Book picks similar to
Northwest Cozy Mysteries #1 by Dianne Harman


bundled
contemporary
mystery-thriller-suspense-cozy
4-1st-in-series

Pasta Pinot & Murder


Jamie Lee Scott - 2017
    And she’s excited that A Dish in Thyme is finally making enough money to hire an assistant. But she has other obligations too, like the food photography for the annual Whine & Roses Benefit poster. Dreading her meeting for the poster, Willa gets a surprise when she arrives for the meeting and the vineyard owner is dead. With her mother-in-law as the prime suspect, Willa reluctantly gets involved in the investigation. In the process, she learns of the many secrets the vineyard owners of Pear, California are hiding, which puts her directly in the killer’s line of fire. Included in this novel are recipes and food and wine pairing suggestions.

Petrified Wood (Layna Wood Book 1)


Allison O'Shea - 2018
    She's accepted she might never catch the big break she's dreamed of, or ever 'make it' in Nashville's highly competitive country music scene. But when Layna returns home one day and interrupts an intruder ransacking her apartment, there's suddenly more at stake than just her musical career - like her life. Who was the intruder? What was he looking for? And - more importantly - will he be back? Layna's scared, but she's not alone. She has her best friend by her side, and a distractingly attractive cop watching her back - but will it be enough? Because if Layna's got any hope of safeguarding her future, she's going to have to look back into her past; and she might not like what she finds out. Petrified Wood is the first of the Layna Wood series - tautly written, intense and emotional romantic suspense that fans of Barbara O'Neal, Catherine Bybee, and Tracy Buchanan will instantly embrace.

Cupcakes and Cyanide


P.L. Harris - 2018
    One sweet taste could be her last. Charlotte McCorrson has spent her entire life building her business, CC’s Simply Cupcakes. The town of Ashton Point is her home and she’s garnered a reputation of stellar service and delightful pastries, one nibble at a time. But everything isn’t as sweet in the sleepy, coastal town as Charlotte would like to think. She is in for a rude awakening and no amount of sugar will make this medicine go down any smoother. After catering a large town-wide event, Ashton Point’s morning newspaper fills Charlotte McCorrson with an icy sense of dread. The headlines scream Cupcake Killer! and put the blame squarely on CC’s Simply Cupcakes. When bodies begin to pile up behind her confectionary goodies, Charlotte must prove that while her cupcakes are delicious, they aren’t literally to die for—before she ends up in jail for a crime she didn’t commit. This is Book 1 in The Cupcake Capers Series and may contain elements of humour, drama and danger. However, it will definitely not contain any of the following potentially lethal substances: Swearing or profanity. Gore or graphic scenes. Cliff-hangers or unsolved endings.

The Naughty List


L.A. Kelley - 2013
    Christmas had always been a magical time for Rosalie, but not this year. The new manager introduces idiotic rules, steals the affections of the cute temp Santa, and forces employees into butt-ugly elf hats. Then Rosalie meets a real E.L.F. (Elemental Life Form) named David and gets lassoed into a desperate hunt for the stolen Naughty and Nice List. Now the couple must stay one step ahead of the hell hounds, dodge a murderous invisible demon, and retrieve the List before the world tumbles into chaos.

