Esme Addison's Blog, page 3
November 8, 2021
Diversify Your TBR Stack With Twelve Cozy Mysteries Written By African-American Authors
by Esme Addison
Have you ever wondered, where are all of the cozy mysteries written by African-American authors? Well, wonder no more. I’ve compiled a list of contemporary cozy mysteries written by authors (including myself) of African descent. My list includes an interesting group of sleuths in fun settings with challenging whodunnits!
Also, don’t wait until February to read all of these. 
How many of these series have you read?
Hollywood Homicide (A Detective By Day Myste...
November 1, 2021
When In Rome – Not The Saying But The Book By Gemma Townley
The first time I left the USA, it was 2005 and Gemma Townley’s chick lit novel When In Rome was my favorite book. Second, only to my love of writing, was my passion for history. And as a teenager and college student, I went through a long phase of interest in ancient civilizations. Roman, Greek, Etruscans, Phoenicians, the Toltecs – you name it, I was reading about it. But Rome was always the number one place on my travel bucket list.
So when I had the opportunity to go with a group of girlfrien...
July 5, 2020
Four Cozy Mysteries For The Cat Lover In You
by Esme Addison
Completely by accident this summer, I’ve read four cozy mysteries that all featured cats. I’m not necessarily a cat-person but you have to admit they’re cute and cuddly and add a nice element to cozy mysteries – especially when they are an active element in the story’s narrative.
Today I’m sharing four of my recent cozy mystery reads that feature those friendly felines we all know and love. And each cat is completely different from the other – in appearance, temperament and perso...
February 17, 2020
Four Of The Most Effective Herbs For Stress Relief
by Esme Addison
My novel, A Spell For Trouble is set in an herbal apothecary. But I didn’t choose that location because I thought it was cute and charming (I mean, it is all of those things, of course!). I selected it because I personally have an interest in herbal remedies. I use them all. the. time. I like to think of myself as an herbalista. Whenever someone in my household gets sick, I don’t go to the drug store first, rather, I check my kitchen cabinet of herbal teas, essential oils and...
January 27, 2020
Seven Enchanting Cozy Mysteries That Will Bring Magic Into Your Life
by Esme Addison
Who doesn’t need a little magic or otherworldliness in their life? I know I do – and that’s why I love enchanting mysteries with fanciful elements of magic or the paranormal. Over the years, I’ve amassed a list of my favorite cozy mysteries with supernatural elements. The list includes witches who make magic in the kitchen, a series with fairy themes (!!!), one sexy Irish, whisky-loving ghost (yep, that’s right) and some flower power!
Cozy mysteries set in a world where magic...
January 26, 2020
Book Review: The Plot Is Murder by VM Burns
The Plot Is Murder by V.M. Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m not sure why it took me so long to read this book. I’ve definitely heard of it… I think I just stopped reading book-themed cozies for awhile. It was a bit too much with me working in publishing and also writing a book. My go-to cozies usually involve baked goods.
January 25, 2020
Introducing The Mermaid Of Warsaw
by Esme Addison
Lately, I’ve been discussing my new book A Spell For Trouble, because… well, it’s coming out soon. (May 12th! Wherever books are sold!) and the number one question I get is…
So, why mermaids?”
Okay, let’s back up a bit. I’ve written a cozy mystery set on the beach in North Carolina (sounds normal so far, yes?). The main character, Alex Daniels has just left the big city and a stressful job for the normalcy of a small town and the love and support of her last remaining family...
January 19, 2020
Five Polish Desserts You Need In Your Life
by Esme Addison
When most people think of Polish culture, they probably think of Polish food first. If you live near a large Polish community or have Polish family, you’ve probably had some great kielbasa, freshly made pierogis or zupaogórkowa – creamy dill pickle soup (my personal favorite dish of all!!!) But I also think it’s safe to say that Polish desserts are the star of the culinary show!
When I first thought of creating a cozy mystery, my working title was Polish Family Cozy...
Expand Your Horizons With Five Cozy Mysteries That Explore Different Cultures
by Esme Addison
One of my favorite elements of a cozy mystery is the ability to easily infuse a story with culture, heritage and history. How many cozy mystery readers have discovered an interest in learning about another ethnicity or nationality because their favorite cozy mystery series features a character they love with ties to another country? Not only does it create a fresh and creative take on a genre known to be formulaic in the best possible ways, but it’s a fun and accessible way...
January 13, 2020
Carson, Alice, Flannery, and Me, Esme
by Esme Addison
During college, it will surprise no one that I was an English major. But not at first. Initially, I was a drama major with a minor in creative writing. But later, and much to my father’s relief I switched to a double major in English and Marketing.
I enjoyed many of my classes, but to this day, my most favorite class was titled Southern Women Writers. When I registered for the class as a nineteen-year-old, I don’t think I had any expectations except to take another class about...
