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Reading Room:  Favorite cozies?  |
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CelticCoyote
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
Heather
Illinois
USA
111 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 02 2005 : 3:36:03 PM
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I didn't even know what "cozy" meant until recently, though I've been reading them for years... I'm talking about those silly mystery series, where you have one (or more) main character that gets involved with a whole bunch of different crimes (on the right side of the law, generally speaking). I started out as a kid with the Cat Who series, but recently I've fallen in love with Diane Mott Davidson, Tamar Myers, and Shirley Rousseau Murphy. Davidson's mysteries center around a caterer in Colorado, Myers' involve a hilarious Mennonite innkeeper in Amish country, and Murphy's star is actually a talking cat (quit laughing, it's really pretty good!). Davidson and Myers both include some pretty tasty looking recipes in their books, though I've not tried any as of yet. Most of the time, the mysteries are fairly improbable, especially when the author does a lot of books and you begin to wonder exactly *how* this character can have so many dead bodies around without someone's suspicions being aroused. If you're willing to suspend a little disbelief, though, they can be quite enjoyable light reads. Myers especially is absofreakinlutely hilarious. It helps that my great-grandmother was Amish, and my grandmother lived right next to a heavily Amish area when I was young, so I'm pretty familiar with them. She's certainly never going to win any literary awards, but she's funny enough that I'm willing to overlook the little things.  I'm also quite fond of short story mystery anthologies, especially ones to do with cats (is that just way too geeky? ). Does anyone else share this weird love of light, goofy mystery series? I'm always so excited to find a new author, because I tend to read books rather quickly, and it's such a joy to know there's more to follow when I finish a book I really liked.  |
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showmemom
True Blue Farmgirl
166 Posts
karen
carthage
mo
USA
166 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2005 : 07:37:42 AM
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i like these "cozies" too; my life is often dramatic enough that i don't need to read about drama as well!
have you tried carolyn hart? i like the ones that feature annie darling and her husband Max-she's a book shop owner who keeps finding dead bodies. the writing is very good and the stories are funny, funny.
i wrote in another post about earlene fowler-great series featuring a quilter/museum docent named benni harper and her husband gabe. great descriptions of ranch life and this character's relationships with family and friends. really love these.
and last, i like margaret maron's series about a judge named deborah.
she's the only sister in a family of 13 boys-some bad boys. it's set in the south; it's funny but really good relationship series as well.
always looking for new authors as well. hope you like these.
talk to you soon.
karen
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
Victor Hugo |
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connio
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
connie
springtown
texas
USA
535 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2005 : 3:52:44 PM
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Hey Farm Girls!
My favorite cozies are my Susan Albert Wittig. She has the China Bayles series and a new Beatrix Potter series. Also writes a Victorian series with her husband under the name of Robin Paige or Page. www.mysterypartners.com is the website--she also has a great blog here that features her knitting, farm etc.
Connie
cozycottage |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2005 : 11:17:37 AM
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I can't believe it's taken me this long to really delve into the "reading room" forum. I am also hooked on cozies. And in fact looked like a total goof last week when I tried to ask a clerk in a store about the Beatrix Potter series. Do you think I could remember the author or the name Beatrix Potter. I had a total blank!!
No one has mentioned Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown. She is the post mistress of a small Virginia town and along with a couple of cats and a very personable Corgi solve quite a few mysteries. I've always enjoyed her books. She has recently published some books centered around fox hunting with a 92 year old as the heroine. They are quite a bit heavier then the Sneaky pie books but they are really rich books and I found them hard to put down once I started one of them. And don't prejudge them because of the fox hunting. The foxes are characters right along with the foxhounds and the only victims are human.
I've found that the best way to find new authors is to go to the publishers web sites. A lot of them have newletters that they will send to you monthly to let you know when new books come out. Even if you go to the library rather then buy them, you can always request new titles. Librarians don't always know what people want to read and if you're a regular, you should ask for what you like.
I'm just now finishing up "On What Grounds" by Cleo Coyle. This is set in a coffeehouse in NYC and I'm learning lots about coffee - something I really like. I don't know if it will improve my daily cup of coffee but at least I'm having fun reading it and wondering whodunit!
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
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connio
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
connie
springtown
texas
USA
535 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2005 : 1:50:14 PM
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Hey Farm Girls!!
I have been a librarian in public libraries for 25 years, and I want to thank you, Kathy, for mentioning the fact that library patrons should never hesitate to ask for what they want. I read 100's of reviews every month, but it is still impossible to keep up with everything that is being published. I love to take requests because this enables me to learn also.
As I always say about the library "You learn something new there every day, if you want to or not!!!"
Thanks also for the tip about Rita Mae Brown. I have avoided her books because I despise fox hunting, but I will probably give them a try now.
Connie
cozycottage |
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mustbeteatime
Farmgirl in Training
39 Posts
Colette
MN
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2005 : 4:17:09 PM
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Oh my, yes, yes, yes. I read lots of mystery series including several cozies. I've got almost all the Cat Who. Have you ever read any by Charlotte MacLeod or Alisa Craig? Same author, different pseudonym. Her series include Peter Shandy – agricultural college professor; Sarah Kelling – set in Boston; and the Grub & Stakers books. She has another series with Inspector Madoc Rhys which I haven’t read yet.
