What Cozy Did You Just Finish Reading??? (Archive) Showing 751-800 of 6,243

[Denise]

Thank God I have finally finished Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers. I gave it a 2 star rating. The story just moved too slow for me, I kept thinking "get on with it already". I will probably come back to Sayers and read another of her books but not for a long, long time.

[Shannon]

I just finished and it was very good. I plan to continue with this series.

[Denise]

Shannon wrote: "I just finished and it was very good. I plan to continue with this series."

Shannon: The Claire Malloy series is a good one. One of my favorites actually. How can you not love a bookstore owner as protagonist. When I first started reading mysteries (as an adult--not back when I was reading Trixie Belden and The Bobbsey Twins) I started with the bibliomysteries. First came
John Dunning,s Cliff Janeway series. Then I didn't read any more mysteries until I came upon the Death on Demand series by Carolyn Hart. After reading that whole series (that were out at the time) I found a site where cozies were listed by categories and I printed the bibliomysteries and worked my way through them. I wasn't ready to stop reading mysteries so from there it was a free-for-all.

[Karen]

I just finished Shop Till You Drop by Elaine Viets this is only the second cozy series I have started to read I usually read hard boiled mysteries, but I like the change of pace every once in a while.

[Caroline]

Karen - Check out Mark De Castrique's series, sounds like you'd like them (I'd said they are in between hard-boiled and cozy). The Buryin' Barry series has four books (that's total for the series) and he has two now in his new series about Sam Blackman.

[Lisa]

I just finished The Tale of Applebeck Orchard in the Beatrix Potter series. It was the first one that I have read, of course, it is #6. LOL. I thought it was cute and very easy to read. Nice book to "cozy up to".

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

I have just read A Cast-Off Coven. Nice book and I like the main character. It's a pity there's no new book till next year.

[Yolanda]

Denise wrote: "Thank God I have finally finished Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers. I gave it a 2 star rating. The story just moved too slow for me, I kept thinking "get on with it alre..."

Glad I'm not the only one that didn't enjoy this book. I always feel that maybe I'm missing something when I don't like a "classic".

[Caroline]

I don't know if it's really a cozy (the protag is a Deputy Chief Inspector in England) but is a great humorous take on the mystery-writing field! I got it at Malice and I'm glad I did. Another new author I like and more books to read!

[Beejer50]

I can never keep up with the stack of books I keep adding to my TBR pile. I suppose I'm following way too many series :) Also, I have a compulsion to read a series in order. This is difficult enough to do if you find a series at book i or 2, but if it's well established when you "discover" it, it's nearly impossible to catch up. I just finished reading Death of a Trophy Wife by Laura Levine. Next up, Mrs Jeffries Speaks her Mind by Wmily Brightwell. This is the 27th book in that series.

[Denise]

Beejer50 wrote: "I can never keep up with the stack of books I keep adding to my TBR pile. I suppose I'm following way too many series :) Also, I have a compulsion to read a series in order. This is difficult enough to do if you find a series at book i or 2, but if it's well established when you "discover" it, it's nearly impossible to catch up. I just finished reading Death of a Trophy Wife by Laura Levine. Next up, Mrs Jeffries Speaks her Mind by Wmily Brightwell. This is the 27th book in that series...."

Beejer50: I also like to read a series in order, even if the author says the books can stand alone I think you always get more out of the development of the characters if you read the books in order, you are familiar with all the backstory. I actually like when I find a new author for me but the series is established because I hate that wait of a year between books and if you have to read 5-10 books (or more) before you run out the waiting is a long way off. Also you know what kind of commitment you will have to make if you like the series--I may not be saying that exactly right--my thought here is if you pick up a new series with a new author and you really like the series and characters but with the fickle publishing industry the way it is they drop a series before it even gets started like at the second book and you are all geared up to read this series for many years and boom, it's over. I can give you a for instance of what I mean. I had been reading Cynthia Baxter's Jessica Popper, DVM series. I like to write to the authors and tell them if I like their books so I wrote to Cynthia. She answered and told me she was going to start a new series and would I let her know what I thought. So of course I said sure. Well I read the first Mallory Marlowe book and liked it and wrote Cynthia and told her that I liked the book and what I liked about it. Then when the second one came out I read it and wrote and told her that I liked it and why and she wrote back and said that the publisher had dropped that series and there wouldn't be anymore. That pretty much sucked. However if I were just finding let's say Susan Wittig Albert, I would have 18 China Bayles books to enjoy so I know if I like the series I have plenty of books to read before it runs out. Just a thought.

