Debra Sennefelder's Blog, page 2

Patriotic Cozy Mysteries to Celebrate Independence Day

Looking for your next cozy read to pair with sparklers and sweet tea? Whether you’re lounging at the beach, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying a quiet summer afternoon, these cozy mysteries are bursting with red, white, and whodunits.

Set against the backdrop of parades, fireworks, and small-town celebrations, each story brings a dose of patriotism and plenty of charm—plus a mystery or two to unravel. If you love amateur sleuths, festive settings, and stories that wrap up with justice served and community spirit intact, this roundup is for you. Let’s dive into four delightful cozies perfect for your July 4th reading list!

Star Spangled Murder by Leslie MeierSet in Maine during a patriotic summer holiday, Lucy Stone deals with neighborhood drama and murder after a hit-and-run amid fireworks and town festivities—capturing the spirit of small-town America in summer.

Independence Slay by Shelley FreydontLiv Montgomery orchestrates a huge July 4th festival with a Revolutionary War reenactment—with one key element going terribly wrong. The ghostly war hero re-enactor disappears, and murder investigation ensues under the Independence Day festivities. Dead, White, and Blue by Carolyn HartSet on a South Carolina island in July, Annie and Max Darling—owners of the cozy “Death on Demand” bookstore—investigate when Shell, a second wife, vanishes during a raucous Fourth of July celebration. The story captures hot summer days, fireworks, and small-town charm.

A Catered Fourth of July by Isis CrawfordIn blazing‑hot Longley, New York, Bernie and Libby cater a Revolutionary War reenactment gazebo event on July 4th. A dire scene of muskets—and then murder—ensues. It’s a delightful mix of small‑town patriotism and sisterly sleuthing.Whether you’re soaking up the sun, watching fireworks, or relaxing with a glass of iced tea, these patriotic cozy mysteries are the perfect companions for your Independence Day celebrations. With small-town charm, amateur sleuths, and just the right amount of red, white, and intrigue, each book brings the spirit of the holiday to life. I hope you find a new favorite among these festive reads—happy sleuthing and Happy Fourth of July!

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Tips for Reading More Backlist While Keeping up with New Releases

If your TBR pile feels like it’s growing faster than you can read, you’re not alone. As readers, we’re constantly tempted by shiny new releases, those beautiful covers and buzzworthy titles are hard to resist! But what about all the books we already  own or have been meaning to read for years? Striking a balance between your backlist books and the new ones hitting shelves is totally doable—and even enjoyable—with a few simple strategies.

Here are three tips to help you make progress on your backlist while still enjoying the thrill of new releases: Create a Seasonal Reading Plan (That Isn’t Overstuffed)Rather than setting an overly ambitious reading goal that includes every book you’ve ever wanted to read, try creating a seasonal reading plan. Think of it like a reading wish list just for the next few months. Select 4–6 books you want to focus on during the season—choose a mix of backlist titles and leave space for one or two new releases that you’re excited about.The key here is flexibility. If something new grabs your attention, you’ll have room in your plan to add it in without guilt or overwhelm. And having a manageable list helps you avoid the “what should I read next?” decision fatigue that can keep us from reading at all. Make Reading Time Non-NegotiableFinding time to read doesn’t mean you need to carve out hours each day. Even just 20 minutes can be enough to make meaningful progress. One great technique is reading sprints. Set a timer for 15–20 minutes and commit to reading without distractions. No checking email, scrolling social media, or jumping up to do dishes. Just you and your book. (Doesn’t that sound lovely?)Reading before bed, first thing in the morning, or while waiting in line or parked at school pickup can add up quickly. And if you find it tough to sit and read during busy weeks, audiobooks can be a game-changer. Listen while walking, cooking, or running errands—your TBR will thank you! Alternate Backlist with New ReleasesOne simple but effective approach is to alternate your reading: one backlist book followed by a new release. This keeps you moving forward with books you already own or have been meaning to read, without missing out on the excitement of new titles.You can also use themes or author binges to keep your momentum going—try reading two backlist titles from the same author before diving into their latest release. This can deepen your appreciation for their work and make the new book even more rewarding.Final Thought:It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when there are always more books being released. But reading is supposed to be joyful, not stressful. By building a seasonal plan, setting aside focused reading time, and mixing your old and new reads, you can make steady progress while still enjoying everything the book world has to offer.Have a favorite method for juggling your TBR? I’d love to hear how you balance your backlist with new releases in the comments below! Newsletter Signup!

