Let's get a little "COZY"

Do you know what a "cozy" is? Well, a cozy book has kind-hearted characters, a good story line, and generally has a happy ending without explicit sex or violence and little if any profanity. Cozy mysteries are all the rage. Whether it is for relaxation or just for the love of wanting to know who dun it, cozy mysteries are flying off our library shelves. Some of my favorite authors are: M.C. Beaton, Lilian Jackson Braun, and Nancy Atherton.

Some of the popular mystery cozies feature heroines who are quilters. Be sure to check those out. Look for Fowler, Chiaverini, and Thayer.

Check out the links at the left that will help you find a variety of cozy authors!

May we recommend- - - -

So, you like to read James Patterson, try some of the authors listed on the left. These authors also feature suspense and strong main characters. Remember, you can find most of these authors and their books at your Hawarden Library! Most readers cannot resist a good detective story!

Who doesn't read James Patterson?

Are you a fan of James Patterson? Do you eagerly await the next Alex Cross novel or the newest book in the Women's Murder Club Series? Well, the next Alex Cross novel is scheduled for release in late November. It would make a great Christmas gift, if you can wait that long to read it. It is entitled CROSS COUNTRY. By the way, Patterson crosses genre lines--he writes young adult, romance, and ventures into nonfiction in October with the book AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE. This is the story of a family's struggle with a disease that debiliates their son. The struggle last fifteen years!

Nancy Atherton is just right for fall--

If you haven't read an Aunt Dimity mystery, please pick one up soon. This cozy little mystery has just the right elements for a fun read. There is a ghost, a family, and always a twist in the plot. The heroine is American but most of the novels take place in Great Britain. Take a look at Aunt Dimity's home page. It is quite a bit of fun! Oh, by the way, Nancy Atherton, lives in Colorado Springs where see conjures up the Aunt Dimity stories. Haven't you always wanted to solve a mystery with the help of a friendly spirit? By the way, if you like Nancy Atherton, why not try M.C. Beaton, Laura Childs, Joanne Fluke or Diane Mott Davidson? Each of these authors creates a character in a setting that can soon be a home away from home for you. Check these authors out at the library.

MYSTERIES TO DIE FOR!

I have just discovered a new mystery writer--Amanda Matetsky is the author of the Paige Turner series of crime novels. I know the main characters name is a little much--but the series is set in the 1950's in New York City. It is a time before women's lib and our Paige Turner is out to set the detective world on its ear. Be sure sure to check out this new series. Let us know what you think!

Speaking of romance----

Barbara Taylor Bradlford's new book is in! If you have been waiting for a soft read and a family saga, try the new Bradford book, BEING ELIZABETH!

Calling all Debbie Macomber Fans!

If you are a fan of the Cedar Cove series, watch the library shelves for the September release of 8 SANDPIPER WAY. Readers will feel right at home in this Washington community. Check our Macomber's website for more information about the series.

Don't forget to check out her other books including the four books in the BLOSSOM STREET series: THE SHOP ON BLOSSOM STREET, A GOOD YARN, BACK ON BLOSSOM STREET, and TWENTY WISHES.

Check back next week--

We're going to try to add something new each week to this blog. So, don't despair that cats will be the only thing you will read about. Next week, we are going to wander into another area --romance! So, if you are a fan of Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts, or Danielle Steel, check back for some new authors!

Want to read a cat mystery?

Are you ready for a great cat mystery series? Check out Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie! I think these mysteries are a hoot! You know that the animals will solve the crimes before the humans every find a clue. Check them out at our Hawarden Library.

Don't forget this cat clan!

If you are looking for something for your third-fifth graders to read, try Erin Hunter's Warrior series. Hunter has created a community of cats that have a society that rivals none! You will also want to check out "Warriors" online. You will find a wonderful site with many interactive games, stories and more. Just go to http://www.warriors.com/

We usually have kids waiting for the next book in these series. They're even fun for the rest of us cat lovers.

It's all about Dewey!

It's not often that we can sing the praises of a local librarian who is also an author--but this September the entire publishing world will be welcoming Vicky Myron and her story of "Dewey", the Spencer, Iowa library cat. Dewey is now in cat heaven and Myron tells the story of how Dewey came to be the Spencer Public Library's resident feline. If you are a cat lover, you will not want to miss the story of the this long-haired orange tabby! Be sure to reserve a copy at the Hawarden Public Library. If you are going to the Clay County Fair, you should find Vicky signing her books.