Cozy Mysteries discussion

It seems like I am constantly finding out that series that I have read and liked are not being continued for one reason or another (many times lately I am hearing that the publisher is not renewing the series). Let's use this topic to let each other know when a series is being discontinued (and if you know why you can list the reason). We can use this as a place to mourn our favorites (or not so favorites) as they leave us...

Melanie Travis series by Laurien Berenson is finished with book #15 Doggie Day Care Murder.

Lyn Hamilton's Lara McClintoch series (fortunately I have the whole series).

Then there are those authors who have passed away: Anne George, Tony Hillerman among others. Also long-passed Agatha Christie, Charlotte Armstrong, Dorothy Sayers, Steve Allen... I'm sure you can name many old favourite series.

Jean Hager's books I really enjoyed, but looking up on SYKM (Stop You're Killing Me), I see that her last Mitch Bushyhead series was 1998, Molly Bearpaw series was 1997, and Tess Darcey series was 2000.

It seems Jean Hager is a mystery herself. I checked out several sites and everything is out of date. Does anyone know what she is doing now, if anything? Maybe she has retired from writing... ?

Denise wrote: "It seems like I am constantly finding out that series that I have read and liked are not being continued for one reason or another (many times lately I am hearing that the publisher is not renewing..."

Terrible about Laurien Berenson. I LOVE that series!

Betty wrote: "Jean Hager's books I really enjoyed, but looking up on SYKM (Stop You're Killing Me), I see that her last Mitch Bushyhead series was 1998, Molly Bearpaw series was 1997, and Tess Darcey series was ..."

I wrote to Jean several years ago and she responded that she has retired. So don't expect anymore Iris House B&B, Molly Bearpaw, or Mitch Bushyhead mysteries. I am sad as I liked all three. Although Jean had many pen names: Leah Crane, Marlaine Kyle, Amanda McAllister, Sarah North, Jeanne Stephens. I have not looked any of these up or read any books under any of these names.

I heard today from Judith Van Gieson. The Claire Reynier series is at an end at least from her former publisher. Here is what Judith wrote: "It was my publisher's decision to stop publishing those books, not mine. I have received a couple of offers from small presses to continue the Claire series, but for so little money I felt I couldn't do it. Publishing is in a terrible state these days. In the meantime I've been teaching, mentoring, helping others to self-publish. I do want to get back to my own writing soon, however, either another Claire or a travel memoir I've been working on."

Denise wrote: "Betty wrote: "Jean Hager's books I really enjoyed, but looking up on SYKM (Stop You're Killing Me), I see that her last Mitch Bushyhead series was 1998, Molly Bearpaw series was 1997, and Tess Darc..."
I suspected as much re retirement. I didn't know about the pseudonyms, must check them out. Publishers are having a difficult time, and I am very upset that a university library has gone 100% digital. I ask you, how can a library exist without books!? I am anti-e-books and will continue to be as they are too hard for me to read. Even with my progressive lenses, I often find myself removing my glasses to read a book! and I'm certainly not comfortable without a book in hand no matter where I am. Life is becoming so depressing these days... especially in British Columbia. There, I've said it!

Betty wrote: "Denise wrote: "Betty wrote: "Jean Hager's books I really enjoyed, but looking up on SYKM (Stop You're Killing Me), I see that her last Mitch Bushyhead series was 1998, Molly Bearpaw series was 1997..."

Betty: I agree about holding a book to read. I really don't like reading on the internet. I end up printing off stuff just to be able to read it. I think it is easier to follow when I am holding the paper.

I wear bifocals and do not use them to read. The only time I use my glasses are for looking at things at a distance. I can read with my bifocals but find it easier without. The main reason I got them was when I am at a store I used to have to take my glasses off to read a label or sign a check and it is easier to have the bifocals. However, it is easier for me to read without them. I also don't use my glasses for computer work. Too much tipping the head up and down.