I've also read some of the Aunt Dimity books by Nancy Atherton (recipes also included). Yep, they are light and goofy, but sometimes it really helps to lighten up the load. I am glad I found this thread and the recommendations – I’m always adding to my reading list and will be very old before I finish what is already there! I think I will try the Beatrix Potter series – I’ve read some of the Robin Paige series (Victorian) by Susan Albert Wittig and her husband – they’re really good. Another series about a famous author is Stephanie Barron's series about Jane Austen - not quite as light, but very enjoyable.
Colette
Enjoy the good things in life - especially when there is time for tea! |
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KJD
True Blue Farmgirl
402 Posts
402 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2005 : 4:24:05 PM
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| I'd like to thank you for all the recommendations - I went to my mystery shelf and saw several by Dorothy Cannell and one by Diane Mott Davidson - Dying for Chocolate - think I'll start with that one! I do have some Agatha Christie as well. And many Sue Grafton - it's been so long since I read those - are those in this category? |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2005 : 5:08:26 PM
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Sue Grafton's books aren't technically cozies because her main character is a professional. To be a cozy the person solving the crime has got to be an amateur but that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy her books!
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2005 : 8:15:28 PM
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So the Needlecraft mysteries are cozies then?? Monica Ferris. I am reading the fourth one and loving them. They are set in a needlework shop and the gal who inherits the shop from her sister (who was murdered in the first book) solves murders reluctantly but well, in each book. There are like 6 or 7 of them. I picked these up at a needlework shop..hmmm imagine that. I do recomend them though..light reading..but little twists that I don't expect. they arn't totally predictable and they have very likeable characters and a cross stitch pattern at the end of each book.
Jenny in Utah
Put all your eggs in one basket..and then watch that basket!! Mark Twain |
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sqrl
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Melissa
Northern California
USA
605 Posts |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2005 : 1:05:37 PM
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Cozies are a sub genre of mysteries with female main characters who are somehow involved in a situation where they become crime solvers even though they are not professionally involved in law inforcement. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the old TV show Murder She Wrote didn't start the craze. Usually they are written with a cast of characters that are regulars and where the main character usually has a job that takes them to many social events such as Goldie the caterer of Diane Mott Davidson. Or the owner of a local Needlework shop like the characher in Monica Ferris's books. Everyone gets together there and she just gets involved and next thing you know they are solving a crime.
The author, at least for me has to make the connection realistic. I read one book where the character found the body but had no other connection and just decided to solve the crime and spent the rest of the book sticking her nose into everyone's business. I probably won't buy any more books by that author. Usually someone the character knows is accused of the crime or their business is endangered or something like that.
Have I put a lot of thought into these things? Yes, because I'd like to get off my duff and write one! But so far I haven't made the time to put pen to paper.
Now Melissa, what do you consider a cozy fantasy? Who do you read? Enquiring minds want to know. I haven't read any fantasy in a long time but I used to. I just bought Stephen Donaldson's new Thomas Covenant book.
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
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sqrl
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Melissa
Northern California
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 3:13:54 PM
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I don't know this Stephen Donaldson, does he write fantasy? I read all kinds of things, many things are past down from family. My Mom, Dad Brother
we all read fantasy stuff and among other things. One treasure I found in my Mom's closet last year was the first book in the Seven Waters trilogy by Juliet Marillier this is a great series very magical, with love, family and fighting for good things. I couldn't put these books down, I would read till 1:00 am 'cause I just had to know what was going to happen. Now my Mom didn't really care for the stories so it's really up to the reader with this series.
Than there is this other trilogy that is just amazing, I can't wait until it's been long enought to read it again. I'm not sure what the series is called but the first book is called Daughter of the Empire, next book is Servent of the Empire and than the Mistress of the Empire, I think they coud have come up with better names this series. It is a about a woman (love stories about women)she is young in the begining but grows into a powerful woman in a world of men rulers this series keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. So much adventure. The authors are Raymond Fiest and Janny Wurts. It helps to know about Raymond Feists other stories because this story has a little to do with the other stories but you don't have to read them first. I read this series before the his other stories - The Rift War and like the Empires series better. Anyway enought that, there is the classic Mists of Avalon, an all time favorite. Another favorite that is a lot diferent than these others is LittleBig. This book is hard to find and very different that any other fantasy book I have seen so far. It was loaned to me by a friend saying to as she gave it to me " you must read this, you'll understand" I don't think everyone can read it and get it. It's not difficult to read or anything but you must commit to it and once your in it, it gets bigger and bigger. It's amazing story, I found my own copy of the book in a really funky, all fantasy book store in Berkley CA. Anyway they're some my favorites.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com www.sisterhood.sqrlbee.com
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 3:25:45 PM
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I love cozies, too. In fact, I'm writing one! Surprisingly enough, it's about an animal psychic who lives in Salt Lake City. I love the Cat Who books, even though they've gotten pretty dull. It's like dropping in on old friends. My current favorites are the #1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by McCall Smith. They take place in Botswana, Africa. McCall Smith lived there for years and really knows the place. His heroine is a "traditionally built" wonderful woman named Precious. His characters are fantastic and his stories are not only entertaining but also heartwarming, and gently "morality plays". They emphasize what's important. Try 'em, you'll like 'em.
