Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge discussion
2014 Level 3 - Super Sleuth
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Christina Mitchell's 2014 Level 3-Super Sleuth
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I haven't read any of her others. Eventually I plan to though. But there are so many cozy mysteries and other books out in this big world!
You saw that I already own them, right? On the subject of having many OTHERS to read, you know you're preaching to the choir (not necessarily 'cozy mysteries' but as you say, books overall). I'm 100% physical books and keep wanting to pick up "Real Murders", which I see from bed. Also the semi-latest in Juliet Blackwell's haunted renovation theme and the latest in her witch theme. But finishing other challenges steers me towards 'get others over with' first. When you're in 45 of them ya gotta plan.
32.
by J. J. Murphy5/5 STARS
This book is set in the 1920's before television, radios and just plain old technology. The characters in the book all write for magizines or newspapers. They are all interesting characters and it was hard for me to pick which one I liked best! The murder takes place right from the get go. I mean like the first sentence! The plot is very well written and had me guessing through the whole book! Oh and the humor was great too, laughing a lot through out the book.
33.
by Anne George3/5 STARS
The amout of times the word "sister" got said in this book was very annoying! But once I got passed that feel the book was just okay. The plot for the muder in this book was good, but I felt the rest was lacking something. The main character is 60 years old and maybe that was it, I really don't know. I will read more to see if the characters develope more.
34.
by Sue Henry3/5 STARS
This book was way out of my spectrum. By that I mean, the Iditarod race. The plot was interesting and kept me going through the whole book. I learned alot about the race and the strength that it takes both human and dog to have to train and compete in the race. I enjoyed the main character being a male in this book, it was a change from the normal!
35.
by Susan Wittig Albert5/5 STARS
This series is by far one of my favorites! China's character has come so far even if is wants to rebel sometimes. The characters in this series are all so likable. I am glad that China and McQuaid are living together and she is giving being a stepmom some serious thought. It will be interesting to see where everything goes between McQuaid and his ex in court after the ordeal in this book. The crazy stuff with Ruby and the New Age stuff really gets you to thinking after this book.
36.
by Jackly Brady5/5 STARS
This book was AWESOME! Once I got started I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to read the next one. There are so many questions in my head...How is the cake shop going to bounce back after all this?, How is Rita going to adjust to living in the heat of New Orleans?, Will there be romance between her and the cop or the bartender? Must read the next one!
Good morning! I own many China Bayles but would have to stop at book three, because I'm missing "Rueful Death". If only more people read paperbacks, we could be trading. I need a break after how she ruined the last volumes of The Cottage Tales" though. ;) What I'd like much more, is volume two of Ellen Crosby's wine country: "The Chardonnay Charade". I believe I have all of the rest, save recent releases. Carolyn.
I just finished Albert's 20th book, Cat's Claw. This is one series that has retained vitality over so many books, although I thought the trip to Shaker territory in one of the last few strained the edges. I'm way behind on many of the series I own, but I always read this author as soon as I find the book.
C. wrote: "I don't do vampires - despite protestations of how 'great' this series is. ;) I am interested in Charlaine: her two series that have nothing to do with vampires. I'm eager for good ghost materi..."I really liked her series with Lily (Shakespeare) and was sorry that she dropped it. I don't do any vampires, werewolves, etc., although I will do some ghosts.... But a warning on the Haines series: the first several are cute and good but once she meets the actor and then leaves for Hollywood, the series gets downright stupid.
Christina wrote: "36. by Jackly Brady5/5 STARS
This book was AWESOME! Once I got started I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to read the next one. There are so many..."
I didn't care for this series- far too much focus on the guys and not enough on the cakes.....
Thanks very much for sharing, Kathryn. I look forward to Christina jumping in too, being her discussion thread. :) If either of you have read "The Cottage Tales" by Susan Wittig Albert, you know what I mean about the end volumes (I haven't read "Castle Cottage" yet) being spoiled by her narration style. It's very good to know that OTHER series or books themselves, are superior among authors; like Charlaine Haines. Hearing word of mouth is encouraging and warnings are good too! :) I'm unsure which the Lily Shakespeare are. There's a storm so I'd best disconnect the internet. Good day! Carolyn.
