Perhaps, upon reading the title to this blog, you might think that I am going to introduce a new cozy mystery to you. Nope! Instead, I am going to introduce myself…I have tried to add little things about myself throughout my site… If you have read the "B" page, then you know that my ALL TIME, VERY FAVORITE AUTHOR is not even a cozy mystery author… E. F. Benson's Mapp and Lucia series is the only series of books of which I have well-used copies… The series is the only set of books that I have read more than once, and plan on reading again…. and again. They are Cozies without the mysteries!
When I wrote my definition of What Makes a Cozy Just That?, I submitted a little information about myself… (Don't ask me why, but I made up a pseudonym for myself…. as if the people across the street might read the biography and know it was me!) Anyway, here is what I submitted as my biography:
"Erin Martin is a freelance author, an avid reader, and a fan of mysteries (of all types.) She has a master's degree in education. Erin resides with her husband who also enjoys reading. Erin created and maintains the Cozy Mystery List, a Reader's Guide to Cozy Mystery Books (and Other Favorite Authors)." (I used a pseudonym because at the time, I thought that I would possibly start writing articles for other sites to use… but, instead, this site has become my priority and takes up most of my computer time.) My name is Danna (as in banana… not Dana or Donna.)
So, why do I spend this amount of time putting a site on the web?
Well, after joining several mystery reading groups, and making some very good friends who shared my love for cozies, I started branching out… and slowly started accruing all of these authors… one author "leading me" to another author through their similarities, etc.
I have been reading cozies for years, and I got very discouraged when I attempted to find new authors to try. I remember that I would go to Amazon to buy a book, and there would be all of these "come-ons" from different readers… and (at first) I would get so excited thinking that I would find new authors to try, just by clicking on the "cozy list-mania" type of lists. After clicking on many lists, I felt very discouraged to find that the person would have one or two authors he/she liked… listing the authors' books out of sequence, and most of the time, not even listing all of the given authors' books.
Also, after buying several books twice… (And that is no joke!) I decided that I would have to start writing down all of the authors and books that I read. I actually found that when I went to place a newly acquired book in my TBR section of my bookshelves, the identical book would already be occupying its proper space! Thus, my initiation into the world of compulsive author/book lists.
One of my cozy mystery book reading friends asked if she could have a copy of my list, and the rest is history! That is when I started to index all of my authors on my computer, trying to update whenever I found a new author or a new book for one of my "old" authors. And, after years of keeping a list on my computer, my husband suggested that I put the lists on the web. So I made this alphabetical and chronological list of books and authors into the Cozy Mystery Site that you see now… after several years (and thousands of hours!) of effort. A full disclosure about the links is here.
I sure hope that these author and book lists can be of help to you.
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I've read Lucia! I have never met another person who has read them! I read the entire original canon about six years ago. I just laughed out loud through most of it. Thanks for the heads up about the two sequels. I will have to look out for them. Ciao!
Ah! Another fan of Lulu's Lobster a la Riseholme! I hope that between the two of us, we are able to spread the word. So many people not knowing about E. F. Benson's Mapp series is simply too tarsome!
Here is another fan of Mapp and Lucia!! I too have read the books more than once–and will again I promise you. I also own the DVDs. I wore out the vhs tapes! I wish more than anything I could live in delicious Tilling, and visit with Diva and Elizabeth over the morning shopping.
Donna…
I know I am quite "tarsome" bringing up these wonderful books as often as I do… I keep hoping that a few people will try them. I, too, wish "I could live in delicious Tilling" (to use your words.) I would even learn how to play bridge, in hopes of being invited to one of Lucia's bridge parties… even knowing that I would have to endure endless versions of Moonlight Sonata!
Au reservoir…
Hello there, I haven't noticed any mention of an excellent mystery author, CLARISSA WATSON. She wrote a series of books featuring painter and art expert Persis Willum. The books are intelligent and fun, so much so that I re-read them about every 5 years! Please give them a try if you like international intrigue and a heroine who loves art. I only wish she had written more of them.
