall see about the next one..

I have actually only read the first teddy bear mystery so far.

Lisa wrote: "Its obvious that I spend way too much time reading. But there are still so many authors and not enough time!"

Lisa: You can NEVER spend too much time reading. EVER!

Thanks for your list. Many of the authors you mentioned I have also read. Several I haven't and will plan on looking up. I saw that you listed Linda Palmer. I was just trying to look her up to see if she has written anything new lately. Her last book
Love You Madly was written in 2006. I'm trying to find an email address to write to her and see if anything is in the works.

Do any of you write to your favorite authors? I do if I can find an email. Most authors will take the time to respond. Most will respond (even if it is to tell me that they aren't writing any more books in the series or that they have retired, etc).

Angela wrote: "John Lamb - teddy bear making

Maggie Bruce - gourd making..."

Angela: I got two new to me authors from your short list. The Teddy Bear series sounds really cute and my daughter's boss's wife makes gourd art and from what my daughter tells me the gourd art is quite pricy so I will have to read Maggie Bruce and find out what gourd art is all about. Thanks for sharing!

If you like Donna Ball you should check out Virginia Lanier. She wrote a series about a professional bloodhound trainer who searches for missing people in Georgia.

I also like the Thistle & Twigg series by Mary Saums
Jersey Barnes series by T Lynn Ocean (not sure if they qualify as cozies or mysteries but good)
Sullivan Investigations by Evelyn Davis
Berger and Mitry mysteries by David Handler
Martha's Vineyard Mysteries by Cynthia Riggs

Sorry - should be Evelyn David not Davis. Can't type tonight.

Sandy wrote: "If you like Donna Ball you should check out Virginia Lanier. She wrote a series about a professional bloodhound trainer who searches for missing people in Georgia.

I also like the Thistle & Twig..."Thanks for all those suggestions Sandy! I have read Thistle and Twig, loved those and the David Handler series read one but plan on reding the rest and will check out the rest, thanks again for the suggestions!

Melodie: Was just wondering which of Tamar Myers series you thought has gotten too silly for words--I'm thinking it must be the Magdalena Yoder series (I tried to get into that but haven't yet). I like her Abigail Timberlake "Den of Antiquity" series (I have read 8 of those--I haven't read any for awhile though--need to get back to them).

I agree about the Selma Eichler "Desiree Shapiro" series. I am a "plus size" and I got tired of the focus on Desiree being her weight all the time. Just like I'm tired of hearing Janet Evanovich harping on Lula's weight.

By the way, has anyone read any of the other Evanovich series? I have read three of the ones that start with "Full" (i.e. Full House, Full Tilt, etc). Nor have I read her Barney Barnaby (there are only 2 of those) and I didn't know she also writes romance novels until recently (I haven't read any of those). The "FULL" series is co-authored with Charlotte Hughes.

And Melodie I have to ask, what is too cozy about Livia Washburn? I have to read a "too cozy" cozy mystery. Was it her "Fresh Baked", "Literary Tour" or "Lucas Hallam" series that you thought was over the top cozy??? (I haven't read any of these yet.)

Sandy wrote: "If you like Donna Ball you should check out Virginia Lanier. She wrote a series about a professional bloodhound trainer who searches for missing people in Georgia.

I also like the Thistle & Twig..."

I read most of Virginia Lanier's books. Some I really liked, some not so much. I read the first Jersey Barnes book and have the 2nd in The Pile.

Denise wrote: "Melodie: Was just wondering which of Tamar Myers series you thought has gotten too silly for words--I'm thinking it must be the Magdalena Yoder series (I tried to get into that but haven't yet). I ..."

Yes, I was referring to the Magdalena Yoder series. I always forget about her other series. The Magdalena books are just ridiculous anymore. I read the first one in Evanovich's Barnaby NASCAR series. I don't like NASCAR, but I just didn't like the book for general purposes. And as for the Livia Washburn series, I guess it's the Fresh Baked series. The titles have food on them and the main character is a retired teacher.

