February 2015 Mini Challenges

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Here are the mini challenges for February 2015.

As always, you may use books from any genre for this challenge. You may only use a book once for this challenge, but may use it for other challenges. Also, you do not have to choose your books ahead. If you do choose ahead, you can change your list at any time.

Have fun!


1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover.

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.

[Sabrina]

Thanks for yet another challenge! I'm going to have a look tonight to see if I have any books which would fit these categories. Number 4 sounds challenging!

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Sabrina wrote: "Number 4 sounds challenging!"


Not that difficult at all! Shelley Freydont has a book called Foul Play at the Fair, and there is Earlene Fowler's State Fair. I know I've seen a few others that would fit in Mount TBR. Winter fairs and Mardi Gras also count -- and at least one by Laura Childs, I think it was Keepsake Crimes, has a scene at Mardi Gras.

Oh! Jim and Joyce Lavene have an entire series set at a Renaissance Fair, first in the series is Wicked Weaves. Remember, too, that your books do not HAVE to be mysteries. ;-)

[Lynn]

Heather L wrote: "4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort. "

I'm not sure where you got your information, but Carnival ends at midnight on February 18, Ash Wednesday.

[Nell]

A couple of Donna Andrew's mysteries take place at a fair or festival: Some Like It Hawk and Hen of the Baskervilles. Her main character, Meg Langslow, is a decorative blacksmith who often participates in craft fairs so earlier entries also include scenes at fairs or festivals. If you haven't read any of her series, you're in for a delightful read.

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

Lynn wrote: "I'm not sure where you got your information, but Carnival ends at midnight on February 18, Ash Wednesday. "

Carnival as religious holiday (Capital C), yes, they really finish on Ash Wednesday but if we're talking about a carnival day (small C), it's something totally different. No sense in saying that Ash Wednesday is Carnival Day.

[Sabrina]

I was thinking of maybe reading Joyland for the book which is set at a fair/carnival... It's not exactly set at a fair, I think it's more like a theme park.
Would this book be allowed for that category?

[Mary (Biblophile)]

I'm in.

5/5..............DONE

February Mini Challenge


1. Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title.

Honeymoons Can Be Murder: The Sixth Charlie Parker Mystery......2/6/15

2. Read a book with an animal on the cover.

A Spirited Tail.....2/3/15

3. Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.

Gilded Death: A Newport Mystery.....2/24/15


4. Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.

Snowmen In Paradise......2/18/15

5. Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.

For Better, For Murder....2/10/15

[Jonquil]

5/5
DONE

1. heart on the cover Every Boy's Got One 2/2 ★★★
2. animal on the cover- lobster Zodiac 2/11 ★★★★
3. cover is predominately pink If the Shoe Fits 2/8 ★★★★
4. has a scene set at festival of some sort All Fall Down 2/1 ★★★★
5. weapon on the cover Dying to Get Published 2/13 ★★

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Lynn wrote: "Heather L wrote: "4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair..."


Lynn, I said Carnival Day -- it's not referring to Carnival/Mardi Gras but to carnivals in general. And don't ask me why we're celebrating it in February instead of May or June when carnivals start making their circuits. I mean, they also have Ferris Wheel Day in February, which is one month I would NOT go up in one, considering how windy (not to mention cold) the month can be.

[Lynn]

Heather L wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Heather L wrote: "4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a c..."

Thank you for the clarification. I think it might be a meaning-of-the-language issue. The word Carnival, particularly in connection with February or March dates is associated with Mardi Gras/Carnival to me, so I thought you had the date wrong. And since the date you listed is a possible date for Mardi Gras Day, I was doubly confused.

It's an odd time to celebrate state fair-type carnivals when the religious-related Carnival is actually be celebrated and there are few state fair-type carnivals on the calendar.

Marisa wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I'm not sure where you got your information, but Carnival ends at midnight on February 18, Ash Wednesday. "

Carnival as religious holiday (Capital C), yes, they really finish on Ash W..."

I may have been a bit confusing with my original post. I know that Carnival is not on Ash Wednesday, but it does end at midnight on Ash Wednesday, which this year happens to be February 18. It's a tradition in New Orleans to see the police on horseback riding through the French Quarter declaring loudly that Mardi Gras/Carnival is over.

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

Yes, I know well Ash Wednesday (I'm Spanish). Here, we had a parade (it is mainly lost now, I believe) called "The burial of the sardine", for saying bye to joy and parties.

[❂ Murder by Death]

Nell wrote: "A couple of Donna Andrew's mysteries take place at a fair or festival: Some Like It Hawk and Hen of the Baskervilles. Her main character, Meg Langslow, is a decorat..."

Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos also takes place at a fair.

Kylie Logan's Chili Cook-off series (Chili con Carnage is one of the two published so far) are set in a fair circuit too.

[Becky]

2/5 Completed


1. Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title.

2. Read a book with an animal on the cover.A Cat Under the Mistletoeby Lydia Adamson Completed 02/03


3. Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.

4. Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.
Killer Crab Cakesby livia j washburn completed 02/27


5. Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.

[Dawn]

sounds like a fun challenge. I may just have to give it a whirl.

[Linda]

I've come up with some possibilities for all the categories but still deciding what to read.

American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).

Groundhog Day and Love Your Pet Day — Love You Madly

Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.

Ferris Wheel Day, Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year — Stiffs and Swine

Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.

[Nell]

February Mini Challenge
Progress: 3

1. Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title.

2. Read a book with an animal on the cover.
A Tiger's Tale by Laura Morrigan

3. Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.
Pagan Spring by G.M. Malliet

4. Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.

5. Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover.
Rebel Without a Cake by Jacklyn Brady (knife)

[Debbie]

3/5




1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover. Murder, She Meowed 2/19/15

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a fair Sew Deadly 2/6/15

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover Deadly Daggers 2/16/15

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

And thank you for a new challenge, yes, now to peruse my virtual shelves ;)

[Kimberly]

I'm in. :) I'm gonna just barely finish January, but that's 'cuz I got distracted by the Ultimate Challenge. ;) I am back on track and rearing to go! :)

Just looked through my books for this challenge and I'm excited that I can use the next two Bubba books (by C.L. Bevill) on this challenge. I've been wanting to read them since I got them at Christmas time! :) Woo-hoo!!! Well, I think I can use #4 in that series... There is supposed to be a Murder Mystery Festival occurring during the book, so I hope at least one scene takes place there. ;) :)

[Nola]

I completed the mini challenge for January. I am in for February
Progress 4/5
1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!). 2/15

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover. 2/8

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.

[Julesy]

Julesy's tracking post.

Updated: Feb. 28th
Progress: 4/5

1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).

Luck Be a Lady by Gemma Halliday

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover.

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.

Cupid's Curse by Kathi Daley

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.

Pumpkins in Paradise by Kathi Daley


5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.

Mayhem in High Heels by Gemma Halliday

[LuAnn]

1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover.

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.

Progress: 0/5

[Amber]

1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover.

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

(2 / 5)

1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day: Romeow and Juliet by Kathi Daley

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day: Pies & Peril by Janel Gradowski (02/16/2015 - )

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day

[Charity]

I am going to try for all 5.

Progress: 5/5

1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!). The Heart is a Lonely Hunter 2/8/15

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover. The Golden Compass 2/10/15

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red. Animal Farm 2/28/15

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort. Daughter of Smoke & Bone 2/25/15

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title. The Subtle Knife 2/12/15

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Charity wrote: "I am going to try for all 5.

Progress: 3/5

1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!). The Heart is a Lonely Hunter 2..."


Good choice in your "heart" book -- loved that one!

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

I'm reading my final book for the February challenges, so figured I might as well go ahead and list them.


1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).
Heart of a Warrior by Johanna Lindsey

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover.
A Passage To India by E.M. Forster (elephants)

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.
Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now by Maya Angelou

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.
Wicked Weaves by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover.
The House of Hades by Rick Riordan (Sword)

[Linda]

February flew by! Finished up just in time for March. Congrats to everyone else who is finishing up!

American Heart Month — Truly, Madly 2/16/15

Groundhog Day and Love Your Pet Day — Love You Madly 2/3/15

Valentine’s Day — Spider's Web 2/25/15

Ferris Wheel Day, Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year — Stiffs and Swine 2/19/15

Pistol Patent Day — Snow Place to Die 2/9/15

[Leslie]

Congrats Heather and Linda! And to everyone else who has finished :)

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Congrats, Linda!
Thanks, Leslie! ☺

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

Congrats, Linda! Congrats, Heather!

[Leslie]

I won't have time to read another mystery by tomorrow night, so here is my progress -- only 4 finished this month.

1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!). Deadly Valentine (done 2/7)

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover. Appleby's End (done 2/24)

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red. - Nightmare in Pink (done 2/15)

✖4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title. -- Why Shoot a Butler? (done 2/4)

, , ,

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Good job, Leslie!

[Kimberly]

Wasn't sure I was gonna finish this one, but got it done just in time! :) Good job everyone!

February 2015 Mini Challenge
5/5

1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!) - by Patricia Strefling 2/21/15

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover - by C.L. Bevill 2/8/15

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red - by Stephanie Bond 2/25/15

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort - by C.L. Bevill 2/15/15

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title - by Simon Royle 2/27/15

[Leslie]

Thanks Heather!

Congrats Kimberly!

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Way to go, Kimberly!

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

Congrats, Leslie! Congrats, Kimberly!

[Charity]

Updated message 26. Last day of the month but I completed my challenge.

[Julesy]

Finished my last book on the last day of the month as well!

Progress: 5/5

1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).

Luck Be a Lady by Gemma Halliday

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover.

Killing Cupid by Laura Levine

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.

Cupid's Curse by Kathi Daley

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.

Pumpkins in Paradise by Kathi Daley

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.

Mayhem in High Heels by Gemma Halliday

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Congrsts, Charity and Julesy!

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

Just over the clock, although I haven't updated before:

(Done)

1. February is American Heart Month: Bless Her Dead Little Heart by Miranda James (02/23/2015 - ★★★★)

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day: Romeow and Juliet by Kathi Daley (02/05/2015 - ★★★★)

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day: Pies & Peril by Janel Gradowski (02/16/2015 - ★★★)

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month
: A Killing in Antiques by Mary Moody (02/20/2015 - ★★★★)

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day: Death by Inferior Design by Leslie Caine (02/28/2015 - ★★★)

[Julesy]

Great job to everyone who finished the challenge in a short month! Thank goodness we have 3 extra days in March. lol

[Leslie]

Congrats Charity, Julesy, and Marisa!

[Donna]

Finished yesterday!

American Heart Month Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin

Groundhog Day and Love Your Pet Day Final Sentence by Daryl Wood Gerber

Valentine's Day Cotillion by Georgette Heyer

Ferris Wheel Day, Carnival Day,Chinese New Year Shadows at the Fair by Lea Wait

Pistol Patent Day Norway to Hide by Maddy Hunter

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

Congrats, Donna!

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

Thank you, Leslie. And yes, Julesy, thank you for a few days more.

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Congrats, Marisa and Donna!

[Leslie]

Congrats Donna!

[Dotty]

1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).
Ghost of a Gamble - 02/21

2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover.
Pecan Pies and Homicides - 02/18

3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.
Duck the Halls - 02/26

4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.
Treacherous Toys - 02/24

5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.
Blast from the Past - 02/23