I'm an afficianado of cozy mysteries, which is why I write them instead of thrillers or suspense, etc. So recently I read this delightful cozy by Cindy Sample, Birthdays Are Murder:
It’s always fun to discover a mystery full of both suspense and humor, which is why I like Cindy Sample's earlier "Dying" series. (Dying for a Double, Dying for a Daquiri, etc.) In the first book of her new mystery series set in Spindrift Cove, Birthdays Are Murder, Sample offers ample doses of both.
Protagonist Sierra Sullivan, aging actress and longtime widow, has moved to Spindrift Cove a small coastal town in the Pacific Northwest, to be near her married daughter. Formerly a cruise ship director who sang and danced in productions at sea, Sierra has taken a gig performing at a children’s birthday party to make ends meet. After the party, still in costume, Sierra discovers the body of the host. Soon after, Sierra discovers she is a prime suspect. To make matters worse, her daughter works for the police department. To make matters even worse, a new corpse turns up while Sierra is sneakily trying to find out who killed the first one.
It is hard to say more about this delightful book without dropping spoilers at every turn. And there are turns aplenty, as well as a colorful and well-rounded cast of characters. An added bonus is the wry humor that permeates Sierra’s observations as she tries to track down the killer without becoming the next victim herself.
You can get a copy of Sample's book HERE . It's available in Kindle and in paperback.
 |
| THE AUTHOR |
I am hoping to get an interview with her later, but you can learn more about her on her WEBSITE.
In a future post I have news about a cozy of my own that is going to be published in June. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, how is your own reading going? Do you have any cozies to recommend?
Sometimes cosies are JUST what is needed. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI've just started to read cozy mysteries. Thanks for the recommendation for another one to try.
ReplyDeleteE.C., I totally agree. I like to read heavy stuff, but I also love to break away with a good, light cozy, especially one that makes me laugh. I loved M. C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeath series.
ReplyDeleteHi, Natalie, thanks for stopping by. What I like about cozies is that they are FUN. There's usually a dead body, of course, sometimes even more. But no blood and gore - death happens offstage. And while there's usually a relationship or two with some chemistry, no graphic sex, so you can stick to the story and figuring out what is basically a puzzle mystery. Think Agatha Christie.
ReplyDeleteI like a good cozy. I used to read a lot of thrillers, but I find that as I get older, I really don't enjoy the stress of thrillers, but I still like a good mystery. I'll put this on my list. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteI also prefer reading a cozy. Why does sex have to come into play every twenty pages? That turns me off. This sounds like a great book. You make it seem so very exciting, too. Nice review that keeps the reader wanting more, dear Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteHi, Rosi, I like cozies for the same reason. Every now and then one needs to read something "light" and all the better if you get in a few chuckles. I think you would enjoy this one.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Elizabeth. I so agree about sex scenes. I think I've only read a couple of novels where I could see a real reason for the sex scenes: they were well done and did what all scenes are supposed to do - developed character and moved the story. (They weren't cozies, though.) But what appeals ot me in cozies is the "puzzle" aspect of it. I love trying to keep up with the sleuth, trying to figure out who did it and why. I'm glad you liked the review.
ReplyDelete