Friday Faves 6/21/24
5 Cozy Mysteries for Your Summer Reading List
Summer is the perfect time to dive into new cozy mysteries. This is the time of the year when I gravitate toward reading new-to-me authors and new series. Here are five cozy mysteries across different sub-genres to keep you entertained all season long:
Historical Cozy: Murder at Archly Manor by Sara Rosett (1920’s High Society Lady Detective Mystery Series)
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Set in 1920s England, this charming series follows aspiring journalist Olive Belgrave who takes on a job investigating the background of a debutante’s suitor, only to find herself entangled in a high-society murder mystery in 1920s England. As Olive delves deeper, she uncovers secrets and dangers that put her own life at risk while she strives to uncover the truth.
Paranormal Cozy: Ghosts, Alibis and Apple Pie by J.A. Holder (A Michelle Bishop Cozy Mystery)
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Michelle Bishop has spent most of her life hating her nemesis, Georgia Beauregard. When the town beauty queen herself suddenly dies, Michelle is the only one who isn’t mourning. But Michelle has just discovered there is something far worse than a living, breathing bully. Try being haunted by a dead one. It was a fun, quick read.
Culinary Cozy: Poaching is Puzzling by Daryl Wood Gerber (A Cookbook Nook Mystery)
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Follow Jenna Hart, the owner of a culinary bookshop/cafe as she tries to clear her aunt of a murder while participating in an annual crossword puzzle contest. Packed with delicious recipes and puzzling mysteries, this series is a treat for both mystery and food lovers.
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Lilly Echosby finds herself the prime suspect in her cheating husband’s murder, with only her newly adopted poodle and best friend Dixie to help clear her name. As Lilly and her unconventional team uncover clues, a second murder reveals a twisted plot, compelling them to catch the real killer before it’s too late.
Small Town Cozy: Olive You to Death by Lynn Cahoon ( A Tourist Trap Mystery)
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Jill Gardner’s girls’ weekend is cut short when a bride goes missing back in South Cove, putting her wedding to detective Greg on hold. As Jill helps Greg investigate, they uncover a web of secrets involving a bank robber’s buried gold and a suspicious death, making them question if the bride’s disappearance was a case of cold feet or cold-blooded murder.
There you have it, five books to consider adding to your summer reading list. Now, I’d love for you to share a suggestion for me (and other readers) to add to my reading list. Leave your best rec in the comments below.
Sunday Snippet 2/18/24
Jane leaned closer and in a quieter voice she said, “Sounds like a classic mystery, starting off with an uninvited guest. There’s a story here, dear.”
THE UNINVITED CORPSE
☑️ First-in-series
☑️Small, New England town
☑️Fun characters
☑️Adorable dog
☑️Recipes included
“This had been a quick read, addictive and a lot of guessing through all the pages.”
~Varietats
***Blurb***
Leaving behind a failed career as a magazine editor and an embarrassing stint on a reality baking show, newly divorced lifestyle entrepreneur Hope Early thought things were finally on the upswing—until she comes face-to-face with a murderer . . .
Hope’s schedule is already jam packed with recipe testing and shameless plugs for her food blog as she rushes off to attend a spring garden tour in the charming town of Jefferson, Connecticut. Unfortunately, it isn’t the perfectly arranged potted plants that grab her attention—it’s the bloody body of reviled real estate agent Peaches McCoy . . .
One of the tour guests committed murder, and all eyes are on Hope’s older sister, Claire Dixon—who, at best, saw Peaches as a professional rival. And suspicions really heat up when another murder occurs the following night. Now, with two messy murders shaking Jefferson and all evidence pointing to Claire, Hope must set aside her burgeoning brand to prove her sister’s innocence. But the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she gets to a killer intent on making sure her life goes permanently out of style . . .
Includes Recipes from Hope’s Kitchen!
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Cozy Mystery Giveaway
Happy Halloween! I’m so thrilled that you’ve stopped by today for a visit so I can share a little about the book I’m giving away for the Halloween Trick-or-Treat Cozy Mystery giveaway. I love the month of October and this year it’s extra special because my 13th book was published and it’s Halloween themed!
