Introduce yourself > Likes and Comments

Hi, I joined this group a long while ago I think but probably never said anything because of anxiety. I am still very anxious so this is difficult to even do an intro. I'm sorry if I come off as weird, I'm a good sort of weird, but anxiety and panic like to make me shut down, I'm very sorry in advance. (Is it too weird to admit this is part of my current therapy over anxiety, to try and find a club to join to socialise with?) I love cozy mysteries and it's been a few years since I read a book and I'd really like to get back into it again. Lots of new authors since I last looked which is fantastic! Okaybye that's all I have.

greykitten wrote: "Hi, I joined this group a long while ago I think but probably never said anything because of anxiety. I am still very anxious so this is difficult to even do an intro. I'm sorry if I come off as we..."

I hope you find a good book to get back into reading again 😊

greykitten wrote: "Hi, I joined this group a long while ago I think but probably never said anything because of anxiety. I am still very anxious so this is difficult to even do an intro. I'm sorry if I come off as we..."

Not at all weird to say that this is part of trying to socialise - my country and city are pretty much still in lockdown and I left my job at the end of March (in the works since Jan, but it came at the WORST time give pandemic), so I'm at least partly here for the same thing :)

Hi, I'm Sophia from the U.K. I have recently got into cozies (just before the lockdown in fact) and really enjoy reading them because they are so fun and light. Oh and the punny titles too. My favourite authors so far are Ellie Alexander, Kate Collins, Laura Levine & Julia Buckley. I hope that I'll be able to find more recommendations here. I also read comics and chick lit.

Hello! My name is Ashlyn, and mysteries are by far my favorite genre. I can't handle anything too scary, so this group is the perfect way to describe the mysteries I enjoy! I just started using Goodreads recently, and it's been great so far.

Hello! My name I Judy from SoCal. I have an 8 month old baby girl so I stopped reading for a little bit. Now that morning sickness and 2 hour feedings are done with and she's letting me read more than a paragraph at a time, I'm finally getting back in the groove of reading. I mostly read cozy mysteries with a few novels thrown in the mix. I have so many cozy series that I was looking for a challenge group to help me choose my monthly reads. Can't wait to start new series and get recommendations from you all. Happy reading!

Sophia wrote: "Hi, I'm Sophia from the U.K. I have recently got into cozies (just before the lockdown in fact) and really enjoy reading them because they are so fun and light. Oh and the punny titles too. My favo..."

I love Ellie Alexander! I'm on book 6 of The Bakeshop Series. Using it for #1 on the July 2020 Mini Challenge.

Hi! I’m Sharlene Baker and I live in San Francisco. I was furloughed three months ago and I began writing what I think is a cozy, although I think it crosses genres a bit. (I just recently posted something on the “Authors Needing Help” thread.) 30 years ago fiction was my life and I had a contemporary novel published by Knopf and in paperback by Warner, which I was pleased to find is listed in goodreads. Then life became very complicated and I only had one foot in fiction for about 10 years, then no feet in fiction for 10 years. So here I am, 30 years later, trying to figure out how to do this all over again, in a very different genre. I’m a hundred pages in so I’m pretty excited about that. And I’m so glad to find this forum.

greykitten wrote: "Hi, I joined this group a long while ago I think but probably never said anything because of anxiety. I am still very anxious so this is difficult to even do an intro. I'm sorry if I come off as we..."

Good, brave you!

Mary wrote: "Hi, I'm Mary Grand. I love reading mysteries of all kinds, sometimes cosy, sometimes more to the psychological drama end of things. I grew up reading Agatha Christie, to relax I read Simon Brett, t..."

Thanks so much for the Simon Brett suggestion! I’m working on a writing a cozy now and I need to be inspired. I went immediately to my Libby app and downloaded two books from my library. “Killer in the Choir” which is a Fethering Mystery Series and “Rodents of the Riviera” which is a Blotto and Twinks book. They look so fun!

