Cozy Mysteries discussion

Team 2: Cozy2Us
Captain Moondance!!!

Members
Moondance (Cheryl)
LexReader
Katherine
Marisa
Dizzy

Welcome Team #2!

Please pick a team captain and if desired, a team name. If you have any questions about the game at any time, please let me know.

Have fun!!

Greetings everyone! I'm looking forward to playing. Marisa! We are on a team together! Welcome LexReader and Katherine!
~~cheryl

FREE SPACE

Cheryl Clammed Up by Barbara Ross (featured author of the month) 8.24.15 3.5 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke (featured author of the month) 9.3.15 2 stars REVIEW
Katherine Boiled Over by Barbara Ross (featured author of the month)
LexReader Gluten for Punishment by Nancy J. Parra (featured author of the month)11.24.15 4.5 stars REVIEW
Marisa If Onions Could Spring Leeks by Paige Shelton 8.28.15 4 stars REVIEW

WEEK 1:TRAVEL 8.22.15 COMPLETED 8.29.15 stamped

Cheryl Peete and Repeat by Karen Musser Nortman8.23.15 4 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Frankly My Dear, I'm Dead by Livia J. Washburn8.29.15 5 stars REVIEW
Katherine Pasta Imperfect by Maddy Hunter 8.24.15 5 stars REVIEW
LexReader Murder on the Oceanic by Conrad Allen 8.28.15 4.5 stars REVIEW
Marisa A Cruise to Die For by Charlotte Elkins 8.26.15 4 stars REVIEW

WEEK 2: BAKERY 8.29.15 COMPLETED 9.7.15 stamped

Cheryl Illegally Iced by Jessica Beck 8.31.15 3 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Dying For Danish by Leighann Dobbs9.3.15 4 stars REVIEW
Katherine Gluten for Punishment byNancy J. Parra 9.7.15 5 stars REVIEW
LexReader Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke 9.5.15 3.5 stars REVIEW
Marisa Gluten for Punishment by Nancy J. Parra 9.6.15 3 stars REVIEW

WEEK 3: NEEDLEWORK 9.5.15 COMPLETED 9.19.15 stamped

Cheryl The Long Stitch Good Night by Amanda Lee 9.6.15 3 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Murder, Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan9.15.15 4 stars REVIEW
Katherine Murder, Served Simply by Isabella Alan 9.19.15 5 stars REVIEW
LexReader Taken In by Elizabeth Lynn Casey 9.13.15 3.5 stars REVIEW
Marisa Shear Trouble by Elizabeth Spann Craig 9.12.15 4 stars REVIEW

WEEK 4: HOLIDAY 9.12.15 COMPLETED 9.22.15 stamped

Cheryl Caught Dead Handed by Carol J. Perry HALLOWEEN 9.16.15 3.5 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Scared Stiff by Annelise Ryan HALLOWEEN 9.22.15 5 stars REVIEW
Katherine The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis HALLOWEEN 9.22.15 5 stars REVIEW
LexReader Trick or Treat Murder by Leslie Meier HALLOWEEN 9.20.15 4.5 stars REVIEW
Marisa Treacherous Toys by Joyce Lavene CHRISTMAS 9.20.15 3 stars REVIEW

WEEK 5: HOME IMPROVEMENT 9.19.15 COMPLETED 10.29.15

Cheryl A High-End Finish by Kate Carlisle 9.22.15 4.5 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell 10.2.15 5 stars REVIEW
Katherine Better Homes and Corpses by Kathleen Bridge 10329.15 4.5 stars REVIEW
LexReader Crawlspace by Sarah Graves 10.18.15 4.5 stars REVIEW
Marisa Secret of the Painted Lady by Christina A. Burke 9.22.15 4 stars REVIEW

Week 6: BOOKS 9.26.16 COMPLETED 10.20.15 Stamped

Cheryl Tailing a Tabby by Laurie Cass 10.3.15 3.5 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Book, Line and Sinker by Jenn McKinlay 10.7.15 5 stars REVIEW
Katherine By Book or By Crook by Eva Gates 10.14.15 5 stars REVIEW
LexReader Arsenic and Old Books by Miranda James 10.20.15 4.5 stars REVIEW
Marisa By Book or By Crook by Eva Gates 9.30.15 2 stars REVIEW

