What Cozy Are You Reading? > Likes and Comments
Free today, January 27, 2024.There are some cozy mystery books on this list of witchy books.
https://www.witchybookworms.com
I finished Murder at a London Finishing School
by Jessica Elliot. One of my favorite historical cozy series This one takes are characters out of the quaint Country village to London. Lots of characters and mystery. Also I can use for my Bonus spin in our challenge
Alice wrote: "I finished Murder at a London Finishing School by Jessica Elliot. One of my favorite historical cozy series This one takes a..."Always good when a book helps with challenges!
I am reading the cozy series called "Gilded Newport Murders" by Alyssa Maxwell. Her Murder at the Breakers has been made into a movie by Hallmark channel to be shown on Feb 2nd. It's a fun read set during the 1890's in famous Newport, R.I. with all the wealthy historical figures such as the Astors and Vanderbilts. The main character is a young woman bucking convention and trying to make her way as a single woman with a career - an uphill battle in Victorian times. Characters are believable and the story has complex plots.
NANCY wrote: "I am reading the cozy series called "Gilded Newport Murders" by Alyssa Maxwell. Her Murder at the Breakers has been made into a movie by Hallmark channel to be shown on Feb 2nd. It's a fun read set..."I love that series. One day I shall take the book and read it on the spot. I did take Murder at Beechwood to finish while I was in Newport. I walked along the Cliff Walk over the rocks to view the crucial spot from the novel. Sadly the mansion sold long before the novel was written or I would have gone inside for a fun living history tour. Since the living history tours are no more, reading the books is the next best thing.
I've finished #3 in the Whisky Business series, and am partway through the 4th. Totally enjoy these.
Deadly Dram
Died in the Wool
Teatime With A Corpse by Sherry S. HallNew author for me. Really enjoying this Cedar Wells cozy.
Finishing off January with
Of Hoaxes and Homicide by Anastasia Hastings https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I've finished A Dark and Stormy Tea by Laura Childs
and decided to finish the series off with the last two so currently on Lemon Curd Killer
and then Honey Drop Dead
Aunt Dimity and the Village WitchThis was very light and enjoyable yet also very timely. It was well done, in my opinion. Some plot points were obvious and others not so much but it was a fun read. I appreciated the community spirit in Finch. My book club wants spinoff series with some of the other characters who don't get much page time. I'd love to read one of the stories from the POV of Lori's twins, currently age 7. They have the craziest, best stories LOL! Maybe a book of short stories featuring the twins' impressions of Mummy and Daddy's antics?
Everyone but me enjoyed the brown bread with butter and jam accompanied by blueberry tea. The furry honorary member was not allowed to try and was not amused I did not bring HIM special treats this time.
I’ve been reading!!! Just updated my annual challenge page with my latest reads and mini reviews.**
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** From Tonya Kappes and her Holiday series:
* Chocolate Bunny Betrayal
* Fourth of July Forgery
* Thanksgiving Treachery
* Santa Claus Surprise
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And from Kappes’ Killer Coffee series:
* Cappuccino Criminal
* Macchiato Murder
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Two from Victoria Laurie:
* See No Evil (Psychic Eye/Abby Cooper)
* Coaching Fire (Life Coach/Cat Cooper)
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Two from Addison Moore's series Murder in the Mix/Lottie Lemon:
* Apple Cider Donut Danger
* Fright Night Chocolate Delight
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Finally, two from favorite Jenn McKinlay:
* Sugar Plum Poisoned (Cupcake Bakery)
* The Plot and the Pendulum (Library Lovers)
These put me up-to-date on all these a series -- at least for now. New additions are coming in most of these.
Starting off February with
Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I listened to Widow's Tears. It's been a while since I read anything in this series even though I really enjoy it.
Mark wrote: "Starting off February with Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."Good one. Did you read it in anticipation of the movie? There's a big subplot removed and some changes to character backstories in the movie but it was cute. Books are better though!
I did read it in anticipation of the movie. Since I'm in CA, it's still going on right now. Trying to remind myself it is an alternative universe version of the story.
Mark wrote: "I did read it in anticipation of the movie. Since I'm in CA, it's still going on right now. Trying to remind myself it is an alternative universe version of the story."That's one way I treat movies made from books. Another is to regard the movie as a totally different entity and judge it on its own merit. I've managed to watch some good movies that way.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to watch the Hallmark movie tonight. I'll catch it on the next go around.
