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What Cozy Did You Just Finish Reading??? (Archive)
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Cata
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Aug 07, 2012 12:40PM
I've read Murder on the Orient Express this weekend :) it is awesome *.*
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Catherine wrote: "Just finished Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden by MC Beaton. I was not impressed. I kept thinking "How could a woman described as smart and intelligent and successful in business be so stu..."This is funny, I also had trouble with all that almost-romance going on. I didn't think it added much to her character, I don't mind some lovers competition, but it was a bit on the silly side.
Catarina wrote: "I've read Murder on the Orient Express this weekend :) it is awesome *.*"This is such a great classic. I read it so long ago, but still remember how delighted I was with the ending. If only Agatha were still writing . . .
Melodie wrote: "Finished 
. Didn't like it, but then books that deal a lot with gardening aren't my thing anyway as I have absolutely no interest in it. Which is why I'm wondering wh..."lol....sometimes it's good to venture outside of our"interest/comfort" zones. If for no other reason than to remind us of why we enjoy the others so much. I, myself, struggle with a few stories for the same reason but I do like the "adventure" of trying a new series. Even if I don't return to it. (The antique paper series I recently finished is an example.I'm not big into antiques and they are a popular subject of many cozies. )
Catarina wrote: "I've read Murder on the Orient Express this weekend :) it is awesome *.*"My second favorite of all the Agathas. The movie of this one was really good too.
Erin wrote: "Finished And Be a Villain
last night. Nero and Archie make me happy."Nero and Archie, another favorite. I had not read any of these until I saw the show on TV. After that, I had to try the books. MUCH better than the tv show.(although the casting of Nero and Archie was perfect)
I don't know why I had to struggle through "Death by Darjeeling. I can't say that it was not good, just that it did not really grab me. One thing that bothered me a bit was the repititon of such similar names. Even the title can be included in this....Death/Darjeeling/Dauphine/Delaine/Dish/Dimple/Drayton/Dante/Davis/Dunn...it was so confusing. Hard to keep everyone straight. Maybe this was done on purpose? Not a bad read but I hope #2 in the series brings the characters to LIFE a little more for me. After all, this is just the first introduction.
DonnaCarol wrote: "I don't know why I had to struggle through "Death by Darjeeling. I can't say that it was not good, just that it did not really grab me. One thing that bothered me a bit was the repititon of such si..."I used to like this series, but finally ditched it. Delaine is such an annoying "frenemy" type (wanted her to be a good character since that's my middle name), and Drayton has a stick stuck so far up his butt it will never see daylight again!! And then Theodosia is so apt to do stupid things that I figured I'd find something I liked a lot better! The best thing about the books were the recipes & the dog, Earl Grey.
Melodie wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: "I don't know why I had to struggle through "Death by Darjeeling. I can't say that it was not good, just that it did not really grab me. One thing that bothered me a bit was the r..."LOL......I agree on all counts. Earl Grey was the most loveable character in the entire book, except Aunt Libby. I liked her. Drayton was overbearing and controlling. Even to Theo. Delaine is just plain "?itchy.". :0
Theo was a bit too harsh and full of herself at times. I contradict my OWN self. I like books with strong female characters but I have issue with the ones that don't have much of a soft side. I would hate to be an author that had to get it "Just right" for me. :)I will probably read more of these eventually, IF I run across them at a REAL DEAL at the UBS but I won't pay full new book price for one, right yet anyway. Sometimes a series & character grows on me like The Jessica Beck Doughnut shop series. I didn't like Suzanne Hart at all but I already had 4 of these and was determined to read them. By the end of Killer Crullers I have grown to like Suzannes character much better.
Melodie wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: "I don't know why I had to struggle through "Death by Darjeeling. I can't say that it was not good, just that it did not really grab me. One thing that bothered me a bit was the r..."Pretty name(Delaine) by the way, as long as it is not lumped in with 12 others so similar that I am trying to keep track of. LOL........
