Cozy Mysteries discussion
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What Cozy Did You Just Finish Reading??? (Archive)
I recently finished The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley and gave it 4 stars. I discussed it with another online reading group, and here's what I had to say about it:I was initially irritated by the portrayal of Flavia, finding her to be shallow, unsympathetic, and unrealistic. However, as the story progressed and I understood her better, she grew on me. She had both her good points and bad points, as real people and realistic characters do. So, you can put me squarely on the fence, neither being charmed by Flavia nor wanting to wring her neck. ;-)
I wonder if the author came to know her better, too, as he wrote further into the story. I find that when I'm writing a new character, after I've finished the first draft of the manuscript, I have to go back to the beginning chapters where that character first appeared and rewrite the character some, to make him or her agree with the final version that blossomed over the course of the writing. I almost wonder if Alan Bradley needed to do some similar work with Flavia's early chapters and didn't accomplish it.
I think it's very difficult to have a child character narrate an adult mystery, because the narrator must usually be a knowledgeable and perceptive person, aware of what the other characters are doing and being able to deduce motives and feelings from that awareness, so those keen observations can be passed on to the reader. This can seem very unrealistic behavior for a child, even one as precocious as Flavia. I think it rarely works. Certainly it worked in The Lovely Bones and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (where the author was able to make the reader aware of motivations that the narrator character was NOT aware of--a very, very difficult & clever thing to do). I think Alan Bradley succeeded at this some of the time, but not always.
Cynthia wrote: "I just finished Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle. I know I'm probably behind the masses that stay up-to-the-minute reading cozies as they are released, so my comments may not interest some. For me, Es..."I have read 5 of the Coffeehouse Mystery series by Cleo Coyle. As with any series you will have those that like it and those that don't.
I don't think everyone reads just the new series. I read both. Sometimes someone mentions a series that I've never heard of and I look it up and read it. I don't really care when the series was written as long as it is good. I do prefer a series to a stand alone although I read an occasional stand alone mystery, or a non-cozy mystery. When I read too many cozies in a row they all kind of run together and I need to step away and read something else for a while.
Right now I am reading two books one is a cozy and one is a non-mystery. I just finished Death of a Garage Sale Newbie by Sharon Dunn. This is a fairly new series with 3 books so far. I see she also has an older series with 3 books also. As far as Death of a Garage Sale Newbie, I liked the book but I thought it had to many characters that could have been the protagonist and that made it confusing. Most cozies have an easily identified protagonist and others that might help. I am assuming the character Ginger was the protagonist but there was Earl--Ginger's husband, Kindra, Suzanne, Arleta and Tammy the cop all working together to solve the murder. I don't know that I've ever read a series where there is a group protagonist! Aside from the protagonist issue I liked the book well enough to continue with the series.
Alot of times I will read one of an author's series but not another one. Susan Wittig Albert has 3 series but I only read the China Bayles series. I feel like China is a friend now
That's an interesting take on Flavia and "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie," Beth. I would certainly agree with you that there are problems with having a child narrate a "grown up" story. I did, for example, enjoy "The Lovely Bones" for the most part, although I confess that in the end I found it a bit off-putting. I didn't really have the same problem with Flavia in "Sweetness." She is naive, though precocious, but I was able to accept that along with her limitations and her point of view. It was mainly for that reason, I think, that I enjoyed the book so much and look forward to another entry in the series.
I just finished Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen. It's the third in her Lady Georgiana mystery series. Very fun!
I just finished
by John J. Lamb. This series is usually fun, though the one before this was reaching a bit.
I finished Trick or Treat Murder. This is the 3rd book in the Lucy Stone series by Leslie Meier. This was pretty good but I will say "shame on you, Leslie Meier" for writing a scene where the protagonist, Lucy, who is a nursing mother is injured and ends up in the hospital. She is given perscription pain pills and goes home and nurses her baby daughter. Then it says that the baby is fast asleep. Well, duh. You just gave this child whatever pain medicine you took. I know that might be nit picking but really what a stupid thing to write.
I just finished Arson and Old Lace A Far Wychwood Mystery. I read this because of comments in our group. It was every bit as good as people said. I hate knowing that there is only one more book. Ya know, 2 books does not a series make!
