Bookishly Cozy: A Mystery Roundup

Sometimes all I want is a quick, light read that will take me away from reality and introduce me to some great characters. One of my favorite escape genres is cozy mysteries, and this month I discovered three that feature book-loving, bookstore-owing amateur sleuths. Take a look.

Set in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, Well Read, Then Dead kicks off a new cozy mystery series by Terrie Farley Moran. Sassy Cabot and Bridget Mayfield left their Brooklyn homes to pursue their dream job of owning Read 'Em and Eat, a bookstore cafe. Their customers consist of a good mix of quirky locals, snowbirds, and demanding tourists, all of whom share a love of books and good eats. When one of their regulars is murdered, Sassy and Bridget can't help but get involved with trying to solve the case. You'll love the literary references, the humor, the food, and the deep connections among the characters. By the time the two friends figure out who done it, you'll already be looking forward to the next Read 'Em and Eat mystery. (Berkley Prime Crime, ISBN: 9780425270288)

Book Fair and Foul is the fourth installment in Erika Chase's Ashton Corners Book Cub Mystery series, set in Ashton Corners, Alabama. Bookstore owner Molly Mathews is busy organizing a mystery book festival, complete with visiting authors and special events. When death threats become reality, one of the local book club members looks like the prime suspect. Although Lizzie did indeed know the murder victim, she's innocent and it's up to her and her friends to help the police solve the crime. This fast-paced series is full of Southern humor, warm friendships, a long-suffering local cop, and intriguing mysteries. Fortunately you don't have to start with book one to get in on the fun. Besides, who can resist a mystery involving book clubs and book fairs? (Berkley Prime Crime, ISBN: 9780425271490)

Allison Kingsley's Extra Sensory Deception is the fourth in her Raven's Nest Bookstore series. Set in Finn's Harbor, Maine, this series combines books with a little bit of fortune telling. Stephanie and Clara Quinn are not only cousins but also best friends and co-owners of the local bookstore. Clara, however, inherited the special gift of being able to see into the future, and sometimes what she sees isn't pretty. When Clara's premonition of death at the rodeo turns out to be right, she gets involved with solving the murder. Small town antics, a little paranormal, family dynamics, books, a loyal dog, and a sprinkling of romance spice up this popular series. Although you won't want to miss Clara and Stephanie's earlier adventures, you won't feel lost if you start with the newest in the series. (Berkley Prime Crime, ISBN: 9780425271384)