WEEK 7: NEW2YOU SERIES 10.3.15

Cheryl Paw Enforcement by Diane Kelly 10.10.15 3 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Any Witch Way You Can by Amanda M. Lee 10.13.15 4 stars REVIEW
Katherine
LexReader Do or Diner by Christine Wenger 10.13.15 5 stars REVIEW
Marisa Buried in a Bog by Sheila Connolly 10.6.15 4 stars REVIEW

WEEK 8: SEASONS 10.10.15

Cheryl Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun by Kathleen Bacus Autumn 10.14.15 2.5 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Sinister Sprinkles by Jessica BeckWinter 10.27.15 4 stars REVIEW
Katherine
LexReader Harvest Of Murder by Ann Ripley Autumn 11.6.15 3.5 stars REVIEW
Marisa Chef Maurice and a Spot of Truffle by J.A. Lang Autumn 10.14.15 4 stars REVIEW

WEEK 9: BRITISH 10.17.15
Cheryl Cloche and Dagger by Jenn McKinlay 10.22.15 4 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Cloche and Dagger by Jenn McKinlay 11.1.15 5 stars REVIEW
Katherine Move Your Blooming Corpse by D.E. Ireland
LexReader The Deadly Dance by M.C. Beaton 11.13.15 4 stars REVIEW
Marisa Jewel of the Thames by Angela Misri 10.24.15 4 stars REVIEW

Welcome to LexReader and Katherine! And Cheryl, I've have the same thought reading the team :D I'm sure we are going to enjoy it, as always.

Excited to be playing for the first time!

Any suggestions for a team name? I ran the name generator and came up with some strange ones.

A few using two:

Second Degree Murder
Cozy 2 by 2
Cozy Up 2 Reading
Cozy Deux or Cozy Dos( a nod to Marisa!)


Random:

Get a Clue
ClueSeekers
Sleuths R Us

Feel free to jump in here!

11.18.15 Continuation of stats

WEEK 10:JOKER'S WILD 10.24.15
Cheryl Old Haunts by E.J. Copperman 10.25.15 4 stars REVIEW
Dizzy Big Boned by Meg Cabot 11.6.15 5 stars REVIEW
Katherine Faux Paw by Sofie Kelly
LexReader Death at Bishop's Keep by Robin Paige 11.14.15 4.5 stars REVIEW
Marisa Pane and Suffering by Cheryl Hollon 10.28.15 4 stars REVIEW

WEEK 11:CRAFTS 10.31.15

Cheryl Fiber and Brimstone by Laura Childs Scrapbooking 11.2.15 2.75 stars REVIEW
Dizzy
Katherine Through a Glass, Deadly by Sarah Atwell 11.24.15 5 stars REVIEW
LexReader
Marisa Basket Case by Nancy Haddock 11.5.15 4 stars REVIEW

Week 12: ANTIQUES 11.7.15
Cheryl Going Through the Notions by Cate Price 11.13.15 3 stars REVIEW
Dizzy
Katherine
LexReader The Cat Who Turned On and Off by Lilian Jackson Braun 11.15.15 4.5 stars REVIEW
Marisa Antiques to Die For by Jane K. Cleland 11.15.15 4 stars REVIEW

Week 13: FARM 11.14.15
Cheryl Peaches and Scream by Susan Furlong
Dizzy
Katherine
LexReader
Marisa

I like Cozy Up 2 Reading (or Cozy 2 Us). The problem with Cozy Dos is that it sound as slang for drunk ;) (chuckle here when I've read the name)

Marisa wrote: "I like Cozy Up 2 Reading (or Cozy 2 Us). The problem with Cozy Dos is that it sound as slang for drunk ;) (chuckle here when I've read the name)"

Well Marisa you never know! Sometimes by the end of the week that's how I feel! I like Cozy2Us as well. I guess we need to hear from Katherine and LexReader. I don't mind being captain if no one else wants to do it.

If you don't mind being captain that would be great. I also like Cosy2Us. Im away with limited internet, but will try and check in at least once a day. Happy reading everyone!

I sent LexReader a PM letting her know the game is about to start.

In the meantime, you have a new team member: Dizzy!!!
YAY!!!

Hey guys! Thanks for letting me join you, I'm psyched to b play! :)

Kimberly wrote: "I sent LexReader a PM letting her know the game is about to start.

In the meantime, you have a new team member: Dizzy!!!
YAY!!!"

I sent one too! She is ready to play.

Dizzy wrote: "Hey guys! Thanks for letting me join you, I'm psyched to b play! :)"

Hi Dizzy! Welcome!

