Cozy Mystery Corner discussion

I know I've seen them. I've spent a good amount of time trying to find them again, too! Can anyone remember the name of any novels that have maps of the fictional town in the story?

And, while I'm at it, do you, as a reader, like seeing the maps? I really do. I love having a visual of the town. I'd like to include one in my novel but I'd like to see some to get an idea for how it's been done.

I've always thought that cozies come with perks. It's one of the reasons I love them. We gets maps, recipes, patterns, etc., It's like a free gift with purchase.

I know the donut shop mysteries by Jessica Beck have them. Try the earlier books such as Sinister Sprinkles, Drop Dead Chocolate, andIllegally Iced. Also Joanne Fluke's Joanne Fluke's Lake Eden Cookbook: Hannah Swensen's Recipes From The Cookie Jar. I happen to like the maps of the town. It makes me feel like I know the town better.

There is a map in G M Malliett's, Wicked Autumn. There's a map in the Georgette Heyer mystery I'm reading, Detection Unlimited, but it's an older book and probably difficult to find. At least one of the Death on Demand mysteries by Carolyn Hart has a map of the island but I don't remember which one (April Fool Dead or earlier) - I copied it and move it from book to book.

I've seen maps in other cozies but it's hard to remember which ones. It's helpful when locations in the town or village are important. It also helps you get a sense of the place.

They aren't mysteries, but Jan Karon included maps of Mitford in her books about that town. I think Philip R Craig has a map of Martha's Vineyard in his mysteries set there. That does have the advantage of being a real place, so that he kind of has to stick to the basic map. I've thought about doing a map of Pismawallops Island, but I'm pretty sure I'll keep wanting to add and tweak things as I build the series, so I'm not sure it would be a good idea! (Even though I love maps).

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. I knew I'd seen them before but, after you've read so many books, details like that are easy to forget!

As for Jan Karon's "At Home in Mitford" series... it's one of my favorites. True, it's not a mystery. Anyone know what genre that would even fall under? I've always called them "Feel Good" or "Hallmark" books! LOL

I agree, Rebecca. I'm a map enthusiast, too. I'm just not an artist!

under the Dome

Jack wrote: "Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. I knew I'd seen them before but, after you've read so many books, details like that are easy to forget!

As for Jan Karon's "At Home in Mitford" series......"

LOL! Cozies without the mystery? Definitely feel good books.

Love G M Malliet's books.

Rebecca wrote: LOL! Cozies without the mystery? Definitely feel good books. Well, I misspoke a bit. There are mysteries but they aren't to do with murders or kidnappings! "At Home in Mitford" is more like a Hallmark Movie. I'm a sucker for those. Especially their new movie turned TV series, "Signed, Sealed Delivered." It's my favorite show on television.

Bookadventurer wrote: "Buzz Off series. Map of small town Moraine, WI. LOVE this series!" Thanks, Bookadventurer! I'll have to check them out for sure. Not just for the map but because I can't resist strong recommendations.