Autumntime is the Best Time for Cozies. Start the Hunt, PI's

[Tina]

Post away Sept./Oct. title picks for upcoming hallowed time of the year. Love this season where we tend to retreat to The Parlor, curl before a crackling fire and armchair sleuth about the night!

Not rushing current read but thought to start looking for some great autumn titles. I've seen several.

[Tina]

is one. is another.
another
and-- (Note: Couldn't get idea for season this one takes place in. I wrote and asked the authors; will post that ASA I find out.)

Retired witches. What fun. Title captivated me and thought it fallish so it's my other.

Mr. Goodwitch is taken from their retired witches series. Sounds fun. Now if only it takes place in autumn. ;-)

[Jill]

Tina are we choosing books for both sept. and oct. or are we picking one book for sept. and oct.?

[Anastasia]

Not all of us are coming into autumn. In Australia it is winter and about to come into spring.

[Tina]

Jill, Just Sept. for now but then some titles overlap. So long as they've a fall, orangey theme we can use them for Sept. and the others sock away for consideration for Oct. Then, I wouldn't care if we read two Halloween themed mysteries for both Sept./Oct. as...well, just try to get away from the Halloween theme. Lots of luck. They already have the costume shops up around here. Hope that makes sense.

Went to B&N last night and not much in the way of fall material yet. Probably another week. Though we can find lots on Ammy etc.

[Tina]

Wow, total opposites on the seasons, Anastasia. Very interesting. Thanks for the enlightenment. Well, we'll try to work something in that's interesting for all. ;-)

[Jill]

At Christmas time in Australia, it's summer time there. I have a friend that lives there, and on Christmas day she's always sending me pictures of them outside in shorts, or on the beach, and she's always laughing and sometimes pointing her finger at me.....and I'm the only one she sends that to....while she's enjoying the beach, and sun, and sand, I'm covered in hoodies, blankets and some times dealing with snow.

[Jill]

I saw Leslie Meier and I wanted to read it so, I'm going to join Tina and submit it. If it doesn't get picked for Sept. maybe for Oct. read.

bySheila
Connolly

by Connie Archer

[Tina]

I love fall/winter, Jill so bring on the hot cocoa, lit hearths, hoodies, footies and blankies!

Seems like holding Leslie Meiers 'til Oct. and considering the others for Sept. might be taking shape. We've two so far in that direction. It could work. ;-)

Thanks for the suggested titles, Jill. All look good!!

[Jill]

You forgot hot apple cider Tina....lol...

I'm thinking that Leslie Meier would be good to consider for Oct. and the fact that it won't be out until the end of Aug. It might make it a rush challenge for some to get the physical book, by getting the book or ordering it, since not everyone has a nook/kindle/e readers.

I know there's other cozies out there that are fall related, but these two caught my eye. It's been a while since I read Shelia Cononlly, and I've heard about Connie Archer's series but never read them.

[Tina]

Indeed, Jill. And while we're at it some warmed Grand Marnier. ;-)

I'm in favor of Candy Corn Murder for Oct. And if other listed titles work throughout autumn, we could actually make this a Sept., Oct., Nov. affair. Ie; pick one for each of these autumn months. Then, it seems day after Thanksgiving all are gearing up for Christmas and that's not 'til end of month so we have a good full three month run.

[Jill]

Sounds good to me. I have found several Thanksgiving cozies. It seems everyone forgets about that holiday. Murders can happen then as well. It's not like death takes a holiday.

[Allison]

Jill wrote: "Sounds good to me. I have found several Thanksgiving cozies. It seems everyone forgets about that holiday. Murders can happen then as well. It's not like death takes a holiday."

Jill, lol, I think "death takes a holiday" is actually the name of a book. Agatha Christie, maybe?

I found by Mary Daheim just today and thought that sounded appropriate for next month as well. Just a suggestion...it's in rather a long series but I don't think you have to read them in order.