Denise wrote: "Betty wrote: "Denise wrote: "Betty wrote: "...I also don't use my glasses for computer work. Too much tipping the head up and down. "
That's why I had to get progressive lenses. All day on the computer at work, I couldn't focus back to distance for driving home, then couldn't focus on the dashboard to read it. They work quite well, but hard to get used to. Also, like bifocals, I have trouble seeing stairs and uneven ground without tipping my head way down to look out the top of my glasses! If I wasn't so old and broke, I'd look into laser correction! ;-)

I just learned from the first post that the Melanie Travis series has been discontinued by Kensington Publishers. I don't know if it will do any good, but I did write the publisher a note letting them know I disagreed with their decision!

Donnaa in Southern Maryland

Betty wrote: "Lyn Hamilton's Lara McClintoch series (fortunately I have the whole series)."
I just learned recently that Lyn Hamilton passed away earlier this year. A loss of an interesting author, and undoubtedly a good person.

Betty wrote: "Betty wrote: "Lyn Hamilton's Lara McClintoch series (fortunately I have the whole series)."
I just learned recently that Lyn Hamilton passed away earlier this year. A loss of an interesting author,..."
For more info regarding Lyn Hamilton's death:

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/20...

Also if you check out Lyn's website (www.lynhamilton.com) there is a free book to download. Not a Lara McClintoch but written before Lyn's death.

The Charlie Plato series by Margaret Chittenden was so very good.. And I had noticed a year or so ago that there hadn't been any new releases.. I emailed her and she told me that the publisher pulled the plug on her series as well. :( I think it's really terrible! She was very nice in the email and explained to me that any new publisher most likely wouldn't want to start from the middle of a series. So sad and unfair!

The Ivy Towers series by Nancy Mehl has ended with book four There Goes Santa Claus. I, for one, am sorry to see it go. I really liked Ivy.

Denise wrote: "The Ivy Towers series by Nancy Mehl has ended with book four There Goes Santa Claus. I, for one, am sorry to see it go. I really liked Ivy."

Thanks, Denise. I appreciate your kind words and look forward to being a part of this group.

Nancy Mehl

Hannah Simpson series by Kathy Brandt ends with 4 books, I am on my second and am sad that I only have 2 more to read, very well written and I recommend anyone who enjoys shipwreck mysteries or the Caribbean to give these books a read.

I enjoyed the series by Maddy Hunter. She is starting a new series but has no release date yet.

Murder Has No Class by Rebecca Kent is the last one in the Bellehaven series. There were only 3, so it's a little disappointing it's already over. I am about to start it today.

I am sad that the Miss Zukas Library series, by Jo Dereske, is over. I loved that series, and was so happy when she came back with the most recent 3 book run after an absense of a few years. But, now no more...i guess all good things must come to an end.

Susan wrote: "I enjoyed the series by Maddy Hunter. She is starting a new series but has no release date yet. "

Susan, I hear that Maddy Hunter will be continuing her Passport to Peril series, which is great news! It might be several months, though, before we see the next book.

Tobin wrote: "I am sad that the Miss Zukas Library series, by Jo Dereske, is over. I loved that series, and was so happy when she came back with the most recent 3 book run after an absense of a few years. But,..."

Tobin: Where did you see this? I love Miss Zukas.

Not sure how cozy it was, but Ian Rankin's John Rebus series ends with "Exit Music". Unfortunately, this was the only one of his I had read and it seemed to carry enough camaraderie and humor to maybe make it a cozy. Now I'll have to work through the series if I want to read any more of this series. He has a new book just out "Doors Open".

Tobin wrote: "I am sad that the Miss Zukas Library series, by Jo Dereske, is over. I loved that series, and was so happy when she came back with the most recent 3 book run after an absense of a few years. But,..."

When I read Tobin's entry I wrote to Jo Dereske to see if it was true. I want to share her answer with the group.

Here is what Jo responded to the question has the Miss Zukas series ended?

"I'm afraid that's more or less correct. I AM working on a final wrap-up to the series but as you know, the publishing world is horrifically grim right now so we'll see what happens when the book is finished. You can be sure I'll announce it with bells on my website when/if there's a positive outcome. In the meantime, thank you so much for your email and for reading Miss Zukas."

