Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge discussion

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2014 Level 4-Sleuth Extra. > Carolyn Reconstructs Clues

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C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Merry Christmas from Canada! I wish a beautiful, blessed 2014 to all of us. I am so happy that Yvonne and I spoke about raising her challenge heights. I'll reach for the highest rung she has and look forward to us all spurring each other along.


message 2: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Jan 03, 2015 07:43PM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Here are my candidates for Yvonne's mystery theme. I'm proud to be a new, fourth hostess in the mystery women's quadrant and more! :) http://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2013/11...

“Aunt Dimity Digs In” Nancy Atherton, 1995
“Uninvited Ghost” E.J. Copperman, 2011
“Angel's Verdict” Mary Stanton, 2011
“The Man In The Brown Suit” Agatha Christie, 1924
“The Irish Cairn Murder” Dicey Deere, 2003
“Aunt Dimity Digs In” Nancy Atherton, 1995
“Something The Cat Dragged In” Charlotte MacLeod, 1983
“Crocodile On The Sandbank” Elizabeth Peters, 1975
“The Curse Of The Pharaohs” Elizabeth Peters, 1981
“Death Of A Gossip” Marion C. Beaton, 1985
“Caught Dead In Philadelphia” Gillian Roberts,1987
“Gunpowder Green” Laura Childs, 2002
“It Takes A Witch” Heather Blake, 2012
“The Secret Portrait” Lillian Stewart Carl, 2006
“Tarnished & Torn” Juliet Blackwell, 2013


message 3: by Yvonne (new)

Yvonne (yvonne473) | 1066 comments Mod
Hey Carolyn! A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!

What a great list of books! Happy Reading!


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Awww, thank you Yvonne! The very same to you, your husband, and fluffies. Higher, Yvonne! Higher! Heeheehee.


message 5: by Yvonne (new)

Yvonne (yvonne473) | 1066 comments Mod
LOL...I will try :)


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) (1) “Then Came Two Women” Charlotte Armstrong, 1962 (5/5)
(2) “Angel's Verdict” Mary Stanton, 2011 (3/5)


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) (3) “The Irish Cairn Murder” Dicey Deere, 2003 (3/5)
(4) “A Taste For Murder” Claudia Bishop, 1994 (2/5)
(5) “Angel Condemned” Mary Stanton, 2011 (3/5)


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) FYI- anyone premiering my 3 reading themes February 1st are welcome to count what they're reading, starting now. If you don't post a review before February 1, it's close enough for me. :) http://cmriedel.wordpress.com/etherea...


message 9: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Feb 17, 2014 11:07AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) (1) “Angel's Verdict” Mary Stanton, 2011 (3/5)
(2) “A Taste For Murder” Claudia Bishop, 1994 (2/5)
(3) “Angel Condemned” Mary Stanton, 2011 (3/5)
(4) “The Irish Cairn Murder” Dicey Deere, 2003 (3/5)
(5) “Ghost Ship” P.J. Alderman, 2011 (3/5)
(6) “Aunt Dimity Digs In” Nancy Atherton, 1995 (4/5)


message 10: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Feb 10, 2014 04:37PM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) On the anniversary of my blog, I like to share the first post I wrote; an issue very upsetting at the time I wanted voiced. It got a dearly happy ending. Every one of those kittens is a vibrant adult member in my family today. Happy third blog anniversary to us, Carolyn! :) http://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2011/02...


message 11: by Susan (new)

Susan (susansolo) | 22 comments Excellent post, Carolyn. I, too, am an animal lover and have two rescue cats myself. My husband found a kitten on the golf course skinny and afraid - he brought him home so he wouldn't be coyote bait. He's a year old now and loving his new life. People often drop kittens off at the golf course knowing there are coyotes lurking….it just kills me!!!! Anyway happy 3rd anniversary of your blog. I'm enjoying it!


message 12: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Feb 11, 2014 10:42AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) I could use comments at the article itself. I wrote it before I had a subscribers. People's support against sticky rules, versus great parents, are important. In the meantime, thanks for letting me know you like that article and my blog itself! It's very rewarding to have you there.