Bennett Sisters Mysteries Volume 1 & 2


Lise McClendon - 2017
     5 ★ "This is a charming series of the adventures of 5 sisters. Merle the middle sister is the predominant focus of the books and one falls in love with her! Then we meet the rest of the clan. It is impossible to put the books down (my kind of books)! Merle's adventures alone and with her sisters are simply wonderful. There is just enough intrigue to keep one interested and to move on to the next book. I hope you find the books to be as grand as I did." "Enjoyed getting to know the Bennet sisters and their relationships. It was nice reading about some women who have a variety of life experiences. These characters are beyond the age of 30. I think any woman would enjoy reading this but the narrator is in her 50's and I enjoyed her perspective." A sprawling, exuberant, generous-spirited cozy mystery series with a yummy side of international adventure. A little bit chick lit, a touch of cozy mystery, a whole lot of humor, romance, suspense—all in one box set! BLACKBIRD FLY – Book One A dead husband might be sadder except that once Harry dies, his widow, Merle Bennett realizes almost immediately it was no wonder she didn't know anything about him. They’d pretty much been leading separate lives—several of them, as it turns out. Still, the will’s quite a shock. And so is an intriguing surprise—Harry left her a family home in a tiny French village. Or maybe a family home. Because who was Harry’s family? Finding out is half the fun. Merle sets out to claim her inheritance, adolescent son in tow, and thus begins a sojourn reminiscent of A Year in Provence mixed up with something by Carolyn Hart, maybe, or M.C. Beaton. Because Malcouziac, Merle’s tiny Dordogne town, is the quintessential village—just perfect for a murder. And a rollicking good time. THE GIRL IN THE EMPTY DRESS – Book Two Law practice is in the Bennett sisters' blood—along with designer suits and stilettos. But they've decided to ditch the more predictable Caribbean cruise or spa weekend at a five star hotel to celebrate Merle Bennett's 50th birthday hiking the French countryside of Dordogne. There’s just one catch: Merle’s little sister Francie has decided to bring along a sixth wheel: a work colleague named Gillian Sargent, whose utter aloofness wouldn’t be so bad. Except she seems to be hiding something…

Mind Your Manors


CeeCee James - 2018
    She's got a lot on her plate, trying to figure out her crazy, stubborn family, the hidden secrets that caused her grandfather's estrangement from her dad, and starting out as a real estate agent. Throw in a dead body found in what used to be the town's "royalty" family manor, and she's neck deep in a mystery.She may be sweet, but she's pretty stubborn herself.As Stella's curiosity leads her from one town resident to the next, a dramatic tale of family secrets starts to appear, but is she getting too close to the truth? A scary car chase in the dark has her nerves on edge, but she won't give up until she finds out who the skeleton once was. She's so close... but someone... maybe more than one person... will do anything to stop her.

The Summer Sisters: Series Starter Box Set - #1-3


Jean Oram - 2019
    One tabloid. Two lives changed forever.Finian Alexander is one scandalous tabloid photo away from catapulting his acting career onto the A-list. All his bad boy persona needs is an agreeable member of the paparazzi to give him a friendly boost. But vacationing out in the middle of nowhere, the only photographer he knows is way too scrupulous for her own good.Or is she?Hailey Summer is desperate for cash—so desperate that she's willing to do just about anything with her photography skills to save her family's cottage and keep her secrets hidden from her sisters. So when sexy and arrogant movie star Finian makes her an offer, Hailey can't resist. But does his proposition take things too far? And when their plans begin to unravel, will Finian and Hailey find the limelight too blinding?Next, move on to the second book where sparks fly between the determined second born sister and one burned out tycoon…Love and Dreams (Book 2)One sexy, burned out billionaire. One spitfire graduate. One small island.Tycoon Connor MacKenzie has it all from the penthouse to the world-dominating corporation. At least that's what everyone believes. Underneath it all, his life is disintegrating faster than a stock market crash.When Connor's doctor forces him to take it easy and go deep into cottage country for some much needed R&R he lands on an old cottage veranda in Muskoka which lacks the luxuries he’s accustomed to. Maya Summer, a recent business grad, has been waiting for opportunity to come a knockin’ and not only has it arrived on her doorstep, but it’s presented itself in a very sexy package. However, despite Maya's best advances and proposals, Connor's strict new "no-work diet" has them both starving for much more than than just business. Can Maya convince Connor to let her be his new right-hand business gal while gaining enough income to save her family's cottage? And will Connor, the workaholic, be able to resist her charms, both in and out of the boardroom? And finally, book 3 where the quietest Summer sister causes a stir when she steps up, finding her voice as well as a chance at love…Love and Trust (Book 3)One developer. One lawyer. One unexpected chance at love.Years ago, cut-throat developer Tristen Bell had everything that ever mattered to him ripped away. Now divorced and living in Muskoka, he's shunning all that reminds him of his past and the unstoppable man he used to be.Melanie Summer thought her law degree would help her find a place in this world. But when a big city developer threatens to destroy all that she loves—including her family—she finally sees her path. The only hiccup is that the man she needs—the sexy and stubborn Tristen Bell—refuses to do anything other than give her tender, knee-weakening kisses every time he sees her.When Tristen’s teenage daughter ends up in the ER due to the negligence of his former rival, everything changes. Tristen knows he can shut down the developer but it means resorting to his old, ruthless ways and showing sweet Melanie a side that may send her running.With time running out to stop the developer, and their attraction for one another increasing, will Tristen and Melanie learn to love and trust one another in order to reach their happily ever after?Find out in this light-hearted box set that will save you money and keep you flipping pages long into the night. Come get swept away!

