Writing the Perfect Cozy Mystery

Book Reviews – Historical Mysteries

Recently, I’ve read several historical mysteries that I’ve enjoyed. I like this genre because these stories immerse you in another era. The police are limited to solving a case with the means available to them at the time. Meanwhile, the heroine utilizes her intuition and deductive skills to root out the killer while struggling to maintain her place in society. It’s a learning experience as well to read these books that may mention historical figures and issues of the times. So grab yourself a copy and settle in to travel to another place where you can relish the blend of history and mystery.

Murder at Vinland by Alyssa Maxwell
The Gilded Newport Mysteries, Book Twelve

A series of mysterious poisonings afflicts society women in Newport during the Gilded Age. Reporter Emma Cross Andrews, a distant relation of the Vanderbilts, is dismayed by the case, especially when one woman she knows is arrested and might be innocent. Vinland is the seaside home of Emma’s relative, Florence Vanderbilt Twombly. It’s after a charity luncheon there benefiting the Audubon Society that the first guest falls ill. Others soon follow, and Emma gets on the case before more ladies are targeted. Murder at Vinland is an easy read that will keep you guessing. I had no idea whodunit and was surprised by the finale. The setting details will have you feeling you’re in Newport among the elite, although Emma is just as friendly with her staff as with the upper crust Four Hundred. This historical mystery offers another winner by the talented Alyssa Maxwell.
(Book One is Murder at the Breakers, also a Hallmark TV Movie Mystery)

Peril in Paris by Rhys Bowen
A Royal Spyness Mystery, Book Sixteen

Lady Georgiana Rannoch, related to the King of England, is invited to Paris to stay with her friend, Belinda. Her husband Darcy accompanies her but takes up residence at a hotel so he can conduct his clandestine business. Belinda is working for Coco Chanel prior to the debut show of her fall collection. When Darcy asks Georgie to retrieve an item from one of the patrons, she’s happy to comply until things go terribly wrong and a woman is murdered. With a child on the way, Georgie can’t afford to spend time in prison which is where the French inspector would like to put her. She must muster her sleuthing skills to unmask the culprit before she becomes the next victim. A clever plot, a charming heroine, and a romantic setting conspire to turn this story into a twisty tale of lies and spies.
(Book One is Her Royal Spyness)

Uneasy Spirits by M. Louisa Locke
A Victorian San Francisco Mystery, Book Two

Boarding house owner and widow Annie Fuller disguises herself as a clairvoyant to offer financial advice to her clients. She’d like to explore her budding relationship with lawyer Nate Dawson, but a plea from a boarder gets in the way. The woman’s sister has been suckered in by a trickster who holds seances and preys on grieving customers. But is he a fraud? He and his colleagues seem to know too much about a secret from Annie’s past. As she attempts to discern the truth from lies, someone means to stop her from digging further unless it’s her own grave. With a cast of intriguing characters, detailed settings, and a likeable heroine, this suspenseful story is a page-turner!
(Book One is Maids of Misfortune)

The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur

June Hur’s books that take place during the Joseon dynasty are on my must-read list. Since I’m a fan of Korean period dramas, I’ve enjoyed her standalone mysteries that immerse you in this era. When Hwani’s detective father goes missing, she runs away from her aunt’s home to search for him. It’s the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, where women are expected to be obedient. But Hwani is determined to find out what happened to him. She remembers the skills her father taught her and starts on his trail. He’d been investigating a town where a number of girls have disappeared and one might have been murdered. As she gets to know the villagers, several suspects emerge. So does her estranged sister, Maewol, who lives there with the town shaman. Can Hwani protect her sibling while finding out who had stolen the missing girls and why? And how did it relate to her own past, when she and Maewol were found lost in the forest years ago? This gripping story immerses you in a frightening world with a heroine who is persistent and clever.

Killing Time in Georgia by Susan Kiernan-Lewis
Savannah Time Travel Mysteries, Book One

Police dispatcher Georgia Belle travels back in time from 2023 to 1923 in Savannah, when racial bigotry was rampant along with a lack of women’s rights. Confused about how she got there, Georgia is taken in by the kindly Mary, a single woman living independently. Those were dangerous times considering a serial killer was on the loose, and current crime fighting methods didn’t exist. When an innocent man ends up in jail, Georgia vows to clear his name. But first she must put herself in danger to find the real killer. Detailed descriptions lend an aura of authenticity to this time travel tale that quickly becomes a page turner as Georgia narrows the suspects. Can she solve the crime before she returns back to the future? Mystery, history and romance mingle in this delightful series debut. I’ll definitely be looking for the sequel.

Murder on the Flying Scotsman by Jessica Baker
Lady Thea Mysteries, Book One

Lady Thea is on a train to Scotland to visit her cousins when she finds a dead body in her compartment. The man turns out to be the secret husband of her maid, Molly. When Molly is arrested for the murder, Lady Thea determines to find the real killer. She meets a quirky assortment of fellow passengers as well as a handsome inspector from Scotland Yard and a mysterious reporter. The suspects keep you guessing until the culprit is revealed in the final, suspense-filled scene. Even without the murder, the setting and sleuth are fun to follow. I’ll look forward to reading more in this delightful series.