Finished Dread on Arrival by Claudi Bishop - which I enjoyed. And it had some GREAT recipes in it as a bonus!
Melodie wrote: "I used to like this series, but finally ditched it. ..."Same here. But more for me because the books were just 'flat' - nothing about them hooked me and after 4-5 I put myself out of my misery. Shame too, I love tea and Charleston is a great setting...
Melodie wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: "I don't know why I had to struggle through "Death by Darjeeling. I can't say that it was not good, just that it did not really grab me. One thing that bothered me a bit was the r..."This is way off subject but being fairly new to Goodreads I was suprised that terrible language and hostility to other people were allowed on Goodreads. I'm a bit dismayed. (Read the reviews on the site for Earthly Delights) Let me know if I am way off on my comment. I am open to "kind" criticism from this group that I have come to know.(and respect) I often have to "agree to disagree" with someone over something.:)
In addition to an ugly review for "Earthly Delights", I also finished reading another book that he would "degrade our character" for reading. "GETTING OLD CAN KILL YOU" was a quirky and fun book to read. I enjoy reading stories that introduce us to "seniors" that are spunky and not afraid to be a part of life. Reminds me of my mother. The story provided me with several chuckles.
DonnaCarol wrote: "This is way off subject but being fairly new to Goodreads I was suprised that terrible language and hostility to other people were allowed on Goodreads. I'm a bit dismayed. (Read the reviews on the site for Earthly Delights) Let me know ..."The overall rating for this book (Earthly Delights) is 3.82 - quite high. I saw lots of 4 and 5 star ratings. One rating was 1 star, one was 2 stars. Both wrote reviews giving reasons for their ratings, so did many who rated it more highly.
It's a free speech issue. GR does not censor reviews as long as the reader talks about the book (personal attacks on the author are not allowed). There is a huge discussion going on at the GR Feedback group about this and the review guidelines that GR just publicly released. If a review doesn't meet the guidelines, it is removed from the book page.
Readers taste vary widely. I don't decide based on the star rating. Sometimes author's colleagues, friends & fans inflate the rating by giving 5* ratings (in some instances even before an ARC is released). What I'm looking for is honest opinions about a book that are NOT influenced by marketing and promotional interest. GR is a good resource for that.
DonnaCarol wrote: "This is way off subject but being fairly new to Goodreads I was suprised that terrible language and hostility to other people were allowed on Goodreads. I'm a bit dismayed. (Read the reviews on the site for Earthly Delights) Let me know if I am way off on my comment. ..."My, my, it must be awful to be "oh so superior" Claude Heart! (I read the review to which you're referring, DonnaCarol). There are a**holes everywhere, including here on GR. You tend to find them in certain genres more than most. I'm wondering just why he picked up the book in the first place, since reading for entertainment must certainly be below him since those of us who do are "at the bottom of the gene pool". He mentions "a second suicide attempt", obviously from the vitriol it seems necessary for this guy to spew at everyone it's a real disappointment to him that the first one didn't work. Pay no attention to him or anyone else who feels the need to attack you when you comment. They're not worth your typing time! We appreciate you here!
Nell wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: "This is way off subject but being fairly new to Goodreads I was suprised that terrible language and hostility to other people were allowed on Goodreads. I'm a bit dismayed. (Read..."Nell wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: "This is way off subject but being fairly new to Goodreads I was suprised that terrible language and hostility to other people were allowed on Goodreads. I'm a bit dismayed. (Read..."
I like the fact that we get opinions about the books from all perspectives/tastes. It is the personal attack on people that enjoy genres other than his that bothered and I felt that saying we are at the "bottome of the gene pool" because we read these books was a PERSONAL attack, NOT a review of a book.THAT IS WRONG and should have NO place on Goodreads.