Claimed By the Shadow Dragon: Shadow Dragon Book 1 (Dragon Shifter Romance)


Mac Flynn - 2021
    

An Oxford Murder


G.G. Vandagriff - 2019
    Harry Bascombe, her bête noire, discover a body in the Somerville College chapel, they are declared suspects in a murder inquiry. How can they prove their innocence? The pair decide they must launch their own investigation into the strangling of Oxford don, Agatha Chenowith. But working as a team will not be easy. Their relations are anything but cordial.It is not long before they uncover motives aplenty. Apparently, Dr. Chenowith was not at all what she seemed. As the surprises about the victim’s secret life multiply, they are awash in a sea of suspects.Into this scenario sails the former love of Catherine’s life as he returns from Kenya. Is she going to give Rafe another chance to break her heart? He convinces her to give him a six-month trial, and eager to show his worth, he joins in the investigation. Rafe offers to fly Catherine and Harry in his de Havilland six-seater to the Isle of Man where they must pursue a lead. Inevitably, Rafe and Harry square off in a battle for Catherine’s affections.Meanwhile, playing detectives proves to be a dangerous pursuit. Catherine and Harry shortly embroil themselves in a plot much larger than mere murder. No one wants to hear their theory, however. It contains truths too painful to contemplate. And it makes Catherine and Harry’s lives expendable.Fans of Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane will love this tale! A stylish mystery set in Oxford in the 1930's with loveable characters and a cast of eccentric suspects.

Holmes Crossing Series: Books 1, 2, 3


Carolyne Aarsen - 2019
    When the loss of her husband’s business forces them to move temporarily back to his family’s farm, Leslie is terrified that once Dan is back in the fold of family and the community of Holmes Crossing, her needs will be smothered. Then a near tragedy tests everything they both hold dear.Start your journey to Holmes Crossing with Dan and Leslie’s story and get pulled into Terra’s, a girl with sass, spunk and a haunting secret. Terra has spent the last few years outrunning the darkness of her past. But when she is forced to stay in Holmes Crossing past and present clash in a way that has chilling repercussions for any future she hopes to create.After that you’ll meet Miriam who has a second chance at motherhood when she unexpectedly becomes a joint guardian of the baby she gave up. But can her rekindled relationship with Duncan, co-guardian of her daughter, withstand the accusing secrets of her past?What readers have to say: The Only Best Place “If you cry easily, you may want tissues nearby." “ Keep reading the book. It has an ending we could all live with.” All In One Place “This book, while difficult in subject, has great hope and promise for its subjects as well as it’s readers. Holmes Crossing is a place to get comfy for awhile.” “Thank you, Carolyne, for writing a tough and yet beautiful story of healing and redemption!” This Place “I fell in love with this series and the people are so down to earth! “You really must give this book your attention because it is great!" “The healing and forgiveness and hope were like a warm blanket on a cool night.” Read the rest of the series as well: A Silence in the Heart Any Man of Mine A Place in Her Heart