You certainly have my respect for caring about cats. I'm glad my youngest five (Mom & babies) never were shelter cats. After a fight, it only went as far as arranging them to bring the pregnant kitten to us. How happy all 7 make me every day. Your husband sounds like a kind person too. Thanks for the anniversary wishes. It sounds like a good time to crank out some activities.


message 13: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Feb 17, 2014 11:14AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) I rarely dislike a new series but when I do, it gives me pause. I pre-buy numerous volumes! Thankfully I normally love my selections and am not worried here. Laura's opener for the tea shop was great. Maybe these ones grow better. A low rating because there was no excitement until page 141. Parts of those rare action scenes were lame and unbelievably depicted. When the pace got good, the novel ended with startling abruptness - no wind down to enjoy the conclusion.

(7) “Eggs In Purgatory” Laura Childs, 2008 (2/5)


message 14: by Kristine (new)

Kristine  (goodreadscomkristines_booknook) | 65 comments I have this in my very large TBR pile. I think I won't be in a rush to read this one.


message 15: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Feb 17, 2014 01:23PM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) The review I compose at Amazon Canada is going to allow for "first book": establishing background details. I'm pretty sure the tea shop is going to keep being good.

I've pre-collected several of the scrapbook ones too and notice I don't have the first, "Keepsake Crimes". If this one doesn't touch on the paranormal, the flair comes close. The protagonist's best friend owns a voodoo shop. I think that's my cup of tea! I'll look for someone with whom to trade a copy. I have an on-going giveaway pile on my end (or prize choices for my 3 challenges).

Kristine, as for being in a hurry to read stuff I think I'll fall in love with; I'm starting this year doing the reverse! There's satisfaction, even relief, finishing with novels I'm willing to give away. :)


message 16: by Kristine (new)

Kristine  (goodreadscomkristines_booknook) | 65 comments That is a great idea! :O)


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) (1) “Angel's Verdict” Mary Stanton, 2011 (3/5)
(2) “Angel Condemned” Mary Stanton, 2011 (3/5)
(3) “A Taste For Murder” Claudia Bishop, 1994 (2/5)
(4) “The Irish Cairn Murder” Dicey Deere, 2003 (3/5)
(5) “Ghost Ship” P.J. Alderman, 2011 (3/5)
(6) “Aunt Dimity Digs In” Nancy Atherton, 1995 (4/5)
(7) “Eggs In Purgatory” Laura Childs, 2008 (2/5)
(8) “Gunpowder Green” Laura Childs, 2002 (2/5)
(9) “The Man In The Brown Suit” Agatha Christie, 1924 (5/5)


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) (10) “Crocodile On The Sandbank” Elizabeth Peters, 1975


message 19: by Kristine (new)

Kristine  (goodreadscomkristines_booknook) | 65 comments I do so enjoy the Amelia Peabody series.


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) This one is starting so slowly but I can see it getting better. I'm already attached the ladies and the tone.


message 21: by Kristine (new)

Kristine  (goodreadscomkristines_booknook) | 65 comments I started the series somewhere in the middle and was instantly hooked. I have been wanting to read the earlier books in the series and just haven't done so yet.


message 22: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Mar 04, 2014 02:09PM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) I can't bear that, especially in series like Kate Kingbury, Elizabeth Peters, Nancy Atherton where they marry the male partner who is introduced. I regret I know Amelia doesn't remain single. I glanced at book II's rear cover and was sorry the synopsis gave it away! Way to let me be surprised in the next 50 or 100 pages.

Did I ask if you wanted to join my challenges? You can enter all of these cozies at "My Kind Of Mystery" (read Feb 1 onward) and many at "Ethereal". :) http://cmriedel.wordpress.com/riedel-...


message 23: by Kristine (new)

Kristine  (goodreadscomkristines_booknook) | 65 comments Yes, I joined the "Ethereal" and am on my way to join the "My Kind of Mystery".

I just found a used book store near me... Yippee!!! I purchased one by Madelyn Alt (she has been on my TBR for awhile), the first Amelia Peabody and a few others. CAn't wait to read them.


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Wow, Kristine, I've just seen this news! This is wonderful!!! You have 50 minutes to e-mail the answer to the first riddle, live right now. If you haven't exactly gotten your page up yet, it's okay. I knew you intended to join my group somewhere, because you appeared in "Gentle Spectrums" here at Goodreads. I think a FEW friends have sweetly made appearances there and I wait with baited breath to see which blog page(s) have them as entrants, eventually.

