Book picks similar to
High Desert Cozy Mysteries #1 by Dianne Harman


ebook
crime-etc-series
dianne-harman
book-first-in-series

Twelve's Drummer Dying


Gemma Halliday - 2013
    When the drummer for ’80s hair-metal band Twelve falls from the top of a holiday parade float and gets trampled to death by eight not-so-tiny reindeer, Tina scoops the story of the year! But was the fall an accident or something more sinister? Was the drummer’s jilted lover involved, or his newly discovered son? And what does the snowman have to do with it? Crack tabloid reporter Tina’s on the case—determined to find out who’s been naughty and who’s been downright lethal.

6 Days to Survive


Phil Maxey - 2020
    6 days to run from a virus devouring all life on earth. 6 days to survive.Microbiologist Jess Keller thought it was the worst day of her life. She had lost the only job she ever had, but twenty-four hours later she and her husband, were fighting to keep her family alive.

Witch at Heart


Juliette Harper - 2015
     Jinx Hamilton is ready to trade in waitressing for becoming her own boss. The shop she inherits from her eccentric aunt in Briar Hollow, North Carolina seems like the perfect fit. As Jinx handles the enchanted inventory and the unruly clientele, she discovers her aunt also willed her magical powers without an instruction manual! As if that weren’t enough, she’s forced to deal with four cats, several homeless ghosts, and a potential serial killer. With a little help from her best friend and a dreamy new neighbor, Jinx must keep the business afloat and the murderer at bay. And it’ll take more than clever bookkeeping and spellcasting to keep the store… and herself… from going under. Witch at Heart is the second book in an enchanting series of humorous paranormal fantasy novels by Juliette Harper. If you like twisty mysteries and hilarious hijinks, you’ll love Harper’s cozy fantasy world.

Contagion / Invasion / Chromosome 6


Robin Cook - 1999
    Robin Cook's signature cutting-edge suspense and bold strokes of reality. The consequences of managed health care in an age when even the wariest consumer may be at risk is the catalyst for Contagion, while a sinister cabal involved with unacceptable medical ethics provides the nerve-jangling backdrop for Chromosome 6. Invasion, published in hardcover for the first time, preys on our deepest fears as it explores a sudden outbreak of a disease unlike anything humankind has ever seen.

A Murder Spells Trouble


K.J. Emrick - 2017
    Nobody but a chosen few know the real history of the town, or what lies beneath the still surface of the lake... As members of the Kilorian Coven, Addie and her two sisters, Kiera and Willow, were born to the use of magic. Together the three are the sworn protectors of Shadow Lake, tasked with keeping evil at bay and the townsfolk safe. When a dead body is found on Luna Moth Trail Addie is forced to get involed after a strange woman begs her for help. The first officer on scene is the enigmatic Detective Lucian Knight who seems to be more than he appears. He reveals to her that the murder isn't the only incident that has occured in town recently. With the mysteries piling up, could there be something greater at work in Shadow Lake? Will Addie and her sisters be able to solve the murder and keep the town safe?