Since the book was so fresh in my mind, it took me a little longer than usual to separate the movie from the book. But by the end, I was fully invested in the movie version of things and enjoyed it.
Just finished
Absolutely loved it. This series is almost always enjoyable and usually keeps you wondering who the murderer is until the very end. I highly recommend it!
Mark wrote: "Since the book was so fresh in my mind, it took me a little longer than usual to separate the movie from the book. But by the end, I was fully invested in the movie version of things and enjoyed it."Great to hear; really looking forward to watching it! The trailers put me in mind a little of the Biltmore Christmas movie. Touring the actual Biltmore mansion last month was such a kick, so soon after seeing that movie.
Mark wrote: "Trying to remind myself it is an alternative universe version of the story."~and~
Meg wrote: "That's one way I treat movies made from books. Another is to regard the movie as a totally different entity and judge it on its own merit. I've managed to watch some good movies that way."
Ditto. It's the only way I can stomach some of the Hallmark cozy mystery movie series, especially when the casting doesn't fit the book or what I pictured when I read it or the scripts and acting are cheesy.
I still have issues with the Hannah Swensen series. Though I'm behind in a couple of the series, I'm way behind in this one.
I like the Hannah Swensen movies better than the books! The movies aren't stuck in a time warp and Hannah is a modern women with a cell phone and a business she actually works at during working hours. I'm eagerly awaiting the next movie installment. I'll pass on the book and maybe read the recipes in the library and if I like some, snap some pictures and put the book back on the shelf.
QNPoohBear wrote: "I like the Hannah Swensen movies better than the books! The movies aren't stuck in a time warp and Hannah is a modern women with a cell phone and a business she actually works at during working hou..."I do, too. I was pleasantly surprised when I first saw them. The latest books had been such a head-scratcher (and disappointment, really).
Thanks for info about the Hannah Swenson movies. I quit the book series but the movies seem to get away from things that annoyed me in the books.
The movie have their own issues based on availability of actors, and are about to have some more. But I enjoy them overall. They were my gateway drug to Hallmark's mystery movies.
Just started Pour-Over Predicament, a new release by Tonya Kappes.
Mark wrote: "The movie have their own issues based on availability of actors, and are about to have some more. But I enjoy them overall. They were my gateway drug to Hallmark's mystery movies.""They were my gateway drug" -- this had me lol. Hadn't heard of this expression before.
I read about one of the actor issues for the one in production (or soon to be), hadn't heard of others. I'm curious enough to dig when time opens up.
I think actor availability is why they wrote out Lisa and her husband but brought in Michelle.
Mark wrote: "I think actor availability is why they wrote out Lisa and her husband but brought in Michelle."Ohhh, I didn't realize I had missed so much. I'm going to work on catching up. A shame about Liza and Bill...
Closing out the week with
DM Me for Murder by Sarah E. Burr https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished The Marlow Murder Club
by Robert Thorogood. Set in England and our main character Judith is 78. Nice to have a senior sleuth. Good start to a new series. I will look forward to reading book 2.
I just finished A Lark's Conceit: A Verity Lark Mystery
It was excellent and I enjoyed the romance and the mystery. I hope there's more to come.
I'm starting out the week with
Fatal First Edition by Jenn McKinlay https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mark wrote: "I'm starting out the week with Fatal First Edition by Jenn McKinlay https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."Good choice! I'm on hold for it and read the excerpt. I was curious of the details of the conference rang true or not. I didn't love Brooklyn in her own story so I haven't read any more of her books but the crossover has appeal.
Brooklyn is only in the first chapter. It really is a cameo.I've only read the first in that series as well.
I finished Lost Hours
by Paige Shelton. Book 5 of the series. Love the characters and Alaska setting. Not quite as good as the previous books.
In today's e-news...Searching for your next favorite story?
Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.
The sale runs 02/12-03/02/2024. Happy hunting.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/valentin...
QNPoohBear wrote: "I was curious of the details of the conference rang true or not. I didn't love Brooklyn in her own story so I haven't read any more of her books but the crossover has appeal."~and~
Mark wrote: "Brooklyn is only in the first chapter. It really is a cameo.
I have read the entire Bibliophile series to date. It's one of my favorites.