Hi Carolyn
I am sorry to say that I have never read a Clarissa Watson novel… but they do sound good! As a matter of fact, I think that I will write a blog about her and see if anybody knows of an author who is similar to her.
Thanks for telling us about her!
Hi, dog lovers will like the new cozy I discovered titled "Sunshine Estates: Rx for Rosedale" (was actually looking for something about Bernese Mountain Dogs, and found this cozy instead!) The protagonist is a pet sitter in a retirement development. I laughed out loud in quite a few spots, and was pleasantly surprised by some twists and turns the mystery took. A very entertaining read … and a bonus my favorite dog is a character in the novel.
Thanks for the recommendation…
Lynn C. Shirey
Sunshine Estates: Rx for Rosedale '08
Looks like it is a fun read!
Danna,
I can't thank you enough for the wonderful website! After graduate school and two small children, I am finally venturing back into "reading for pleasure." Your recommendations and information are wonderful!
Best to you,
Ericka
Hi Ericka,
I'm glad you finally have time to read for pleasure! I remember those days…
I hope that you find a few authors who you want to try. When I started the site I only had the authors I had personally read, but since the site's inception, I have added a lot of authors who site readers have recommended. (I, too, have found some new authors who I want to spend time reading!)
Ha,ha,ha. I too have had to keep a list of books I have read after duplicating some time after time. My list is 9 pages long! Only listing author and titles. Wanted to do a critique of the author, but the list would be unmanageable when I go shopping!
Thanks for this great site! Now I have new authors to find! My favorites: Miss Seeton series and M. C. Beaton – both series. Many others as well but these are 'gold' to me!
Hi Pat,
M. C. Beaton is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Unfortunately, I have "caught up" reading all of her books, and am waiting patiently for her next to be published… which should be very soon!
Hi there, Danna
Wow, do you know how glad I am that I stumbled upon your website!! I have read my favourite authors to pieces and was really getting desperate trying to get hold of new "cosies".
I am a South African reader who cannot fall asleep without a "cosy" in my hand or in my ears (Ipod). "Cosies" are not generally available over the counter and I have to have an author's name to order them from a bookshop.
Charlotte Macleod and Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters are two of my 10 star authors. I enjoy their tongue-in-the-cheek style very much and have read them so many times.
With your list I now have a new problem: Where do I start? But don't you worry… that is a lovely problem, one that I will enjoy solving.
Thanks so much!
Corna
Hi Corna,
You are the first Cozy Mystery Site Reader from South Africa who has sent a note… Thank you!
I am glad that the site (with its authors' lists) is helping you… Some of the authors are favorites of mine, while others, I am not familiar with quite yet. But, I'm like you>>> I have gotten many new ideas of authors to read from the recommendations that I get from Site Readers.
Thanks (again) for taking the time to write to say such nice things about the site!
Hello Danna,
I'd like to add another oldie – the Mr. & Mrs. North series by the Lockridges. They are fun, but there were so many of them I was never able to find them all. And they don't get republished that often.
Also, Jane Langton's Homer Kelly is not an 1800's Oxford professor but a mid-1900's retired DA, turned detective, turned professor.
Thank you so much, Arlene, for telling me about the Homer Kelly mistake. I have just corrected it.
I have the Lockridges on the site, with the Mr. & Mrs. North series. They sure did write a lot of books!
Thanks, again…
Danna, What a find your site is. A girl after my own heart. I just never knew they were called "cozy" books. I have been reading them for years too. I started keeping track of books I've read years ago in a very labor intensive way on my computer. Well several computers later I am still trying to keep track of them and as you do, I try and keep a list of what I may want to read. I also dislike jumping in in the middle of a series. So, I have started collecting them as I go along trying to get the whole series before I get started. I keep them on a site called my library thing. Very easy to use. It prints out a list of books that I can carry with me to look for. You of course have now given me more books to look for. So to that end, do you have any sites that you use to root out used books to fill your shelves? I got injured at work a year ago and have a lot of time to read now (for a while) but have limited income. I really don't want to use ebay or amazon. I know there are some great sites out there where I could possibly find some of the older books but it is hard to ferret them out. Anyway, just wanted to thank you for this great site and all the work that goes into it. Now off to check out the rest of your site.