C- I haven't read any of the others by Susan Wittig Albert. I guess I will have to try them sometime to see if we differ on them. Kathryn- I guess the stories and plot are what I focus on more in books than the actual reason why the series is named after! HAPPY READING to the both of you!
37.
by Sheila Connolly4/5 STARS
Nell Pratt solicits donations for the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society in Philadelphia. I guess I am a sucker for the history part in this book! I really liked Nell and what she does for a livig. I hated that her love interest in this book was such a jerk and only thought of himself. Glad the "Girls" won in the end! The plot of the book was very good. Nell finds a coworker dead and that a collection of George Washington letters are missing. Are they missing or has someone stolen them? How far will someone go to keep this a secret?
38.
by Amy Patricia Meade5/5 STARS
The main character is very likeable! She is strong minded and seems to be able to take care of herself very well. The plot is fantastic and I can't wait to read more in the series! I really want to find out her husbands reason for leaving and why he lied to her. Also, I think the detective is very interested in Rosie even if there is an age difference. It will also be interesting to see how Kilbride treats her in the next book. Is he just trying to protect her or is he interested in her?
JUNE 201439.
by Denise Swanson5/5 STARS
Great plot! The past that was talked about in this book reminded me of the 70's. Enjoyed the main character except she seems to worry too much about what everyone else will think of her. I will be reading more of this series.
40.
by Jennie Bentley5/5 STARS
I have not disliked any book in this series. I love the historical facts on the homes in these books. The plot is great with all the history of the one family. Avery and Derek make such a great couple. I was really hoping Melissa wasn't going to be in this book! I'm sorry but the ex-girlfriend in this one really annoys me.
41.
by Lucy Arlington4/5 STARS
I thought Lila was really playing the poor me card in this one. Also she seemed to be jumping the gun on everything. The co-op part in this book was crazy. I do like how Trey has seemed to have grown up. It will be interesting to see if the relationship between Lila and her hunky cop goes farther.
42.
by Elaine Viets4/5 STARS
The crazy rich people drove me nuts! I don't know how Helen could work in that place. This just proves that money can't buy everything. It will be interesting to see how the new job goes. Her ex-husband sounds like he was a heel before they ever married.
43.
by Jenn McKinlay5/5 STARS
The plot of the mystery was great! Life just got really complicated for Lindsay! I hope her and Sully work through their issues. All the characters in this series are easy to like and feel that they are family. Mrs. Cole might be easier to get along with after this book. It is nice to see that there is a nice person in her somewhere!
44.
by Sharon Short5/5 STARS
I can't believe some of the stuff Josie gets herself into! Life just got a little more complicated for her with two guys wanting to be with her. It will be interesting to see how it all works out. I also can't believe what her, Cherry and Sally found out about their old history teacher. As prim and proper as she seemed there was so crazy in her life.
45.
Connie Feddersen 5/5 STARS
This series is GREAT!! I love the chemistry between Amanda and Thorn. Those two are such a funny couple! Her sleuthing is great and she handles everything that comes her way. Thorn needs to learn that she is good at doing taxes and figuring out who's killing who! I can't wait to read more in this series.
46.
by M. C. Beaton 5/5 STARS
I loved how everyone thought the cop, Hamish Macbeth, was slow and stupid. Alice needed to read all the signs of being used, I felt annoyed by her character. It is amazing that so many people in the book had secrets that they don't want out!
47.
Joele Charbonneau5/5 STARS
I really like the main character, Rebecca Robbins. Inheriting a roller skating rink, who would have thought that would be so much trouble! Her grandpa is funnier than all get out. He had me laughing through the whole book. The veterinarian seems like a true hunk. I can't wait to read more!
