Category Archives: cozy

Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death

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Marion Chesney has written over 100 historical romances under half-a-dozen different pseudonyms, but her mystery novels are written under the name M.C. Beaton. Author of the Hamish MacBeth mystery series, MPL has a number of videos for check-out from the television series that is loosely based on her novels.

I recently picked-up one of her Agatha Raisin novels while looking for a cozy writer that might have a lenthy series to read and recommend. What fun to find the formidable but hilarious Agatha Raisin. This fifty-three year old advertising professional has chucked life in cosmopolitan London, sold her business and moved to the charming Cotswold’s for a change of pace. Trying to fit in, un-domestic Agatha enters a baking contest with a quiche purchased from her favorite deli in London, only to be accused of murder when the judge dies of cowband poisoning. Agatha’s life is in jeopardy as she searches for the killer and tries to fit into village life. I can believe one would find Agatha embroiled in all kinds of mischief in this 22-book series and enjoy every one. Sample Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death for a cozy British mystery.

Death by Cashmere by Sally Goldenbaum

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Come join the group in Izzy’s knit shop, gathered together knitting, talking, eating good food, and drinking good wine. In this sleepy tourist town on the Massachusetts coast, four women come together: Nell is a retiree who makes sure everyone is fed and taken care of, Birdie is old enough to tell it straight and not care what anyone thinks about it, Izzy left a law firm in Boston to come home and open her shop, and Cass has to wash off the smell of her lobster boat before she comes to gather with her friends and knit the same scarf over and over. Their quiet world is disturbed when Izzy’s upstairs renter, Angie, washes up on shore. The friends come together to console one another and figure out who brought this element of evil to their peaceful community. Death by Cashmere is a sumptuous story, providing a sweet escape to summer.

The Long Quiche Goodbye

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Avery Aames has written another of those delicious culinary mysteries that makes one want to raid the refrigerator. Many different culinary mysteries are being cooked up these days. This time we work at solving a murder as we learn the ins and outs of the cheese business. Our senses are tickled with artisan cheese descriptions and yummy sounding recipes as we watch for clues to the murder of a wealthy businessman. Other popular food novels center on chocolate, wine, caterers, bakeries, even farmer’s markets. Keep some yummy snacks handy when reading The Long Quiche Goodbye, preferably a gourmet cheese assortment with a complementary wine.
Another book in our library that may be of interest to foodies who love to party is called, The Tasting Club: gathering together to share and savor your favorite tastes by Dina Cheney. This non-fiction book guides those who are a part of the growing trend to entertain at home how to plan and host a tasting party. Learn how to choose a particular ingredient and plan a party around it. Chapters include wine, chocolate, cheese, honey, tea, olive oil, cured meats, balsamic vinegar, apples and beer; with menus, food history, perfect food pairings and accompaniments.
Bon Appetit!

Murder with Peacocks by Donna Andrews

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Meg Lanslow returns to spend the summer in her Virginia home town to help prepare for the three weddings for which she is serving as maid of honor. The brides are difficult, her relatives are crazy, the tasks are endless, the gorgeous new guy in town is reportedly gay, and, to top it all off, people are being attacked right and left. The first in a series, Murder, with Peacocks is a light and fun read.

JIMMY by Robert Whitlow

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>Jimmy is an ordinary story with extraordinary happenings. Because of Jimmy’s handicap, some of his accomplishments are what might be considered trivial to others. Yet, Mr. Whitlow pulls the reader into each situation Jimmy faces; his fears, trials and his victories. I just wanted to be Jimmy’s friend as I read through this book. The relationships that are built between Jimmy, his parents, his grandfather, his dog and other characters throughout the story are strong and endearing. I would consider this book a gentle read with a little suspense built in.

Witch Way to Murder

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In Witch Way to Murder, by Shirley Damsgaard, you will enjoy a light touch of the paranormal. In this cozy mystery, Ophelia Jensen is a sassy, savvy librarian who just happens to be a reluctant witch, an unwanted “gift” she considers inconvenient at best and at worst downright dangerous.

Her kindly old grandmother Abby, however, has no compunctions about the paranormal, being a practicing witch with unique abilities of her own. And sometimes the otherworldly arts do come in handy — like when the arrival of a mysterious, good-looking stranger seems to trigger an epidemic of catastrophes, from the theft of bomb-making materials to a corpse dumped in Abby’s backyard. Luckily Ophelia and Abby are on the case and determined to make things right. But it’ll take more than magick to get out of this boiling cauldron of lethal trouble.