Melodie wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: "This is way off subject but being fairly new to Goodreads I was suprised that terrible language and hostility to other people were allowed on Goodreads. I'm a bit dismayed. (Read..."LOL>>>>>HIGH FIVE MELODIE... I agree with you 100%. I truly enjoy getting all kinds of perspectives on books. I keep those in mind when I make a choice but it does not chip in in rock wheather I read one or not. I just believe that we should critique the BOOKS, not people that read them. I would probably NOT enjoy HIS kind of books but that is MY personal preference. I would not entertain the thought that it made me superior in any way because I read or didn't read a paticular genre.And I admit to being a little "protective" of us (we? lol) cozy readers. This is not the first time I have come across that narrow minded attitude rearing it's ugly head. Thank you Melodie. I SO enjoy everyone on here. Couldnt find a more likeable, RESPECTFUL bunch of readers.
I am fairly picky but change my ratings sometimes if it is a genre I don't like (aka YA paranormal) and often note in my review to be fair that I don't like the genre. I think it is only fair. I also never judge people for what they read. I have read some crazy books recommended by my GR friends.
Heidi (up to no good) wrote: "I am fairly picky but change my ratings sometimes if it is a genre I don't like (aka YA paranormal) and often note in my review to be fair that I don't like the genre. I think it is only fair. I ..."lol...and that in itself can be fun & entertaining.That is a "healthy & respectful" attitude. I love talking with Melodie . We do not always agree on our thoughts about a book. I believe she enjoys vampire type books along with many others. I , personally don't go for vampire stuff. But I still enjoy her, & her opinions of all the books she reads, even vampire books. Her choice of books does not determine WHO she is as a person, or her intelligence. (I actually have a decent 1Q but cannot spell even WITH a dictionary lol...but that does not mean that I should be considered at the bottom of the gene pool. ) How does anyone lump any person into a level of IQ by their book preference, where they are from, their race/religion,political affiliation or anything else when they have NO CLUE who that person is. ? I am so very glad to know that we all seem to respect each other as individuals.Even (& esp.) when we don't agree on the critique of a book. It would be nice if EVERYONE went through life with that attitude.
Melodie wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: "This is way off subject but being fairly new to Goodreads I was suprised that terrible language and hostility to other people were allowed on Goodreads. I'm a bit dismayed. (Read..."I wondered about that very thing. WHY would he read that book to begin with? That would be like me picking up a slasher or a "sex" book, knowing full well that I would not like it and then slamming everyone else out there that DID enjoy it.
I also picked up on the suicide thing. I hope the man is ok but I still think he was out of line with most of his personal attack comments.
DonnaCarol wrote: "lol...and that in itself can be fun & entertaining.That is a "healthy & respectful" attitude. I love talking with Melodie . We do not always agree on our thoughts about a book. I believe she enjoys vampire type books along with many others. I , personally don't go for vampire stuff. But I still enjoy her, & her opinions of all the books she reads, even vampire books...."LOL! I agree completely! I like reading the differing opinions on the books we read. Sometime someone brings up a point that makes me reconsider my opinion of something I've read. And I always like to see the reasons why someone loves a book I hated. Well, unless it's that awful, awful HEIDI, who hates my beloved TWILIGHT!! (I'm just teasing, and Heidi knows I am!) And as for my vampire books, I just finished a REALLY good one,
. Don't know how this series fell under my radar for so long! :-)
Melodie wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: "lol...and that in itself can be fun & entertaining.That is a "healthy & respectful" attitude. I love talking with Melodie . We do not always agree on our thoughts about a book. I..."LOL.....lol.again, I agree totally. I even have adjusted my own opinion while trying to do a fair review. Like Heidi mentioned above, to be fair to the author AND to the readers it is good to remember that some genre's just arent our thing. I just may have to break down and for a "change of pace", broaden my horizens, try a vampire based story. After all, I used to love Dark Shadows with Barnabus/Angelic.
Thanks girls for the chuckles today. Today is a rough day for me and I have SO enjoyed the sense of humor from my Goodreads gang.
That title is hard to resist. (Some Girls Bite.LOL)
Susie in KS wrote: "Just finished 
and loved it :)"I have this one coming up soon, Susie. Really liked the first one, and since I love the Lucy Valentine books she writes as Heather Webber, I have no doubt I'll love this one, too!