Confessions of the Assistant Extraordinaire


Lotta Smith - 2016
    More than 100,000 words, humorous mystery books. Welcome to the glamorous universe of Kelly Kinki—yes, really! Working as a personal assistant of Michael Archangel—the hottest and the wackiest detective in D.C.—her day never ends without dead bodies… Ghostly Murder A murder in a locked room…The faceless ghost… Throw in a cross-dressing detective plus his assistant extraordinaire in this new mystery series! For Kelly Kinki, working as Archangel’s personal assistant was always an adventure, one that keeps her on her toes. As the resident consulting detective for the busy Washington D.C. Police Department and the FBI, Archangel took the confusing or unsolvable situations and spun a Sherlock hue over them, finding answers amongst the clues and closing cases even the most skilled law enforcement agents found confounding. Working as both his assistant and sounding board, Kelly has an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Archangel’s deduction, and of his fabulous closet. Not only is he a detective savant, he is also a towering specimen of a man with an appetite for women’s high fashion that could put a runway model to shame – a fact that leaves his less-fashionable assistant flummoxed, and slightly jealous. It’s a classic ‘who-done-it’ with a not so classic answer. Immortal Eyes Serial murder with a sick ritual... The Dragon Lady...and the mismatched duo's race against time... Previously a socialite and a ‘real’ housewife, Kelly Kinki is now stuck with a dead-end job as a personal assistant to a private investigator. To Kelly, this translates as playing second fiddle to a guy who gets more cat-calls than she does. Michael Archangel is his name, catching killers is what he does, and he does it in...well, a short skirt and high heels. As a former FBI Special Agent turned P.I., Archangel knows his way around a crime scene as well as he does the local Agent Provocateur. His game de jour is toying with Kelly, his assistant—just like cat and mouse. However, they're a team, whether fending off rude paparazzi or manhandling the politicians, freaks, and other lowlifes roaming the streets of the nation's capital, the two are hell-bent on finding a serial killer who is holding the city hostage. Join Archangel, Kelly, and a host of oddball characters as they wind their way through a madcap crime thriller, with more twists and turns than a mind-bender roller coaster. Kelly's story is filled with raucous humor and irreverent satire, so buckle up. Who'll solve the crime, and who will take the credit? Perhaps all the investigators will get for their trouble is a full color splash on the cover of the Washington Post, "Latest Victims Discovered in Matching Frocks - One Male, One Female". Deadly Vision A murder of a sweetie pie… A newbie, pathetic agent…and the reluctant mentor… Voted #7 of DC’s Most Eligible Bachelors, now Michael Archangel—her boss—is officially the hottest PI in the neighborhood, and one of the most talented. Sought by clients and police alike for his wit and brain power, this is an American Sherlock with style – and a unique past. The college girl was last seen at Tricky Sundae, a local ice cream shop, and then she turns up dead. This time, the case seems so normal, at first. The victim, a universally-loved college student, has been strangled.

Magical Blend


Kennedy Layne - 2018
    Of course, that was before she and her best friend found a dead body in the back of the charming store. Things go from bad to worse when Raven begins to hear a talking cat spouting on and on about magic and mayhem.Once Raven accepts that she's not losing her mind, she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation while discovering her family's unusual lineage--the Marigolds are bona fide witches!'Tis the season to be scared and delighted...this wickedly charming tale includes magical tea blends, an enchanting spell book, and an eerie cottage on the edge of town that contains a special surprise you won't want to miss!

Trick or Treat Murder (A Reporter Roland Bean Cozy Mystery)


Rachel Woods - 2020
    

Bribing Saint Anthony


Rita Moreau - 2014
    A missing husband. A plot to blow up a national treasure. Fortune telling aunts. Mary Catherine, MC for short, didn’t move as the Queen of Boca Vista, Babbs La-Fleur, placed a pile of cash, which appeared out of a purse she knew cost more than her car, smack dab in the middle of her desk.Word at all the cocktail parties was that MC had a skill that came in handy for an aging socialite going through a divorce. She was good at finding cash in hidden bank accounts. Cash to pay for a nip and tuck and a new identity: Cougar. Hired that day by Queen Babbs to find her bad boy husband, Charlie, MC was back on familiar ground, tracking down bad guys through clues left in the DNA of their paper life. Asking her Aunt Sophia to read the family fortune telling cards might have helped. Instead, the paper trail Charlie left takes MC from a murder in the world of rich socialites to working with covert government agents deep in the world of counter terrorism.Praise for Bribing Saint Anthony Review from Sheldon Siegel "I had a chance to read Bribing Saint Anthony on a recent flight. It was a great read! I don't have a lot of time to read for fun these days, and your story was a treat. You have a nice touch, and MC is an engaging lead. Reminded me a bit of Carl Hiaasen--What is it about Florida, anyway?!? Keep up the good work!" Cheers from San Francisco, SheldonSheldon Siegel is a New York Times best-selling author of the critically acclaimed legal thriller series featuring Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez, two of the most beloved characters in contemporary crime fiction.