Agree with you about Tamar Myers, Magdalena Yoder series. It used to be funny, but just tired, repetitive and over the top, now. Not funny anymore.

Denise, you mentioned writing to authors. Speaking for myself, I love hearing from readers, and I suspect most other authors do too. It's great getting feedback on our books and just hearing from a kindred spirit.

Mary Ellen Hughes
http://www.maryellenhughes.com

Denise wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Its obvious that I spend way too much time reading. But there are still so many authors and not enough time!"

Lisa: You can NEVER spend too much time reading. EVER!

Thanks for y..."Thanks for that! I will say that I have a little trick of looking up any words I don't understand and using them in sentences till I get them and as a result my reading hobby has given me a really good vocabulary! Let me know what you find out about Linda Palmer, I'm always curious when a series just stops or a writter stops writting altogether....

Mary Ellen wrote: "Denise, you mentioned writing to authors. Speaking for myself, I love hearing from readers, and I suspect most other authors do too. It's great getting feedback on our books and just hearing from a..."I've read all your books and really enjoyed them, I haven't made any craft projects yet but I would love to try sometime. Looks like a lot of fun!

Denise wrote: "Melodie: Was just wondering which of Tamar Myers series you thought has gotten too silly for words--I'm thinking it must be the Magdalena Yoder series (I tried to get into that but haven't yet). I ..."Hi Denise, I have read most of the Full series and they were very light and funny. Quick reads, if you like that sort of thing see what you think.

Denise wrote: "In all of the postings that I participate in (Cozy currently reading, favorite cozy, what's next, just finished) I tend to see the same books and authors over and over. Have you read a series that ..."Hi Denise, I have to agree with you on the Grace and Favor series, that was the first thing I read by Jill Churchill and I really enjoyed getting an idea of what life was like in that period, it made it very interesting. Later on I read her other series as well...do you know if other one's are coming out in that series??

Mary Ellen wrote: "Denise, you mentioned writing to authors. Speaking for myself, I love hearing from readers, and I suspect most other authors do too. It's great getting feedback on our books and just hearing from a..."

Mary Ellen: I'm glad to hear from an author about how you feel about fans writing to you. After reading several books in a series I feel like the author is my friend bringing me regular visits with my (character) friends. I have felt that way ever since I was a kid reading books like Little Women or The Marshland Mystery(Trixie Belden) or The Bobsey Twins at School (those were some of my favorites when I was growing up--who am I kidding I still go back and read Louisa May Alcott periodically (my favorite was Jo in Little Women Did anyone else want Jo to get Laurie? I still hate it that sister Amy married him). I have had several authors that I have written to ask me to read a new series that they are writing and critique it which I always do as soon as I can get the book in question. I have to confess, Mary Ellen, that I have not YET read your books but because you responded to my post I have ordered Wreath of Deception and will read it promptly when I get it. I immediately went out and looked at your website, made an author page for you in my notebook (that is the only way I can keep track of what I have read/want to read--I have a loose leaf notebook with a page--or more if the author is very prolific--for each author and I write down all the books in a series or multiple series and then I check them off as I read them. I went to this system after ordering the same book multiple times repeatedly). By the way, your website is very nice; I like the fade in effect that you use. I wish all authors would get a website and have all of their books listed and a way to contact them--and keep it up to date. I hate going on a website and the last posting of a blog entry is 3 years old and they have 3 books out that aren't on the website. Why bother having the website if it isn't updated at least once a year???!!! Okay--off my high horse. Again, Mary Ellen thank you for commenting.