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Coffee & Chat #37

 

Hello, hello and Happy Friday! It’s been a week, let me tell you—but we’ve made it. Between writing deadlines, a mid-week storm, and trying to remember what day it is, I’m more than ready to settle in with a coffee and catch up with you all.The week kicked off on a high note with our volunteer fire department’s annual Lobster Fest. I went with the steak dinner (delicious!) and even scored a t-shirt—definitely a fun evening spent with friends and neighbors. On Monday, I jumped right into my work week with a planned edit of three chapters from the manuscript due to my publisher in July. By mid-week, a storm rolled in and knocked out our power for a few hours. I was deep into edits when I heard a loud boom and everything went dark. So, I grabbed my phone, opened the Kindle app, and spent some time reading before catching up on a few of my favorite YouTube channels. Once the power came back, I decided to call it a day—especially since a family member had an injury the day before (thankfully, all is well now), and I needed to shift into caregiver mode. The next day I was back to work and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve finished the copy edits just in time for the weekend!On the reading front, I’m still working my way through Murder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs—and enjoying it! Two new ARCs just landed in my Kindle app, so now I’m trying to decide which one to dive into first. As for TV, I recently discovered Wear Whatever the F You Want on Prime Video, starring Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. I was a big fan of What Not To Wear, so I was all in for this fun reboot with a twist. I’ve watched three episodes so far, and I’m loving it!It’s been a little while since Connie’s made an appearance in our Coffee & Chat! I snapped this photo the other morning when she was suddenly all rise and shine at 5 a.m.—which is very out of character for her. This girl loves to sleep in, so I had no idea why she was up so early, tossing around her lamb stuffie like it was playtime. Since I was already awake, I took her downstairs, got her settled on the sofa, and went to grab a glass of water. By the time I came back, she was already curled up and fast asleep. Typical Connie!

 

 

That’s my week in a nutshell! What have you been reading or watching lately? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for recommendations! Thanks for visiting today! ~Deb

 

 

 

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Perfect Picks: Cozy Mysteries to Read This Summer

 

Summer is the perfect time to unwind with a captivating cozy mystery in hand. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s nothing quite like the joy of leisurely reading. My “to-be-read” list is overflowing, and I’m excited to share some of these delightful finds with you. In addition to cozy mysteries, I’ll also be sharing three bonus books that diverge from this genre: two thrillers and one women’s fiction novel, offering a little something for everyone.

Digging Up Daisy by Sherry Lynn
While landscaping at her aunt’s Maine B&B, Kinsley Clark unearths a mud-covered high heel—linking the property to the long-cold “Cinderella Murder.” With her aunt’s reputation and business at risk, Kinsley must dig through a garden of secrets to unearth a killer hiding in plain sight.

Murder by Cheesecake by Cheesecake Rachel Ekstrom CourageThe Golden Girls are back and knee-deep in wedding chaos when Dorothy’s terrible date ends up dead—face-first in a cheesecake meant for a St. Olaf–themed celebration. With every guest a suspect and Blanche flirting as usual, the ladies must crack the case before the nuptials—and their Miami reputations—go completely off the rails.

Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood GerberWhen Emma Brennan’s dream of opening a tranquil wellness spa in Carmel, California is shattered by a murder—and the killer’s weapon comes from her own gift basket—she suddenly finds herself the prime suspect. With a nosy cat, a supportive nana, and a town full of skeptics, Emma must sniff out the real culprit before her business (and freedom) go up in eucalyptus-scented smoke.

Bait and Swiss by Korina MossWhen Willa Bauer’s ex-fiancé and former best friend open a chocolate pop-up across from her cheese shop, things turn bittersweet fast—especially when a local reporter is found dead after sampling their treats. With tourism tanking and her ex begging for help, Willa and Team Cheese must crack the case before Yarrow Glen melts under the pressure.

Murder at the Lobstah Shack by Maddie DayWhen a local rival is found murdered in the walk-in freezer of Tulia Peters’ popular Cape Cod eatery—with a lobster pick in her neck—Tulia lands at the top of the suspect list. Now Mac and her Cozy Capers Book Group must stir the pot and uncover the killer hiding among the town’s saltiest secrets.Did any of these books catch your eye for your summer reading list? Now, let’s explore the three bonus books. These are not cozies. Ready? Lie in the Tide by Holly Danvers (aka Holly Quinn & Sherry Lynn), thriller #1Four friends reunite at a Cape Cod beach house for a birthday celebration, each harboring devastating secrets that threaten their lives and friendships. As tensions rise, a little white lie spirals into a deadly confrontation, leading to a shocking outcome that changes everything.

