Cozy Mysteries discussion

ஐ Briansgirl (Book Sale Queen)ஐ wrote: "No offense to those that came up with this, but way too many of these categories will be too hard for too many people. As this is primarily a cozy mysteries group, very few of those can even fill t..."


Kate,

I agree with Teresa's well-written comments. Many of the members in this group participated in last year's "Ultimate" challenge, and are doing so again this year, including me. Like others in this group, while I read mostly mysteries, I do not read them exclusively. I read across different genres, including romance, YA, and classics. I am currently working through a poetry book for this challenge -- some of which I've encountered before, and some of which are new to me. I already have at least half of the books I hope to read for this challenge in Mount TBR.

No one has to join this or any other challenge, and those of us participating in it enjoy conversing with, and sharing what we are reading, with our fellow cozy mystery readers. The object isn't to see if you can clear all categories, but to see how many you can do, and try to get out of your comfort zone for at least a couple of books. I have now ticked off several categories, and have used mysteries for all but two and will be able to use mysteries for a few more categories.

Respectfully,
Heather

I used a book by Rob Lowe for the book by a celebrity because I've been wanting to read it, but the way I see it, this challenge is a personal challenge. With that attitude, I've gotten creative with the categories and how the books fit the categories.

Science Fiction novel? J.D. Robb's In Death series. While not cozies, they're often mentioned here. I also shoved an In Death novel into the Romance Set in the Future category. 2 birds, one author.

Would you consider someone like Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb to be a celebrity? Hey, a third. Or Al Roker has written cozy mysteries and I feel like there are others. How about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie? Household names to be sure.

The bestseller category is one I filled with The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling - oh hey, I'd also consider her a celebrity!) which is not cozy, but it is a Private Eye novel that many here would appreciate.

Consider the "book you haven't read since high school." Nowhere in there does it indicate that it must be a book assigned to read FOR school. I've considered various options here - Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Rebecca, any one of a number of westerns my grandma would buy for me at garage sales. I only wish I could remember the mysteries I used to read way back then, but goosebumps would be on the list.

Fairy Tale? There's a fairy tale series.

Autobiography? Agatha Christie has one.

Book you can read in a day/book under 150 words? Between the Plums.

Book and it's prequel? The last two books in Steve Hockensmith's Holmes on the Range actually fit this as the last book is set before the series began.

By being creative, so far I've been able to get over 20 categories that I consider mystery, if not technically cozy mystery. There are blue covers, books set on islands, all of it.

Most readers here will have no problems finding books set in their home state/province/territory.

A book about a culture I'm unfamiliar with? The Amelia Peabody series worked find for this.

Classic from the 20st century? Agatha Christie, Rex Stout.

Beyond that, I've dug up books that I've had floundering on my TBR list. I am going to run up against some others that aren't so easy - the political memoir was one I was going to fit with something by Maggie Thatcher, but now I'm leaning toward Malala, the girl shot by the Taliban because I consider that political.

And finally, my understanding is that the challenges are optional. I understand that this one may not be something everyone here is willing to do and that it isn't specifically cozy mysteries, but it's been fun and challenging for me as well as helping me get out of my reading rut.

Oh! I just thought of cozy mysteries I would consider light sci-fi: Turing Hopper by Donna Andrews

Erin wrote: "Oh! I just thought of cozy mysteries I would consider light sci-fi: Turing Hopper by Donna Andrews

You've Got Murder


I did not know these could be considered sci-fi. I recently picked up You've Got Murder at a library used book sale, but haven't really looked at it. I was planning to use The Martian by Andy Weir for this category, which I recently happened across in one of the Little Free Libraries near me, but maybe I'll change that now.

Erin wrote: "Would you consider someone like Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb to be a celebrity? Hey, a third. Or Al Roker has written cozy mysteries and I feel like there are others. How about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie? Household names to be sure."

When I think celebrity I think TV/radio/sports/movies -- people who don't start out as authors, but may later become one. So, Al Roker, yes, Nora Roberts, no, since she was an author who later became well-known. A writing book by a cozy author would qualify for self-improvement, though, since you'd be learning something.