Hi Renee,
I am so glad that you found the site. I have to warn you, though, that now that I am taking recommendations from site readers, I can't vouch for the "cozy-ness" of each of the authors!
I get all of the books in a new series before I start to read them, also. This usually works out really well for me, but there have been a few times when I don't actually like the author, and then I have a bunch of books that I will not read.
I'm sorry, but I buy most of my books from Amazon. I used to go to our local Half Price book stores, but for some reason I haven't been going to them recently. I also try to get some from the paper back swapping site.
Thank you so much for writing to me and letting me know about your enjoyment of the site…
Danna,
I too, have just stumbled upon this website while I was looking for a specific author. I have been keeping my list for years and it is a 27 page spreadsheet at this point. Many of your authors are already on my list. I am strictly a library user since I find no need to own a book if I only intend to read it once. I also try not to start a book series in the middle and having my list is a lifesaver in keeping the books in order. Libraries do not always have all of a series or they get rid of the older books or sometimes, a book is just checked out and not available at the time I am there, so having many options is a must. I definitely will be doing some work to add more of these authors to my list.
Thank you for doing much of the work for me.
Hi Marie,
I'm glad you found the site. I started out with a computerized list of my books and would mark them off as I read and/or bought them.
I hope that you are able to find some new authors you might enjoy!
Danna, just found your site this morning (through Louise Penny, my recent most favorite) and have sat here for hours reading and making lists of authors. I enjoyed the blog and loved the interview. Do you have a newsletter to subscribe to? I'd like to be on an automatic mailing list to receive your latest. Thanks for all of the work you have put into your website. I am now a regular reader.
Thank you, Martha. I am so glad that you are enjoying the site. I hope you find lots of authors who look interesting to you. I know that since I started the site, I have found several new authors from site readers' recommendations.
Sorry to say, but I don't have a newsletter. It does, however, sound like a good idea…
I discovered the cozy mystery website a few months ago and just want to let Danna know that this absolutely fantastic list has helped me keep sane through some very personal troubles. I am reading Dana Cameron now. But I am going to go back to the "a's" and work my way through the whole 'aytozed' list!
One of my very favorites is M.C. Beaton and I have been so entertained by the Hamish series. Loved Agatha Raisin too. I saw that the Hamish series was picked up by the BBC and turned into 24 episodes. Would anyone know if they are available on DVD?
Again, thanks to Danna and her friends for finding me wonderful ways to take my mind off my problems. The first round is on me, if we ever chance to meet!
Best Regards,
Dareth, M.L.S.
Portland, Oregon
Hi Dareth,
I first want to thank you for all of the nice things you had to say about the site. I think that it's wonderful that you the books are helping you through "some very personal troubles." Books are a great way to "lose ourselves" for a while, aren't they?
As for the M. C. Beaton Hamish series. My husband and I were fortunate to catch it while it was on the BBCA network… and we really enjoyed it. I must say, however, that I was a little surprised (at first) by their choice in actors for Hamish… not quite what I expected. But, once my initial reaction wore off, I enjoyed the actor's portrayal. (Although, I still think that they changed Hamish quite a bit from the novels.)
Anyway, I just looked it up, and the complete series is available on DVD… Hamish Macbeth, Series 1-3 Collection. You might even be able to track down the DVDs to rent…
I hope that things are improving for you… Danna
I just found your site today (4/13/09) and love it! I love reading cozy mysteries and am always searching for new series to start. Thank you for giving the option to search by theme, I have not seen that on a site before.