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark, thriller #2In June 1975, the Taylor family is devastated when two teenage siblings are found dead, leaving their brother Vincent under a cloud of suspicion that follows him into his career as a horror writer. Decades later, his daughter Olivia, a ghostwriter in financial trouble, is drawn into her father’s final project, unaware that it involves revealing the truth about the tragic night that shattered their family.

The Nantucket Restaurant by Pamela Kelley, a women’s fiction novel.Three sisters, each at a crossroads in her own life, inherit their grandmother’s beloved Nantucket restaurant, Mimi’s Place, along with the stipulation that they must work there for a year before selling it. As they navigate the challenges of revitalizing the struggling restaurant and working alongside its long-time executive chef, they rediscover the bonds of sisterhood and the complexities of their tight-knit community.There you have it, some book suggestions for your summer reading pleasure. But…I don’t think my summer book list would be complete without adding in one more bonus book which (I think) is a perfect beach read. Any guesses from the Kelly Quinn fans? If you picked BEAUTY AND THE DECEASED you’re right!

Beauty and the Deceased by Debra SennefelderWhen Kelly Quinn’s cousin Becky, who runs a successful cosmetics company, is tragically murdered during a midnight meeting on the beach, Kelly is determined to find the killer. Despite warnings to stay away, Kelly investigates suspects within and outside the beauty industry, all while managing her consignment shop and dealing with local gossip and accusations.As you prepare your summer reading list, I hope these cozy mystery recommendations, along with the thrilling bonus books and a touch of women’s fiction, offer something exciting for every reader. Don’t forget to check out my own book as well—I hope it finds a special place on your TBR list this summer. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, relaxing at the beach, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these stories are sure to keep you captivated and entertained. I’d love for you to share a suggestion for me (and other readers) to add to my reading list. Leave your best rec in the comments below. Newsletter Signup!

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Friday Faves 6/6/25

Happy Friday, friends!It’s been a little while since I shared a Friday Faves post, but I’m back with a fresh roundup of what’s been bringing me joy this week. Time is flying—I hit 30,000 words in my current work-in-progress (yay!), and I’ve officially started copyedits on the manuscript that’s due to my publisher in July. Between the writing sprints and editing, I’ve been keeping busy, but I’m loving the momentum.

We’ve had some beautiful weather here lately—though the past couple of days have been a bit too warm and humid for my taste. Thank goodness for air conditioning and iced coffee!Now let’s get to the fun stuff. This week’s list includes a podcast I’m loving, an Instagram account that makes me smile daily, my current go-to workout series, a YouTube show I never miss, what I’m reading right now, and the TV series I’m planning to binge. Let’s dive in:Podcast: Killer Women with Danielle Girard  — Fascinating conversations and excellent author interviews.Instagram: @potato.theprairiedog — Yes, you read that right. A prairie dog. Fun fact: we had two prairie dogs as pets years ago, and they were amazing!Workout: Tracy Steen of Move Daily Fitness — I’ve been doing her workouts for a couple of months now and really enjoy her approach.YouTube: So Happy You’re Here Podcast  — Hosted by Erin Newberg and Becky Wright, these two are a delight. From their feel-good interviews to their Saturday morning fashion chats, I never miss an episode.Current Read: I Found a Body by Becky C. Brynolf — A weary detective must team up with a brazen influencer to solve a cold case that has left a mark on both of their careers.TV Binge: Agatha Raisin — I’ve just started Season 2 and I’m excited to dive back into this fun, quirky series.Do you have a fave this week you’d like to share? Leave a comment below.

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The Cozy Mystery Tropes We Can’t Get Enough Of

One of the reasons I fell head over heels for cozy mysteries—both as a reader and a writer—is the familiar charm of the tropes we all know and love. You know the ones: the plucky amateur sleuth who always seems to stumble on trouble, the quaint small town where everyone has a secret, the love interest who also happens to wear a badge… They’re like the comforting ingredients in a favorite recipe. No matter how many times they show up, they never lose their appeal.

Since I write the Food Blogger Mystery series, it’s probably no surprise that I have a soft spot for stories with recipes baked right into the plot (sometimes literally!). And I always enjoy when a determined amateur sleuth crosses paths with a skeptical detective—those moments of friction and teamwork make for such fun storytelling.With a new installment in the series coming later this year—and book #9 already in the early writing stages—I’ve been thinking a lot about the tropes that make cozies so much fun to write and read. So I thought it would be fun to get your take! Poll Time: What’s your favorite cozy mystery trope?
Click your top pick below—and don’t forget to drop a comment or reply with why you chose it (or to share a favorite trope I didn’t list!).Which Cozy Mystery Trope is Your Favorite?
The amateur sleuth with a knack for trouble
Recipes and clues baked right in
Small towns with big secrets
The love interest who works in law enforcement
A sleuth balancing crime-solving and her side hustleLet the cozy confessions begin! Leave your favorite trope in the comments section. Newsletter Signup!

