Cozy Mysteries discussion
Reading Challenges
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June 2017 Mini Challenges

Progress: 4
Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
Murder Most Howl by Krista Davis

Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover.
Hot Button by Kylie Logan

Read a book with a flag on the cover.
Drizzled with Death by Jessie Crockett

Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
Whispers Beyond the Veil by Jessica Estevao

Read a book that features dairy products.
Foreign Éclairs by Julie Hyzy


4/4
1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).






Completed: 6/9/17
2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).

1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: This one is easy. I will read MURDER HAS NINE LIVES! One of the latest Jaine Austen mysteries by Laura Levine. Jaine's cat, Prozac, stars in all the books in the series, and is prominent on the cover of this one!
2, 3, and 4 I have to think about...
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).
I plan to find a mystery set in Wisconsin! That can also be my first in the Read Around the USA Challenge, that I just started! :)
On the Chopping Block is setting in Wisconsin and I think these days has been free for Kindle (I don't know if it's yet) .

National Adopt a Cat Month and Hug Your Cat Day: Suture Self
Sewing Machine Day: Stitch Me Deadly
Flag Day in the USA: Fire When Ready
National Splurge Day: A Slice of Murder
Dairy Month and Ice Cream Soda Day: To Brie or Not To Brie






1. Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
2. Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).

06/24 - getting down to the wire and I'm having a lot of trouble focusing enough to read these days. I found something a bit lighter for the Flag Day selection, so I switched and should finish that one tomorrow. Hope I can finish the other two before the end of the month.
1. National Adopt a Cat Month and Hug Your Cat Day:
2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day:
A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA:
Star Spangled Killer by Summer Prescott
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day:
5. June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day:
Unexpected by Cindy Blackburn






1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
Odds and Ends by Audrey Claire - Finished 6/10
2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon - Finished 6/22
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
Their Finest Hour by Lissa Evans
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
Chez Stinky by Susan C. Daffron - Finished 7/3
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).
The Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery Aames







1. Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
MURDER HAS NINE LIVES. One of the latest Jaine Austen mysteries by Laura Levine. (Done! 6/1)
2. Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover.
FALLING TO PIECES, by Vannetta Chapman (Done! 6/10)
3. Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality). DIVINE JUSTICE, by David Baldacci (Done! 5/30)
4. Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
TALES FROM THE HILLTOP: A summer in the other South of France, by Tony Lewis
5. Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin). ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK (Done! 6/3)
MarieBL wrote: "Gary and Marisa, thanks for your excellent suggestions for mysteries set in Wisconsin! BUZZ OFF and ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK both look interesting and fun! I will probably read both :)"
Glad to have helped you (and your TBR ;-) )
Glad to have helped you (and your TBR ;-) )


2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc). Death Threads 06.28.17
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased. Daughter of the Pirate King 06.08.17
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).


For flags, a couple authors to check out are Julie Hyzy's White House series and Shelley Freydont. A Tale of Two Biddies also has flags.

Update: June 25
Progress: 5/5
1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.

2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).

3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).

4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.

5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).


4/4 DONE
1. cat on the cover 6/5

2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: about sewing Aunt Dimity and the Widow's Curse 6/2
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: recent books you’ve purchasedOne Tequila 6/15
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: dairy products Milkshakes, Mermaids, and Murder 6/2

I'll miss your book suggestions if you opt out this month! But we all need a break sometimes... :)

I know what you mean, Gary. I don't have a sewing book either and I haven't finished a monthly challenge since January or February. The hard part is finding the time to read all the books since I have other books I want to read outside of the challenge as well. However, the fun part is finding the books that fit the challenges.


Cats - "Murder is Binding" by Lorna Barrett (the cat's name is Miss Marple)
Sew - "Sew Deadly" by Elizabeth Lynn Casey
Flag Day - Can't think of one currently....
National Splurge Day - "The Cater Street Hangman" by Anne Perry (bought it at a used book store recently on a whim)
Dairy/Ice Cream - "The Long Quiche Goodbye" by Avery Aames





1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.

2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).

3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).

4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.

5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).


06/01-06/30
0/5
1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).

1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).

1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).

1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.

Gary, glad you decided to join in for June! I always like to see what books you are reading! :)

1. Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
2. Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
Sins and Needles
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).
No Use Dying Over Spilled Milk (Penn Dutch series)






5/5 got done, but I still need to go in and review/rate the books
1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover. Crime and Catnip

2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc). Reap What You Sew

3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality). Murder at the Courthouse

4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased. Chocolate Cake and Chaos

5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin). On the Chopping Block


2017 June Mini Challenge
2/5
1. cat The Chosen/JR Ward 6-12-17
2. Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. recent books you’ve purchased. A Fatal Grace/Louise Penny 6-4-17
5. Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).


reply | flag *

1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.

2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).

3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).

4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.

5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).