Happy Wishes! |
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KJD
True Blue Farmgirl
402 Posts
402 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 5:30:29 PM
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I desperately want to read Alexander McCall Smith's books - I started Ladies #1..., but the names, especially of main characters are so hard to pronounce, that I found myself trying to "give" them names I could say - and that was distracting. I saw a profile of him on the Sunday Morning show not too long ago and he is a fascinating person! I noticed one at the store about Scotland, so maybe I'll try that one. Has anyone read that?
I'm reading Dying for Chocolate by Diane Mott Davidson and it is perfect for me! Cooking...Aspen area, CO...young son. It's me! |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 5:36:14 PM
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Melissa,Thanks for the leads for fantasy reading. Who is the author of LittleBig. That's the only one I couldn't find. I think I will start with the one by Marilliar. It sounds fascinating. I think my problem with fantasy was partly because they are so long. The cozies are usually under 300 pages and I liken them to eating bonbons! they are light and airy and quite sweet!! But I think I'm up to reading something with a little more substance.
Stephen Donaldson's trilogies were The Chronicles ofThomas Covenant the Unbeliever and The Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever. They were first published in the late 70's and early 80's. They are somewhat Lord of the Ring like but I could never read Tolkien but I devoured these 6 books. In fact I've read these books at least twice. Thomas Covenant is a very unlikeable character but for some reason that made the books all that more important for me. Can't really explain it!
Kathy
T
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
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sqrl
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Melissa
Northern California
USA
605 Posts |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2005 : 10:17:52 AM
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KJD, I sent my Alexander McCall Smith books to my aunt who is my reading buddy, but I have the first in the Scotland series. I'll send it to you if you will pay for post. Media mail is the cheapest, about $2 for that size book. Let me know and send your address if you want it. The newest one is out now. I always wait (if I can - I couldn't with the Botswana ones)a couple of months and buy them cheap off half.com. Don't let the names defeat you. Your eye will see them and know who he's talking about. You don't have to worry about pronouncing them unless you're planning to read them out loud to somebody.
Patricia
Happy Wishes! |
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KJD
True Blue Farmgirl
402 Posts
402 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2005 : 12:03:09 PM
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Patricia,
Thanks so much for your offer. I have a great used book store here and almost always find what I'm looking for. I'll get the Scotland book there.
It's a quirk of mine, I guess, that I won't let myself take the easy way out of pronunciation. Just another way I make life more difficult for myself!
I'm in the middle of several books right now - always have a pile going - so next trip to the store, I'll look for Alexander McCall Smith's books. Maybe I'll try the Ladies again, too. |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2005 : 6:49:01 PM
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I'm just finishing a novel called Murder of a Smart Cookie by Denise Swanson. This got my own personally awarded designation of the LOL award. Most of these Cozies have a lighthearted side to them but not to many of them actually make me laugh out loud but this did not once but about three times so far. There's a great cast of characters, set in a small town with one of those giant "rummage sales" going on that doesn't usually bring out the best in people.
I'm really enjoying this book and I can't wait to look for some more by this author.
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
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CityCat
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Catherine
Toronto
Ontario
Canada
198 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2005 : 2:49:48 PM
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I'm surpised no one has mentioned Dorothy Gilman! Mrs Pollifax grows geraniums, wears outrageous hats, her kids are all grown up, and when she's not having tea with the ladies, she's a CIA agent! Lots of fun. Some serious and dangerous moments, but a fun read nonetheless. And she gets to travel all over the world (and even finds romance in Africa!).
Used to read the Cat Who stories, but stopped after a while. It got repetitive.
Whenever I can't sleep, I usually end up reading "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle. It may be a kid's book, but it helps me settle down and get to sleep. Another book that helps me go to sleep is "An Apology for Poetry" by Sir Philip Sidney, but that may just be the language the essay is written in: old, ornate with lots of digressions! You know it's gonna be a heavy slog when more than half the page is filled with footnotes! If I want something short to read, I pull out "Nightwatch" by Dennis Lee. He's a poet, and this book is a poetry compilation spanning almost 30 years. I usually randomly crack open the book, read a poem, and afterwards I'm ready to sleep.
Cat |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2005 : 10:30:37 AM
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Cat,
I will add Dorothy Gilman to my list for my next buying trip. That's why I wanted to keep this subject going was to share new author's as I find them and to find new author's that others have discovered and I've some how missed! There is no such thing as too many books is there?
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
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Anna
MaryJane's Farmgirl
27 Posts
Pullman
WA
27 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2005 : 11:19:27 AM
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My two cents: I love the Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie books! They're entertaining and silly and quick...exactly what I want sometimes. My mom and I share the same love for mystery novels and she's the one that got me hooked on Rita Mae.
The Sewing Girl at MaryJanesFarm :^) |
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Reading Room: Favorite cozies? |
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Favorite cozies?
