Cozy Mysteries discussion

Here are your February 2016 Mini Challenges -- sorry I wasn't able to get it up earlier this week, but at least you'll have the entire weekend to wade through your TBR piles.


RULES

** Books DO NOT have to be mysteries. You can use any genres.

** A book can only be used once for this challenge, but can be used for other challenges (Seasonal, World Trip, Ultimate, etc.).

** You DO NOT have to choose books in advance.

** Do as many as you are able and have fun!


1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper . . . See the Featured Author Master List for more ideas)

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover.

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover.

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover.



(And for those wondering, that's a groundhog in the header, which I photographed a couple springs ago.)

I am in.
5/5

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper . . . See the Featured Author Master List for more ideas) Be My Banshee

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover. For Cheddar or Worse

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover. A Toast to Murder
4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here). Jailhouse Glock

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover. Daisies For Innocence

So happy to see the challenge up! I feel like I've been stalking it for the last couple of days. I think this is going to be a fill in as I go instead of a plan it out for me. Still excited to look for some books though!

Glad to make your day, Linda. Who knew I had stalkers? VBG :-D

Add me to the count :D I've been looking for the challenge a bit ;)

1st timer...I'm challenge crazy this year so count me in!

February 2016 Mini Challenge
0/5

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day —

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day —

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — 3/23/16

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day —

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day —

Cozy Mysteries

Reading Challenges > February 2016 Mini Challenge

February 1, 2016 to February 29, 2016

Completed 5/5

√ 1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. Button Holed by Kylie Logan READ 2/28/2016

√ 2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover. Cats on the Prowl by Nancy C. Davis READ 2/7/2016

√ 3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover. The Poodle Walks Alone by Rita L. Rote READ 2/18/2016

√ 4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here). Pistols & Pies by Heather Justesen READ 2/27/2016

√ 5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
READ 2/27/2016

February 2016 Mini

1/5 Complete

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling 2/26/16

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover.

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover.

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover.

Love it ALL cozies! And 4/5 are helping me reach my new year's resolution to get caught up on some series. The fifth is making me start a new series...

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper . . . See the Featured Author Master List for more ideas) Chance of a Ghost - E.J. Copperman/Jeff Cohen (02/05)

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover. Gambit (02/20)

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover. The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog (02/12)

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here). Bones of a Feather (02/07)

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover. Pick Your Poison (02/21)

February Mini-Challenge
0/5


1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. Bran New Death 02/04/2016

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover. Dying to be Slim 02/06/2016

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover. A Beeline to Murder 02/20/2016

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover Stiff Competition02/22/2016

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover. The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop02/17/2016

Count me in as another stalker waiting for the monthly mini challenge. :-D

Julesy's tracking post
February mini challenge

Updated: Feb. 27
Progress: 5/5 - FINISHED

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper . . . See the Featured Author Master List for more ideas)
China Trade by S.J. Rozan - aka Sam Cabot

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover.
Murder So Sweet by J.A. Whiting

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover.
by Laurien Berenson

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).
Honeymoon in High Heels by Gemma Halliday

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover.
To Catch a Leaf by Kate Collins

I think I will try to complete this mini challenge sounds like fun! I plan on stopping by the library in the morning to start on it! Between school, work and reading I have no time for anything else.

I live 40 minutes from the Groundhog in Punxsutawney Pa.
Phil lives at the library in the center of town.

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. Reservations for Murder by Tim Myers 2/16/16


2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover. Tourist Season by Carl Hiaasen 2/9/16


3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover.

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover

February Mini Challenge

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper . . . See the Featured Author Master List for more ideas)

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover.

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover.

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover.

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper . . . See the Featured Author Master List for more ideas)

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover.

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover.

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover.

February 2016 Mini Challenge

Completed 5/5

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. ) completed 2/16/16


2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover. - completed 2/9/16


3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover. - completed 2/13/16


4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here). -completed 2/7/16


5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover. - completed 2/10/16

February Mini-Challenge

5/5

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name....A Real Pickle.....2/10/16

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover.....Murder at the Mansion.....2/12/16

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover. ....Flamenco, Flan, and Fatalities....2/4/16

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).....It's a Wonderful Knife.....2/11/16

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover.......Cancelled Vows...2/5/16

I may do the February challenge. How does one add cover thumbnails to a comment?