1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).
For number five, remember that any book featuring cows or cheese (such as the Cheese Shop series by Avery Aames) can be used. If, however, you want a book set in Wisconsin, here are a few books/series to help you out...
* The Queen Bee series by Hannah Reed
* The Loon Lake series by Victoria Houston
* The Monona Quinn series by Marshall Cook (except for Twin Killing, which is set in Iowa)
* The Beth Kennedy series by Laura Alden
* Mistake, Wisconsin by Kersti Niebruegge
* The Mack's Bar series by Allyson K. Abbott
* The Mattie Winston series by Annelise Ryan
* The Fudge Shop series by Christine DeSmet
* The Chloe Ellefson series by Kathleen Ernst (Most are set in Wisconsin, book 4 is an exception)
* The Garnet Lacey series by Tate Hallaway (Mystery/Urban fantasy)
* The Nail Knot by John Galligan (This is book one of a series, I do not know if the rest are set in Wis)
Romantic Suspense:
* Ann Voss Peterson (Many of her books are set in Madison, WI)
Non-Mystery:
* The Teashop Girls and The Secret Ingredient by Laura Schaefer (Young Adult)
* Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (YA, Classic)
* Rascal by Sterling North (Young Adult Classic)
* Vintage by Susan Gloss (Contemporary Fiction)
* The Cherry Harvest by Lucy Sanna (Historical Fiction)
* My Life with the Green Gold: Tales from 20 Years of Sportscasting by Jessie Garcia (Non-fiction, by a former classmate of mine)
* Truck: A Love Story, Population: 485 : Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time, Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs, and Parenting by Michael Perry (Non-fiction)
* The Jesus Cow by Michael Perry (Fiction)
* The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski (Fiction)
* Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (Young Adult)
* Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink (YA, a favorite growing up)
* The Queen Bee series by Hannah Reed
* The Loon Lake series by Victoria Houston
* The Monona Quinn series by Marshall Cook (except for Twin Killing, which is set in Iowa)
* The Beth Kennedy series by Laura Alden
* Mistake, Wisconsin by Kersti Niebruegge
* The Mack's Bar series by Allyson K. Abbott
* The Mattie Winston series by Annelise Ryan
* The Fudge Shop series by Christine DeSmet
* The Chloe Ellefson series by Kathleen Ernst (Most are set in Wisconsin, book 4 is an exception)
* The Garnet Lacey series by Tate Hallaway (Mystery/Urban fantasy)
* The Nail Knot by John Galligan (This is book one of a series, I do not know if the rest are set in Wis)
Romantic Suspense:
* Ann Voss Peterson (Many of her books are set in Madison, WI)
Non-Mystery:
* The Teashop Girls and The Secret Ingredient by Laura Schaefer (Young Adult)
* Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (YA, Classic)
* Rascal by Sterling North (Young Adult Classic)
* Vintage by Susan Gloss (Contemporary Fiction)
* The Cherry Harvest by Lucy Sanna (Historical Fiction)
* My Life with the Green Gold: Tales from 20 Years of Sportscasting by Jessie Garcia (Non-fiction, by a former classmate of mine)
* Truck: A Love Story, Population: 485 : Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time, Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs, and Parenting by Michael Perry (Non-fiction)
* The Jesus Cow by Michael Perry (Fiction)
* The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski (Fiction)
* Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (Young Adult)
* Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink (YA, a favorite growing up)

2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).

I started early, since I found such great books for June, and I want to have time for the Summer Challenge when it begins! I'll slow it now and read another from the June author, Julie Hyzy. The second in the White House Chef series! :)
Heather, thanks for the Wisconsin books! I already have one in mind, but will add some of yours to my TBR List :)

2/5
1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day - Cat Got Your Secrets - Finished 6/4/17
2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day - Pride v. Prejudice - Finished 6/11/17





1. Cat on the cover or in the book: The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe, Kij Johnson
(06/06/17 - the cat is on her shoulder and is her travelling companion)
2. Sewing: Dire Threads, Janet Brolin
(13/06/17 - Threadville mystery #1)
3. Flag on cover:
4. Splurge day: The Hanging Tree, Ben Aaronovitch
(14/06/17 - splurged on 30/05/17)
5. Dairy on the cover or set in Wisconsin: Bean There, Done That, Sandra Balzo
(21/06/17 - set in and around Milwaukie, WI)
1.







I agree with Brenda! Relax and enjoy; reading should be fun! :)

I'm also in the process of reading the Hugo nominees - voting closes mid-July: some of them are monsters, and only a couple of them - Vellitt Boe (my #1 one above), and my splurge book - fit the mini-challenges! :-)
So many books, so little time!
I'd love some suggestions for the sewing one, though - I'm currently drawing a total blank.
Books mentioned in this topic
Bring the Jubilee (other topics)Killer Jam (other topics)
A Novel Way to Die (other topics)
Hospitality and Homicide (other topics)
The Red, White and Blue Mystery (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Ward Moore (other topics)Jessie Crockett (other topics)
Ilona Andrews (other topics)
Summer Prescott (other topics)
Karen Anne Golden (other topics)
More...
Here are your June 2017 Mini Challenges!
RULES
** Books DO NOT all have to be mysteries. You can use any genres.
** A book can only be used once for this challenge, but can be used for other challenges (Seasonal, World Trip, Ultimate, etc.).
** You DO NOT have to choose books in advance, and can change your mind at any time if you do.
** Do as many as you are able and have fun!
1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book that features cats, or has a cat on the cover.
2. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book about sewing or which features a sewing machine or sewing notions on the cover (needle, thread, buttons, pincushion, etc).
3. June 14 is Flag Day in the USA: Read a book with a flag on the cover (any kind of flag, any nationality).
4. June 18 is National Splurge Day: Read one of the most recent books you’ve purchased.
5. It’s also June Dairy Month and June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day: Read a book that features dairy products (cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc.), a dairy animal (such as a cow or goat). either in it or on the cover, or is set in The Dairy State (Wisconsin).