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Denise said: "I actually like when I find a new author for me but the series is established because I hate that wait of a year between books and if you have to read 5-10 books (or more) before you run out the waiting is a long way off."

That has actually backfired for me on a couple series. For example, the Sookie Stackhouse books. I was glad I caved and got the boxed set of seven because I devoured those plus book eight (which had just come out at that time) in two weeks. So then I had to wait a year for book nine anyway.

Same thing with MaryJanice Davidson - glommed her series, then actually waited two years for the next as the publisher switched format mid-series from paperback to hardcover (I hate when pubs do this!), and I wanted to own the next book in the series. Now I'm caught up on both for another year and want the next books now, lol.

I have, however, done better in amassing and spreading out the reading of backlists for other long-established series, in both the cozy mystery and thriller genres (eg: Kate Collins, Nancy Atherton, Lisa Gardner, Karen Rose, Charlaine Harris...).

I don't know which grows faster, the wish-list or the TBR pile....

[Nicola]

Denise wrote: "Beejer50 wrote: "I can never keep up with the stack of books I keep adding to my TBR pile. I suppose I'm following way too many series :) Also, I have a compulsion to read a series in order. This..."

I'm like you, I can't bear to start a series half way through, even if that means I have to scour eBay and abe books to try and find them. I had a real problem finding the Hailey Lind Art Lovers Mystery Series - but it was worth while! They are brilliant :)

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

Miki wrote: "Just finished . I absolutely adored it, just a great, clean, christian themed cozy mystery. The second one is definitely on my TBR list."
I got an omnibus with the three books and it was a great reading.

[Susie]

Miki wrote: "Just finished . I absolutely adored it, just a great, clean, christian themed cozy mystery. The second one is definitely on my TBR list."

Thanks Miki...I'm going to add this one to my wish list! I enjoy christian themed cozies :)

[Heidi]

Just finished and I just thought it was just ok. The romance seemed a little too rushed for me. I didn't hate it though, and it was a very quick read.

[Denise]

Heather L wrote: "That has actually backfired for me on a couple series. For example, the Sookie Stackhouse books. I was glad I caved and got the boxed set of seven because I devoured those plus book eight (which had just come out at that time) in two weeks. So then I had to wait a year for book nine anyway.

Same thing with MaryJanice Davidson - glommed her series, then actually waited two years for the next as the publisher switched format mid-series from paperback to hardcover (I hate when pubs do this!), and I wanted to own the next book in the series. Now I'm caught up on both for another year and want the next books now, lol...."

Talk about a long wait between books--has anybody read the Jean M. Auel series that starts with The Clan of the Cave Bear? This woman takes years and years to finish a book. I understand thorough research but come on already. Book one came out in 1980, book 2 in 1982 (not bad), book 3 came out in 1985, book 4 came out in 1990, book 5 in 2002 and the next one is due out in 2011. You almost need to go back and reread the whole series to refresh your memory and these aren't small books or light reading!

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Denise ~ It isn't just the years of research Auel puts into her books, I remember reading she had quite a lengthy illness that delayed work on this last book (#6).

I read the first three in the series back-to-back in 1988. The really cool part for me was being able to actually visualize the homes of the "Mammoth Hunters," as I had visited an Iron Age museum in Stavangar, Norway the previous summer. I read book 4 when it came out, but though I bought book 5 I never did get around to reading it. Oops. Now I think I should wait until book 6 is out, and might have to skim some of book 4 before I continue.