I then wrote back and asked her if there would be a resolution in the relationship between Helma and Wayne. Here is Jo's response: "I'm one of those writers who is superstitious about talking about books before they're finished, but I will tell you I hope to resolve Helma and Wayne's relationship in a satisfactory way (!). I'm dealing with adding books to Amazon's Kindle right now so it's slowed me a bit, but aim to finish writing the book in 2010."

My final question to Jo was is she retiring from writing. She responded with "It's too late to give up writing - I'm not suited for anything else!"

So, everyone, Miss Zukas is coming to an end but let's hope Jo's publisher will publish one last book in the series. And from her response to my last question perhaps we will be seeing a new series from her!

Oh, my! I loved uptight Helma Zukas and didn't know there wouldn't be anymore in the series. I'll sure miss her and her sidekick, Ruth.

Sawyer wrote: "Kelley wrote: "Murder Has No Class by Rebecca Kent is the last one in the Bellehaven series. There were only 3, so it's a little disappointing it's already over. I..."

I just got into that one too and realy enjoyed the 2 I read. I was looking forward to the 3rd and many more. I am also sad that Ophelia and Abby series will end with the 7th book. One of my faves.

I'll be sorry to see the Ophelia and Abby series end, too, although it seems not a lot of readers feel the same way. I thought it was a fun series, myself.

Sorry to hear the Bellhaven series is ending. I just discovered it and bought the most recent (now last) in the series. I really enjoyed them.

Betty wrote: "I'll be sorry to see the Ophelia and Abby series end, too, although it seems not a lot of readers feel the same way. I thought it was a fun series, myself."I really enjoyed this series as well!

Maria wrote: "Hannah Simpson series by Kathy Brandt ends with 4 books, I am on my second and am sad that I only have 2 more to read, very well written and I recommend anyone who enjoys shipwreck mysteries or the..."I'm glad to see womeone else enjoyed this series as well!

Dru wrote: "The "Yellow Rose" mystery series by Leann Sweeney
"Loved the characters in the Yellow Rose series!

I believe that the Cat Who Series has reached its end. The last I checked the next book has no release date and the author is 94 years old.

Lisa and Maria,
I, too, am a big fan of Kathy Brandt, the person, as well as of her Hannah Simpson series. Kathy lives not too far from me in Colorado, and we've hung out together a few times. She's been working with her son on his memoir and on a stand-alone thriller of her own, so she is busy with other writing projects. I'm hoping to receive news from her soon that she's got a publishing contract for at least one of her projects.

Vicki wrote: "I believe that the Cat Who Series has reached its end. The last I checked the next book has no release date and the author is 94 years old."

I never read many of these, but there must have been an awful lot of them. I just checked: Lilian Jackson Braun released the first one "The Cat Who Could Read Backwards" in 1966 and on the site I checked wrote 30, the last released in 2007 "The Cat Who Had Sixty Whiskers". She certainly has good reason to feel like retiring, but like Phyllis A Whitney, who died in her 105th year, it would be nice if a family member could assist her with another book. I think she deserves a rest, though, 30 books is a great legacy!

I think I've read every book by Phyllis A. Whitney. I didn't realize she was 105 at the time of her death!

Phyllis A. Whitney is what got me interested in Romantic Mysteries. After her, I read all of the Barbara Michaels books and then read M.M. Kaye. And I could re-read any of them. Those are the ones I keep.

Susie in KS wrote: "I think I've read every book by Phyllis A. Whitney. I didn't realize she was 105 at the time of her death!"
Actually she was 104, she would have turned 105 later that year. She died in 2008.

I was adding some books that I have read to "My Books" and I had made a note on my Mary Freeman page that I had written her back in 2003 regarding her Rachel O'Connor series and she wrote back saying that she had no plans to write anymore of them. Mary also writes under the name Mary Rosenblum but those books appear to be Science Fiction.

