Book picks similar to
The Christmas Elf by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
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women-sleuths
Robbery, Murder and Cups of Tea: A Novella
Phil Church - 2013
When one of his neighbours is brutally murdered, he gets the chance to investigate a real crime. Unfortunately, the hunt for the killer is far from simple, as winter sets in and he struggles to deal with his wife's disinterest, his friend's bungling enthusiasm, a village that will happily implicate anyone and everyone, and a rising body count.
The Serenity Stone Murder
Marianne Jones - 2014
Visiting the city to attend a retreat, friends Margaret and Louise become intrigued by the circumstances surrounding the murder and quickly find themselves embroiled in the investigation. Will they discover that they’ve stepped into something they won’t be able to walk away from? Will the murderer target them next?
Picked to Death
Maggie West - 2016
What they find is more than they bargained for. When they score a box of antique vases at a local auction in nearby Round Bottom, it sets off a chain of events that makes a competing picker see red. But that’s not the worst of it. Someone in the tight-knit picking community ends up dead. Can Sherri and Carol discover the murderer from a treasure trove of suspects before the crime gets buried along with the the town's most hated victim? Picked to Death is a clean, short read. It’s perfect for lovers of cozy mysteries that feature an amateur sleuth.
Key Lime Crime
Cassie Rivers - 2018
Kara Summers recently returned to her hometown of Sunny Shores, Florida to start her own food truck business. Little did she know her summer would start off with a bang…literally. A propane explosion caused the Mama Mia Food truck to flame up, with the owner inside. The police ruled it an accident, but Kara discovers evidence to the contrary. Her inquisitive nature, along with her love for mysteries, won't let her rest until she uncovers the truth. Unfortunately, the truth hits a little too close to home. Key Lime Crime is book one in the Sunny Shores mystery series that is set in the fictional town of Sunny Shores, Florida. Each book in the series is a light-hearted cozy stand-alone story with no cliffhangers. All ages can enjoy the stories because they have no swearing, naughty content, or graphic violence. So, what are you waiting for?
The New Orleans Go Cup Chronicles Vol 1-4
Colleen Mooney - 2018
˃˃˃ Book 1 RESCUED BY A KISS You’d think Brandy might be a little self-conscious a suave Svengali in one of the gentlemen’s walking clubs mesmerizes her into a big fat Mardi Gras smooch right in front of her boyfriend. But not a bit. Because after all, it's Mardi Gras, and also for another good reason: that kiss was long, slow, hot, unlike any kiss she’d ever had in her life. She makes a date to meet Mr. Great Kisser after the parade but arrives just in time to see him get shot. Before he passes out, he pulls her close and whispers, “Save Isabella. And with that we’re off on a screwball chase all over town, from Lee Circle to the Lakefront, with a stop at Charity Hospital, and finally to the French Quarter’s favorite gay dance club, always accompanied by Schnauzers, one of them named Geaux Cup. ˃˃˃ Book 2 DEAD AND BREAKFAST When Brandy’s best friend Julia, the ex-stripper-turned hotelier, finds her first and only guest covered in blood, lying half on and half off a broken bed, with Julia’s panties swinging from the chandelier, she gets Brandy on the horn. And Brandy does the only sensible thing, makes coffee...with a shot of whiskey--then calls the police. And who should respond, but her recent ex-boyfriend, Dante, with a brand new daggers-looking female partner? But wait! This is not nearly complicated enough for Noo Awlins, where, after all, everybody knows everybody! Julia’s lawyer is none other than Jiff, Brandy’s new squeeze (and the reason Dante’s the ex-boyfriend). As the suspense mounts, the romance blossoms, and not just one. Jiff’s looking more and more like Mr. Right: a 100% Class Act, with his own Schnauzer and a soft spot for Brandy’s three. But Dante makes it clear that he doesn’t plan to go quietly; the former Mr. Right Next Door has a few very sexy moves he’s been holding in reserve, which knock Brandy’s socks--and truth be told, her panties --off! ˃˃˃ Book 3 DRIVE THRU MURDER When Brandy pulls into the drive-thru, she expects to order a box of CLUCK IT! CHICKEN BY THE BUCKET, not hear gunshots and see someone in high heels and a black leather miniskirt climbing out of the pick-up window dragging a body. Her boyfriend, New Orleans Detective Dante Deedler, is on this case and hers as bodies keep turning up and she knows about them before he does. Her neighbor--a palm reader who is also a phone sex operator--has visions of Brandy’s future and past leaving more questions than answers. Murders, family dilemma and a rescued Schnauzer named Jesus has Brandy distracted. Could she be the next victim? There's no place like New Orleans to have a good crime!> ˃˃˃ Book 4 DEATH BY RUM BALLS This will be Brandy’s first Christmas without Dante, but she is determined to enjoy the holiday going to parties and even a “Yappy Hour” with Jiff and both of their schnauzers. Brandy stops to deliver mistletoe for Julia’s party that night when Frank, Julia’s handyman, drags her into the mayhem surrounding the guest list. It seems everyone Julia invited has a grudge against her, and they all confirmed they are coming to her party.