Making Spirits Bright: Christmas Lights Collection 2017


Chautona Havig - 2017
     Merri’s Christmas Mission by Chautona Havig Merri Zeiger is on a mission--create a fabulous Christmas for her three children on a dime. Well, that is if she can spare one. After six months of unemployment, her benefits have run out and so has her Christmas fund. But when she meets her rival in a giveaway for a pool table, things start to look a bit brighter. "Barney" Barnett isn't supposed to have to do fundraising for The Mission, but until they replace the last guy, he's stuck on a daily trek to enter a giveaway for a pool table. Meeting Merri and hearing her story gives him a solution to both of their problems. Merri's Christmas Mission--one woman's quest to conquer Christmas. Lead a Merry Dance by April Hayman FBI Agent Trip Devereaux' s time has run out: take his new wife, Libby, on a honeymoon (finally) or find out what it's like to live in the dog house. His solution? A Christmas Carribean cruise! But when a jewelry thief strikes and Libby is - literally - left holding the bag, Trip's vacation is put on hold so he can prove his wife's innocence. Can he find the real thief in time? Or will their first shore excursion be a one-way trip to jail for Libby? A Sidelined Christmas by Toni Shiloh Sidelined with a career-ending injury, wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia to heal. Nothing shocks him more than running into his high-school sweetheart, Lucille “Bebe” Gordon. Bebe Gordon returned to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter, Hope. When Jahleel returns, all the memories of the past come rushing back. She can’t decide if he’s changed or if her heart is holding onto past hurts. Will Jahleel and Bebe take a chance on love or let life sideline them at Christmas? Hope for the Holidays by Cathe Swanson Newly arrived from her home in the Congo and armed with a brand-new degree in nonprofit management, Carrie Strough is eager to organize and improve the Unity Plenkiss Community Center. Unfortunately, no one wants to be organized, and only Micah Neresen, the charming and handsome pastor of the local church, is interested in her plans. Or is he just interested in Carrie? With a cast of lively and eccentric characters including a homeless vet with PTSD, a con man, an elderly couple with an over-the-top Christmas display, a feisty committeewoman with a past of her own, and a police investigation, Micah and Carrie wonder if there is any hope for the holidays this year!

The Key to Murder


Jen Pitts - 2020
    Discover the places and people that make New Orleans unique through the eyes of newcomer, Samantha Richardson, in the first book in the French Quarter Mystery Series, The Key to Murder. Looking for a fresh start as well as clues to her past, Samantha is thrilled with her furnished apartment even with its strange diary and key left on the living room bookshelf. Sammy, as her new friends call her, explores the city’s French Quarter by following the riddles in the anonymous diary. It was fun until it led to a body. Now Sammy must find out who wrote the journal before the murderer strikes again. Sammy moved to New Orleans for answers and a new life, but is a murderer going to keep her from her future?

Shadowblade


Jay Aspen - 2021
    It's her only chance to rescue her sister from capture and slavery by the ruthless Rapathian invaders.It feels like a desperate but simple decision until she meets Marin, Captain of the Eldrin, the elite force of mage-warriors protecting King and realm from attack. Pledged to defend their country, they are also sworn to capture and kill dangerous Blade adepts.Now Ariel has to convince Marin and his highly skilled team of fighters to help her rescue her sister––and that they can trust her to fight alongside them.Failure means instant death. But the path to success is long and hard. Love and war would be complex enough without having to resist the temptation that too much power brings––or the interference of powerful Elementals focused on revenge....Shadowblade is the first book of A Dance of Fire & Shadow, the new fantasy adventure-romance series from Jay Aspen.

Mystic Springs Box Set: Books 1-4


Mona Marple - 2019
    Welcome to Mystic Springs, where things definitely go bump in the night... Read the first four books in the popular Mystic Springs paranormal cozy mystery series in this box set!If you like ghosts, witches, mediums and more mixed in with your cozy mystery murders, you'll love Mystic Springs!So come along and join the fun.We're dying to meet you.

How Witch It Is


Amanda M. Lee - 2015
    That makes things hard for the Winchester witches -- including local newspaper reporter, Bay. She's got a persnickety family -- wait until you met Aunt Tillie -- and a penchant for stumbling across trouble. Thankfully for Bay, she's got loyal cousins, and the ability to talk to ghosts as she tries to solve mysteries and put souls to rest. Follow Bay as she meets a man who is more than he seems, and tries to hide a history that is centuries in the making. This is the first three books in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest cozy mystery series. It includes: Any Witch Way You Can, Every Witch Way But Wicked and Witching You Were Here. Note: These characters are snarky. You've been warned. This is NOT a new standalone book. This is a compilation of previously published books.