Hi Jennifer,
Welcome to the site! It's always nice to hear from people who enjoy the site…
Hi, Danna, I just discovered your site yesterday and it's wonderful! I've been reading all mysteries for many years and didn't even know that some are called cosy mysteries. I like all different types of mysteries. I've been keeping a booklist for probably twenty years and it started out on 3×5 cards and is now up to ten 3-column pages and is just the authors and their books. But after looking at your listings I'm probably going to add many more pages to my list. My list is a working list, books I have, ones I don't have and ones to read are all marked with different symbols. I carry it in my purse all the time. Thanks so much for making this list as it's something I've been wanting for a long, long time. Sally, Missouri
Hi, Sally, and welcome to the site!
You sound like someone who is never fooled into buying the same book twice… like I did several times before I started keeping a detailed list of "my" authors.
Thanks for writing and letting me know that you like the site. It's always nice to hear nice comments!
Hi Danna,
Just discovered your site and am thrilled. Thank you for your hard work! I’m returning to cozy mysteries in my 40’s after spending most of my 20’s and 30’s reading a lot of heavy literary fiction. I finally decided to stop torturing myself—life is too short! Like another commenter, I am going through some difficulties and just want to read books that are totally engaging and make me feel good. I started thinking about the books I enjoyed most as a young person (Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca, all of Agatha Christie, Nancy Drew, etc.) and randomly picked up Dorothy Cannell’s The Thin Woman. It was great therapy, and I’m hungry for more. The problem with diving back in 20 some odd years later is that without some kind of map, the landscape is overwhelming. Amazon is somewhat helpful, but what you’ve done is outstanding, and will make my journey so much easier. Thank you again.
Angela
Hi Angela,
Welcome back to Cozy Mysteries!
My sister reads "heavy literary fiction" and self-help books>>> None of which seem to help improve her mood(s?).
There's nothing like returning to something that we truly enjoyed at an earlier time in our lives… Very therapeutic! I hope that your Cozies continue to help you through the challenges you are presently experiencing.
Just discovered your site and wanted to dash off a note to say thanks. I will make use of it often. I enjoy a good mystery , especially ones with Dogs and FOOD!
Just finished a first novel by Spencer Quinn, a Chet and Bernie Mystery called Dog on it. Quite good actually. It was my excuse for not getting my weekend chores done!
Hi David,
Welcome to the Cozy Mystery Site AND thanks for telling us about the Chet and Bernie Mystery Series!
Hi, Danna,
You must know more about cozies than anyone on the planet! So of course I must ask you for recommendations. My favorite mysteries are British and a bit edgy. I love the ones written by Ruth Rendell writing as Barbara Vine, but I also like her Wexford novels. Other favorites are P.D. James and Minette Walters, and I have read Morag Joss lately. Can you suggest any other British authors who write psychological thrillers? Thanks!
Hi Kathie,
You might want to take a look at some of the authors on these lists:
British Authors A-B, C-D, E-H, J-N, P-S, T-W
Right off the top of my head… How about Martha Grimes, Colin Dexter, Elizabeth George, Dorothy L. Sayers, Kathy Reichs (not British settings)… I'm not big on thrillers, as you can tell from these suggestions…
Are there any site readers out there who might know some authors who truly write British psychological thrillers?
I realize that I am likely on the wrong site,but maybe some one would be good enough to point me as to where to go.I have just learned that several of M.C.Beatons books with Hamish McBeth as main character have been made into movies.How and where can I locate a source of these movies on DVD?I am in the U S A.Were they ever imported here?
Yes, they are offered here in the USA >>> there is a collector's set with all three seasons of the Hamish Macbeth shows. My husband and I were lucky to have seen them when they appeared on the BBCA network… before they changed their format to include mostly cleaning, selling, and cooking reality shows.