In Search of Jessica
Declan Conner - 2015
One other thing they couldn’t share was the love of their dad. He had his favorite for reasons best not mentioned.The family is torn apart when their dad is found murdered with all the traits of a particular twisted MO. A robbery gone wrong, jealous partner in a love triangle, warring neighbors, or someone closer to home? For Logan, the lead detective at the time and now head of LAPD homicide, the answer was and is simple. Jessica was guilty. That’s despite the case having never gone to trial, now gathering dust after fifteen years as his only cold case file of an otherwise illustrious career.When a murder takes place with a similar MO, detective Jason Stone is allocated the case. He’s a young man on a one–man mission to make a name for himself, and one who will break the rules to get there. Stone believes a mysterious person he dubs the Night Girl holds the key to unraveling the case. But just as he is close to cracking the case, his suspect list grows.Taken off the case, he goes undercover to continue his investigation. Infatuated, he places Jessica under surveillance to get close. Too close. Someone should tell him to stop chasing a dream, or could end up as the serial killer’s next target.
The Scent of Lies
Debra Burroughs - 2012
He wishes he didn’t want her. Can they stave off a killer long enough to give love a second chance?Emily lost her P.I. husband far too soon. To pay the mounting bills and solve his cold-case murder, she dives headfirst into the family business. When she takes the case of a wrongfully accused wife, Emily’s biggest obstacle is a sexy cop who refuses to back down.Detective Colin Andrews catches killers to forget his tragic past. When a cute PI doubts his hunch about a murderer, he can’t close the case or get the gorgeous rival off his mind. But if he’s not careful, his budding feelings may prove to be a fatal distraction.As Emily and Colin’s clash brings them closer, can they uncover the truth before a murderer kills off their happy ending?The Scent of Lies is the first book in the Paradise Valley romantic cozy mystery series. If you like captivating characters, juicy intrigue, and clean romance, then you’ll love New York Times bestselling author Debra Burroughs’ engaging stories.
My Wolfy Wedding: In Between
Renee George - 2018
To celebrate (survive) their union on Friday, the Twenty-First of December, Two Thousand Eighteen at Four-Twenty-Three p.m. Destination: Peculiar, Missouri. The only thing Chavvah wants more than to marry Billy Bob is to have his baby, but since that ship has sailed thanks to prior trauma, she's happy just to get down the aisle with him and make their life together official. The date is set for the Winter Solstice, marking the longest night of year, but a challenge from an unexpected guest, is turning her special day into a fight-club nightmare. And after having postponed the wedding twice already, Chav is starting to think fate hates her guts. On top of that, there are almost forty werewolves camped out on Billy Bob's property, claiming that Chav and Billy Bob are their new leaders. But when Chav tries to get her spirit guide, Brother Wolf, to cough up answers, he ignores her. Worst, the silent deity is sending her BFF Sunny visions that are taking a physical toll on her human friend's all too frail body. Throw in Billy Bob's manipulative father, Chav's pushy mother, and other surprise guests, these two furry lovebirds may never make it to "I do!" Peculiar Mysteries series from USA Today bestselling author Renee George are laugh-out-loud, grip the edge of your seat, and swoon as you fall in love tales of mystery, humor, and romance that take place in the small (fictional-not the actual) Ozark shifter town of Peculiar, Missouri.
Cozy Christmas Capers
Gemma HallidayKerri Nelson - 2014
BurkeThe Holiday Inside Job by Mary Jo BurkeHard to Catch a Christmas Thief (Hard Targets) by Wendy ByrneA Christmas Ghost & Zero Regrets (Dead by the Numbers Mysteries) by Jennifer FischettoChristmas Canapés & Sabotage (Culinary Competition Mysteries) by Janel GradowskiChristmas in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma HallidayChristmas Al Dente (Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries) by Jennifer L. HartSanta Claus, Lies, and Murder (Amber Fox Mysteries) by Sibel HodgeA (Gingerbread) Diorama of Death (Helen Binney Mysteries) by Gin JonesMini Pie the Christmas Spy! (Mini Pie Mysteries) by Libby LaMannaHave Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas (Greatest Hits Mysteries) by Leslie LangtryOrnamental Danger (Working Stiff Mysteries) by Kerri NelsonMotion for Mistletoe (Jamie Winters Mysteries) by Kelly ReyChristmas in Venice by Maria Grazia SwanBaby, It's Cold Outside (Tahoe Tessie Mysteries) by T. Sue VerSteegSanta's Little Mistake by Stacey Wiedower
Resort to Homicide: A Merrifield Mystery Novella
Christine Chianti - 2016
Giving in to her brother's request, she goes to visit his new island resort during a special weekend for the investors. Spending time at Rim Runners should have been the perfect prescription to help rebuild her life, but the mood at the resort is like the weather-stormy. As hurricane Anna cuts them off from the mainland, tempers flare resulting in threats and sabotage. When the body of one of the guests is found, Laura is forced to rely on her training to find the killer before the storm lets up and they can slip away.