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INKED UP (2nd in series) by Terri Thayer
ROTTEN TO THE CORE (2nd in series) by Sheila Connolly
KILLER SUDOKU (4th in series) by Kaye Morgan
FATAL FIXER-UPPER and SPACKLED AND SPOOKED by Jennie Bentley
POISON PEN/WRITTEN IN BLOOD/DEAD WRITE by Sheila Lowe
Kathryn wrote: "And, Liz, I have not yet read an Agatha Raisin book but I have the QUICHE OF DEATH and am eager to try it!"I just got the audio of this from the library :)
Just finished The Quiche of Death and thought it was pretty good. Anyone else read the entire series? Is it worth reading???
I just finished
. Very good 1st in series! Am looking forward to the next one. One of the plot points is a reconnection with an old high school flame (the one that got away!), a twist that will get me every time!
OK I keep getting good reports about this book, I have had it sitting there in the to read stack and have put it on the read right away, NOW, stack!!( I'll read it this weekend)Thanks for all the sugfgestions!
Heidi wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "And, Liz, I have not yet read an Agatha Raisin book but I have the QUICHE OF DEATH and am eager to try it!"I just got the audio of this from the library :)"
I've read many of the Agatha Raisin books, and enjoyed them very much. Maybe being about Agatha's age, I find her insecurities and romantic delusions to be hysterical. I also enjoy M.C. Beaton's Hamish MacBeth series.
I got through Maisie Dobbs. I just plugged away at it. I read it in one night, as I usually do with mysteries. It wasn't a typical whodunnit. Lots of historical content, but not much of a mystery. I had already bought the rest of the series in anticipation of loving it, but was disappointed. I'll read the rest at some point.Last night I read The Mournful Teddy by John J. Lamb. I thought it was a good book. Not a lot of plot twists, no astounding revelation but all in all a good read. All the loose ends were tied up nicely I thought.
Christine wrote: "Last night I read The Mournful Teddy by John J. Lamb. I thought it was a good book. Not a lot of plot twists, no astounding revelation but all in all a good read. All the loose ends were tied up nicely I thought. ..."I enjoy the Teddy Bear Collector series. They're almost always a good read.
I just finished Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke. This is the 6th book I've read in the Hannah Swenson series. These books are getting very redundant and slightly boring. I'll probably finish the series as I have already invested so much time reading them.
Melodie wrote: "Christine wrote: "Last night I read The Mournful Teddy by John J. Lamb. I thought it was a good book. Not a lot of plot twists, no astounding revelation but all in all a good read. All the loose en..."I like those books as well read Mournful Teddy, I agree with what you said exactly.!
Victoria wrote: "I just finished Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke. This is the 6th book I've read in the Hannah Swenson series. These books are getting very redundant and slightly boring. I'll probably finish..."Victoria: Now you can join the rest of us that have read the series in the debate of Norman vs Mike. I'm a Norman fan. I'm currently reading Plum Pudding Murder.
Just finished "I Scream,You Scream" by Wendy Lyn Watson. Cute!
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*Sigh*
I might have to move that book higher up in the TBR pile. Read Dipped, Stripped, and Dead last week and thought it pretty good (and funny).
Lisa wrote: "Just finished "I Scream,You Scream" by Wendy Lyn Watson. Cute!"OK I have to read this book now. Everyone keeps mentioning it. This group just keeps adding to my "to read" pile!
I finished up Plum Pudding Murder. I thought Joanne Fluke made progress with the Hannah/Norman/Mike situation. At least Hannah was giving some thought to Norman's faithfulness and Mike's lack thereof. BTW I noticed on Fluke's website that she is going to be coming out with a cookbook with all the recipes that have been in the books plus some extras. The cookbook will come out in October of 2011.
Go to the website (www.murdershebaked) and get a preview of the next book Apple Turnover Murder. Bradford Ramsey isn't going to be around very long...I'm just sayin'.
Just finishing "The Witch's Tongue" by James Doss. I really like his books, but this one seemed to be a real hoot, lots more humour than I recall in his last book. I think this is book 9 in the series...?I especially recommend this to people who like aboriginal mysteries complete with an elderly and wily shaman, mystical dwarfs, and sensitivity to evil lurking. Great mix of cultures, in the case of the hero of James Doss' books the lead character is a Ute ex-policeman turned rancher and part-time tribal investigator.