Lisa wrote: "Hi Denise, I have to agree with you on the Grace and Favor series, that was the first thing I read by Jill Churchill and I really enjoyed getting an idea of what life was like in that period, it made it very interesting. Later on I read her other series as well...do you know if other one's are coming out in that series??>

Lisa, I looked back at my notes, it was 2003 when I originally wrote to Jill (or Janice--her real name) about Lily & Robert. At that time Love for Sale was just getting ready to come out and she was working on It Had to Be You. Of course since then Who's Sorry Now? has come out. Do not go onto her website--I have picked up a virus twice now going onto www.cozybooks.com. I wrote her about the virus on June 1 and also asked about any new books in either the Jane Jeffry or Grace and Favor series but have not heard back from her. Then I stupidly went on it again (and I almost did just now and my brain screamed at me to stop). However I also wrote to Danna who does the www.cozy-mystery.com website (which is absolutely wonderful if you don't already know it--that is the first place I always check for updates after an author's own website. I used to favor booksnbytes.com but I find that Danna is more up to date). Danna wrote back that "Churchill will be putting out a new Grace & Favor book in August of this year: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." I can't wait. Put it on your list to get in August.

Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) but it is the Chris Bennett series by Lee Harris. Chris is an ex-nun (for all of us former Catholics) who is now a teacher. Each book is named after a holiday or event. For instance: The Good Friday Murder was the first in the series. And that was followed by The Yom Kippur Murder and so on. There are 17 books in the series and the last one was published in 2006. No more are expected per the author.

Anne George had a really good series with middle age sisters as the protagonists. There were 8 books in the series starting with Murder on a Girls' Night Out A Southern Sisters Mystery and ending with Murder Boogies with Elvis. The series ended when Ms. George died Feb 14, 2001. These were really good books.

Come on cozy readers. I know you have read an author/series that no one talks about and you would like to see mentioned or even discussed.

Denise wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Hi Denise, I have to agree with you on the Grace and Favor series, that was the first thing I read by Jill Churchill and I really enjoyed getting an idea of what life was like in that ..."That's great! Thanks for letting me know I am putting it on my list right away.

Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) but it is the Chris Bennett series by Lee Harris. Chris is an ex-nun (for all o..."Well I especially like the series by G A Mckevett ( I believe this is a pen name for Cleo Coyle) Anyway It has as main character Savannah who has her own detective agency a real spunky, sassy southern gal now living in California. The supporting characters are also very interesting, there is her cop friend sort of a cheap skate slob but always comes through for her, a couple of guys that are ex-FBI that help on occasion etc etc and it has a lot of laugh out loud sassy humor. I reccomend this series... and there is always food involved somehow in the story!

Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) but it is the Chris Bennett series by Lee Harris. Chris is an ex..."

Cleo Coyle is a pen name for someone else, but I forget what the real name is. G.A. McKevett is a pen name, but not for Cleo Coyle.

Melodie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) but it is the Chris Bennett series by Lee Harris. C..."Oh, well I think there was a blurb on the note about the author, I'll take a look when the next book comes out and see if it says what name she normally writtes uses.

Hi everyone,
I'm catching up on the group's msgs after enjoying a few days off the computer for the 4th of July break. I enjoyed reading Denise's comments on how she keeps track of authors and which of their books she has read, and her appreciation of up-to-date author websites. Like Mary Ellen, I really savor hearing from readers who have read and enjoyed my mystery books. Also, I give updates to my husband (who is my website guru) once a month to keep my website current, esp. my Appearances page! Please check it out at bethgroundwater.com, sign up for my email newsletter there, and click on "Contact Me" to send me a note (or you can just contact me here on Goodreads).

Lisa, you mentioned having enjoyed my Craft Corner books (thank you!)and hoping to try the craft projects that are included. I'll mention that, though I give directions in the books, we couldn't include photos of the finished projects, so I've put those photos on my website, http://www.maryellenhughes.com You might find them helpful.

Mary Ellen

Denise, you sound highly organized! I wish I could be more so. Thanks so much for the positive comments on my website (I'll pass them on to my son-in-law/webmaster) and for picking up Wreath of Deception. I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.