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Coffee & Chat #36

Can you believe June is just around the corner? That means we’re nearly halfway through the year already, how wild is that? Part of me is amazed at how fast the past six months have flown by, while another part remembers a few weeks that seemed to stretch on forever. But through it all, one thing has remained steady: my love for writing cozy mysteries. I’ve got several exciting things in the works (one of them is still under wraps a little while longer!), and I think that creative energy is what’s making my early morning writing sprints something I truly look forward to each day.

Something else I’m eagerly anticipating? Our new treadmill is arriving soon, and I can’t wait to add it to my morning routine. I’ve really missed having one, and I just know it’s going to feel like Christmas morning when it finally gets here.This week was all about the words. I hit my word count goals every single day, sometimes just by a few words, and on one very good day, by more than a thousand! I also drafted my June newsletter, which will be going out soon. If you’re not already signed up, you’ll find a sign-up form below this post. I only send it out once a month (unless it’s release season), and it’s where I share book updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and more.Over the weekend, I popped into Barnes & Noble and spotted The Corpse Who Knew Too Much on the shelf. Let me tell you, it never gets old seeing one of my books “in the wild.” And yes, of course I left with three new books—because how could I not? I know you understand.Speaking of books, I’m currently reading Murder in The Tea Leaves by Laura Childs and Fugitive Harbor by Cassie Miles on my Kindle app. I’m also counting down the days until Lie in the Tide by Holly Danvers releases on June 5th. I had the chance to read an early copy, and I absolutely loved it!That’s my week in a nutshell! What have you been reading or watching lately? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for recommendations! Newsletter Signup!

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Coffee & Chat #35

We’ve made it to the end of another week and what a week it’s been! The first few days were absolutely beautiful. The weather may have been on the cooler side for some, but I soaked up every minute of it. Then yesterday, things took a turn when a nor’easter rolled in and brought rain all day. Aside from a quick grocery store run, I stayed cozy at my desk, writing away while the storm passed through.

Until the weather changed, Connie and I had been enjoying mid-day walks. They’ve become a lovely little break in my workday, and honestly, that kind of fresh air that demands to be appreciated. Speaking of writing, my morning routine has really started to click and it’s just in time! Back in March, I signed a two-book contract for the Food Blogger Mystery series (yay!), and I’m currently drafting book #9. It’s going well so far, and I’m having so much fun with the story. Drew has just asked Hope for a very big favor, and writing that scene was an absolute hoot.Even more exciting, my freelance editor sent back her edits for my most recent manuscript and she loved the story! Talk about a relief. I haven’t started working through her notes yet, but I’ve got that task scheduled for June.On the reading front, I finished two books this week and started a new one. First up was THE GHOSTWRITER by Julie Clark (I received an ARC from the publisher), and—wow—it was a page-turner. It’s not a cozy, so if you stick strictly to that genre, you may want to pass. For my cozy mystery fix, I read HONEY DROP DEAD by Laura Childs, a series I always enjoy. And now I’ve just started THE NANTUCKET RESTAURANT by Pamela Kelley (another ARC), and it feels like the perfect way to welcome summer.

That’s my week in a nutshell! What have you been reading or watching lately? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for recommendations! Newsletter Signup!

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Sleuthing & Scones: 5 Cozy Mystery-Inspired Tea Party Recipes

Spring is the perfect season to slow down, sip something warm (or iced!), and savor a sweet treat—or a little murder mystery. In today’s post, I’m sharing five charming recipes perfect for a spring tea party, book club gathering, or cozy afternoon on the porch. And if you’re looking for the perfect reading companion, I’ve also included four cozy mysteries that pair beautifully with a plate of scones and a steaming cup of tea.Here are some recipe inspirations for you. Enjoy!

The Recipes:

1. Talk about brightening your table! The Lemon Tarts recipe is from LoveFromTheOven.com

2. Love this twist on blondies. The Strawberry Blondies with Lemon and White Chocolate is from MilkGlassHome.com

3. Pour a cold glass of Peach Iced Tea and sit back to enjoy conversation or a good book. The recipe is from Coffeecopycat.com

4. Scones are perfect for a tea party. These Cranberry Orange Cream Scones are from BrunchandBatter.com

5. These Lavender shortbread cookies are a beautiful and tasty addition to your tea service. The recipe is from IHeartEating.comThe Books:

MURDER AT THE LEMONBERRY TEA ( A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery) by Darci HannahWhen British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry arrives in Beacon Harbor to escape scandal, Lindsey Bakewell’s charming lighthouse bakeshop is swept up in the chaos of hosting her for a summer tea party event. But Vivi’s diva behavior, flirtations with Lindsey’s boyfriend, and a dramatic confrontation during a live baking demo stir up more than just gossip. When Vivi’s body is discovered floating in Lake Michigan, Lindsey must sift through a long list of suspects and secrets to uncover who wanted the chef permanently out of the kitchen.