I just finished
. I liked it. Anyone read the entire series? Is it worth it?
Heidi wrote: "I just finished . I liked it. Anyone read the entire series? Is it worth it?"I've read the entire series (15 so far!) and like it very much. I find that what pulls me in to cozies is the main character and his/her relationships. Davidson makes me interested in Goldie and her family and friends. (Not to mention that the recipes makes me salivate!)
Betty wrote: "Just finishing "The Witch's Tongue" by James Doss. I really like his books, but this one seemed to be a real hoot, lots more humour than I recall in his last book. I think this is book 9 in the ser..."Glad to hear someone else enjoys James Doss! I've read all his books and yes the humor does vary, Witch's Tongue" was good!
Heidi wrote: "I just finished . I liked it. Anyone read the entire series? Is it worth it?"They are good up to a point. The last 3 have been severely lacking and the most recent one convinced me that the series has run its course for me. Even the recipes haven't caught my attention very much these last few books. But there's a brownie recipe in the one that has chocolate in the title that is wonderful!
Heidi wrote: "I just finished . I liked it. Anyone read the entire series? Is it worth it?"I have read all of the Goldy Bear Schulz series. I like them although the one character that bugs me is Goldy's son. Obnoxious kid. I don't think I agree with Melodie that the series is over. I'm still with
Diane Mott Davidson and Goldy.
Denise wrote: "Heidi wrote: "I just finished . I liked it. Anyone read the entire series? Is it worth it?"I have read all of the Goldy Bear Schulz series. I like them..."Hi Denise! I've read this whole series and enjoyed it as well, it sortof grew on me as I went along. I thought it has gotten better too. I got tired of her ex-husband's ( the jerk) constant evil scheming and selfishness ( understating it a bit)
I'm so glad she had him knocked off in the book!
Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Heidi wrote: "I just finished . I liked it. Anyone read the entire series? Is it worth it?"I have read all of the Goldy Bear Schulz seri..."
Thanks - I will check them all out :)
Lisa wrote:(Regarding the Diane Mott Davidson Goldy Bear Schulz series) I've read this whole series and enjoyed it as well, it sort of grew on me as I went along. I thought it has gotten better too. I got tired of her ex-husband's ( the jerk) constant evil scheming and selfishness ( understating it a bit) I'm so glad she had him knocked off in the book!"
Lisa: I agree that the books have gotten better over time and also agree that the books are better without "The Jerk" (ie the ex-husband). One thing that I find a bit far-fetched is that Goldy is best friends with "The Jerk's" other ex-wife, Marla. Having been divorced twice I can't see the other ex-wife's as my bosom buddies. Nope--not happening! I do like Marla's character though and she bails Goldy out of quite a few situations.
Denise wrote: "Lisa wrote:(Regarding the Diane Mott Davidson Goldy Bear Schulz series) I've read this whole series and enjoyed it as well, it sort of grew on me as I went along. I thought it has gotten better too..."Yeah that does seem unrealistic but maybe cause they both were given such a hard time it gave them something bad enough in common that the fact that they were both"exes" didn't seem as important...I do like Marla as well and despite her seeming somewhat looking out for herself attitude she sure comes through!
Lisa wrote: "Denise wrote: "Lisa wrote:(Regarding the Diane Mott Davidson Goldy Bear Schulz series) I've read this whole series and enjoyed it as well, it sort of grew on me as I went along. I thought it has go..."I like Marla, too, and think that they make a good team. Like Lisa, I can see how they could become good friends as their hatred of and experiences with The Jerk brought them together.
I'm in process of reading all the Aunt Dimity series. Quintessential cozies! A couple of them qualify for the mystery challenge, and I'm just enjoying reading something I don't have to think too hard about!
Kate wrote: "I'm in process of reading all the Aunt Dimity series. Quintessential cozies! A couple of them qualify for the mystery challenge, and I'm just enjoying reading something I don't have to think too ..."I love Aunt Dimity, too -- it's a great cozy. I think the next one is "Aunt Dimity Down Under". A bit of traveling in her future, it sounds like!