Mary Ellen

Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Hi Denise, I have to agree with you on the Grace and Favor series, that was the first thing I read by Jill Churchill and I really enjoyed getting an idea of what life wa..."

Me too. I put in a "request to buy" at my library. I know the funds are limited but I hope they buy it. With the economy the way it is people don't or can't buy as many books as they used to and if libraries cut back on buying then I'm afraid we will lose more of our favorite authors. So many times when I write to an author about a particular series the reason that they quit writing the series is because their publisher isn't interested any longer or won't promote the books, etc. I always look to see how many copies of a book that I am putting on reserve the library owns. Some of the older books there are lots of copies and some of the popular authors they still buy lots of copies. But some titles the library only has 1 or 2 copies. I am lucky to live in Columbus OH where our library has ranked #1 library in the US for two years straight. I had to quit buying most of the books I read because of space as well as money. I have thousands of books in my house, multiple shelves in every room, and boxes of books in closets etc. I used to go into a bookstore and buy books by the box. At auctions too. One time we bought 3 racks of cookbooks at a book auction. I am a book junky! When I got into cozy mysteries I knew things had to change because I can read a cozy in a day if I really get into it. Last night I was up till 3 a.m. finishing Plum Spookyand starting The Case of the Bouncing Grandma. My job situation has been up and down (mostly down) over the last few years as well as my health (need double knee replacements which makes me pretty sedentary)so now I buy rarely. I buy more books to give as gifts now than I buy for myself. Well, I got way off the subject didn't I. Sorry but I am truly passionate about books.

Denise wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Hi Denise, I have to agree with you on the Grace and Favor series, that was the first thing I read by Jill Churchill and I really enjoyed getting an idea of..." That's ok, I truly understand being passionate about books!! And its interesting to see how other's handle getting their books! I have a whole system too, I make a list of the next 20 books or so I want to read, I ask at the library and if they don't have it I check if an interlibrary loan or if they might purshase it, that usually will cover about two thirds of the list. Whatever is left, I go to the used bookstore or order used, occasionally I'm in a big hurry and buy it new. Then when I get everything read I take it to the used book store and sell them, then start over. ( I don't have space to store any more books!! I only keep reference books or an occasional book I just loved, very occasional. I have a budget and calculate my book money into that each month. I also keep a list of everything I've read in a big binder notebook, so I can carry it with me if need be. I'd like to have as copy on computer but I'm not sure how to do that?? Anyway, thanks for sharing! By the way there is another series that I liked about an active older gal who is an ex Cia agent, and she moves to the country after her husband passes and starts a new life there, jogging and martial arts every day etc and solves a few murders, expert marksman ( markswoman?), anyway its got a bit of a supernatural bent. There are two in the series, Thistle and Twig and Mighty Old Bones by Mary Saums. I thought they were cute and funny! I hope I'm that fit at her age! Anyway, don't know if you will like them but give it a try.

Lisa wrote: "Well I especially like the series by G A Mckevett ( I believe this is a pen name for Cleo Coyle)

Lisa, hi. G.A. Mckevett is a pseudonym of Sonja Massie.

Regarding Cleo Coyle: I believe that is her real name and she also writes "The Haunted Bookshop" series under the name of Alice Kimberly.

As I was researching this for you I found these two websites for pseudonyms:

www.trussel.com/books/pseudo.htm

and also

www.myunicorn.com/pseudos.html

I believe I am going to start a new thread just for book websites. I need to look first to see if anyone already has that out there. I see websites mentioned and I mention websites all the time but I think we need a specific thread just for websites and not for discussing books, etc. That way if we need to look up a resource it would be separate and distinct.

Beth wrote: "Hi everyone,
I'm catching up on the group's msgs after enjoying a few days off the computer for the 4th of July break. I enjoyed reading Denise's comments on how she keeps track of authors and whic..."