GIVEAWAY

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Utopia of the Seas 2024 Coco Cay

Day Three of our 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas was a beach day on beautiful Coco Cay in the Bahamas. After a bountiful breakfast, we headed off the ship, our skin slathered in sunscreen and our faces shielded by hats. A sign welcomed us to this tropical paradise.

Near the entrance was a faux pirate ship that’s fun for kids. After a brief stop here, we continued down a shady lane lined with tropical foliage. Multiple beaches, playgrounds, and water slides abound throughout this island. You can even take a hot air balloon ride. We stopped at a splash pad water park that was fun for our 4-year-old grandson. I didn’t mind a dip under a sprinkle myself.

Then we settled in at Harbor Beach, a lagoon with a view of the ships in dock. While my family went in the water, I meandered further down the path. I browsed through the huts of the native market that had the same hats, clothing, water gear, souvenirs and trinkets as the Straw Market in Nassau. Then I got a Rum Punch at a tiki bar.

Back at Harbor Beach, I relaxed on a lounge chair. Most of the chairs came with umbrellas which was a nice touch. You just picked a chair and sat. When it got too hot, I went partially into the water to cool off. I was glad I’d worn water shoes that I had just bought at Target. The water in August was very warm. Aside from the lagoon, you could choose a beach that’s ocean-side or one at a secluded adults-only retreat.

The kids wanted to swim at the pool so we left our beachside perch and found a giant freeform pool a short walk away. There’s even a bar you can access from the pool. It was nice that you could just walk into the water. It stayed shallow for a distance so was very easy for our grandson. The pool is a nice option for people who don’t want to risk sea lice or jellyfish in the ocean.

Lunchtime brought us to the nearest dining venue, one of several scattered throughout the island. We indulged in hot dogs, burgers, barbecued chicken, salads, fruit and cookies.

We encountered some of the native wildlife including chickens and iguanas. Fortunately, we weren’t accosted by any no-see-ums or mosquitoes. After lunch, we eyed a series of approaching clouds with trepidation. This being rainy season, afternoon showers were common. We were already hot and sticky and yearning for the air-conditioned comfort of our cabins. Back aboard we went, diving into our showers to get clean. Then it was time for a rest.

Dinner was Shrimp in Garlic Sauce and Blueberry Crumble for dessert.

That night, we attended the ice-skating show. It amazes me how they can do these performances on a moving ship, although we hardly felt any motion at all on this voyage.

The day for me ended with a drink at the Schooner Bar. I’d missed the piano player, so it was a fairly quiet atmosphere. Sadly, our trip would come to an end in the morning.

I wanted more time on board to explore other venues and try some of the specialty restaurants. And so, after I told a friend about how much I enjoyed this cruise, we booked a 7-night adventure on Wonder of the Seas for the fall. It should be less hot then, and this would go to the Eastern Caribbean plus Coco Cay so I’d get to explore more of the island. The best remedy for post-cruise blues is to book another one. As for our grandson, he’s eager for his next cruise. What impressed him the most about our trip? “The ducks,” was his response.

And so ends our sojourn on Utopia of the Seas.

Tell me, did you enjoy these posts? I like doing journal entries to share with my readers, but it does take time away from writing the next book. Recently I read that blogs were passe. If true, should I call it quits, keep posting about my life experiences, or change my focus to writing topics only? LEAVE A COMMENT with your response and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a hardcover copy of Shear Murder, my wedding mystery. This story follows Killer Knots, where Marla and her fiance find murder on a cruise ship. Now they’re ready to tie the knot for real.

Utopia of the Seas 2024 Day Two

Back onboard Utopia of the Seas after lunch in Nassau on Day Two of our 3-night trip, we had a brief rest in our cabins before exploring Central Park on Deck 8. We searched for rubber ducks, evidently a Big Thing on cruises, and only found one hiding in the shrubbery by the Solarium. Some kind ladies gave Caleb ducks during the voyage so he went home happy.

Central Park has a number of specialty restaurants, the Rising Tide bar that goes up and down the center of the ship, a café with complimentary food, and concerts in the evening when you can catch the musicians there. The greenery offers a peaceful interlude in the midst of sensory overload.

Dinner on the second night for me was a Mediterranean appetizer, shrimp cocktail, braised lamb shank, a peach dessert and crème brulée. Yes, I ate two desserts. Why not?

Satisfied with our meals, we headed to All In! Production Show with singers and dancers. What stood out from my previous 30+ cruises were the special effects. Utopia of the Seas is a brand-new ship and it showed in the technology. From doors that open at a wave to ship-wide WiFi that allows you to text your companions, the level of technology was impressive. This show used it to greater heights. Lasers provided illuminations such as I hadn’t seen before, and drones circled the stage with twinkling lights. This event truly dazzled the senses.