Tag Archives: cozy mystery

A Month of Mystery: Quick Trip to Pennsylvania

Book Cover
Destination: Buck’s County, Pennsylvania

Book: Basil Instinct by Shelley Costa (2014)

A mystery series set in an Italian restaurant.  A recipe included. Delicioso.

This is a cozy–one of those mysteries solved by brain power with little if any bloodshed and nothing gruesome but the puns. (Costa’s first book was called You Cannoli Die Once.) A wise-cracking protagonist, a queenly matron of the family, a mysterious organization, a gaggle of interesting/bizarre characters and lots of food.

This one is not getting a full-fledged review because it does not meet A Traveler’s Library criteria for setting an irrisistable scene–a place you want to go.  Bucks County is a GREAT place to visit, but although Miracolo, the restaurant, is located in Buck’s County it could be most anywhere.

However, travelers who are looking for a nice summer read–something light for the airplane or the beach–will be entertained. And what more can you ask. Maybe a serving of those Gorgonzola and Spiced Walnuts in Port Wine Syrup?

Note:  The publisher provided the book for review, which does not influence my opinons. Amazon links are affiliate links, which means when you shop through them, you’re supporting A Traveler’s Library. Thanks.

New Jenn McKinlay Mystery in Notting Hill Hat Shop

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Destination: London

Book: Cloche and Dagger, A Hat Shop Mystery by Jenn McKinlay (NEW August 6, 2013)

Fancy hat
Photo by Barbara Courouble

Arizona author Jenn McKinlay juggles not one but three series of mysteries in her writing life.  In June, we talked here about Going, Going, Ganache, the latest of her Cupcake Mysteries, which are set in fashionable downtown Scottsdale. Her Library Lover’s mysteries are set in New England. But she’s gone abroad for her newest series, debuting this week with Cloche and Dagger. A hat shop in Notting Hill, London, is the focus of her usual wit, puns, romance, gal-pals, and, oh, yes–murder. Continue reading New Jenn McKinlay Mystery in Notting Hill Hat Shop →

A Cozy Mystery set in Scottsdale Comes with Recipes.

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Cozy Mystery book cover
Destination: Scottsdale, AZ

Book: Going, Going, Ganache by Jenn McKinlay

A cozy mystery with cupcake recipes included. Does this sound like your kind of book?  Because Jenn McKinlay is writing for a particular audience, and she knows what they like.  All of Jenn’s books feature female accidental detectives. They are fun, every day women who bumble into crime and use their wits to solve problems. You get the feeling you could be one of her heroines. Don’t worry if you don’t know what “ganache” is, but if you don’t dig romance and cupcakes, well…maybe you should move along the book aisle. Continue reading A Cozy Mystery set in Scottsdale Comes with Recipes. →