Hello from Oxfordshire, UK where at last the sun is winning the battle with the rain and wind. I've been cozy/traditional reader since my teens starting with Agatha Christie. I love MC Beaton's Agatha Raisin and Hamish MacBeth.
I am a mum of two growing boys, a military wife and a soon to be published cozy author. Life is never dull or quiet and I never seem to stand still! I'm delighted to be a member of this group.

Hello, I’m Abbey, I’m from the grand flat lands of Illinois. I’ve always loved to read, I usually read romance novels. But I found myself in the dreaded book funk, so I wanted to change it up a bit and I picked up a cozy mystery. Not that I haven’t read a mystery before but it’s been awhile. So if anyone has a recommendation I’d love to hear it. Thank you and happy reading!

Hi Abbey, welcome to the group. Victoria

Hi! I finally joined Goodreads this year! I'm just learning my way around, and always on the hunt for new favorite books and authors. I was very glad to discover this group. I keep trying out mysteries and finding out the hard way that they're too terrifying or gritty or violent for my taste. I like classic mysteries by authors like Agatha Christie and Josephine Tae. Finally, I decided that if I read a mystery that's a bit too cozy all I lose is a couple of hours — greatly preferable to having nightmares and being afraid to open my door for a week! (LOL) i'm looking forward to discovering some more modern authors of cozy and moderately cozy mysteries.

I've written a Christian themed detective novel titled Soul Pursuit. It is character driven, includes humor and an unraveling mystery. No graphic violence, sex scenes or profanity. I'd be willing to send you a paperback copy or pdf in exchange for a review and perhaps recommendation on your social media if you like it. It has 2 reviews on Goodreads and 21 on amazon. Could use more.

Hello everyone, I’ve been skulking in the background for a while now. Lately, I cannot seem to read enough cozy mysteries. I am an avid reader and read across all genres but Mysteries are my real passion. Cozy mysteries in particular I have found to be very comforting as we forge our way through these uncertain times. It’s hard for non-mystery people to understand this, but there is just something so peaceful about sitting and reading a cozy from beginning to end, maybe with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. I have been tearing through the Noodle Shop series by Vivien Chien and the Gethsemane Brown series by Alexa Gordon. So happy to have found this group in Goodreads and can’t wait to see what everyone else is reading.

Joan wrote: "Hello everyone, I’ve been skulking in the background for a while now. Lately, I cannot seem to read enough cozy mysteries. I am an avid reader and read across all genres but Mysteries are my real p..."

They really should have some kind of warning! They are so addictive!

Hi, Everyone,

I’m excited to discover a book club for cozies. I’m rather new to the genre, but I’m really enjoying it. So far, I’ve read a few Amelia Peabody mysteries, two Lady Hardcastle mysteries, and a few others.

What’s the difference between a cozy and a thriller? Is a cozy just cozier?

Thank you for this group!

Hi Anastasia,

You might want to check out the following discussion:

What do you consider a cozy mystery?
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


Some distinctions:
Thriller: the protagonist is in danger from the outset.
Suspense: the main character may become aware of danger only gradually.
Mystery: the reader is exposed to the same information as the detective, but in a suspense story, the reader is aware of things unknown to the protagonist.

Mystery is about the puzzle. Thriller is the push and pull between the protagonist and the villain. Suspense is about tension and what may happen. It can be present in any genre.

Heather,

Hi! Thanks so much. I enjoyed reading through the thread and now my feelings are confirmed and I'm much clearer about what a cozy is. I do still have a question or two. I'll ask it in the thread, since it was mentioned, but also I would be glad of your opinion. Are the Stephanie Plum mysteries cozies?

Thank you, again.

All the best,
Anastasia

Anastasia -- I wouldn't consider the Stephanie Plum series cozies.... Language and sexual references (sometimes graphic) are common in these books. I love them -- nobody does oddball characters like Janet Evanovich (except maybe Carl Haisson) and the humor in them is terrific, but they don't fall inside the confines of "cozy," IMHO...

Welcome to the group!

