Cozy Mysteries I Recommend For January!

I love cozy mysteries!  And this month, there are a bevy of great ones to choose from!

Here are a few of the ones I recommend:

MORTAR AND MURDER

(A Do-It-Yourself Mystery #4)

Jennie Bentley

Berkley Prime Crime; $7.99

Avery Baker was once a New York textile designer, but inheriting her aunt's old Maine cottage has led her down a new career path-home renovation. Finding a property's hidden potential has rewards and challenges-especially when a mystery surfaces from behind the walls of a centuries-old house on an mysterious island that has more than its share of deadly secrets. 

This is the fourth book in the "Do-It-Yourself" series, and as expected Jennie Bently packs a lot of action, suspense and delicious tidbits of romance into a captivating story!  I love that she includes tips for projects with her novels, and this edition features how-to instructions on making your own stencils, creating a floor cloth and installing fake paneling!

BUFFALO WEST WING

(A White House Chef Mystery #4)

Julie Hyzy

Berkley Prime Crime; $7.99

With a new First Family, White House executive chef Olivia Paras can't afford to make any mistakes. But when a box of take-out chicken mysteriously shows up for the First Kids, she soon finds herself in a "no-wing" situation. After Olivia refuses to serve the chicken, the First Lady gives her the cold shoulder. But when it turns out to be poisoned poultry, Olivia realizes the kids are true targets and she must do what she can to keep them safe.

Fans of Julie Hyzy's lively series, set in the White House kitchens, can be assured of two things - they will be great reading and will feature great recipes!  And "Buffalo West Wing" is no exception!   

STAY TUNED FOR MURDER

(A Talk Radio Mystery #3)

Mary Kennedy

Obsidian; $6.99

Maggie's radio show has been getting a boost in ratings ever since Madame Chantal, who claims to talk to dead people, started her regular guest appearance. But when two women are killed after a séance, it's up to Maggie to catch the culprit before she winds up on the other side.

I really enjoy this smart, clever series. Mary Kennedy's cast of characters are personable and the action is always fast-paced and fun. The third in the series, I look forward to more adventures with Maggie and her crew in the future.

MURDER YOUR DARLINGS

(An Algonquin Round Table Mystery)

J.J. Murphy

Obsidian; $6.99

One morning legendary wit Dorothy Parker discovers someone under Manhattan's famed Algonquin Round Table. A little early for a passed out drunk, isn't it? But he's not dead drunk, just dead. When a charming writer from Mississippi named Billy Faulkner becomes a suspect in the murder, Dorothy decides to dabble in a little detective work, enlisting her literary cohorts. It's up to the Algonquins to outwit the true culprit-preferably before cocktail hour-and before the clever killer turns the tables on them. 

This is the debut novel in this series, and if the fast-paced storytelling found in this tale is any indication, this will be a great series to keep an eye out for!  I liked it!

These are just a few that have caught my eye among the many new titles out this month.  I'll be spotlighting more in the next couple of weeks!  So be sure to check back, and as usual ...

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