[Melissa]

I just finished "A Study in Scarlett" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It is the first Sherlock Holmes book! I really enjoyed reading it and am looking forward reading more Sherlock Holmes stories.

[Denise]

Heather L wrote: "Denise ~ It isn't just the years of research Auel puts into her books, I remember reading she had quite a lengthy illness that delayed work on this last book (#6).

I read the first three in the..."

Did not know that Jean had been ill. But still, my goodness 9 years...what fun that you had visited that museum. Even though I didn't have that kind of experience, Auel is such a good writer that I could visualize where they were and what life was like. I read the books back to back also (books 1-4) then 5 when it came out. Every once in a while I think of Ayla and Jondalar and look to see if the new book has come out yet. When I was making my comment above I went out to see if there was any news and was so excited to see that a book will be out next year. One place I looked said it was out January of this year but then looking further that was not correct. By the way, the next books title is The Land of Painted Caves. Doesn't that sound great? I can hardly wait now that I know it is coming out.

[Kaye]

Just finished
Meh . . . probably won't read another in the series.

[Melodie]

Kaye wrote: "Just finished
Meh . . . probably won't read another in the series."

That's too bad. I enjoy this series and am looking forward to the next one, which comes out next month, .

[Susie]

Kaye wrote: "Just finished
Meh . . . probably won't read another in the series."

I actually enjoy this series ;)

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Denise: Yes, I love the title of the new book. Makes me want to dig out my book on the Lescaux caves.

Finished reading A Veiled Deceptionby Annette Blair early this morning. Not too bad. Am already more than halfway through book two.

[Deborah]

New to this, so not sure I'm doing this right, but did want to mention I just finished a terrific book, Mighty Old Bones, a Thistle and Twigg Mystery. by Mary Saums. It's set in the south, features a mis-matched couple of older gals (retirement age, which I'm getting close to ;-),and also has some Native American culture, and a paranormal twist. Something for everyone!

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Finished Laceny and Lace when the rain chased me indoors this afternoon. Next up: Fellowship of Fear by by Aaron Elkins.

[Susan]

I just finished Death by Dressage by Carolyn Banks. It was a good read. I have enjoyed discovering this author from our May Theme read.

[Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator]

I've just finished and I'm going to read the other two ones in the series. I've liked it a lot (and I like math too, so....)

[Barb]

Reading 'Rattle His Bones' by Carola Dunn, a Daisy Dalrymple cozy.

[Caroline]

Deborah wrote: "New to this, so not sure I'm doing this right, but did want to mention I just finished a terrific book, Mighty Old Bones, a Thistle and Twigg Mystery. by Mary Saums. It's set in the south, features..."

Deborah - I love the Thistle and Twigg books! I don't know Mary Saums but I'd love it if there were going to be more in the series. Do you know by any chance?

[Caroline]

Just finished a new entry in the Inn at Hemlock Falls series by Claudia Bishop. I love the sisters and the setting.

Agree too, with those who enjoyed Cricket MacRae series. Can't wait for that new one to come out. Thanks for the heads up, Melodie!

[Barb]

Caroline wrote: "Deborah wrote: "New to this, so not sure I'm doing this right, but did want to mention I just finished a terrific book, Mighty Old Bones, a Thistle and Twigg Mystery. by Mary Saums. It's set in the..."

Here's a link for her
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/m...
Went to her website but not much info there. As I enjoy cozies set in the South, I'll be adding her books to my 'to read' list!

[Courtney]

I recently finished Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke. Up until now, this has been a favorite series. I'm getting a little bored with it now though. I think the love triangle has gone on a little too long. I'm hoping the author takes the story somewhere sometime soon.

[Erin L]

Finished up on the weekend. I'm surprised that I'm still enjoying this, actually. I often get frustrated with the love triangles and I think this isn't frustrating me because it's all developing so slowly.