Hi, Ellen,

Thanks for the welcome and for sharing your thoughts. I’m pretty new to the mysteries in general and I’ve been trying to sort of clarify what’s what. Thanks to you and Heather, I think I have a much clearer idea as to the (cozy) limits of a cozy.

I’m so happy to have discovered this group! Better late than never!

All the best,
Anastasia

Hello fellow cozy mystery readers, I am originally from Northern Ireland but now residing in Singapore, a long-time reader of cozy mysteries and now a first-time author.

Hi all,

I'm Catherine and I live I the north east of England. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and chatting about books.

I love the Agatha Raisin books (I think I'm up to about number 10) but I'm not a fan of the TV show. I love listening to the books on Audible because they are read by Penelope Keith. I could listen to her all day long!

I also adore Agatha Christie books and could watch the BBC adaptations featuring Joan Hickson as Miss Marple all day long too!!

Catherine wrote: "Hi all,

I'm Catherine and I live I the north east of England. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and chatting about books.

I love the Agatha Raisin books (I think I'm up to about num..."

I haven't watched the TV series. The actress looks way too young. Penelope Keith would be perfect.

Kirsten wrote: "Catherine wrote: "Hi all,

I'm Catherine and I live I the north east of England. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and chatting about books.

I love the Agatha Raisin books (I think I..."

Way too young and not at all like the character in the books :(

Hi! I'm Alex. I'm currently living in the Southeastern region of the US. I'm a teacher of the Deaf.

I discovered cozy mysteries about 2 years ago, and I've been hooked ever since. I don't read them exclusively but they've become my go to when I'm stressed and need something light to escape into. I'm hoping to find some new series to fall in love with especially any good ones with knitting, characters who are teacher or Deaf, tea, coffee, or spices.

Catherine wrote: "Hi all,

I'm Catherine and I live I the north east of England. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and chatting about books.

I love the Agatha Raisin books (I think I'm up to about num..."

Joan Hickson is the real Miss Marple. I’ve watched them over and over, and read the books over and over, too.

Absolutely, Sharlene, no one has ever done Miss Marple like Joan Hickson. I've watched different actresses over the years but I just feel like Joan Hickson was perfect in every way. She was just how I imagined her to be when reading the books.

hello , I started reading cozy mysteries a few years ago , was on a visit to the library and came across a hannah swenson murder book, at the time I did not know it was a cozy mystery . now I am hooked on them , would love to know more recommendations.

Hi all, Kait Carson here. I've recently become a full-time writer (and reader) thanks to a move from SW Florida to the Crown of Maine. I write traditional mysteries with and without a cozy slant and have been both traditionally and indie published. All of my stories are based in South Florida where I lived for more than 40 years. I love the Goodreads platform to discover new books in all genres. My website is www.kaitcarson.com. Hope to see you there.

Hi! My name is Holly. I live in the United States. I love mystery but have never been part of a community of readers. Look forward to the recommendations of this group!

Hi Holly! Welcome.

Big wave Hell-o to all! My name is Joan or Joanie; I respond to both. I am a retired RN. Originally from Okemos, MI. My husband and I moved to NV to grab some sun after returning. I enjoy reading, knitting, walking, touring with Jim on our motorcycles and watching Agatha Christie movies when enjoying a single malt scotch. 😃📖

Hello! My name is Stef, and I am from New Jersey. I have been lurking around here for a while and finally decided to introduce myself. I have always been an avid reader of Fantasy books, but about 3 years ago I discovered cozy mysteries and fell in love. I only recently decided to try some of the challenges I have seen here on Goodreads, and now I am hooked! They seem to help me stay motivated to read more which is always a good thing, and I am having lots of fun with them! I am so excited to be a part of this group and to discover new series I can enjoy.

Hi all!!!

I’m new to the group. I just graduated college and finally have time to read something besides my textbooks. I’ve always loved mysteries and for me this is the perfect season to start up reading again. I’m so excited to see what everyone has to say, to participate in the challenges, and to explore more cozy mysteries.