Beth: Thanks for the nice comments about my organization of who/what I read. I just had to do something. I started out with a journal but that didn't work because I couldn't keep it in alpha order and had to scan pages and pages to see if I had read a particular book. So then I went to the looseleaf notebook. That way I can add pages as needed. Just today I had to divide my notebook into two because it was just getting too thick. So now I have notebook one with authors A-L and notebook two with authors M-Z. In the second notebook I also have a front section with book websites, book blogs, Interlibrary loan requests, and Library purchase requests. I have to keep track of the last two because our library restricts the number of requests you can make in a month. Also I don't want to send the request to buy the same book multiple times as I might do if I didn't keep track.

BTW: I did go check out your website. It is very nice. It will take me a while to check out all the Links and things you have. This is where I get many ideas for new authors. I have also put in a request for my library to buy your books. I will read A Real Basket Case when I can get hold of it!

Also could you answer a question for me? (also Mary Ellen and any other mystery writer that reads these posts) Why do some authors choose pseudonyms and how do you decide what to write under a pseudonym vs under your real name? Then part two of this question--and really important to me as I write to authors quite frequently--when a fan writes to you do you prefer we write in your "real" name or your pseudonym? For instance I have written to Jill Churchill. I know her real name is Janice Young Brooks. So I end up doing a Jill/Janice salutation and I just don't like that but don't know what else to do. I guess I am asking what is the proper etiquette for addressing an author whether it be in a letter/email/or at a book signing? I would be ever so grateful if you would answer this. Thanks in advance.

Denise, I'll offer an answer to the first part of your question. Authors choose to write under a pseudonym for many different reasons. But often it's at the request of the publisher, who might feel that a new series is too different from the earlier books and doesn't want the readers to expect one thing and get another. (for instance, changing from cozy to hardboiled). I haven't written under a pseudonym (yet), so I can't say how I'd prefer to be addressed. I think, though, I'd find it rather odd to be called by another name!

Mary Ellen

Denise wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Well I especially like the series by G A Mckevett ( I believe this is a pen name for Cleo Coyle)

Lisa, hi. G.A. Mckevett is a pseudonym of Sonja Massie.

Regarding Cleo Coyle: ..."Thanks, I think having a website thread would be helpful. Can't help being curious about a few details of books/writters we enjoy!

Melodie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) but it is the Chris Bennett series by Lee Harris. C..."

It's Alice Kimberly. Funny that you mentioned this. I was just at the bookstore and overheard two ladies talking about the coffee shop books. 1 lady was raving about it to her friend and telling her the correct order, etc. As I was leaving the aisle I told them that I really enjoyed that series too. The 1 lady said Alice, aka Cleo, was her roommate in college. She knows her and her husband. So she recommended the Haunted Bookshop series. I had never heard of them before that.

I started keeping spreadsheets by year for the books I read in 2003. I keep a separate one with books I have that I haven't read yet. I delete books as I read them and add to the list as I acquire books. On my yearly spreadsheets I list book title, author, number of pages, grade (I grade on a scale from 1 to 10 and have rated VERY few books a 10 since I started the sheets), date finished and comments. I have been part of a mystery/thriller group for about 12 years that started on AOL and migrated to Goodreads in April. We always do a "year's best" thing at the end of every year and having all this info handy makes it easy when it comes time to list my picks! I also use Goodreads "shelving" system to a great degree, too.

Melodie wrote: "I started keeping spreadsheets by year for the books I read in 2003. I keep a separate one with books I have that I haven't read yet. I delete books as I read them and add to the list as I acquir..."

Wow, I really liked the spreadsheet idea!!!

Kimberly wrote: "Melodie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) but it is the Chris Bennett series by [author:Lee H..."

Okay, Kimberly, now I'm confused. Is Cleo Coyle the pseudonym or is Alice Kimberly the pseudonym? From everything I could see Alice is the pen name. Even if you go onto the website for the coffeehouse mysteries (www.coffeehousemystery.com) she has a link for the haunted bookstore mysteries and it says:

Welcome to Cleo's H a u n t e d Bookshop
A mystery series Cleo Coyle writes under
the pen name Alice Kimberly

I cut this directly from the website.