Since "Ethereal" has been my smallest group so far, I hoped to have a few additional faces in that one most of all. Girl, you have made my day!!!!! I feel like I have passed 'the skunk line' by having a warm group of 10; to use a Cribbage term. *HUG!*


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Not giving up on sending around good cheer in March: here I am again. I would like to publicly wish A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear fiancé, Ron! Now I'd better get back to cleaning house and see what the cats are doing, too. Heeheehee.


message 26: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Apr 24, 2014 02:40PM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) I'm reading a wonderful variety early this 2014, that doesn't all categorize as cozy. You bet there's lots of that on my horizon too. I see the tall pile every night as I sleep ~ and that's just our bedroom.
(11) “The Ghost & The Dead Deb” Alice Kimberly, 2005 (5/5)


message 27: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Mar 26, 2014 07:18PM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) I've wanted for a long time, to start a friendly chat about exactly what 'a cozy mystery' is. The reason is, I've found the categorization too liberally applied, on books that I didn't feel suited it. Join in! :) Let's get to the basics of what we feel it is, see where impressions skew.

The nutshell, to me: the genre refers to career-themed settings (flower shop, bookstore, cheese shop, magic clothing store)... Gore or sex are light and usually occur off-screen. The mystery is usually one simple issue: solve what happened and by whom.

I disagree Agatha Christie belongs. I find her plots intelligent, multi-faceted, and the details of the resolution are so energizing to the mind that the first time I read her, I honestly felt my brain cells buzzing. The crime and sometimes the environment are harsher and deaths have occurred on-screen. I would categorize her as 'classic mystery', not because of year but tone, style, and impact.


message 28: by Betty (new)

Betty (bettylouise54) | 41 comments Years ago I stumble on Crocodile On The Sandbank. I laugh all through the book. I still remember the fist line. "I am I was correct in stating when I saw Emily the first time she was walking the street. If my critc is correct in fairness to her I must find another phrasing."


message 29: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited May 08, 2014 04:12AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) (1) “Angel's Verdict” Mary Stanton, 2011 (3/5)
(2) “Angel Condemned” Mary Stanton, 2011 (3/5)
(3) “A Taste For Murder” Claudia Bishop, 1994 (2/5)
(4) “The Irish Cairn Murder” Dicey Deere, 2003 (3/5)
(5) “Ghost Ship” P.J. Alderman, 2011 (3/5)
(6) “Aunt Dimity Digs In” Nancy Atherton, 1995 (4/5)
(7) “Eggs In Purgatory” Laura Childs, 2008 (2/5)
(8) “Gunpowder Green” Laura Childs, 2002 (2/5)
(9) “The Man In The Brown Suit” Agatha Christie, 1924 (5/5)
(10) “Crocodile On The Sandbank” Elizabeth Peters, 1975 (3/5)
(11) “The Ghost & The Dead Deb” Alice Kimberly, 2005 (5/5)
(12) “Ghost Of A Chance” Yasmine Galenorn, 2003 (3/5)
(13) “The Curse Of The Pharaohs” Elizabeth Peters, 1981 (5/5)
(14) “Something The Cat Dragged In” Charlotte MacLeod, 1983 (4/5)
(15) “The Cat Who Could Read Backwards” Lilian Jackson Braun, 1966 (5/5)
(16) “The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern” Lilian Jackson Braun, 1967 (5/5)
(17) “The Cat Who Turned On And Off” Lilian Jackson Braun, 1968 (5/5)
(18) “The Cat Who Saw Red” Lilian Jackson Braun, 1986


message 30: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited May 08, 2014 08:46AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) (19) “Caught Dead In Philadelphia” Gillian Roberts, 1987 (3/5)
(20) “Death On Demand” Carolyn G. Hart, 1987 (3/5)
(21) “The Merlot Murders” Ellen Crosby, 2006 (3/5)


message 31: by Kristine (new)

Kristine  (goodreadscomkristines_booknook) | 65 comments The Death on Demand series is one of my favorites.


message 32: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited May 08, 2014 08:49AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Eeek, not another who doesn't capitalize every word in a title. It's hard on the eye. ;) I found the start slow to engage me because it didn't begin with the protagonist and passed to several perspectives I didn't care about. I also hate hearing any hint about euthanasia (Of an animal. People's own choice is different; then of course it's impossible for a human's pull to be pulled "because it's an animal"). So for a whole segment to involve the killing drug, which I prefer knowing nothing about, wasn't going to bring comfortable reading that warranted a five.