Wiki definition of celebrity:
Celebrity is fame and public attention in the media, usually applied to a person, or group of people (celebrity couple, family etc.), or occasionally, to animals or fictional entities. Celebrity status is often associated with wealth (commonly referred to as fame and fortune) and fame can often provide opportunities to make money.

Successful careers in sports and entertainment are commonly associated with celebrity status; political leaders often become celebrities. People may also become celebrities due to media attention for their lifestyle, wealth, or controversial actions, or for their connection to a famous person.

Heather L wrote: "Erin wrote: "Would you consider someone like Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb to be a celebrity? Hey, a third. Or Al Roker has written cozy mysteries and I feel like there are others. How about Sir Arthur Co..."

Yeah, I knew I was pushing it with those, but I went with celebrity = famous and several authors have become famous. Perhaps Agatha Christie and J.K. Rowling are better considered celebrities since they'd be very likely to be recognized on the street. I don't know.

As for Turing Hopper, I figure a computer with artificial intelligence solving crimes can be considered light science fiction. Or enough that you could use it for this challenge if you didn't have interest in sci-fi.

Heather L wrote: "Erin wrote: "Oh! I just thought of cozy mysteries I would consider light sci-fi: Turing Hopper by Donna Andrews

You've Got Murder


I did not know these could be considered sci-fi. I..."

I LOVED The Martian. An excellent choice for the sci-fi entry!

Oh! And Joan Rivers wrote a cozy. It's only averaged 3.22 on here, but it would qualify for a book by a celebrity.

For me, an AI solving a mystery goes into the ground of sci-fi ;)

Steve Allen wrote at least one mystery so that could qualify as a book by a comedian or a celebrity as he was after all the first host of The Tonight Show.

I wasn't going to participate in this challenge but then I saw that I've already read or plan to read several books that fit - so I'm in.

2016 Ultimate ReadingChallenge
Progress: 12/41



[ ] A book based on a fairy tale
[√] A National Book Award Winner - Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
[ ] A young adult bestseller
[ ] A book you haven’t read since high school
[ ] A book set in your home state

[ ] A book translated into English
[ ] A romance set in the future
[ ] A book set in Europe
[√] A book that is under 150 pages - Dead Man Walker by Duffy Brown
[x] A New York Times bestseller - The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

[ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
[ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
[√] A self-improvement book - The Way of Forgiveness by D. Patrick Miller
[ ] A book you can finish in a day
[ ] A book written by a celebrity

[ ] A political memoir
[ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
[ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
[ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
[√] A science-fiction novel - Mariana by Susanna Kearsley

[ ] A book recommended by a family member
[ ] A graphic novel
[x] A book published in 2016 - All Murders Final! by Sherry Harris
[√] A book with a protagonist who has your occupation. - A Radical Departure by Lia Matera
[√] A book that takes place during summer - Killer in Crinolines by Duffy Brown

[ ] A book and its prequel
[√] A murder mystery - The Good, the Bad, and the Emus by Donna Andrews
[ ] A book written by a comedian
[ ] A dystopian novel
[x] A book with a blue cover - The Sound of Glass by Karen White

[ ] A book of poetry
[ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
[ ] A classic from the 20th century - Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
[√] A book from the library - Demise in Denim by Duffy Brown
[ ] An autobiography

[ ] A book about a road trip
[√] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar - Every Day Is for the Thief by Teju Cole
[ ] A satirical book
[x] A book that takes place on an island - Mayhem at the Orient Express by Kylie Logan
[√] A book that brings you joy - The Nightingale Before Christmas by Donna Andrews

Just finished my fifth novel off this list:

[X] A book with a blue cover - by Jennifer L. Armentrout (5 Stars)

It was an amazing book! I can't wait to get started on my next category!

Choices, choices, ....I just picked up a Nook copy of The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury, I can use it either for a book not read since high school or a classic from the 20th Century. It does not qualify as a sci-fi novel since it is essentially a collection of short stories. I have tons of SF novels on my shelf both Nook version and paper version.

There are some of the items on the list I am unlikely to check off, I don't think Oprah has ever had genre fiction in her club. National Book Award also unlikely A reasonable dent on this list has already been made.

24. A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.

This is probably the closest I'll get to someone in my profession - she does have a comp sci degree. I just didn't have a company left to me by my father :)

Erin, if you want something closer to computer science, you have Fatal Brushstroke. The MC is a computer programmer (this is going to be my election too).