Welcome, Dizzy! And Cheryl, I feel like that too some days ;) And it would be great if you're captain, thank you very much.

I will give Kimberly our team name if Cozy2Us is ok with everyone.

I'm ready to play!

I'll use message 4 for our progress.

Are we good to go on picking books - wasn't sure on the theme part??

The theme will be announced this afternoon. Kimberly usually posts around 3pm my time(I'm in NC) which is noon for her (she is in AZ). There is a thread for the announcement and I will post it here. You can go ahead and look for a free space book if you like. The rules for free space are in the discussion area. I am on my tablet but will go to my computer to do a link.

Thanks!

RULES FOR FREE SPACE

Week 1: TRAVEL
Location, cruise ship, tour guide etc...

WONDERFUL! I've one book lined for August challenge with that theme: A Cruise to Die For, by Charlotte Elkins and Aaron Elkins. I hope it's ok.

I have been out all day. I will pick a book when I get home.

I am reading Peete and Repeat by Karen Musser Nortmanfor TRAVEL. Frannie and her husband travel via RV to various National Parks.

I am dithering about my Free Space. I'm trying to find something that will fit another challenge too.

I've started "Murder on the Oceanic" by Conrad Allen. Husband and wife who pretend not to be to be detectives on a cruise ship in the 1910's. Never read this author before - only about 17 pages in.

Im going to read Frankly My Dear, I'm Dead for travel- the main character runs a literary travel agency. I still havent decided on my free space book, but ill pick one soon! :)

My Free Space will be Clammed Up by Barbara Ross. She was author of the month for January 2014.

Oh, I really liked that one Cheryl! Yep - perusing all of the teams looking at everyone's selections ;-)

I'm going to read Pasta Imperfect by Maddy Hunter for my travel book. (On a cell phone so can't add links). Still working on figuring out my free space book. Hope everyone enjoys their travel books.

Kimberly wrote: "Oh, I really liked that one Cheryl! Yep - perusing all of the teams looking at everyone's selections ;-)"

I've been doing the same thing! I remember you enjoyed and I need a "C" book for my Summer challenge. I love when a plan works!

Katherine wrote: "I'm going to read Pasta Imperfect by Maddy Hunter for my travel book. (On a cell phone so can't add links). Still working on figuring out my free space book. Hope everyone enjoys their travel books."

Hope you are enjoying your time away. I need to read this series. I think I read the first book years ago.

I'm going to read by Joanne Fluke (featured author) for the free space. :)

I finished my Travel book and need to get to the computer to review. After Fear the Dead! Debating upon watching it twice back to back.

Just finished Pasta Imperfect (still on a cell phone) by Maddy Hunter. I give it 5 stars. I have enjoyed this series and reading in order does add to each book, but I feel like this one also works as a stand alone. Emily's problems begin early on as her mother has joined the tour group in Italy. Their hotel burns down and that is just the start of the problems. The Iowa group is touring with a group of romance novelists which adds to the drama. As the bodies pile up I wonder if perhaps some might want to switch to mysteries. A very fun read.

Whew! I'm impressed by you fast readers. I just wanted to double check - I will be current and caught up if I finish my book and get the review in by Friday. Also, a first time Bingo player question - I put the book I am reading on my current reading list - do I need to do anything other than mark it read and review to get credit on the shelf?

Hi, LexReader, I'm impressed too (I haven't begun mine yet). For getting credit you have to post a message here with:
* book
* read date
* theme it counts to
* rating
* review

It's not necessary to review it at your shelf but here. When all the reviews for a theme are posted here Cheryl, as captain, will request the mark.

Cheryl - was Fear of the Dead just as good as TWD?

Cheryl - was Fear of the Dead just as good as TWD?

Kimberly wrote: "Cheryl - was Fear of the Dead just as good as TWD?"

Fear started out a little slow for me. I hope that it picks up a bit. I like the premise of the beginning of the outbreak. The walkers are new and fresh compared to TWD.

Marisa wrote: "Hi, LexReader, I'm impressed too (I haven't begun mine yet). For getting credit you have to post a message here with:
* book
* read date
* theme it counts to
* rating
* review

It's not necessary t..."

Good answer, Marisa! I will be reviewing my book shortly. I have OCD so don't think your review has to be like mine.

Katherine wrote: "Just finished Pasta Imperfect (still on a cell phone) by Maddy Hunter. I give it 5 stars. I have enjoyed this series and reading in order does add to each book, but I feel like this one also works ..."