A CORPSE AT THE WITCHING HOUR is the 6th book in the Food Blogger mystery series and is filled with ghostly vibes (though it’s not a paranormal), family secrets long buried and yummy recipes.
The book I’m giving away is THE CORPSE WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, the 4th book in the Food Blogger mystery series. I loved writing this book because it included a true crime podcast. I enjoy listening to them so including one in the book was a lot of fun for me. Below is a snippet from the book and an overview of the story. To be entered to win a print copy (mailed to US addresses only) please leave a comment. Let me know what you’re reading, what podcasts you love, what you’re dressing up for Halloween as, or just say “hi”. Be sure to check back tomorrow for the winner of my giveaway.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, it does no one any good to dig up the past.”
THE CORPSE WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
☑️Mystery with recipes
☑️Small, New England town
☑️Twenty year old cold case
☑️Adorable dog
“Ms. Sennefelder does an excellent job of blending some intense situations with some lighthearted moments to keep the story well in the cozy realm . . . All the clues were cleverly placed and the big reveal was a total surprise.”
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
***Blurb***
Food blogger Hope Early takes on a cold case that’s heating up fast . . .
Building on her recipe for success with her food blog, Hope at Home, Hope is teaching her first blogging class at the local library in Jefferson, Connecticut. She’s also learning about podcasts, including a true-crime one called Search for the Missing, hosted by Hope’s childhood friend, Devon Markham. Twenty years ago on Valentine’s Day, right here in Jefferson, Devon’s mom disappeared and was never found. Finally Devon has returned to solve the mystery of what happened to her mother—and she asks Hope to help.
The next day Hope discovers Devon’s apartment has been ransacked. Her laptop with the research on her mother’s cold case is missing, and Devon is nowhere to be found. When her friend’s body is later discovered in a car wreck, Hope is convinced it’s no accident. Clearly, Devon was too close to the truth, and the cold-blooded killer is still at large in Jefferson. Now it’s up to Hope to find the guilty party—before the food blogger herself becomes the next subject of another true-crime podcast . . .
Includes Recipes from Hope’s Kitchen!
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
Don’t forget to enter the BIG TREAT giveaway! A random winner will be drawn on Nov 1, 2023 .
CLICK HERE to enter the BIG TREAT giveaway.
Coffee & Chat #29
I love this time of the year. By the time August rolls around, I’m ready for the Ber months. Bring. Them. On. I love the sweaters, the boots, the hats, the decorations, the baking, the soups…I could go on and on. But I won’t bore you with a list of all the things. Though, there’s one more I need to add and then I’ll stop. Books. And speaking of books, I’ve had one release this week. A CORPSE AT THE WITCHING HOUR, book 6 in the Food Blogger Mystery series, has made its way out into the world and I’m beyond thrilled. It’s my thirteenth published novel. How fitting that it’s a Halloween-themed story.
With Halloween, comes shorter days, cooler nights and the craving for comfort foods. I’ve already whipped up a batch of Roasted Butternut squash soup and made a batch of chocolate chip cookies. It’s really nice to come into a warm, cozy house after working out in the yard and ladling out a big bowl of soup. Another reason to love the Ber months.
I’m currently reading WHAT THEY DON’T KNOW by Susan Furlong. It’s not a cozy at all. It is a psychological thriller that has twists and turns that have me turning the pages at an insane pace. I’m definitely loving this story.
As for work, I’m promoting my new release and I’m also 11,000 words into a new book. There’s also a takeover of Meg’s Cozy Corner (on Facebook) next week and an upcoming Zoom chat with a book club later this month about HOW THE MURDER CRUMBLES.
I’m in need of a refill, I think I’m going to make it a pumpkin spice, so I’m going to sign off and get more coffee. Thanks for visiting with me today. I’ve shared what’s been going on and I’d love to know what you’re up. Drop a comment and let me know.