Sheryl C.D. Ickes

Cozy mysteries usually come with a pet sidekick who sometimes helps the amateur sleuth solve the crime. But in this particular series, "The Shady Hollow Mysteries," the animals ARE the sleuths. In fact, the whole storyline takes place in an animal world. Check out Juneau Black's first mystery in their series, Shady Hollow, with a first chapter sample as she talked with me, On the Writing Block!

If you like food trucks and cozy mysteries, then Carmela Dutra's Hot Wings and Homicide should be on your TBR List! Set in the Bay Area, twins Beth and Seth find themselves in a bit of hot water when a food critic meets his demise. Will they be able to escape the fryer in time or will they get burned by the layers of rivalries, grudges, and secrets?

Are you a fan of the iconic Murder, She Wrote television show? Did you know that Jessica actually "writes" books...with a little help from some co-authors! Check out Barbara Early's interview about Murder Most Trivial, On the Writing Block with Sheryl.

Have you ever had clam chowder? Or perhaps read a cozy mystery featuring Maine as the setting? Author Lee Hollis has a debut cozy mystery in a new series where the two meet in a deadly fashion! Not only is there a preview of the first chapter of The Chowder House Murder in this interview, but also the answer to the two authors who inspired Lee Hollis!

If you are in the market for an interesting take on a mystery, Joanne McLaughlin has one for you! A Poetic Puzzle includes not just a mystery in the storyline, but also poems that help create the plot. Intrigued? Check out her interview On the Writing Block with Sheryl.

Do you like your mysteries with a bit of historical research thrown into them? Trudy's Diary, the first in Amy Reade's Libraries of the World Mysteries, might just be the answer for you! Check out the interview I had with my fellow Sisters in Crime member as we chat about favorite sleuths, inspirational authors, and how research is the backbone to her novels.

Have you ever wondered what the ultimate goal of an author is? Or perhaps what their favorite food is to eat? Fellow author Kirsten Weiss answers those questions, and more, as discuss her new book in the Big Murder Mystery Series, On the Writing Block with Sheryl.

If you are a reader who enjoys cooking shows and traveling to food festivals, then Cathy Wiley's series, Fatal Food Festivals, is for you! Join her main character, Jackie Norwood, in the Florida keys with her latest novel, Lime and Punishment. Oh, and we have a first chapter sneak peak for you all too!

Skull Duggery, another mystery in the "Gideon Oliver" series, is a great read by one of my favorite authors, Aaron Elkins. As the "Skeleton Detective" makes his way to Mexico with his wife, Julie, his plans for rest and relaxation are quickly squashed. But examining these piles of bones might have just placed his own life on the line! Check out my review.

If you are one who enjoys reading cozy mysteries set outside of the United States, then I highly recommend The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor by Lucy Connelly. When Dr. Gwen Griffith finds a tenured professor dead on her front steps in Wales, the hunt is on for the real killer with a great cast of supporting characters. Check out my review for the first in this new cozy mystery series!