Sawyer wrote: "I just bought the 1st one, "Aunt Dimity's Death." That is the 1st one, right?! Looking forward to this series, how far behind am I? As to what I've just finished, I'm reading Agatha Christie's Po..."Actually Sawyer, I just finished Aunt Dimity & the Duke, & even though it was published after Aunt Dimity's Death, it comes before it chronologically.
Sawyer wrote: "I just bought the 1st one, "Aunt Dimity's Death." That is the 1st one, right?! Looking forward to this series, how far behind am I? As to what I've just finished, I'm reading Agatha Christie's Po..."Hi - Yes, that is the first one, and #15 is coming out in February. If you go to a website called "Fantastic Fiction", www.fantasticfiction.co.uk, and click on the left side for the author's last name - it will take you to a site that shows all the books in a series in order. Lots of "cozy" authors (and others) on that site. I use it frequently.
I love the Aunt Dimity series. Nancy Atherton writes a great, believable English cozy even though she resides in Colorado.
I finished the "Chocolate Frog Frame-Up" by Joanna Carl this week. It was very enjoyable. I liked that the main female character (Lee) sometimes gets tongue-tied as I do!
Just finished reading "Tragic Magic" by Laura Childs. I've posted a review of it on my blog at masoncanyon.blogspot.comIt's a very good read.
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Heather L wrote: "Just finished I Scream, You Scream A Mystery À La Mode -- a good, fun book! Now on to A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris. "I just loved I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM! You'll enjoy A TOUCH OF DEAD if you haven't read the stories in other anthologies already!
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I just finished reading "The Sunday Philosophy Club," first in the Isabel Dalhousie series by Alexander McCall Smith. I'm not sure what I expected but I was a little disappointed by it. I love his Botswana series with Precious Ramotswe and, certainly, Isabel is the same sort of person as Precious, scrupulously honest and upright with a strong sense of self. But where I find Precious a very appealing character, I found Isabel just a bit pretentious and annoying. Her constant agonizing over decisions while pondering what Kant would say grew a bit tedious for me after a time.
Still, it isn't often that one finds such gentle and humane mysteries as Smith writes and I am prepared to give Isabel another chance. Perhaps she will grow on me.
I just finished A Charmed Death. Took me a bit longer than usual as I am fighting a flu bug. Didn't read a word yesterday so you know I was really sick! Next for me is a non-cozy,Home by Marilynne Robinson, a new to me author. The story sounds good, hope that it is.
Just finished "Sink Trap" a new series, it was cute!
Lisa wrote: "Just finished "Sink Trap" a new series, it was cute!"I understand that's suppose to be a cute series about a woman plumber. Will have to check it out.
Pamela wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Just finished "Sink Trap" a new series, it was cute!"I understand that's suppose to be a cute series about a woman plumber. Will have to check it out."Yes, I don't want to give too much away but the lead character comes back home to a small town where she grew up after having been a big player in the high tech industry, she decides to do something completely different and is apprenticing as a plumber! That's pretty different! While working on a plumbing job she finds a piece of jewelry....anyway don't want to spoil it just trying to give enough to set it up..
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Cozy Mysteries
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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I don't know for sure about how to organize a petition through Goodreads. I went to Groups and typed in Petition and there are several entries that come up. I looked at a couple (for instance there is one for Michael Jackson Day). I looked at it and even though it says there are over 100 posts when I browsed down through it one person said they had over 5000 signatures. I'm not sure how that could be. There didn't seem to be a Moderator to contact for that group either (to ask).
I would think that you could start a topic and ask for "signatures". This would have to be done separately for each author or publisher that you wanted a petition for.
I also looked at Polls and even though there aren't any polls for Cozy Mysteries it said that all members of the group are contacted. That would be good because it would reach those that are in the group that don't participate in discussions.
The problem that I see is even if you get participation how would you then get the info to the appropriate publisher?
I might suggest that you go through the Help function (bottom of the page) or write an inquiry through the Contact Us function (also bottom of the page). If you asked through Contact Us the Goodreads coordinators could tell you how to do it or they could also tell you if they would prefer that we didn't use Goodreads in that manner.