Good job, Katherine! I will link to this message if you want to edit it later!

Week 1: TRAVEL

Peete and Repeat b Karen Musser Nortman



Read: 8.23.15
Rating: 4 stars
Review:

Virginia was about to close the laptop, but decided to check her sister's account, automatically entering the password.

This is the third book in the Frannie Shoemaker series. I somehow missed book two but will definitely go back to read it.

Frannie and husband, Larry along with Larry's sister, Jane Ann and her husband, Mickey are once again joined by Rob and Donna for an RV trip. Ben and Nancy complete the quartet. The couples travel to various locations from their home base of Iowa. This trip takes them to Minnesota and the Burden River Valley. The group starts out the trip with a bike ride into town. They meet identical twins Virginia and Valerie on their way to Burdensville. The twins are camped near the group at the campground. The Nature Center, an old power plant and a possible meth lab become intertwined in the story.

Frannie is nosy without being obnoxious. Her degree of observation is keen and helps local police to gather information. It doesn't hurt that Larry is a retired cop. An injury keeps Frannie from joining in on a variety of activities and gives her time to work out the puzzle of the twins' death.

The over the top campground manager and an aging country singer wanna-be add interest to the plot.

I am fascinated by RV travel and this series feeds my interest. The camping tips are a nice touch. As are the recipes for snacks. I enjoy this series and look forward to reading more.

FREE SPACE

Clammed Up by Barbara Ross Featured author



Read: 8.24.15
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:

She hadn't seemed like a Bridezilla

Julia has come home to Busman's Harbor, Maine to help save her family's business. Snowden Family Clambake Company ferries people to a private island owned by the family for authentic clambakes. The first group of the season to the island is a wedding party that is missing its best man. Julia and the bride unfortunately find the missing man hanging from the staircase of the old house on the island. The investigation shuts down the family business and puts them at risk of losing everything they have.

This was a very interesting book with a rather larger cast of characters. Etienne and Gabrielle keep things running on the island. Julia's sister Livvie and her husband Sonny have tried to keep the business together since the death of their dad. A small town means that everyone knows everyone else's business. This includes police officer Jamie, local bad boy, Chris and eccentric café owner, Gus.

There are lots of twists and turns as the story unfolds and we learn more about the bride, groom and the deceased best man. It seems that everyone has a secret that revolves around others that are involved in the case. I didn't pick up on who the murderer was until right before it was revealed.

The recipes in the back of the book are awesome! I didn't think you could make mac and cheese more decadent until I saw lobster added to it. Oh my! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Oh! I forgot Le Roi! As someone who is owned by a Maine Coon, I enjoyed his role in the story. The Elvis reference made me smile.

Theme: Travel
Book: A Cruise to Die For by Charlotte Elkins and Aaron Elkins
Rating: ★★★★



This is the first book I've read in this series (although it's the second one, I'm not picky). It begins a bit slow, but it increases its pace a bit, with a lot of action although not a lot of character development. The info and data about painting is a plus for me because I like a lot the theme (and the impressionist painter mainly). A very good reading and I'll keep on reading the series.

Is everyone ready for a new shelf? I am counting the hours!

I'm totally ready. Waiting for the theme (although the next Nalini Singh's on Tuesday is going to cut in my cozy time - sorry, priorities...)

Theme: Free Space
Book: If Onions Could Spring Leeks by Paige Shelton
Read: 08/28/2015
Rating: ★★★★



A good new book in the series (I'm up to date with it, which it is not usual, because I like it a lot). Fast-paced as always (at least I feel them like that) and with some spooky developments and other that go very near of the dreaded triangle (more a lot of sides figure, really). I've enjoyed it and I want to know how it evolves.

I can't wait! Will be finishing my travel book today so I'll post that review later :)

Book: “Murder on the Oceanic” by Conrad Allen
Date: 08/28/15
Theme: Travel
Rating: 4.5
Review: “Murder on the Oceanic” is set on a vessel that was an actual cruise ship from 1899 until 1914 when it was put in service for World War I. The main detectives are a husband and wife team who pose as single passengers and maintain secret identities to hide their employment with the cruise line. The story moves along quickly with a series of petty crimes and then a huge art heist and murder in the cabin of the celebrity passenger J.P. Morgan. A few subplots and red herrings divert attention from the true criminals. Slight flavor of “Downton Abby” goes on a cruise. I would likely read more books by this author.