Hi Danna-
I've actually been enjoying your site for quite some time now. I, like many others have list after list of cozy mysteries that I would love to read–and ditto for the books that I have already read. I own tons of books due to a local library book sale that sells books every month for 30 cents. I'm, of course, very selective and only buy cozies. After going to these book sales( which,by the way, is a family event-we travel 50 miles) for 5 years(only missed a few),you can only imagine my stockpile of books. I have bookshelves everywhere-even two 9ft high solid oak wardrobes that my hsuband added shelves to in order to house my books. You would think that I would be happy with those, but I'm always looking for that cozy that takes place at "the old mansion" where some type of gathering takes place and, of course, a murderer is in the midst. If you could give me any direction on what authors or books deal specifically with that topic I would be extemely grateful. Again, thanks for the great site that puts everything in order—no more messy lists that get lost in my purse-just my i-phone and your website!!!
Karen
Hi Karen,
I'm glad you're enjoying the site.
I will try to post an entry that deals with your topic. Hopefully some of the site readers will be able to give you some ideas of authors whose books deal with the murderer-in-the-mansion idea.
I read Red Christmas a few years ago by Patrick Ruell (aka Reginald Hill) and it was exactly that… a snowed-in group of people in an old estate.
Of course, other than Red Christmas, I am coming up blank… except for some of Agatha Christie's books.
I will try to get an entry written that will help you with this…
Hi,
Just wanted to leave you a note and tell you how wonderful your blog and cozy mystery website is! I read a lot of different books; sometimes a cozy mystery. I have been frustrated by starting in the middle of a series and find your site such a help!
I know that you have spent so much time on this and wanted to tell you it is greatly appreciated!
Thank you, Cindy, for the very kind words. I know how frustrating it is to start a series in the middle. The internet sure has helped with that problem… I truly remember having to pull all of an author's books off of the bookshelves in the library and then going through each book to find out what year was listed as the copyright, and that had to be the first copyright! Talk about frustrating! (I should add that I always returned the books to their proper location on the shelves!)
I know you are overwhelmed with suggestions for additional authors. Nevertheless, I'm pretty sure you would like this one. I just read "The Dead Wives Society" by Sharon Duncan. It is one of four in the Scotia MacKinnon series. The author's website is scotiamysteries.com. Apparently she wrote four in this series, the last being 2004. I couldn't find any reason that she hasn't written more but I found them to be a cut above the average cozy.
As always, thanks for the great work you do. I enjoy both the site and the blog immensely! Pam
Just discovered your brilliant website Danna. Thank you so much for putting together such a comprehensive authors' list for my favourite kind of fiction. I can see I'll have many more cosy reads to look forward to this winter.
PS: Another fine writer you might want to consider for your list is the late Janie Bolitho whose artist-detective, Rose Trevelyan solves mysteries in the Cornish countryside.
Thank you both, Rena and Pam for your recommendations. I have added both of the authors to my list of authors to post…
I found your website on Stumbleupon and was I glad! I thought I was just about the only one on the planet that loved cozies. In my part of the world, Brenham, Texas, they are scarce as hensteeth. I, too, have made list after list and go to our library to find books only to be told they are not available, but can be had through interlibrary loan. Which I did for a long time, but found that our librarian was not able to keep up with my voracious appetite for books, not to mention how long one must wait for these items to be found and of course, they are not in order. I hate to read out of order. And to add insult to injury, we are now charged $3.00 a book for the privilege. I can see that a lending library is needed. Any ideas on that one?
I am so glad to find your site and feel I have found a kindred soul. Thanks for writing the blog and keeping the lists! It great!
Hi Kathleen,
Welcome to the site. As you can probably tell by the people who comment on the site, there are plenty of us around!
I looked up Brenham, Texas, and see that you are located right between Austin and Houston… sort of mid-way. What a shame that they are making you pay $3.00 for inter-library loans. Have you tried seeing what the local high school has to offer? A few years ago, our crazy councilman had the great idea to make our local high school's library into the public library. It would be a great idea for those of us who live close to the library, except for the crazy hours we are allowed into the place…
Anyway, glad you found the site, and hope you continue to enjoy it!