Thanks! that looks like a great choice!

[X] A book with a blue cover: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson (loved it!)

Would also qualify as a NY Times Bestseller, a book set in Europe, or a book on an island -- for anyone needing suggestions.

[X] A science fiction novel - by Clay Griffith (5 Stars)

This is the 6th book I've been able to cross off the list so far!

February update

14/41

[X] A book written by a celebrity – Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You by Kunal Nayyar – 2/2/16
[X] A New York Times bestseller – The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown – 2/8/16
[X] A murder mystery – Glory in Death by J.D. Robb – 2/9/16
[X] A book based on a fairy tale – Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire – 2/19/16
[X] An autobiography – I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou – 2/27/16

36. A book about a road trip

The title says it all on this one.

Just updated message 97 now have 9 done.

[X] A book that's being turned into a movie this year - by Ransom Riggs (5 Stars)

This is my 7th novel off this challenge and I'm feeling really good so far. This category really had me stumped and I wasn't sure what to read for it but when I found out they're making this novel into a movie I decided to give it a shot and I'm darned happy I did too! It was an incredible book and I recommend it to anybody doing this challenge OR for anybody just looking for an awesome book to pass the time.

I think I may add it to my list as well. Thanks!

Just finished 10 of the 40 categories

Here's my latest update.

21/41

[X] A book set in your home state – Deadly Sanctuary by Sylvia Nobel – 2/29/16
[X] A book recommended by a family member – The Shadow Riders by Louis L'Amour – 3/1/16
[X] A book that’s guaranteed to bring you joy – Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury: Holiday Stories to Warm the Heart by Jack Canfield – 3/7/16
[X] A book recommended by someone you just met – While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark – 3/8/16
[X] A book that takes place during summer – The Devil's Cradle by Sylvia Nobel – 3/15/16
[X] A book about a road trip – Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck – 3/16/16
[X] A self-improvement book – The Approval Fix: How to Break Free from People Pleasing by Joyce Meyer – 3/29/16

My updated challenge:

[X] A YA bestseller - by Kristin Cashore (5 Stars)
[X] A book set in Europe - by Jenn McKinlay (5 Stars)
[X] A book that's being made into a movie in 2016 - by Ransom Riggs (5 Stars)
[X] A science-fiction novel - by Clay Griffith (5 Stars)
[X] A book with a protagonist that has your occupation - by Harper Lin (2 Stars, I don't own a cafe but I am a barista.)
[X] A murder mystery - by Nancy Martin (4 Stars)
[X] A book with a blue cover - by Jennifer L. Armentrout (5 Stars)
[X] A book that takes place on an island - by Lynne Matson (3 Stars)
[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - by Karen Chance (5 Stars)

9 down, 32 to go.

I haven't posted my updates yet... :O So, after 3 months, I've done 9/41. Still got plenty of time to get them all done. Especially with only 41 total this year. :)

A book I haven't read since high school. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 1/31/16
A book at least 100 years older than me. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen 2/28/16
A book with more than 600 pages. Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm 3/31/16
A book with a protagonist who has my occupation. A Quiche Before Dying by Jill Churchill 3/25/16
A book and it's prequel. Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen 1/15/16 (haven't gotten to the prequel yet)
A classic from the 20th century. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck 3/29/16
An autobiography. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin 1/15/16
A book about a culture I'm unfamiliar with. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai 3/9/16
A book that takes place on an island. The Legend of Sleepy Harlow by Kylie Logan 3/23/16

[X] A romance set in the future - Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi (5 Stars)

That's 11 down so far and 30 to go! I'm feeling really good about this year so far... :D

I though I had created my list but not, anyway, let's update it

(12 / 40)

01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
04. [ ] A book you haven’t read since high school
05. [ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)

06. [ ] A book translated into English
[X] A romance set in the future: Brotherhood in Death by J. D. Robb (2/4/2016 - ★★★★☆)
08. [ ] A book set in Europe
[X] A book that is under 150 pages: The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough (1/5/2016 - ★★★★)
10. [ ] A New York Times bestseller

11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
[X] A book you can finish in a day: Dead With the Wind by Miranda James (1/11/2016 - ★★★★)
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
18. [ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
[X] A science-fiction novel: Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen by Lois McMaster Bujold (1/20/2016 - ★★★★)