48.
by Madelyn Alt4/5 STARS
I skipped number 2 in this series. I didn't mean too. :( The characters are interesting in this series. To me though, I think Maggie needs to have a stronger backbone sometimes. The love interests aspect of this just became interesting also.
49.
by Laura Childs5/5 STARS
The murder just falls into Carmela's lap. . .right out her shops back door. Murder, New Orleans history and Scrapbooks what could be better. Everyone always seems so needy towards Carmela, expecting her to figure everything out. I hope Shamus stops breaking her heart. Either get fully back together or let her go man! I love reading about all the scrapbook ideas.
50.
by Isabella Alan4/5 STARS
Not sure if I like the Sarah character so well. For an Amish women she seems really nosey! Angie's mom is way to overbearing for my liking. Oliver, the dog, is such a funny animal. I hope Jonah's wife can get over her attitude towards Angie. I really don't see Angie in pursuit of Jonah. No wonder Sheriff Mitchell seems so confusing to Angie. . .He also has his own baggage in life.
Hey Christina; if you visit my thread, let me know what you think of my varied list. I read a lot of old, out-of-print mysteries too so there isn't the same as many would list. It's good Laura's scrapbook series is apparently better than the tea shop. As for Madelyn Alt, you'll scream at her character more as the series goes on. To be honest in terms of magic, the second book, which you skipped is the very best, "A Charmed Death".
C - I think you have a great list. There are quite a few of the authors I have never heard of. Happy Reading to you!
I love comments in my thread (well next time, hehehe) and it helps keep me visible near the top, so others read what I share. You know how it is. Thanks for answering me either way. I love visiting others too. You have books I own but haven't tried. The Canadian challenge concludes today (and re-starts July 1st: Canada Day). So after a few months catching-up on Canada only; I'm gonna splurge on all of the ghosts and witches and paranormal goodies I want! Carolyn.
JULY51.
by Ellery Adams5/5 STARS
This book was hard for me to put down! I really liked the main character, Ella Mae, she seemed to not be as "poor me" as some other characters I have read. I really want to know what is up with the magical aspect of this book. Guess I will have to read more. I really don't know if Hugh is a good match for her. The dog, Chewy, is adorable and really seems like a well behaved animal. In fact, he kind of reminded me of my dog!
52.
by Victoria Laurie5/5 STARS
I was nervous starting this book. . .but after the first couple of pages, I didn't want to put it down! WOW! Totally fell in love with Abby, her comments and cocky attitude toward Dutch. The plot had a lot of twist and turns, and a CRAZY killer!
53.
by Linda Berry3.5/5 STARS
I like the bickering between Trudy (the main character) and her cousin Hen. I realize sometimes that can get a little old in books but it does fit with this one. It shows me how much Trudy has to put up with and also gives me a strong idea of what her character looks like in my mind.
This story in this series deals with a cold case. . .we are talking about one that is 30 years old! At first, I thought there were a lot of characters that could have committed the murder. Who is telling the truth? The family, by the name Burkhalter, seems to have lots of secrets. But as I read on, the killer became front and center. In my mind, there was no doubt who it was. That is why I could only give it 3.5 STARS. I will still read the next one in the series and I hope it is better than this one! I don't like figuring out the killer, I like to be surprised!
54.
by Laura Childs4/5 STARS
There are a few suspects. Is it Dunbar Deslauriers, a greedy, self-centered man, who wants to buy the bookstore from the heartbroken bride. Or Margot Butler, who was engaged to the groom a year ago and has a fond love for snakes. Or Blaine Taylor, who created a computer program with the groom,which the groom didn't want to sell. As Carmela helps the bride with the bookstore, to find out what the actual inventory is worth and trying to find the grooms parents grave to give him a proper burial, she is sucked into the mystery of the groom. She goes to the grooms hometown to find the graves, the old homestead and people who do not want to speak ill of the dead. Plus on top of that she has to deal with Shamus! Is he serious at the end of the book or not? Or is he just trying to bend Carmela to his liking? I guess I will have to find out in the next book!