Has anyone started the side read for August yet? I have already read it and would love to join in a discussion but I completely understand if folks are busy enjoying the good weather, kids, Summer and don't have the time to focus on two books a month.

[Tina]

I started A's Daughter and then set it aside 'til I finished Diva/Chocolate but I can chime in on A's Daughter.

I love Mary Daheim's B&B cozies. I read the whole series up to Silent Scream or something like that and for some reason couldn't get past that installment. Then all the other material was coming out. Would be nice to revisit the cousins! Have you read any of her books, Allison? She also had an Alpine series but I never ventured into those.

[Tina]

Jill, you're right about there being several Thanksgiving themed mysteries out there. I read one that was a Murder She Wrote mystery. Wasn't bad; had a lot of holiday spirit.

Jill wrote: "Sounds good to me. I have found several Thanksgiving cozies. It seems everyone forgets about that holiday. Murders can happen then as well. It's not like death takes a holiday."

[Jill]

Allison wrote: "Jill wrote: "Sounds good to me. I have found several Thanksgiving cozies. It seems everyone forgets about that holiday. Murders can happen then as well. It's not like death takes a holiday."

Jill,..."

Didn't know that was a title of a book...I've been saying that for years...lol... I'm going to search and see if I can find a book with that title, because now I'm curious...lol.

I was going to message you Tue, when the grandbabies leave. They start school on Wed. so this was there last week to spend time before they go back. They are going home Tue. Then I was going to start it. If it's ok with Tina and everyone else, we could start a thread for it and then join in. I'm really really really wanting to read this one.

[Jill]

EUREKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tina]

Yeah, it's all good, Jill. Do whatcha like! And if there's dancing on the tables, I'm in! lol

And now that we get Hallmark, I'm looking forward to the next Hannah Swensen mystery. That'll make for another great side discussion. ;-)

[Tina]

Wow, Allison. Go big and stay home in The Parlor...reading all these cool titles. You deliver! ;-)

[Jill]

Tina wrote: "Yeah, it's all good, Jill. Do whatcha like! And if there's dancing on the tables, I'm in! lol

And now that we get Hallmark, I'm looking forward to the next Hannah Swensen mystery. That'll ma..."

Glad you got the Hallmark now, you'll have to check out The Garage sell mysteries, The Auroa Teagarden Mysteries, and The Gourmet Detective. I got hubby to watch them with me and he likes them. They show the shows on and off all week, so maybe you can catch them.

[Allison]

Jill wrote: "Allison wrote: "Jill wrote: "Sounds good to me. I have found several Thanksgiving cozies. It seems everyone forgets about that holiday. Murders can happen then as well. It's not like death takes a ..."

I think we should read one of those "Death takes a holiday" mysteries in a few months just for fun!

We can start a thread for The Alchemists Daughter anytime you like Jill. I think you'll like it

(SPOILER - "rats")

Mary Daheim - yes, I have read quite a few of the cousins mysteries and the Alpine ones as well. Maggoody too? Is that one of her series? I don't remember, anyone, they are all enjoyable.

[J]

Once again I am overwhelmed with all the choices! That was why I had suggested that each PI limit their suggestions to 2 or 3.
I would like to see a fall discussion and then A Halloween one if possible. I agree with Jill about doing a Thanksgiving one rather than going straight to Christmas. We have discussed a couple of Thanksgiving ones in the past so they are out there for sure.
Tina, you are going to love Hallmark!
My copy of A's Daughter hasn't come in yet so IDK if I will make the discussion.

[Jill]

Allison wrote: "Jill wrote: "Allison wrote: "Jill wrote: "Sounds good to me. I have found several Thanksgiving cozies. It seems everyone forgets about that holiday. Murders can happen then as well. It's not like d..."

Alison, I think we should read a Death Takes a Holiday, AND I think I should get royalties since they took my saying....lol

I haven't read any of the Mary Daheim, at least I don't think I have...lol...I'll have to check with my library on that one. I use my library when I read a new author, and then if I like them, I'll buy their books.