I have been reviewing book covers and the criteria. I wonder if the weapon carried by Matt on the cover of The Shadow Rising counts?(The new covers as opposed to the classic Darrell Sweet covers of the first printings)

Right above the comment box click on 'add book/author'

Type in title and you can choose cover or link, then click 'add'
You can also add an author link or photo...
Have fun!

Susie wrote: "Right above the comment box click on 'add book/author'

Type in title and you can choose cover or link, then click 'add'
You can also add an author link or photo...
Have fun!"
Thanks I see how it works

3/5

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper . . . See the Featured Author Master List for more ideas) Finding Audrey 02.26.16

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover. The Rosie Project 02.22.16

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover.

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover. What Alice Forgot 02.15.16

I'm in -
5/5

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Death of a Bacon Heiress - Finished 2/13/16

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Death by Tiara - Finished 2/14/16

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Karma's A Bitch - Finished 2/11/16

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Murder on a Silver Platter - Finished 2/5/16

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — A Room with a Pew - Finished 2/1/16

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper . . . See the Featured Author Master List for more ideas) Wicked Weaves, joyce&jim lavene ...finished~02.08.2016

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover. 3 Men and a Body, stephanie bond

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover. The Big Chihuahua, waverly curtis

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here). Guns Will Keep Us Together, leslie langtry

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover. Mum's the Word, kate collins

5/5

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. The Green Mile 2/16/16

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover. Mary Poppins 2/4/16

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover. Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog 2/29/16

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here). Dark Lover 2/8/16

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover. The Husband's Secret 2/3/16

5/5

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper . . . See the Featured Author Master List for more ideas)
by Ed McBain who wrote this as Curt Cannon back in 1958. Both were pen names for Evan Hunter. Finished 2/3/16

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover.
Started on 2/3/16 Finished 2/7/16.

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover. started and finished 2/7/16

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).

Ok so we have two different weapons on this cover "Throwing stars" and a time bomb
Finished 2/14/16
5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover.
I'm thinking a book featuring everyone's favorite beer drinking, orchid loving, reclusive detective Nero Wolfe. I just haven't narrowed it down yet. started 2/7/16, finished 2/12/16 Narrowed it down, I'd forgotten that Wolfe was taking some of his albino orchids to an exposition. Archie hits a tree with the car due to a tire blowing out, which leads to Wolfe in a pature on a large rock avoiding a somewhat irate bull.

February 2016 Mini Challenge


1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. )
Lye in Wait by Cricket McRae also writes as Bailey Cates (2-4-16)

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover.
by Janet Evanovich (2-7-16)

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover.
by Carlene O'Neil (2-12-16)

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover.
by Beverly Allen (2/19/16)

I'm in, although I haven't completed the last two months' challenges. :( But, I'm starting to catch up on my reading, so maybe I'll finish this month's . ;) :)

Gary wrote: "I may do the February challenge. How does one add cover thumbnails to a comment?

I have been reviewing book covers and the criteria. I wonder if the weapon carried by Matt on the cover of The Shad..."


You didn't specify author, so based on title search I'm guessing it's the Robert Jordan series, in which case the answer is yes -- sure looks like a weapon to me. ;-)

Debbie wrote: "I live 40 minutes from the Groundhog in Punxsutawney Pa.
Phil lives at the library in the center of town."


Nearby Sun Prairie (Groundhog Capitol of the World) just got a new Jimmy the Groundhog last week -- talk about leaving things for the last minute! Last year's Jimmy was relieved of his duties after he bit the former mayor's ear. :-D

Heather L wrote: "Gary wrote: "I may do the February challenge. How does one add cover thumbnails to a comment?

I have been reviewing book covers and the criteria. I wonder if the weapon carried by Matt on the cove..."

That would be the one. I'll see how I'm doing time-wise before I tackle that doorstopper book. I have several shorter alternates at the ready.

February Mini-Challenge
Progress: 4



Get a Different Name Day — Some Enchanted Éclair by Bailey Cates

American Heart Month and Valentine's Day — Pearls and Poison by Duffy Brown

Walking the Dog Day — Dead Man Walker by Duffy Brown

Floral Design Day — Demise in Denim by Duffy Brown

One book down, on to book 2 of the challenge.

(1/5)
Oooh this sounds fun!
1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie/Mary Westmacott or Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice/A. N. Roquelaure

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — The Shadow Collector's Apprentice by Amy Gordon

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Call of the Wild by Jack London

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — I haven't quite decided on this one yet...

