Lately, I've been reading even more cozy murder mysteries than usual. Maybe because some other genres left a slightly bad taste in my mouth. Anyway, in doing so, it hit me that most of the series I follow are food-related. Many even include recipes, which I never use but nevertheless enjoy. I guess that's part of why I'm so drawn to these wholesome whodunits. They consistently serve up a helping of happy. Because although it's fun to figure out who did in the nibby neighbor or arrogant heiress, it's the comfort of home-baked cakes and casseroles that keeps me at the table.
So here's a quartet of titles I recently read, arranged on poster board like entrées on seen-from-space plates:
Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay, a Cupcake Bakery Mystery
Lemon Curd Killer by Laura Childs, a Tea Shop Mystery
Death of a Clam Digger by Lee Hollis, a Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery
Peking Duck and Cover by Vivien Chien, a Noodle Shop Mystery
Seeing them in all their quirky glory is like snuggling under a crazy quilt of culinary delights. I even read some of Death of a Clam Digger to Charlotte (although not, I promise, the murder part!), and she was riveted, or, as the husband put it, on the edge of her blanket.
Now that I'm done writing this post, I realize that I haven't said anything I haven't said countless times before. My love for cozies remains reliable, just like the mainstay stories themselves. Suspense? Sure. But no surprises.
And that's just how this creature of habit likes it. 🍰🔎🥘
