I read a wide variety of genres. However, my guilty pleasure is usually a mystery. My favorite mystery books are humorous and lighthearted, so I can read them before bedtime and not worry about being plagued by nightmares! A humorous homicide? Sounds like a true oxymoron. Think Hallmark murder mystery – an intriguing puzzle without the pesky violence. I enjoy the mental challenge of resolving a clever “whodunit.” And a touch of humor seems to lighten the darkness of a murder mystery. I’ve discovered many talented mystery authors over the years, and I’ve barely scratched the surface.
Ellen Byron and Lee Hollis are former television sitcom writers and their prior profession shines through in their books. Their subtle humor enriches the storylines of their entertaining tales. They both pen several series, and I’ve probably read most of them. I recently read “A Very Woodsy Murder” by Ellen Byron. It is the first book in her new series. The main character is a former sitcom writer (like the author), and the story includes interesting snippets about working in the television industry.
I also like mysteries that contain strong central families, a culinary component, or an ethnic twist. My series includes all three. I love the fun family dynamics in Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery Mysteries and Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swenson Culinary Mysteries. They are reminiscent of those in my own books. And the Latin flavor in Winnie Archer’s Bread Shop Mysteries and Raquel Reyes’ Caribbean Kitchen Mysteries resonates with me since my mother is Latina. I also enjoy the ethnic flavors of the books written by Jennifer Chow, Vivien Chien, and Mia Manansala, among others. It’s fun to learn about other cultures and ethnic foods while solving a crime.
There are many other amateur sleuth and cozy mystery authors whose creative tales I devour. I like crafting mysteries, canine mysteries, holiday mysteries…the list is endless!