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Oolong Dead by Laura Childs

So far I've finished Shadow Collector's Apprentice.

Ooh, I'm new to Goodreads and new to the group. Still figuring my way around. I didn't realize that there were challenges. Please count me in!

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name. (eg: Kylie Logan/Casey Daniels; Joyce and Jim Lavene/JJ Cook; Victoria Hamilton/Amanda Cooper . . . See the Featured Author Master List for more ideas)
Ming Tea Murders by Laura Childs aka Gerry Schmitt - I've been reading the Tea Shop Mysteries for years and I've never known that Laura Childs was a pseudonym. Learn something new everyday!

2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover.

3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover.

4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).
Cinderella Six Feet Under by Maia Chance

5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover.

JennH wrote: "Ooh, I'm new to Goodreads and new to the group. Still figuring my way around. I didn't realize that there were challenges. Please count me in!"

Welcome Jenn, I love this challenge because I get introduced to so many other great books and get to take books off my TBR list before adding more. LOL Have fun.

JennH wrote: "Ooh, I'm new to Goodreads and new to the group. Still figuring my way around. I didn't realize that there were challenges. Please count me in!

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a b..."

Glad you found them! I also like to do the seasonal challenges. We are in the middle of the Winter one. Feel free to step into that. You can use books from this challenge to count towards that one...but, you will find you have to get a little creative to do it.

I also really like the challenges, as it helps me to pick the books that are in my TBR pile. I have one, for instance, that I have been meaning to read that will go for the flowers on the cover; and this challenge will help me to tick that one off.

Again, welcome. Glad to have you.

JennH wrote: "Ooh, I'm new to Goodreads and new to the group. Still figuring my way around. I didn't realize that there were challenges. Please count me in!

1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a b..."

Welcome! I love the challenges too, although I've probably gone a little too crazy on them so far this year.

It surprises me that the challenge has no acknowledgement that February is Black History Month.

Three down and well into the 4th which will knockout number 5 of this month's challenge.

Susan wrote: "It surprises me that the challenge has no acknowledgement that February is Black History Month."

But you could always read a book that reflects Black History Month to fulfill your mini challenge.

Julesy wrote: "Susan wrote: "It surprises me that the challenge has no acknowledgement that February is Black History Month."

But you could always read a book that reflects Black History Month to fulfill your mini challenge."


Exactly what I was going to say. ;-)

Susan wrote: "It surprises me that the challenge has no acknowledgement that February is Black History Month."

This monthly challenge started out based on obscure, strange and little known holidays. Even though Valentine's is included this month, it really hasn't veered much from that theme in the last few years. In that context, Black History Month doesn't fit and to be honest I might be offended if it were included. The moderators can always decide to alter the challenge theme but I think I'd like a statement to that effect before including Black History or Women's History, et al. in the list.

There is a President Day either.

As Nell says, the challenge goes to less known holidays. BTW, as I'm Spanish, black history has a totally different meaning for me.

Wow! It's interesting how threatened people are about the idea of including Black History Month...

Susan wrote: "Wow! It's interesting how threatened people are about the idea of including Black History Month..."

Threatened? No. Bored with politics of any sign? Yes

I didn't see anyone feeling threatened. They did explain what the mini-challenges have always been. I'm not sure why you took that as being threatened.

Hey, everyone --

Your friendly challenge mod here.

As others have said, these mini challenges are supposed to be for fun, and we try to highlight fun/ny or more obscure dates. That's not to say that Black History month, Women's History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, etc aren't important, they're just not the focus or intention with these challenges.

That being said, how about we table this discussion and get back on track with what we're reading for our challenges? I personally have just started my third book for the Feb minis, and hoping it's as fast a read as the previous few I've read.

I'm also reading my 3rd book for the challenge. I didn't realize it had flowers on the cover until I looked more closely.

Is there a minimum page number for this challenge? One of the books I read is a novella (about 70 pp). I don't usually read those but this one is a prequel. The dead body is discovered in the novella which ends with the wrongly accused evading the police. It really should be all one book.

I read Tracker as my book with a dog on the cover. It weighs in at 87 pages, the story itself was less than 40 pages, then there were excerpts from other books by James Rollins. Of course soon I'll be wading in the 4th book in the Wheel of Time series which tips the scales at close to 1000 pages depending which version you look at.