There were only four books to the Rachel O'Connor series, Rachel is a Landscaper in the Pacific Northwest. I thought the books were good. Here are the titles:

Devil's Trumpet
Deadly Nightshade
Bleeding Heart
Garden View

She must be busy gardening! ;-) (just looking at the titles)

I wrote a note to Jacqueline Girdner about her Kate Jasper series (12 books starting with Adjusted To Death and ending with A Sensitive Kind of Murder) and her Cally Lazar series written under the name of Claire Daniels to see if there would be any more forthcoming. Here is her answer:

"I have stopped writing murder mysteries for the time-being. Kate and Wayne are on a well-deserved honeymoon! But I do have a romantic comedy, What's Sex Got To Do With It, available as an e-book at SynergEbooks.com. And all 12 of the Kate Jasper mysteries have been re-issued both as e-books and trade paperbacks at E-Reads.com.
Thanks from me and Kate for your interest.
In Mystery and Romantic Comedy,
Jaki Girdner"

Although she only addressed the Kate Jasper series directly because she says that she has quit writing murder mysteries for the time being I would assume that includes the Cally Lazar books also (of which there were 4). I really liked the Kate Jasper series and have read all 12 of them, the Cally Lazar books I have only read two of them, they were okay but not great.

Correction to my post above (message 42):

Jaki's first name is spelled wrong. It should be Jaqueline without the C. Goodreads has it listed both ways and I chose the one with the C but have done a little research since posting it and find that it should be spelled without the C. I have written to the Goodreads staff to get that corrected.

My apologies.

Is Cynthia Baxter's "Travel Packs a Suitcase" series really done for good after only 2 books? If so, does anyone know why? I love that series!

Jane Isenberg's Bel Barrett series is finished with book #8 titled Hot Wired: A Bel Barrett Mystery. This was a very good series and any of us that have gone through menopause will get a kick out of the book titles as all of them deal with something menopausal. I have read 7 of the 8 and just put the 8th one on reserve at the library.

Denise wrote: "Betty wrote: "Betty wrote: "Lyn Hamilton's Lara McClintoch series (fortunately I have the whole series)."
I just learned recently that Lyn Hamilton passed away earlier this year. A loss of an inte..."

Reading these messages today (I hadn't read them before), I've discovered another "wonderful" Spanish publishing fact. I read her first book in Spanish, and I felt it was a series, but no other book was translated. Today I've discovered that yes, it was a series, but our "dear" publishers decided not to follow it.

Kathy Hogan Trocheck's Callahan Garrity "House Mouse" series is another series that appears to be done. Has been a few years since she wrote one.

I contacted the husband and wife writing team of Cathie & John Celestri who write under the Cathie John name regarding their 2 series (Kate Cavanaugh and Little Mexico) to see if there would be any books in the future. Here is what John wrote back:

"My wife Cathie and I put a ton of effort and energy into our books, but unfortunately, we had to stop as we were forced to direct our energies elsewhere. We now live in Danville, KY and I am focusing on my animation studio projects."

Susan wrote: "I enjoyed the series by Maddy Hunter. She is starting a new series but has no release date yet. "

I sent an email to her and got a response about the Emily Andrews series. She says she lost her publisher (Pocket) and that recently she has been picked up by another one. She has a book due out next year around this time called Dutch Dead. I was so happy to hear that! I really love this series too. Emily, Nana, and everyone is always so funny.

Magdalena Yoder series by Tamar Myers has ended with Butter Safe Than Sorry. I liked this series alot. The author has a new series out now so I will be getting that one.

Shannon, Thank you so much for the news!! That is so great to hear. Love Emily and everyone else. They are so good that my daughter who is more chick lit loves them too. Thank you, you made my day!!!

Susan wrote: "Shannon, Thank you so much for the news!! That is so great to hear. Love Emily and everyone else. They are so good that my daughter who is more chick lit loves them too. Thank you, you made my d..."

I am glad to have brightened your day with that news! I was ecstatic when I checked my email and found the reply was a positive one. This is definitely one of my favorite series ever!