What do you like in a cozy mystery? One of my fellow writers mentioned the other day, that there’s a wide range of topics and writing styles within the broad heading of Cozy Mysteries. They all have similarities, certainly, else they wouldn’t be cozy. Some of them, however, have a bit of supernatural and some are heavy on romance. Some could be described as a Thriller. In fact, one of my friends, after she had read The Cemetery Club, said she felt it was pretty cozy until the chase scene down Deertrack Hill and then the shivers started.
At the moment, I’m reading The Mysterious Affair at Stiles by Agatha Christie. I’m not always a big Christie fan but this one is intriguing. A few days ago I finished Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson. I really enjoy Mignon F. Ballard’s cozies and eagerly await each of Carolyn Hart’s mysteries.
Believe, there’s a wide range of writing styles there.
A reader friend wrote one of the most encouraging review I’ve ever gotten. In it, she put into words what I’d like for my readers to feel when they read the Darcy and Flora books: “The Cemetery Club (Darcy and Flora Cozy Mystery) by Blanche Day Manos & Barbara Burgess is a great cozy mystery that mixes faith, mystery and family along with suspense that leaves you on the edge of your seat and wanting more.
Darcy has come home to her mother’s after the death of her husband. When her mother Flora along with Darcy find the body of Flora’s good friend Ben at the cemetery then things get really interesting and dangerous for Darcy and Flora. Can they find out why and who killed Ben before more people are killed or the killer succeeds in killing them?
Darcy and Flora remind me of my daughter and me. We have a special bond and it seems we can always find ways to make things interesting. I think I could feel right at home sitting in their kitchen sharing stories while drinking coffee. That is part of the charm of this book, being able to feel like you know them and could be right in the middle of this mystery helping them solve it as well as getting in trouble right along with them. I like that the book keeps you guessing. It is one of those books that you don’t want to put down but then when you get to the end you wish there was more. It has just the right mix of suspense, faith and family. I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it to others.
I think one of my favorite quotes from the book is, pg. 38 ‘Trust God, Darcy. He knows the end from the beginning.” This is a very comforting thought. And then another favorite was “To her way of thinking, in all times of stress, coffee helped.’Pg. 48. I so agree!
I loved this book. I think that anyone who likes a good mystery, with twists and turns will want to read this book. I can’t wait to read the other two in the series.”
Thank you, Debbie Forbes.
Anyway, I’d like to know what elements you look for in a book. What makes you read through to the end and what (shudder) makes you close the book after the first page? I read and respond to every comment.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=blanche+day+manos
http://pen-l.com/Mystery.html
Thank you I love your books.
Thanks again, Deb. Your comments have made my day!