Murder By Design: ...a young girl dreams of topping haute couture!
Mary Jane Forbes - 2011
Lack of money is a high hurdle. Living with her grandfather, and working as a casino barmaid, she saves her tips to take classes in Seattle. With her eye to one day having her own clothing label, the redhead, keeps her eye on the prize, leaving men smitten with her beauty in her wake—a preacher, an American Indian law student, and a NY fashion designer. It isn’t until a newspaper reporter appears on her door step that she pauses to take a second look. But reporter Skip Hunter has no time for women. He is driven to become a N.Y. Times best-selling mystery writer using his reporting of crime on the streets of Seattle as fodder. Will the New York designer who borrows Gillianne’s sketches end her dream? Will a heist of a billion dollars worth of gold bullion give the reporter his big break? Will the intersection of their lives drive the pair into each other’s arms? Or, will their life plans, force them apart?
The Friday Edition
Betta Ferrendelli - 2012
She pursues her sister’s killers, maneuvering through a minefield of intrigue deliberately set out to divert her from the truth. She invariably stumbles when confronted by the inescapable specter of a greater enemy: the alcohol dependency that has already cost her the respect of her peers, and, worse, custody of her daughter.Samantha must summon the courage to face not only a cartel of criminals, but also her own demons. Physically threatened and betrayed, she nearly defeats herself through her own insecurities and fears. She not only must summon the courage to get beyond her own shortcomings, but she must work quickly to beat her nemesis – a reporter at the major metropolitan daily newspaper, who is also in close pursuit of the developing story.Can Samantha ultimately prevail, write the biggest story of her career, and finally begin to change her life before it is too late?
Maple Syrup Mysteries Boxed Set, #1-3
Emily James - 2017
She couldn’t have been more wrong… A STICKY INHERITANCE – BOOK 1 Sometimes the truth can be a sticky thing… Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes feels like the only failure amid a family of high achievers. Her boyfriend turned out to be married, and her career as a defense attorney is in tatters. When she inherits her uncle’s maple syrup farm, she thinks it’s time for a change—one that keeps her far away from bad guys. For half a day at least. Her uncle’s suicide wasn’t a suicide at all. And as Nicole closes in on his killer, she not only risks becoming the murderer’s next victim, but also starts to wonder if knowing the truth is ever worse than believing the lie… BUSHWHACKED – BOOK 2 Sometimes the most beautiful places hide the darkest secrets… What former lawyer Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes wants is to peacefully run her maple syrup farm. What she gets is a body run over by her car. It turns out to be the manager of the local animal shelter, and his death wasn't the accident it at first seems. With a little finagling, Nicole convinces the interim police chief to allow her to help with the case, even though she’s also busy trying to settle in to her new role as owner of Sugarwood and figure out her unusual friendship with the county medical examiner. As Nicole closes in on being able to put the killer behind bars, will she manage to find the evidence she needs before the murderer puts her in a cage—or a body bag—instead?
ALMOST SLEIGHED
– BOOK 3 The truth always comes with a price… Former lawyer Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes has finally settled in to her new home in Fair Haven, and her first maple syrup season is upon them. It’s not going as smoothly as she’d hoped. Their sap lines keep springing leaks, and as if that wasn’t enough, Nicole finds their groom-mechanic, Noah, apparently trampled in one of the horse stalls. Fair Haven’s interim police chief is ready to declare it an accident, but Nicole believes otherwise. With Noah in a coma, she’s determined to figure out who wanted to kill him before the perpetrator can return and finish the job. But whoever attempted to kill Noah has other ideas and is willing to do whatever it takes to stop Nicole from discovering the truth—even destroy Sugarwood and the man Nicole loves. These books are "clean" reads and contain no swearing, gore, or steamy bedroom scenes. While the series is best enjoyed in order, each book is a complete mystery on its own.
Bunburry - Lost and Found: A Cosy Mystery Series (Countryside Mysteries: A Cosy Shorts Series Book 13)
Helena Marchmont - 2022
Lupine Lies
Karen MacInerney - 2020
You won't be able to put this seaside cozy mystery story down!