I. too, am looking forward to the latest Library Lovers, Fatal First Edition. I just caught up the series last month.
Jenn McKinlay and Kate Carlisle were at the Poisoned Pen Book Store in December along with Paige Shelton. I've linked the YouTube video below if you're interested.
12/09/2023: Paige Shelton discusses her latest book, Lost Hours. Kate Carlisle discusses The Twelve Books of Christmas, Jenn McKinlay discusses Sugar Plum Poisoned. Discussion moderated by John Charles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItPPG...
Jenn McKinlay is also going to be in a discussion at hte Poisoned Pen TOMORROW (02/14/2024), It's going to be broadcast live on YouTube at 7p (MST). The link is below.
Jenn McKinlay discusses Fatal First Edition, Susan Elizabeth Phillips discusses Simply the Best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRZqY...
Now I just have to remember to tune into YouTube live at 7p rather than network prime time! :o)
Mark wrote: "They were my gateway drug to Hallmark's mystery movies."LOL... I don't remember my first Hallmark Mystery Movie. It might have been Dear Prudence with Jane Seymour, I think there were only two, but they were fun and funny. Prudence was the host of a DIY program and provided household hints throughout. Never thought to look for books... Hmmm. Or,
I don't have cable and only saw the HMM channel when at family's or friends' places and they were watching or if I was house-sitting. Thankfully one of my my brothers and my sister would take pity on my and passed record shows and pass them to me after they watched. Others I'd seek online. I was able to see most of the Hallmark Mystery Movie series -- Murder 101 (the Dick VanDyke series); Mystery Woman; and McBride that way.
Though I can find some of the movies on YouTube, my brother has satellite and I use his login for HMM. I've been trying to work my way through all the mystery movie series/movies I haven't seen.
Mark wrote: "The movie have their own issues based on availability of actors, and are about to have some more. But I enjoy them overall."
And with the Great American Family and Pop networks putting out their own mystery series (some with ex -- and not so ex?? -- Hallmark "stars," I agree there may be more issues.
Sometimes I think the fun is seeing the same actors portraying different characters in the various movie series.
Chamomile Mourning
was the best of the series so far. No head jumping and the murderer was not at all obvious. I stayed up late on a work night to finish it. Next weekend my first cozy will be historical The Secret of the Lady’s Maid
Up next for me was the light and fun
A Scaly Tail of Murder by Jacqueline Vick https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hoopla Bonus Borrows updatePreviously February was a Bonus Borrows month but this is no longer the case.
Starting March 2024 Bonus Borrows will be the last week of each month. Maybe people were borrowing too many? I think having the books due the same week instead of scattered will discourage borrowing.
L J wrote: "Starting March 2024 Bonus Borrows will be the last week of each month."Do you know how they define "the last week"? Is it the last seven days of the month, the last calendar week (even if it's not a full week) or something else?
Barb wrote: "L J wrote: "Starting March 2024 Bonus Borrows will be the last week of each month."Do you know how they define "the last week"? Is it the last seven days of the month, the last calendar week (eve..."
per a public library
"Starting in March 2024, for the last seven days of each calendar month, patrons will be able to choose from a curated selection of TV shows, movies, comics and manga, eBooks, and audiobooks without using their monthly borrows!"
L J wrote: "Barb wrote: "L J wrote: "Starting March 2024 Bonus Borrows will be the last week of each month."Do you know how they define "the last week"? Is it the last seven days of the month, the last calendar week (eve..."
per a public library
"Starting in March 2024, for the last seven days of each calendar month, patrons will be able to choose from a curated selection "
Thanks, that helps :)
I'm finishing the week with
Yankee Doodle Dead by Carolyn Hart https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Secret of the Lady’s Maid This one had way too much going on and more anachronisms than I remember from previous books. This series started off strong but I think it's ending on a whimper. This sounds like it might be the last one or it could be, there's some resolution at the end that could change the direction of the series again or leave it at that.
L J wrote: "Thanks for info about the Hannah Swenson movies. I quit the book series but the movies seem to get away from things that annoyed me in the books."I agree. I like the Hannah Swenson Hallmark movies better than the books! I stopped reading the series years ago when the triangle began to overshadow the mystery.
I also prefer the Flower Shop mysteries to the books. Brooke Shields character is older and doesn't wallow in self-doubt. (Abby got on my nerves with that!)
Likewise!!!