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [ ] A graphic novel
[X] A book that is published in 2016: Evil Under the Moon by Helen Haught Fanick (2/8/2016 - ★★★★)
[X] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation: Fatal Brushstroke by Sybil Johnson (3/2/2016 - ★★☆)
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer

26. [ ] A book and its prequel: Agatha's First Case by M. C. Beaton (2/12/2016 - ★★★★)
27. [ ] A murder mystery
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
[X] A book with a blue cover: Death of a Tango Dancer by Lisa Fernow (1/13/2016 - ★★★★)

[X] A book of poetry: Rimas by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer (2/7/2016 - ★★★★☆)
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century
[X] A book from the library: A Familiar Tail by Delia James (2/28/2016 - ★★★★☆)
35. [ ] An autobiography

[X] A book about a road trip; Toured to Death by Hy Conrad (3/5/2016 - ★★★☆)
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book
[X] A book that takes place on an island: Warden by Montana Ash (1/31/2016 - ★★★★☆)
[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy: The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston (3/30/2016 - ★★★★)

If I got a book out of one of those 'Little Free Libraries' would that count towards the category of 'reading a book from the library'? Because we have a ton of those little free libraries in my area and I'm just itching to use one!

This is an updated list of the books I've finished so far:

[X] A YA bestseller - Fire by Kristin Cashore (5 Stars)
[X] A romance set in the future - Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi (5 Stars)
[X] A book set in Europe - At the Drop of a Hat by Jenn McKinlay (5 Stars)
[X] A book that's being made into a movie in 2016 - Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (5 Stars)
[X] A book you can finish in one day - The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (5 Stars)
[X] A book from Oprah's book club - Night by Elie Wiesel (5 Stars)
[X] A science-fiction novel - The Greyfriar by Clay Griffith (5 Stars)
[X] A book with a protagonist that has your occupation - Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse by Harper Lin (2 Stars)
[X] A murder mystery - Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too by Nancy Martin (4 Stars)
[X] A dystopian novel - End of Days by Susan Ee (5 Stars)
[X] A book with a blue cover - Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout (5 Stars)
[X] A book that takes place on an island - Nil by Lynne Matson (3 Stars)
[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - Reap the Wind by Karen Chance (5 Stars)

And right now I'm working on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson which will qualify for a book translated into English. So right now I've gotten 13 down (working on the 14th) and have 28 to go!

Lacey wrote: "If I got a book out of one of those 'Little Free Libraries' would that count towards the category of 'reading a book from the library'? Because we have a ton of those little free libraries in my ar..."

Yes, by all means count it. I have two in my immediate neighborhood, two in a friend's neighborhood, as well as a few others within what I consider walking distance and near where I shop, so I frequently check them out. Have found a few books I really wanted to read, and have also unloaded a bunch I wanted to get rid of.

I am 13/41, having added only one criteria recently:

17. [X] A book at least 100 years older than you The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë. Complete list here.

I made some progress in April.

26/41

[X] A book that is published in 2016 – For Cheddar or Worse by Avery Aames – 4/1/16
[X] A book from Oprah’s Book Club – The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett – 4/10/16
[X] A classic from the 20th century – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – 4/18/16
[X] A National Book Award winner – Holes by Louis Sachar - 4/20/16
[X] A book that’s becoming a movie this year – The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey – 4/25/16

I'm up to 16/41. Here are the new ones I finished...

A National Book Award winner- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr 4/10/16 (I choose to read a finalist)
A book set in my home state (Texas)- Bubba and the Zigzaggery Zombies by C.L. Bevill 4/25/16
A book under 150 pages- Murder in Hatterton Crow by Ormolu Mockingbird 4/27/16
A graphic novel- Odd Is on Our Side by Dean Koontz and Fred Van Lente 4/18/16
A book and its prequel-The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen 4/29/16 (finally got to the prequel)
A dystopian novel- Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card 4/10/16
A book with a blue cover-Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti by Bailey Cates 4/17/16

Need peoples' opinions...


I just finished Lemon Pies and Little White Lies by Ellery Adams, which is based on Arthurian legend. One of the criteria this year is a book based on a fairy tale. Do you think this would count?