55.
by Joanne Fluke3/5 STARS
I wish Hannah would grow up! Sometimes she only seems to think of herself and no one else. Others have feelings too! Things always have to be picture perfect to her. Also Hannah's reference. . .Anyone who finished two chocolate cookies in less than a minute couldn't possible be capable of murder. That to me is such an unreal thing to think! I am also getting sick of the LOVE TRIANGLE!
It will be along time before I pick up another book in this series. I was probably being generous giving it 3 stars. I would like to find out about this other job offer to Hannah's brother-in-law and to see how Hannah acts to Norman's new partner at dental office. But I'm sure Hannah will be just as bad in the next book.
Sorry for the rant but come on!
56.
by Karen Kijewski5/5 STARS
This one ended up being a little more gory than a regular cozy, but I really enjoyed it! I was hooked from the start. Dead girl in the bathroom the first night in Vegas, how is she connected to the case? Joe and his wife are more than helpful through out the whole book. Of course, Joe works for a paper and has to get the story! Throw in a cute cop named Hank and what was the mystery again! This is Vegas with corruption all over it. From the rezoning laws, that just last vote wasn't going to change, to the threats and action taken against someone every time you turn around.
57.
by Connie Feddersen5/5 STARS
Oh my! Amanda finds out one of her clients is richer than she or anyone else thought. Thorn breaks up with Amanda, what could this be about? Secrets in a ledger book, oil drilling man really interested in Amanda, "Pops" visiting while mother is on cruise. Amanda is on her own in this investigation, watch out everybody!
58.
by Barbara Allan4/5 STARS
When I first started, I didn't think I was going to be able to read this book. It started out very slow, but once I got going it did get better. So if you read this book please don't get discouraged and keep reading! The plot was very good. The mother was crazy in a lot of peoples eyes in this book, but there is a method to her madness. Brandy seems to realize that mistakes in the past should be kept there. Too bad others don't feel the same way!
59.
B.B. Haywood5/5 STARS
Rumors of the strawberry farm being for sale are going around strong. An email sent to Lydia, she is told to delete it after reading. A shovel from Blueberry Acres stirs up a bunch of questions. Is Lydia, Candy or Doc being framed for murder? What's in Sapphire Vine's files? Will we ever find out? Lots of history on the town throughout the series. I think that is why I keep reading it!
60.
by Jenn McKinlay4/5 STARS
Cupcakes and Rodeos? Will they be a good mix? Will Tate and Angie figure out that each of them is in love with each other? The crew heads to the rodeo in a decked out van to sell cupcakes and to save the business. The girls make a bet with guys next to them that are selling brisket and are mocking the girls about their cupcakes. Who will win? A snotty bull-rider, Ty Stokes, gives Mel heck for running into him. Mel feels the only way to make it up to him is to take him some cupcakes. Angie and Mel head to the bull pens to find him. When they do find, him, he is dead! Did a bull do it or was it murder? There are a few suspects...Ty wanted part ownership of rodeo. Slim said no. Then Slim's daughter, Shelby got in the middle of it. Did one of them do the nasty deed of killing Ty? Shelby, thinks she is hot stuff. She is all of a sudden against the rodeo, only because it is the "Hollywood thing to do". She wants to make a big name for herself. Did she kill Ty to get the rodeo shut down or did Slim?
61.
by Victoria Hamilton3/5 STARS
I am still having a hard time getting into this series. Jaymie is a little hard for me to take sometimes. One moment she is very whinny then the next she acts like super woman. I will read the next book to see if it is better. If not them that will be my last.
I will try to this updated next week. Life has been so busy these last few months. I have got some reading done though!
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
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Town in a Strawberry Swirl (other topics)
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If you have read Charlaine's non-vampire series, which I bought but haven't started, I'd love to hear what you think. (Without "they aren't as good as this one". I've heard that too). Excellency of a novel with those ghouls in it is mute. ;)