However many other things about the setting, key two characters, writing, and creative touches are wonderful and original in a way I admire. I really think I'm going to be a fan too. I often feel we ought to push past introductory volumes and see what's ahead.


message 33: by Mark (new)

Mark Baker (carstairs38) | 854 comments Not capitalizing every word in the title may be hard on your eyes, but it is correct grammar. Unless it is the first word of the title, articles (the, a, etc.) and propositions are not to be capitalized.


message 34: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited May 19, 2014 12:00PM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Yes, it is one form of accepted grammar (today). Hence my jocularity for choosing that form. I don't do commas in front of 'and' or 'but' either, except in a '3 or more list'. I'm a fan of the old ways. I still spell "All Hallows Eve" "Hallowe'en", too. :-)


message 35: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited May 19, 2014 12:02PM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) It appears I'm finished with this popsicle stand! What I'll do is catch up writing reviews - my reading has zoomed this new year. Then I'll link everything I have so far and attach my blog page as a wrap-up post. That enables me to tame the plethora of groups in which I have membership. If I have time to add extra titles, I'll do so but am safe closing the theme at any time. Hip hip hurray! :-) Carolyn. http://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2013/11...


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) (19) “Caught Dead In Philadelphia” Gillian Roberts, 1987 (3/5)
(20) “Death On Demand” Carolyn G. Hart, 1987 (3/5)
(21) “The Merlot Murders” Ellen Crosby, 2006 (3/5)
(22) “The Tale Of Oat Cake Crag” Susan Wittig Albert, 2010 (3/5)
(23) “The Curse Of The Giant Hogweed” Charlotte MacLeod, 1985 (4/5)


message 37: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited May 26, 2014 06:05AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) For all interested: here is my review about Lilian Jackson Braun; not being the fluff I expected. I was enthralled to find five-star mysteries. http://www.amazon.ca/review/R3JR9NG27...


message 38: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Jul 11, 2014 11:32AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Here's how I am doing, with reviews included. Yours Truly, Carolyn RIEDEL Fascination”.

A Taste For Murder” Claudia Bishop, 1994 (2/5)
Angel's Verdict” Mary Stanton, 2010 (3/5)
Angel Condemned” Mary Stanton, 2011 (4/5)
The Irish Cairn Murder” Dicey Deere, 2003 (3/5)
Ghost Ship” P.J. Alderman, 2011 (3/5)
Aunt Dimity Digs In” Nancy Atherton, 1995 (4/5)
Eggs In Purgatory” Laura Childs, 2008 (2/5)
Gunpowder Green” Laura Childs, 2002 (2/5)
Crocodile On The Sandbank” Elizabeth Peters, 1975 (3/5)
(10) “The Man In The Brown Suit” Agatha Christie, 1924 (5/5)

The Ghost & The Dead Deb” Alice Kimberly, 2005 (5/5)
Ghost Of A Chance” Yasmine Galenorn, 2003 (3/5)
The Curse Of The Pharaohs” Elizabeth Peters, 1981 (5/5)
Something The Cat Dragged In” Charlotte MacLeod, 1983 (4/5)
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards” Lilian Jackson Braun, 1966 (5/5)
The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern” Lilian Jackson Braun, 1967 (5/5)
The Cat Who Turned On And Off” Lilian Jackson Braun, 1968 (5/5)
The Cat Who Saw Red” Lilian Jackson Braun, 1986 (4/5)
Caught Dead In Philadelphia” Gillian Roberts, 1987 (3/5)
(20) “Death On Demand” Carolyn G. Hart, 1987 (3/5)