Hi! My name is Heather. This is my first group on Goodreads. I'm a cozy mystery author from Tennessee. I love the genre and am looking forward to finding new cozies to read and new authors to follow.

Hello Everyone, I'm Tonya and so pleased to have found this Cozy Mystery group. I've been smitten with this genre for many moons. I give Agatha full credit for my introduction.
As an author, (Tonya Penrose) it was an easy leap for me to write cozies. I have more fun penning mysteries than any other genre. Shh, don't tell. :)
Now, that I've discovered this discussion group, I must go read more of your entries and respond to a few.
www.tonyawrites.com

Karen wrote: "hello , I started reading cozy mysteries a few years ago , was on a visit to the library and came across a hannah swenson murder book, at the time I did not know it was a cozy mystery . now I am ho..."

I agree. Joan Hickson is superb. In fact, I got Britbox and Joan has been keeping me company all week. Her timing in delivering lines seems effortless.

Hello. I'm Cynthia. I've been reading cozies all my life and now I write them. My first trilogy is about a bank during the Civil War and I cover the money crisis at the time.

I also hope to learn about new mystery writers.

Hi Joan,
I'm a retired RN too. My nursing gets into my novels. LOL

Heather wrote: "Hi! My name is Heather. This is my first group on Goodreads. I'm a cozy mystery author from Tennessee. I love the genre and am looking forward to finding new cozies to read and new authors to follow."

Hi Heather, I grew up in Chattanooga, and I based my books there. Great to get to know you.

Tonya wrote: "Hello Everyone, I'm Tonya and so pleased to have found this Cozy Mystery group. I've been smitten with this genre for many moons. I give Agatha full credit for my introduction.
As an author, (Tony..."

Agatha Christie is where I started too. And I'm addicted. LOL

Kirsten wrote: "Catherine wrote: "Hi all,

I'm Catherine and I live I the north east of England. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and chatting about books.

I love the Agatha Raisin books (I think I..."

I love England. I've visited a lot. Cynthia

Cynthia L wrote: "Tonya wrote: "Hello Everyone, I'm Tonya and so pleased to have found this Cozy Mystery group. I've been smitten with this genre for many moons. I give Agatha full credit for my introduction.
As an..."

I adore Hercule Poirot, too. Doesn't David Suchet capture the essence of the character to perfection?

He does. Nothing is left for another actor.

Hello, everyone. I'm Patsy and an avid reader, especially of cozies. A couple of favorites that come to mind are The Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson Braun (oldies but goodies) and the more recent Her Royal Spyness cozies by Rhys Bowen. Currently, I'm enjoying the Kate Shackleton books by Frances Brody, set in post World War I England.

I've even written a couple of cozies myself but more about that later when one day I'll find where to post in the appropriate folder. Looking forward to being part of this cozy-loving group!

Welcome to all the new members who have recently found us. We look forward to seeing you in our discussions. As you may have seen from the group homepage, we will be reading books by Leslie Budewitz in October, and Alex Erickson in November. Those discussions take place in the “Featured Cozy Authors” section of our group.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

We also ask that everyone make sure they read our group rules — and for you authors — our guidelines on promotion. These are in the “Admin” section of our group:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

Thanks, and welcome once again!

Heather L
Cozy Mod

Patsy wrote: "Hello, everyone. I'm Patsy and an avid reader, especially of cozies. A couple of favorites that come to mind are The Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson Braun (oldies but goodies) and the more recent ..."

Hi Patsy, I've written some cozies too.

Hi! I'm Pamela and I live in Pennsylvania, between Philadelphia and Bethlehem. Cozy Mysteries are a new discovery to me and I'm really looking forward to reading along with this group! I've always loved Agatha Christie and also enjoy watching the British Mystery series' on PBS. I don't enjoy anything graphic and was very glad to find this group! Besides reading, I love cats, tea and all things Victorian! Also, I'll be joining in with reading "The Pomeranian Always Barks Twice" in November. I read the group rules before introducing myself and I'm very much looking forward to being part of your group! Thanks!