Let's get MYSTERIOUS!

My reading tastes have been all over the map the last few months.  I definitely got into mysteries during this time, many of the cozy variety.  Here are my latest discoveries:

Mr. Churchill's Secretary
by Susan Elia MacNeal

Such an interesting time period and I loved that it was from a female perspective and one that is heavily involved in the war effort. There was lots of historical information from WWII which really helped to flesh out the story. I went in expecting that this was going to be another cozy mystery but was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was full of thrilling, intellectual, and well developed characters and plot points! Maggie Hope is a great heroine! I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment, Princess Elizabeth's Spy!

First Grave on the Right

by Darynda Jones

First in the Charley Davidson Series, the lead character is a PI by day and the Grim Reaper by night...and usually during the day too...ok, most of / all of the time.  Charley is a sassy and smart character and it's lots of fun to read about her adventures (more likely misadventures!).  For fans of Janet Evanovich, J.R. Ward, and Sherrilyn Kenyon! Mixes the right amount of mystery with paranormal romance.  I'm looking forward to reading the next few in the series.

Secondhand Spirits

by Juliet Blackwell

Another series first, this one from the Witchcraft Mysteries.  Lily Ivory has just moved to San Fran and decided it's time to set up roots somewhere and here is as good a place as any.  She has opened up a vintage clothing shop (expect lots of fun descriptions of amazing clothes) and is trying hard to balance her new working girl lifestyle with the one she is trying to keep a secret; she is a witch (a pretty powerful one at that).  When a client is murdered and children start disappearing, Lily is dragged into the case.  Naturally, there are 2 sexy men for readers and Lily to choose from; Aidan Rhodes, a powerful male witch, and Max Carmicheal, a 'mythbuster'.  Funny and spooky, a great series for holiday or beach reading!

On What Grounds

by Cleo Coyle

The first in Coyle's Coffeehouse Mystery series; full of lots of coffee, fun characters, and mysterious circumstances.  I liked that the main character, Clare Cosi (and how cute is her name?) is an older and wiser heroine then many series I've been reading of late.  Having a middle aged mother and divorcee really complemented the story and atmosphere created.

Notorious Nineteen

by Janet Evanovich

Oh Stephanie Plum, how I love you...Nothing beats curling up on the couch with the newest adventure of Stephanie, Lula, Morelli, Ranger, and more.  This one features Grandma Mazur going undercover at a nursing home.  Need I say more?

Curiosity Thrilled the Cat

by Sofie Kelly

My new favourite cozy mystery series.  I picked up this first in the Magical Cats Series at White Dwarf Books.  I picked it up and discovered

a) It featured cats.  Cats that look like my cats according to the cover image.

b) The cats are magical ! 

c) It takes place in a quaint small town

d) The main character is a librarian

I was sold!  This is a lovely series that is we written and full of feel good fun.  A must for cat lovers and cozy mystery fans.

I have since read book 2 (Sleight of Paw) and book 3 (Copycat Killing) and both are just as good as the first one!

More genres / reviews to come soon! :)