The list of cozies I’ve read in 2012. Most are books in established series that I adore and a couple are new authors (to me). Read on for recommendations, to find a new author to enjoy or comment if there is an author that I just need to be reading!

Rating system:

5 * I LOVED it!

4* It was Great!

3 * Ok!

2 *Could have been better

1 * No enjoyment.

Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke  (3*) The storyline of Hannah, her “invisible coffee server trick” and the finding of dead bodies is not bad. It’s like that comfy old sweatshirt- maybe you should get rid of it, but it comforts and soothes you, so it stays. This is basically how I feel about the Hannah Swensen series. However, the romance issue- I don’t read cozy books for soapy-romance storylines- however, this triangle of Mike, Norman and Hannah has went on for too long. It’s not even that exciting of a triangle. Let Hannah have a slighly more grown-up love life than what she’s been having for the past several books.

Death on Heels by Ellen Byerrum (4 *) Lacey Smithsonian and her fashion clues. And her aunt’s truck- Lacey is the type of girl that I would like to hang out with. This time Lacey’s fashion clues take her back to Colorado to see if she can help clear her ex. Will the fashion clues help out in the Wild West? I enjoy the Crime of Fashion Series quite a bit. Lacey’s smart, funny and witty.

Appetite for Murder by Lucy Burdette (4 *) Meet Haley Snow. Living in Key West now, her boyfriend dumped her to go back to his ex- who happens to be the co-head of the magazine where Haley wants to be a food critic. Then when Kristen dies- Haley’s a natural suspect! Haley decides that she better look into this case so she can prove her innocence. Food, location, and Haley- an adorably cute character who likes Tarot cards to be read before she makes choices.  Charming debut- great mystery!

Death in Four Courses by Lucy Burdette (4 *) Haley’s at a Key West Food Conference. The keynote speaker, Jonah, has already hinted at ruffling some feathers over the conference weekend- and Haley’s curious. Especially when she finds Jonah’s body, and the police suspect a friend of Haley’s. Haley and her mom team up to find out who wanted to keep Jonah from ruffling feathers and to clear Haley’s friend. Between the food, the descriptions of Key West & bubbly Haley- I can’t decide what I like the most! I do know this- Haley would be the best person to go with for a tarot reading!

Sprinkle With Murder by Jenn McKinlay (4*) Melanie and Angie- life is good. They’ve opened up a cucpake shop, their partner Tate is getting married and his fiancee Christie is their first important client. Things look ok- until Christie, the bridezilla, turns up dead with a cupcake- and Mel is a suspect! Will Melanie and Angie find the real killer? And could a Prince Charming swoop in to save Mel? This series starts off with a good storyline, some interesting subplots, and cupcake recipes-yum!

Buttercream Bump Off by Jenn Mckinlay (4*) Continuing book in the Cupcake series. More details on Mel, Angie and Tate’s friendship. And some romance for Mel with a very cute man!

Death by the Dozen by Jenn McKinlay (4*) Cute book. Good Mystery- Mel and Joe are adorable together. The cast of characters is growing- each bringing something fun to the series! If you like food cook off shows- you’ll enjoy this book in particular!

Red Velvet Revenge by Jenn McKinlay (4 *) Sales are down so when Mel and Angie get an offer to go to a rodeo town and sell cupcakes- they jump on it. Not everyone is happy, though, to see the cupcake people in town. When a murder happens, the girls get to work solving it, selling cupcakes to win a bet, and trying to leave Cowboy Country in one piece. Some subplots are heating up, some are coming near a resolution!

Books can be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay (3 *) Lindsey is the director of the Briar Creek Public Library. Still getting used to small town life, but with her friend, Beth, Lindsey’s life is good. Then Beth’s boyfriend turns up dead after a very public break-up. Beth is a suspect- and Lindsey vows to clear her.  Good start to series.

Due or Die by Jenn McKinlay (4 *) This series really picks up with the addition of Heathcliff the dog, the storyline of missing valuable books, and a romance blooming between Lindsey and Sully. Plus the craftafternoon ladies are still having fun!

Book, Line and Sinker by Jenn McKinlay (4*) There’s buried treasure in Briar Creek and everyone is enabling their inner pirate! Someone doesn’t want the buried treasure to be found by anyone else, though, and goes to long lengths to keep it for themselves. To add to complications, Lindsey’s ex, John, shows up and wants her back. What does this mean for Sully and Lindsey?

50% Off Murder by Josie Belle (3 *) Maggie, the founding member of Good Buy Girls, notices that Claire- a new member, has been acting strange. She brushes it off since Claire seems fine the next time she sees her-and Claire is fine- till she’s arrested for murder. Maggie and the rest of GBG look into clearing Claire, and Maggie tries to stay out of Sam Collins, new sherrif in town, way. That’s easier said than done especially since Maggie and Sam have a past. Interesting book, curious to see what happens next with the GBG and Maggie and Sam!

Nightshade on Elm Street by Kate Collins (4 *) Abby’s trying to plan her and Marco’s wedding shower without the help of either mothers- which is problematic by itself. Throw in Jillan, Abby’s cousin, a missing woman, and Pryce asking for Marco and Abby’s help to solve the mystery- and it’s a busy time! An excellent addition to the Flower Shop Mysteries.

A Brew to a Kill by Cleo Coyle (4*) Clare’s no stranger to trouble. Dating a NYPD detective, assisting in solving crimes- Clare knows about trouble. When a hit and run happens in front of the Village Blend, it troubles Clare for many reasons- most notably because the victim is a friend. However, when the hit and run is potentially tied to her ex-husband Matteo’s coffee buying trips- it becomes essential for Clare to solve the crime- for her, for Matteo, for the Village Blend- for all their lives. Another great addition to the Coffeehouse Mystery series- Clare is like a fine wine- just getting better.

Holiday Buzz by Cleo Coyle (4*) It’s the holiday season in NYC and things are busy at Village Blend. When Clare discovers the body of a part-time worker, she’s sad to see a life cut short. She, Madame, and Matteo team up to find out what happened to M.

A Peach of a Murder by Livia J. Washburn (2*) The story of Phyllis and friends was just not for me. The plot sounded good- but sadly, it was a slow read and I really couldn’t find enough that I liked about the characters.

Murder of the Cat’s Meow by Denise Swanson ( 3 *) The book was ok. Skye and Wally are trying to plan a wedding, Skye’s house still has a ghost, Skye finds a body. Bunny’s involved in a scheme.A few too many subplots.  Enjoyable enough, though.

Little Shop of Homicide by Denise Swanson (3*) This was ok. Dev is not an unlikeable character and I’m curious to see where this series heads. Something was a bit “off” with it- but I did have the flu while reading this book.

Mistletoe, Merriment and Murder by Sara Rosett (3*) My first book in the Ellie Avery series. Bought it based on cover and plot description. The mystery was ok- the characters seemed to be fine as well. May have to read a couple of the earlier ones to get more of a feel for the characters. Not bad, just ok.