The Witch who Couldn't Spell


Katie Penryn - 2016
    Despite her reading disability, she's qualified as a lawyer in London and raised her two brothers on her own. But she doesn't have the skills to hunt down a murderer.True Mpenzi's a white witch, so she could use magic, and she does have her mother's Book of Spells, but she's hit a stumbling block. Try as she may, Mpenzi cannot decipher the grimoire's medieval script. She needs help desperately if she's to save her mother from a life in prison.Will the High Council of the Guild of White Witches listen to her plea and allow her an assistant in time to free her mother? An assistant with supernatural powers of their own?If you love stories about witches, magic, and talking cats and dogs, all spiced up with a dollop of danger, you’ll love following along with Mpenzi and Felix, her shape-shifting sidekick, as they fight the good fight against evil in the small French seaside town of Beaucoup-sur-Mer.

The 2nd Cycle of the Darc Murders Collection (the acclaimed series from #1 Police Procedural and Hard Boiled authors Carolyn McCray and Ben Hopkin)


Carolyn McCray - 2014
    It will also include FREE the full length novel 2nd Kill and the short story Denial when they upload in late 2014. A $19.00 value for $3.99!!! **Warning, this collection includes GRAPHIC crime scenes and taut thrills. Please do not buy this collection unless you have a strong stomach and don't scare easily! Praise for the Darc Murders Collection... "I really really like this series.....not my usual reading, as I normally read paranormal romance/HEA stories... work is a refreshing break for me of my usual reading material. Definitely not for the faint of heart---gory and violence is graphically described, possibly giving you not-so-nice dreams. This is a great deal for all the books included." L.Ludwig Amazon Reviewer "This series of books really captivated me. I have always loved murder mysteries and would definitely recommend the Darc Collection to all... delivers 5 Stars in each of these books... has become one of my all time favorite authors, because no matter what book I read by her I am never disappointed!!!" Guinevere Amazon Reviewer Overview: The collection includes... Devolved - the prequel/crossover short story to the Harbinger Series and 3rd Body 3rd Body - Just try not to lose your head Detached*exclusive to the collection - the bridge short story between 3rd Body and 2nd Kill 2nd Kill*exclusive to the collection - the full-length sequel to 3rd Body (will upload late 2014) Denial *exclusive to the collection- the bridge short story between 2nd Kill and 1st Body More Praise for the Darc Murders Collections... "WOW, just WOW! I don't think I've ever come across such a gruesome series of crime scenes! Further knowing each of the scenes were booby trapped, had me cringing and then to read the full spectre of the carnage, left me in equal parts awe and queasiness of the macabre imaginings of the writers! They pulled out the big guns! There was gore galore! Luckily, I like that in a thriller, it makes the suspense that much higher and the take down of the bad guy that much more satisfying. What I didn't expect was to be so enchanted by the characters. I loved the eclectic mix, from the brilliant but emotionally challenged Detective with Aspergers to his laid back empathetic partner plus the razor sharp mind of the child psychologist consultant and the adorable and brave sole survivor, little Janey. All these nuances and traits give a rich tapestry to the book and endear you to the clever writing of... Ben." Kizzle79 Amazon Reviewer "I definitely recommend the Darc Murders Collection. The character development is phenomenal, story development is superb-- I thoroughly enjoyed reading both 9th Circle and 7th Sin; the story telling entwined with the characteristics of Darc's aspergers is incredibly entertaining. Not for the faint of heart, lots of gore and suspense, great mysteryseries." Tetch Amazon Reviewer If you are a fan of characters such as Alex Cross and Hannibal or movies like 7 and Saw, The Darc Murders Collection is sure to shock and satisfy. **If you were looking for Hopkin's latest crime thriller collection, search under The Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection. **If you were looking for The #1 Police Procedural/Hard Boiled mystery series that includes the blockbuster, Plain Jane search under The Harbinger Collection