BTW: Whether you like the coffeehouse mysteries or not (and we have had this discussion before) you should check out her website. It is so cool. It has almost too much information on it though. But the coolest thing is she has a "meet the Village Blend staff" section and she has avatars representing each of her characters. I have never seen a website that has this before.

Please, everyone go look at it. I think this is one of the best websites I have ever seen.

Denise wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Melodie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) but it is the Chris Bennett series..."

From what I understood, both are. Alice is her real name. However, she said a different last name than Kimberly. Oh here ya go, I looked it up on wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleo_Coyle

Gotta go check out that website - it sounds neat.

Melodie wrote: "I started keeping spreadsheets by year for the books I read in 2003. I keep a separate one with books I have that I haven't read yet. I delete books as I read them and add to the list as I acquir..."

I do write down (in a spiral bound notebook) all the books that I read as I finish them. This includes everything, not just cozies. However I just last month started putting the date that I finished it because I was going to ask someone to be a friend here on Goodreads and they asked the question how many books you have read this year (maybe that was even you, Melodie, I'm not sure). I have no idea how many books I have read this year (or any other year for that matter) because I didn't have the dates down in my notebook. I think I need to start writing a brief sentence or two about the book because I find myself looking at a title and although I can look in my notebooks and tell if I have read it or not I can't remember the details of that specific book. I just read too many books and read them too fast I guess for all the details to stick in my head. Does anyone else have this problem?

I really enjoy hearing how our Goodreads members keep track of what they read and also how they go about chosing what they are going to read next. I really don't have a specific method for picking my next books. I get ideas everywhere (including here of course).

Kimberly wrote: "Denise wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Melodie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) but it is the Chris..."

Thank you so much for the reference in Wikipedia. I love Wikipedia and I never thought to look there. I need to remember to always check there in addition to the other places I look. Even her website did not make it clear what her "real" name is and in fact it was rather misleading. Wikipedia had a reference to an interview with Cleo Coyle for anyone that wants to read it you can find it at:

http://www.gumshoereview.com/php/Review-...

Denise wrote: "Melodie wrote: "I started keeping spreadsheets by year for the books I read in 2003. I keep a separate one with books I have that I haven't read yet. I delete books as I read them and add to the ..."

I had a friend who challenged me about 3 years ago to start keeping a list of how many books I read a year. I just wrote the author and title down in a notebook to keep track. Kinda neat to see at the end of the year. I don't really have a method for picking out my next books either. I just go through the pile and pick something that sounds good.

Kimberly wrote: "Melodie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) but it is the Chris Bennett series by [author:Lee H..."Usually I will put two or three words or a small sentence to try to remember what I liked about a book or what type it was, I'd really like to figure out a better catagorizing system...any ideas let me know. So to answer your question, yes I do have the problem of not remembering details!But the little notes thing helps, probobly not enough but...I put down a list on paper and on a wish list feature on computer of to be read next. Anyway I'd love to know how I could do it on a spreadsheet and put when I read it and notes,category of book, details etc

Kimberly wrote: "Denise wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Melodie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) but it is the Chris..."Thanks Kimberly! I have that site written down to reference it. I will take a look!

Denise wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Denise wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Melodie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) bu..."

Denise wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Denise wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Melodie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Here's another series that I really like (I've only read seven of them because they are hard to find) bu..."Kimberly, I took a look at her website and you are right really creative! I love it!

Here's one I have never seen anyone talk about:

The Jesus Creek series by Deborah Adams. It is about an eccentric town in Tennessee. There are 7 books in the series starting with All the Great Pretenders and ending with All the Dirty Cowards. The last book was written in 2000 and according to her website (which I had a heck of a time tracking down)http://deborahadams.wordpress.com/ she is not writing any more books.