HIGH TEA AND MISDEMEANORS (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura ChildsTheodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed trapping a bridesmaid and the groom. He will pull through but the bridesmaid is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.

TEA WITH JAM & DREAD (A Tea by the Sea Mystery) by Vicki DelanyTearoom owner Lily Roberts travels from Cape Cod to the English countryside for a grand birthday celebration at the now-luxury Thornecroft Castle, where her grandmother once worked. While reconnecting with family history and visiting her boyfriend, Lily finds herself in the midst of aristocratic drama involving missing heirloom sapphires, generational tension, and a suspicious death at the party. When a guest dies after eating one of Lily’s sandwiches laced with hidden almonds, she must steep herself in secrets and scandal to catch a killer hiding in the halls of the stately manor.

THE CORPSE AND THE GAZEBO ( A Food Blogger Mystery) by Debra Sennefelder

Food blogger Hope Early is riding high on the success of her brand—until her nosy neighbor Birdie Donovan winds up dead after publicly trying to run Hope out of town. With her muffins found at the scene and her sleuthing reputation working against her, Hope becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation. Now, with her business and freedom on the line, she must whip up the truth before everything she’s built falls apart.Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or simply treating yourself to a quiet moment, these recipes and reads are sure to add a touch of charm to your season. I’d love to know which mystery you’re reading—or what’s on your tea tray—so feel free to share in the comments below. Happy sleuthing and sipping! Newsletter Signup!

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Coffee & Chat #34

Happy Thursday! It’s time for a coffee break. We made it through the week and we’re half-way through April! I feel like it was just January and I blinked. Right now the weather in Connecticut is still a bit wintery with dashes of spring. I actually like the colder weather, so I’m not wishing this weather away. But I would like the weeds to go away. Those darn things! I expect that warmer weather will come in a few days and that means I’ll have to juggle my schedule to allow  me time to work outside in the garden beds. Weeds and poison ivy. Not a combo I’m looking forward to dealing with.

In January I shared that I’d implemented a morning routine that prioritizes writing first thing and I’m very pleased to say that I’ve been consistent with this routine. It’s allowed me to finish a first draft and begin a second draft AND work on another project (sorry, I can’t say anymore about it) with little stress. Ahhh…it’s a wonderful feeling. It’s so nice knowing that by the time I’m ready for breakfast, I have at least a thousand words written or a half of a scene revised if I’m working on the second draft. This allows me the afternoon to work on other things like the thing I can’t talk about or administrative tasks that I need to tackle.On Tuesday I whipped up a batch of Blueberry White Chocolate scones. So good! If you’d like the recipe click here and to make the version I just made, substitute the 1 cup of raisins with 3/4-1 cup of blueberries (I vary because of the size of the blueberries, this time 3/4 cup was perfect). When I went to get the recipe post to share it, I took a moment a read the post, definitely a trip down memory lane! Back then I wrote that baking was my yoga. And it certainly was but now (all) exercise is my yoga. These days I’m not doing as much baking but I’m definitely making exercise a priority and these moments when I do tie on my apron to whip something up is definitely a treat. Since we’re on the subject of exercise, this workout by Heather Robertson was my favorite this week! A full-body sweat sesh (as she calls it) with weights. So. Much. Fun. And last night I watched A KILLER IS CALLING on Lifetime. It was about a 911 dispatcher  on a remote island who is targeted by an unknown killer. I really enjoyed it.On the reading front, I’ve finished two books and a short story since last month. I enjoyed each one. I just wrapped up MURDER AT THE BLACKWOOD INN by Penny Warner, the first in a new series that features a ghostwriter starting over in her hometown in a haunted house that now is an inn run by her aunts. Quirky and charming. THE SUBLET by Greer Hendricks is a short story about (another) ghostwriter who lands a dream job with a lifestyle influencer but a series of events have her second guessing whether the job is a dream or a nightmare. CAT GOT YOUR TONGS by Victoria Hamilton was a fun whodunnit and I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.

*Both books I shared with you were ARCs I received from the publisher.

 

 

That’s my week in a nutshell! What have you been reading or watching lately? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for recommendations!

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