Hi, friends!

My monthly meet-in-real-life Ladies Who Read book club event is next week—the first Tuesday of each month—and I'm trying to decide which book I've read recently that I want to share. This book club is a bit different in that everyone reads whatever they choose, and we share about something we read. We don't all read the same book like most book clubs are set up.

The fun in this style of book club is that we get exposed to many different books in one sitting. Many books are passed on to a fellow member, and phones are whipped out to snap pics of covers so more books can be added to our TBR (because you know it can never be long enough).

If you're a traditionalist and can't imagine a book club setting in which all members don't read the same book, let me assure you that there are still many wonderful discussions sparked by sharing a variety of books, genres, and series. A good book club never runs short of things to talk about—book-related or otherwise!

In a new blog post, I share some thoughts on the joys of a book club and some tips for hosting and attending. I would enjoy any comments you'd like to share.

​If you're interested in joining a virtual book club, click here so I know you want to be on my contact list. Fall is the perfect time to start or re-invigorate a book club with shorter days and cooler weather approaching. Cozy is the name of the season!

I plan to have two distinct book clubs, one where we read whatever mystery book we want and another where we read the same book. However, since this is a Cozy Mystery Bookshop, both book clubs will focus on books in the mystery genre (and each member can decide if they want to read Cozy or General Mystery)!

Animal Shenanigans & Tomfoolery

What I've Been Reading

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​Dear Miss Demeanor by Joan Hess

I picked this book up at a thrift store because it has the "look" of an 80s-90s cozy mystery, and it didn't disappoint. It was exactly as I had imagined, even though this is a new-to-me author. This is book 3 of the Claire Malloy Mysteries series, of which there are 20, with the first book published in 1986 and the most recent in 2025. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5, and I do plan on finishing the series.

​The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen

I'll be the first to admit I do not love plots that go back and forth in time, even though I know it all ties together. However, Rhys Bowen does do this really, really well, so I continue to read every one of her books. Note that this is most common in her standalone novels; I can't recall her use of this writing technique within her series (though I may be forgetting). The WWII era is my favorite historical setting, and this storyline was typical Bowen high quality so I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

​Without Warning by David Rosenfelt

I give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars. I'm sure I just heard you gasp, and I understand. Isn't Rosenfelt one of my very fave authors? Yes, he is! This is a good read, very David R-ish, but I just think his Andy Carpenter series is a notch above. So if you're already a Rosenfelt fan, please add this book to your list. If you're new to this author, please start with the Andy Carpenter series!

​Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

An enjoyable read (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars). I recommend this author for anyone who is a fan of the Knives Out movies! If you read this author's book, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, then you'll want to read this sequel, featuring some of the original characters. Interestingly, the Kindle version of this book is currently only $2.99 so if you like reading ebooks, grab it now! Stevenson also has a follow-up "festive mystery" in this series coming out in October, so you may be interested in pre-ordering it.

And last but not least...

Submit your suggestion and win!

The drawing for the giveaway is Saturday, August 31!

Enter for a chance to win a gift package from Mystic Valley Press, a prize valued at $50! To enter, submit your choice from the poll below, and you will then be entered to win! Yes, it's that easy.

The winner will be selected through a random drawing on August 31, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. CST, so get your vote in.

As always, hit reply if you'd like to discuss anything, and thank you for being a cozy mystery friend!