Annabelle Archer Box Set


Laura Durham - 2018
    When it comes to solving murders, she always closes the case. 4 books. 800+ pages of wedding cozy mysteries that are dressed to kill. Annabelle Archer is D.C.’s premier wedding planner for happy couples and marital bliss… until a string of murders puts a bloody blemish on her otherwise spotless record. In all her years in the marriage business, she’s never confronted a wedding day disaster as daunting as her guest list’s climbing death rate. Armed with nothing but her impeccable taste and an eye for detail, she’s determined to take down any killer who dares to ruin her client’s big day. From socialite circles to catering kitchens to drag queen competitions, there’s no place Annabelle won’t go to bring the culprits to justice. With danger lurking behind every picture-perfect gazebo, Annabelle must catch the culprits or the next ceremony she’ll attend will be her own funeral.Annabelle Archer Wedding Planner Box Set contains three books and one novella from an award-winning cozy mystery series PLUS two never-before seen bonus epilogues. If you like lighthearted humor, eccentric characters, and a peek behind the veil of high-society wedding celebrations, then you’ll love Laura Durham’s bridal bonanza. Get Annabelle Archer Wedding Planner Box Set to uncork a series of fun whodunits today!

A Hiss-tory of Magic


Harper Lin - 2014
    They run the Brew-Ha-Ha café, and naturally, they’re witches hiding in plain sight along with their three magical cats, Treacle, Peanut Butter, and Marshmallow. When Brew-Ha-Ha's baker is burnt to a crisp, along with their beloved café, Aunt Astrid lets out a big family secret: a powerful spell book, a Greenstone heirloom from the Salem days, has been stolen from its secret hiding spot in the café. If it’s fallen into the wrong hands, black magic could destroy not only Wonder Falls but the world. A secret society… A new detective with a shady past… A once-bullied local returning to town as a multimillionaire. Who in town could know Cath’s family secret? Cath, Bea, and Astrid must use their witch powers to uncover the deadly truth. Cath communicates with their cats, also magically inclined, and they help uncover more than one secret lurking in wonderful Wonder Falls. The first novel in a new cozy mystery series featuring modern-day witches and their magic cats.

The Wedding Cake Murder (The Arizona Summers Mysteries Book 1)


Susan Keene - 2019
    Is it a murder or an accident? Arizona Summers and her psychic dog Nutmeg love to solve crimes. The new chief Keith Wesley makes it clear he doesn’t want her help. Once he realizes Arizona is the go-to person with whom the townspeople share their deepest and darkest secrets. The handsome new chief tries to get back in Arizona’s good graces but she doesn’t make it easy. It’s hard for Ary to keep the restaurant she owns running smoothly when her mother, Emma causes chaos at every turn. Even her Aunt Sandy, who referees her sister and niece, shakes her head at Emma’s shenanigans. Join the fun and the humor of this great mystery series. Get your copy today.

The Inspector Thanet Mysteries Volume One: The Night She Died / Six Feet Under / Puppet for a Corpse


Dorothy Simpson - 1994
      Detective Inspector Luke Thanet may be a family man with a soft heart and bad back, but he also has a bloodhound’s nose for murder. With Sgt. Mike Lineham at his side, no mystery is too tough.  The Night She Died: Beautiful Julie Holmes lies dead in her front hall with a kitchen knife through her heart. The perpetrator could have been a burglar, a jealous husband, or a spurned lover, but the real answer may lie in a death that happened twenty years ago.  Six Feet Under: Middle-aged cleaning woman Carrie Birch doesn’t strike Thanet as a likely candidate for murder. But when he digs up the dirt on her, he discovers a surprisingly long list of suspects.  Puppet for a Corpse: Dr. Arnold Pettifer is dead from an apparent overdose, but Thanet isn’t so certain it’s suicide. After he discovers the doctor’s pregnant wife had a lover, he begins to suspect her—but then again, nothing about this case is what it seems.