DonnaCarol wrote: "Nell wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: " It is the personal attack on people that enjoy genres other than his that bothered and I felt that saying we are at the "bottome of the gene pool" because we read these books was a PERSONAL attack, NOT a review of a book.THAT IS WRONG and should have NO place on Goodreads. ..."You should report this review to GR administration as violating the guidelines. They can remove it from the book page; it will appear only to his friends and on his profile page.
I did not find his review of "Getting Old..." Maybe it was removed.
Nell wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: "Nell wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: " It is the personal attack on people that enjoy genres other than his that bothered and I felt that saying we are at the "bottome of the gene pool..."He didn't review "Getting Old...". I know he'd never touch it!
Melodie wrote: "My, my, it must be awful to be "oh so superior" Claude Heart! (I read the review to which you're referring, DonnaCarol). There are a**holes everywhere, including here on GR. You tend to find them in certain genres more than most. I'm wondering just why he picked up the book in the first place, since reading for entertainment must certainly be below him since those of us who do are "at the bottom of the gene pool"."Since I live at the bottom of the world, I'm late to the conversation, as usual. But it's obvious to me that this review was written precisely for the reason he attributes to the author for writing the book: low self-esteem and a massive inferiority complex. By putting down anyone who reads and enjoys Greenwood's books as being at the bottom of the gene pool, he elevates himself (in his own mind) to the level of the "intelligentsia". Rubbish. True intelligence is well-rounded, open-minded and creative. This is just a pathetic man trying to make himself taller by stepping on others. I happen to love Greenwood's writing - and I don't find "Lepidoptera' to be a "big word". I didn't look at his books, but based on his definition of "big words" I'm guessing he prefers his reading at the fourth grade level.
On a more book related note - Melodie, you're making me want to try "some girls bite"... I wasn't sure about it based on the synopsis - have you reviewed it?
Also, I just finished reading The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires. Not a cozy, but a light hearted paranormal read with a mystery to it. Nothing graphic, and very little bad language (and none of those starting with 'f') but there was a sex scene or two that might offend some of those with more strict interpretations of 'cosy'. Still, a fun and funny read. (Iris is a diabolically hysterical guardian to her sister.)
has great characters, is well written and has a good story. Merit is "turned", without her consent, to save her life, and the story goes from there. There is a mystery element to it as humans are found murdered around Chicago with all clues pointing toward the various vampire houses. I really liked it and figure on starting the second one this weekend. (NOTE: There is some "language" in the book, including occasional use of the "F" word, and a little sex, but none that I would consider especially graphic. So, not exactly a cozy.)
Melodie wrote: " has great characters, is well written and has a good story. Merit is "turned", without her consent, to save her life, and the story goes from there. There is a mystery..."Sold. I'll order it this weekend and give it a go. I'm one of those crass people who like the occasional use of the 'f' variety of words. :D
Nell wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: "Nell wrote: "DonnaCarol wrote: " It is the personal attack on people that enjoy genres other than his that bothered and I felt that saying we are at the "bottome of the gene pool..."EARTHLY DELIGHTS is the one he did the review. Actually it was more of a review of the people that read and (esp. liked) the book. :(
❂ Jennifer wrote: "Melodie wrote: " has great characters, is well written and has a good story. Merit is "turned", without her consent, to save her life, and the story goes from there. Th..."LOL...your hilarious. And I love your honesty. lol.
I just finished The Quiche of Deathmy first Agatha Raisin. I red a couple in his other series. This book was simple and cute. I do think-but I need to read more of these- that I like his other male cop series set in Scotland. I do love that these books are placed in these countries. I will try others. They are great light cozy reads though a little too easy to figure out the who done it.
DonnaCarol wrote: "Melodie wrote: "Finished 
. The first one wasn't bad, but this one......eh! The heroine did WAY to many stupid things that would NEVER fly in real life. Won't bother with..."That looks so sweet. If it is too silly as you say? I may try others on this thread instead.