Heather L wrote: "Need peoples' opinions...


I just finished Lemon Pies and Little White Lies by Ellery Adams, which is based on Arthurian legend. One of the criteria this year is a book based on a..."

I guess so... To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't count it myself since it's not technically a fairy tale. Right now I'm reading by Marissa Meyer which is based on Rapunzel for the same category in this challenge. I just personally wouldn't use that particular book but that's completely my opinion.

It really depends on whether you consider a legend the same as a fairy tale. It also depends on how strictly other people doing this challenge are following the rule or are they more just guidelines?

Have crossed off two more items, for a total of 15/41 for this challenge:


03. [X] A young adult (YA) bestseller: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

09. [X] A book that is under 150 pages: The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West

I only got one crossed off this month. I'm now at 27/41.

[X] A satirical book – Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift – 5/17/16

Here's my updated list as of the last day in May:

[X] A book based on a fairy tale - Cress by Marissa Meyer
[X] A YA bestseller - Fire by Kristin Cashore
[X] A book translated into English - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
[X] A romance set in the future - Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
[X] A book set in Europe - At the Drop of a Hat by Jenn McKinlay
[X] A book that is under 150 pages - Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs
[X] A book that is being made into a movie in 2016 - Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
[X] A book you can finish in one day - The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
[X] A book from Oprah's book club - Night by Elie Wiesel
[X] A sci-fi novel - The Greyfriar by Clay Griffith
[X] A book with a protagonist that has your occupation - Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse by Harper Lin
[X] A murder mystery - Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too by Nancy Martin
[X] A dystopian novel - End of Days by Susan Ee
[X] A book with a blue cover - Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout
[X] A book about a road trip - Owl and the Japanese Circus by Kristi Charish
[X] A book that takes place on an island - Nil by Lynne Matson
[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - Reap the Wind by Karen Chance

And currently I'm working on Little Women which qualifies as a book with 600 pages. So right now I'm at 17/41... And working on number 18.

I only have two more left. (But, remember folks, I was on sick leave for two months). One, I will be reading while in the sauna...so, it will take a while, and the futuristic romance I was going to use Jayne Castle's book that is due out in July. So. Will be done early.

The categories were fun...and, several I filled without even trying because I was planning on reading a particular book anyway. Example, the 600 page one turned out was perfect for the Jim Butcher book I had in my TBR pile.

Couple of categories were filled with a series, so as I read the next book, I was able to check off another category.

The hardest is the one I have left....Oprah Winrey book club. Most of the books on the list were not in my wheelhouse, but since I am also doing another list that needed a classic, I chose one of her classics.

Well, as always...fun, and lets me get rid of some in my TBR pile!

Wow! Great job!! I'm over 1/2 way and am stuck on some of the non-fiction ones. What did you read for self-help?

Valerie wrote: "I only have two more left. (But, remember folks, I was on sick leave for two months). One, I will be reading while in the sauna...so, it will take a while, and the futuristic romance I was going to use Jayne Castle's book that is due out in July. So. Will be done early. "

Do you like Jayne Castle? I love her books and I'm eagerly waiting this book.

I am only at 14 out of 40 in this challenge so far.

Marisa wrote: "Valerie wrote: "I only have two more left. (But, remember folks, I was on sick leave for two months). One, I will be reading while in the sauna...so, it will take a while, and the futuristic romanc..."

I prefer the Amanda Quick ones.

Kirsten *Dogs Welcome - People Tolerated" wrote: I prefer the Amanda Quick ones. "

I think those are the books I enjoy less (because I don't usually like historical romance aside of some special authors)

As of last night I am 18/41, almost halfway there! I recently added:

33. [X] A classic from the 20th century O Pioneers! by Willa Cather (1913)

35. [X] An autobiography Journal of a Solitude by May Sarton


Full list here.

June update

I'm now at 30/41.

[X] A book you haven’t read since high school – Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – 6/15/16
[X] A book that takes place on an island – And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie – 6/26/16
[X] A political memoir – Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box by Madeleine Albright – 6/28/16

Teresa wrote: "June update

I'm now at 30/41.

[X] A book you haven’t read since high school – Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – 6/15/16
[X] A book that takes place on an islan..."


Excellent selections for those first two (Can't rightly comment on the third as I have not read it)!