[Melodie]

Courtney wrote: "I recently finished Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke. Up until now, this has been a favorite series. I'm getting a little bored with it now though. I think the love triangle ..."

I used to like this series, too, but this one just pissed me off big time!

[Melodie]

Erin wrote: "Finished up on the weekend. I'm surprised that I'm still enjoying this, actually. I often get frustrated with the love triangles and I think this isn't frustrating me bec..."

I love the Plum books! I've never viewed Steph-Morelli-Ranger as a real triangle, so that doesn't bother me at all in this series.

[Erin L]

Melodie wrote: "Erin wrote: "Finished up on the weekend. I'm surprised that I'm still enjoying this, actually. I often get frustrated with the love triangles and I think this isn't frust..."

You know, that could also be it.

[Deborah]

Caroline wrote: "Deborah wrote: "New to this, so not sure I'm doing this right, but did want to mention I just finished a terrific book, Mighty Old Bones, a Thistle and Twigg Mystery. by Mary Saums. It's set in the..."

Not sure if she's writing any more of them. I really enjoyed the first one, too.

[Kelley]

Just finished reading A Timely Vision by Joyce and Jim Lavene. And it was really good. I had tried 2 other series by this husband and wife writing team and didn't care care for either one, but this one was so much better. I really liked the lead character, Dae and all of the other characters. There were so many of them that had flaws and issues with each other, just like a real small town would have. I especially like the relationship between Dae and her grandfather and Dae and her best friend Shayla. I recommend this book for everyone looking for a good new cozy series.

[Denise]

Courtney wrote: "I recently finished Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke. Up until now, this has been a favorite series. I'm getting a little bored with it now though. I think the love triangle has gone on a little too long. I'm hoping the author takes the story somewhere sometime soon..."

Courtney: We have discussed Hannah, Mike and Norman in several of the threads and we all are sick of the triangle but several of us have contacted the author and Joanne says it is up to Hannah when and who she chooses. Can you believe it! Some of us are still hanging on by our fingernails and continue to read the series, others (like Melodie) have packed it in.

[Caroline]

Denise - I'm with you about the Hannah Swenson series. The other one is Denise Swanson's Scumble River series. Everytime I think, well, I'll just try one more but then I get disgusted with the "can't make up her mind" thing. And it's been enough books now - I think I'm done with "romantic suspense" issues in mysteries that go one for dozens of books. My fingernails are about to break. : )

[Erin L]

I finished up at lunch. It still makes me giggle and I find it interesting to see that Izzy is actually changing some.

[Kimberly]

I just finished !

[Melodie]

Kimberly wrote: "I just finished !"

I liked that one! Gave it 5 stars!

[Leslie]

The last several days I've been enjoying a long stay in Zinnia, MS with Sarah Booth. Finished Splintered Bones and Crossed Bones and am now reading Hallowed Bones. This is one of my favorite series and I'm actually dreading getting caught up.

[Kimberly]

Melodie wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "I just finished !"

I liked that one! Gave it 5 stars!"

I've always enjoyed this series - especially the characters and setting. I'm reading the last book now.

[Caroline]

I just finished and I absolutely loved it! I would have given it 5 stars but I try not to give too many that (To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the few I did). I usually enjoy all the books I read (or I won't finish reading them) but I figured if I gave everyone a 5, no one would believe any of my reviews. LOL

[Courtney]

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who is frustrated with the Hannah Swenson series. I have the first in the Scumble River series on my shelf waiting to be started. I'm a little disappointed to know there's a forever-long love triangle in that one too.

[Tina]

I turned the last page on To Darkness and to Death: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery and I'm trotting to my library this afternoon for the next two. I am consistently impressed with this series -- with the characterization, the writing, the plotting. Well done. An enjoyable way to spend a few hours.

[Melodie]

Tina wrote: "I turned the last page on To Darkness and to Death: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery and I'm trotting to my library this afternoon for the next two. I am consistently impre..."

One of the best series out there!