Hopefully I will start Alchemists Daughter Tue. night or Wed. I usually don't read when the grandbabies are here, I'm more about making all the memories I can with them, so usually my hobbies are put on the back burner while they are here, unless they want to do them and want me to do them with them. The other evening, Austin wanted to go and read out on the deck and asked me if I wanted to join her, so her and I were out there an hour or so, just reading. I'm so glad she enjoys reading.

[Mark Pghfan]

I just think that it is nearly 90 today in Pittsburgh so it is hard to think of cooler weather, cozy fires and hot cider. The Leslie Meier one seems to have a lot of support, as does Alchemist's Daughter. Let's see whether something jumps out to the forefront!

[Tina]

I'm on it, Jill. Love Teagarden and Garage. Have the others recorded. :-) I'm in MSW, Columbo, Matlock, Hart 2 Hart rerun heaven!

Jill wrote: "Tina wrote: "Yeah, it's all good, Jill. Do whatcha like! And if there's dancing on the tables, I'm in! lol

And now that we get Hallmark, I'm looking forward to the next Hannah Swensen mystery..."

[Tina]

I'm in for an autumn themed title in Sept., a Halloween pick for Oct. and a Thanksgiving for Nov.

If the rest of you PI's are good w/picking three titles for Sept., three - Oct., three for Nov. then we can go along with J's suggestion.

As for keeping them in the proper mo's. category, well, some titles, synops, sample pages don't always reveal exactly if they are in or overlap seasons. We'll just do the best we can. Want to keep the process enjoyable.

Okay, gang, keep those titles coming in. Three each PI...maybe four tops if you're all good w/this arrangement. Yowza!

[Tina]

Jill, you are one hip Gran. Go forth and make those memories. And bravo to kiddos who love to read and bury their little noses in books (hopefully a few mysteries figure on the lists). Can you say Nancy Drew?!

Now onto sleuthing out autumn, fall, pumpkin, Halloween titles and reading current ones! ;-)

[Jill]

Tina wrote: "I'm on it, Jill. Love Teagarden and Garage. Have the others recorded. :-) I'm in MSW, Columbo, Matlock, Hart 2 Hart rerun heaven!

Jill wrote: "Tina wrote: "Yeah, it's all good, Jill. Do what..."

Oh yea Tina, I love watching all the older mysteries. I even like Diagnosis Murder....Love seeing that Dick Van Dyke came out of retirement and did that series. I love HMC!

[Allison]

"I'm in for an Autumn themed title in Sept., a Halloween pick for Oct. and a Thanksgiving for Nov." - I second Tina's comment.

I'm also gonna second J that maybe we should limit each person's monthly book suggestions to 2 per PI - there are quite a few of us and I think if everyone suggested 3 it would take too long to choose.

But I would like there to be a "side read" each month :)
I really look forward to spending time talking with you folks and 1 book leaves a gap in the conversation. I certainly would not expect everyone to participate every time though, just when you could.

Jill - while I'm "seconding" things - yes on the royalties!

Alchemists Daughter was a side read for August but we can certainly overlap it into next month if people haven't rec'd their copies or want to spend time with their Grandbabies :)

[Jill]

Ok so here's my picks for the Fall theme.

Sept.

by Sheila Connolly by Connie Archer

Oct.

by Leslie Meier by Shelley Freydont

Nov. (Thanksgiving)

by Krista Davis by Louise Penny

[Tina]

My Sept. picks are: (Can't pin point month it takes place in but it is autumn-y and doesn't have hints of Halloween so I'm figuring it's close enough.

takes place in Sept.

takes place in Sept.

Sorry, I just can't stick to two. Some of the others can also qualify for side reads.

I'll post my Oct.'s later. ;-)

[Allison]

Darn - those ALL look good, choosing which to read first is gonna be hard...just added several of these to Mt. TBR.