The Merlot Murders” Ellen Crosby, 2006 (3/5)
The Tale Of Oat Cake Crag” Susan Wittig Albert, 2010 (3/5)
The Curse Of The Giant Hogweed” Charlotte MacLeod, 1985 (4/5)
Remedy For Treason” Caroline Roe, 1998 (4/5)
The Family Vault” Charlotte MacLeod, 1979 (5/5)
The Withdrawing Room” Charlotte MacLeod, 1980 (4/5)
The Night The Gods Smiled” Eric Wright, 1983 (4/5)
Smoke Detector” Eric Wright, 1984 (4/5)
Death In The Old Country” Eric Wright, 1985 (4/5)
(30) “Cure For A Charlatan” Caroline Roe, 1999 (3/5)

“Dead Bolt” Juliet Blackwell, 2011 (5/5)
“Murder On The House” Juliet Blackwell, 2012 (5/5)
“Tarnished And Torn” Juliet Blackwell, 2013 (5/5)


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Today we wish our very dear Siamese, McCartney Hendrix: a happy fourteenth birthday! Happy birthday McCartney! With all our love, the whole family.


message 40: by Yvonne (new)

Yvonne (yvonne473) | 1066 comments Mod
A big Happy B-Day to McCartney!


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) I knew you for sure would step up for this milestone. :) I'll tell McCartney his first greetings are from New York! Hugs, Carolyn.


message 42: by Yvonne (new)

Yvonne (yvonne473) | 1066 comments Mod
But of course! :)


message 43: by Betty (new)

Betty (bettylouise54) | 41 comments Happy Birthday McCartney from Kato


message 44: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Jun 13, 2014 10:00AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Thank you! :) It means a lot to celebrate our shorter-spanned family members but in no way less loved or less real members. All the more reason to make grand observations of the years we have. (You should see it when 'the four kitten' add years every September. I saw them born and couldn't fathom them being three, next four)!

Yes Yvonne, I feel that way about groups I am in and action in my threads too. Interaction, hearty discussions, sharing personal events are the mission. It's quiet in others, except one-way traffic: post your own stuff but not pop in to see others. I savour the fun with you and Lynn today. Plus whoever else joins our fray once they catch-up with our posts. :)


message 45: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Jun 14, 2014 03:38AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) I've been determined my wholly updated, HTML-coded list be viewed, even if new discussions threatened to sink it from the top of participants' view! LOL! It's item #38, right here. :)

Betty, very nice of you and Kato to wish McCartney a happy birthday too! I will tell him when he rises. All of the cats hear me up and and poised near the bed for Ron to stir. Little do they know I'm going back to bed and he too will sleep in.


message 46: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Jun 23, 2014 04:18AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) If folks know the Canadian authors in message #38, or wish to explore my reviews therein:
I updated most of them the other day. They're linked. :) I'm presently into for the first time....

(27) “The Night The Gods Smiled” Eric Wright, 1983 (4/5)


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) This one contradicts one of my notions about the 'cozy': this elderly author focused on sexual desire. But the remainder has its breezy, undramatic pace. Characters are at the forefront and mystery-solving is gradual. I'll finish today because it's pouring outside.


message 48: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Jul 06, 2014 12:49PM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) (28) “Smoke Detector” Eric Wright, 1984 (4/5)
(29) “Death In The Old Country” Eric Wright, 1985 (4/5)
(30) “Cure For A Charlatan” Caroline Roe, 1999 (3/5)


message 49: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Jun 24, 2014 09:49AM) (new)

C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) A great deal of review links have been updated in message #38. Readers are also welcome at my blog page, where I'll add them too. “RIEDEL Fascination”.


C.  (Comment, never msg). (riedel) Many participants of the Canadian challenge wrote a profile. If anyone would like to read mine, it shares a great deal beyond the literary: my concern that many reviews are spoilers, why I love print, trivia my brothers and I played by car and anywhere, even a local ghost story. http://www.bookmineset.com/2013/11/7-...

Something it wouldn't have shared, last November, is about my family's very dear cat who was with us for TWENTY-ONE YEARS. Our most precious Thumbelina Sandy was born on this very day today, in 1982. The only way to celebrate is to share it with people, so I'm shouting it out.
We always remember you and love you, our very dear Thumbelina!
All of the present cats say hello. Happy birthday to you with love, always!



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