Duffy wrote: "
just finished Pies and Prejudice. Love Ella Mae and the bakery shop. Looking forward to more. Always makes me hungry."
Lot of food cozies listed. I want to read them all.
Norma wrote: "adlin wrote: "Biblophile wrote: "I just finished 
and [bookcover:The Body in the Boudoir: A Faith Fairchild Mystery].I recently started reading the Faith Fairchild ..."
Interesting, will check out the link.
Uncommon Grounds by Sandra BalzoBTW -- I often use the mobile app and pictures of the books don't show up. Could people please put title & author along with the picture
Well, I actually didn't finish it, but I tried...I really did. It was just too awful ;(
by Lee Hollis.
Susie in KS wrote: "Well, I actually didn't finish it, but I tried...I really did. It was just too awful ;( by Lee Hollis."Susie...what was it about Death of a Kitchen Diva:by Lee Hollis that you didn't like? I haven't tried any of these yet.
Susie in KS wrote: "Well, I actually didn't finish it, but I tried...I really did. It was just too awful ;( by Lee Hollis."I read this back in March and I did finish it, but it was just a really boring read. Had some good sounding recipes, but that's about all I can say about it.
I too read the review and then went on to read his profile and compare books..seems we read some of the same books and even agreed on stars awarded. Now comes the interesting part in that I am of that "gene pool" who should never reproduce. I did and have three daughters who not only are great readers but all read different types of books which has produced great discussions around the supper table over the years. All I am saying is reviews like that never add anything to a discussion of a book's merit.
Diane wrote: "I read Martha Grimes first 5 books then I stopped. I can't tell you why, I just got tired of her..."That happened to me too. I think that Grimes' plots were too dark for me -- it sounds funny, but I generally prefer up-beat murder mysteries....
Finished
Death, Taxes, and Extra-Hold Hairspraylast night and thought it was really good! This series leans more toward "chick lit" than "cozy" since it has some "language", including the "F" word, which I know bothers some of you, and also some sex. If you're not bothered by either of those things, you might want to give this series a shot!
DonnaCarol wrote: "Susie in KS wrote: "Well, I actually didn't finish it, but I tried...I really did. It was just too awful ;( by Lee Hollis."Susie...what was it about Death of..."
I have to agree with Melodie that it was boring. I also didn't really like the characters. The main character was one of those "woe is me" types. I never really got a sense of the setting either. It was just plain "eh".
alicia wrote: "I am now reading
"Oh, I LIKED that one!!
Leslie wrote: "Uncommon Grounds by Sandra BalzoBTW -- I often use the mobile app and pictures of the books don't show up.
Could people please put title & author along with the picture
"
I'm glad you pointed this out, Leslie. I never even thought about that! In the future I'm going to remember to include the book title and author name.
Dian wrote: "I too read the review and then went on to read his profile and compare books..seems we read some of the same books and even agreed on stars awarded. Now comes the interesting part in that I am of t..."I too reproduced, (to his chagrin). I had two sons, but have just one with us now.(That hit a raw spot when he said people like us should not reproduce.) I taught them both to love books of all kinds. They both enjoyed a variety of books. Yours sounds like a dinner table that I would enjoy being a guest at. Great job teaching your girls the love of reading .
Leslie wrote: "Diane wrote: "I read Martha Grimes first 5 books then I stopped. I can't tell you why, I just got tired of her..."That happened to me too. I think that Grimes' plots were too dark for me -- it ..."
LOL.....yes it does sound funny, but I also prefer that type.
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Cozy Mysteries
Books mentioned in this topic
Mayhem at the Orient Express (other topics)Dead Renegade (other topics)
Quilt or Innocence (other topics)
Explosive Eighteen (other topics)
Dead Suite (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Amanda Lee (other topics)John Galligan (other topics)
Victoria Thompson (other topics)
Carolyn G. Hart (other topics)
Arnaldur Indriðason (other topics)
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