Here's my two picks for September (can't believe I am saying that, where did Summer go?)

or

[Jill]

Allison,
I know what you mean, I've added a lot of these to my TBR list as well. Summer did go by fast didn't it. I'm not ready to say good-bye yet either....

[Tina]

LOL to all of us as we attempt to chisel list. Ain't happening without a fight. Arrgh. ;-)

Okay, cutie patootie PI's, we'll get remaining sleuths to post their picks then we can start vote-off. Gonna be a difficult task.

[Mark Pghfan]

Pghfan too confused! Too many choices! At the risk of picking a girlie mystery, I am sort of intrigued at the soup lover's selection. In addition to my far and wide fame at baking, I am also well-known for my soups!

[J]

I agree the number of choices can be overwhelming. Might I suggest in order to narrow things down a bit, we concentrate on Sept/Fall first?
We can sort out Halloween and Thanksgiving later.
Just a suggestion.

[Tina]

Pghfan, I know. But it's wonderful! Surplus, excess way better than lack. ;-) And if you're leaning toward soup title, go ahead and note the name. One title is fine if you've already narrowed it to that.

It is okay to repeat a title that's been selected. It just happens.

J, I agree and that's pretty much what we're doing. Focusing on Sept.

I'll start my narrow down pick list and you lot of course, chime in with yours. ;-)

[Tina]

My first vote off, narrow down of my list are down to two: is one.
the other not necessarily in any order.

I'll read retired witch or on my own or offer either up as a side title.

[Anastasia]

I'll have to give the next one a miss as I have too many other things going on.

[J]

Just to add one more to the pot, found this on another website:


I will pass on the Witch ones but am ok with Roux of Revenge which I think is the one Pgh meant.

[Jill]

Tina, I can do a side read of Spell Booked with you. My library has that one.

and my votes are for and I've been meaning to read one of the Soup Lover's mysteries for a while now. But then again which ever book is chosen is fine with me

[Allison]

Jill wrote: "Tina, I can do a side read of Spell Booked with you. My library has that one.

and my votes are for and I've been meaning ..."

I can read "Spellbooked" with you gals - I think I already had it marked anyway.

I will read the Soup one too! Sounds so good! Maybe there's a recipe in it? I read the first one in that series and I'm almost positive there was recipes. It reminds me of this:

"BEAUTIFUL Soup, so rich and green,
Waiting in a hot tureen!
Who for such dainties would not stoop?
Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup!
Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup!"

Anybody remember where that comes from? Some fun trivia...

[Tina]

LOL Look at the voting. Great minds are thinking alike. But really, these titles seem to have more of a fall feel going on over my earlier picks.

Yes, Spell Booked would make a great side read, PI's. The series sounds fun. You're on! And thanks for agreeing to read it!

Now to pick the main title for Sept. Both titles sound great. Gonna be a tough one.

[Mark Pghfan]

It looks like there is a lot of support for Roux of Revenge, so I will vote for that as well. (Roux: a cooked mixture of fat, usually butter, and thickener, usually flour, cooked, with broth then added to thicken soups, sauces and gravies.)

[Tina]

Okay, Anastasia. We'll be here should you change your mind.

Anastasia wrote: "I'll have to give the next one a miss as I have too many other things going on."

[J]

If we do read Roux maybe I can figure out why mine never come out right- lol

[Mark Pghfan]

What's the problem with them? Maybe I can help!

[J]

Thanks! I was going to ask you but didn't want to be presumptuous.
For some reason it never quite comes together completely in the pan. I always end up with globs which don't dissolve in whatever I'm trying to thicken.

[Jill]

J, when you have the fat and you add the flour slowly and mix until you have enough flour in there to where it looks like "wet sand" and then pour you liquid in slowly and keep stirring as your doing this. It also helps if you heat the liquid a bit to where it is warm. If you add cold liquid in that's where you get globs. Hope this helps.

[J]

Thanks Jill . I will give it a try next time. I have followed a recipe so clearly it is something I'm doing.