Kelly Young hails from Ontario, Canada. A graduate of the English literature program at the University of Waterloo, she worked as a freelance reporter for many years, switching briefly to full time reporting for the local paper before taking herself to a much quieter bookstore. After coaching two competitive swim teams, she worked at the municipal pool teaching people of all ages how to swim until her early retirement at age 55.

Kelly is an avid swimmer who tries to swim a mile at least two times a week.

A Warm Mug of Cozy: Hello Kelly! We are happy to have you! Why did you decide to become an author?

Kelly Young: I loved reading, and from an early age read anything I could get my hands on. That included all of the Trixie Beldon, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys and the Bobbsey Twins. I wrote my first mystery when I was in grade 9, and actually had a plan for a series.

I studied English Literature at university and graduated with a BA. I then became a freelance reporter, followed by a 3-year stint full time for a local paper. At this point I considered myself a writer, if not an author, even though I wrote some poetry and short stories. It was only when our sons left the nest that I turned my attention to becoming an ‘actual’ author.

A Warm Mug of Cozy: What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?

Kelly Young: As I said, I read a lot of books, between a lifelong love of reading and the courses I took to get my English degree. I went through stages of reading, from fantasy to horror to romance, and then I hit upon the cozy mystery and loved what I was reading. I liked the lighter tone of the books, the humour; they reminded me of the books I fell in love with when I was young.

A Warm Mug of Cozy: Tell us about one of your books in 25 words or less.

Kelly Young: The Piper Sniper: A reporter turned travel writer. A lakeside town’s quaint tradition. A shocking murder. Can she solve the mystery before more pipers die?

A Warm Mug of Cozy: How did you pick the title?

Kelly Young: My husband had often joked about a book title called The Piper Sniper, as we lived in a town with the heavy presence of a pipe band, and it stuck in my head, but I had no idea of where to go with it. Slowly, the book idea grew around the title, and I finally made the leap and hit the keyboard.

A Warm Mug of Cozy: Have you tried writing in other genres? If so, how has the experience been for you?

Kelly Young: My first book was a thriller titled Flurries Ending. I have also written a thriller titled The Six Thousand, two short story collections – the second of which is exclusively horror, a romance, two speculative fiction novels, a humour book, a book of poetry, and a cookbook. I’ve enjoyed writing all of them, as they are quite different from cozies and allow me to stretch my writing muscles.

A Warm Mug of Cozy: How does creativity speak to you, and do you follow a specific process?

Kelly Young: I joke about having voices in my head, and it’s actually just a bit of a joke. A story starts forming in my head until I think that if I don’t get it down, I’ll go crazy.

As for a process, once the idea fleshes itself out, I’m a ‘pantser’. I just sit down and write. Sometimes I do the first draft longhand, and other times, I type it directly into a word document.

There really is no rhyme or reason.

A Warm Mug of Cozy: How would you define your style?

Kelly Young: For cozies, I would say that I rely heavily on humour. I tend to go easy on description, allowing the readers to fill in the blanks as they see fit, and go heavy on the dialogue. I’d rather have a character describe something in a conversational manner than have me do so in multiple paragraphs that can become tedious.

A Warm Mug of Cozy: What do you want people to learn from your work?

Kelly Young: My Travel Writer Cozy Mystery series includes a lot of tourism information on the real towns in which the books are set, and I’ve been told that people have visited those towns as a result of reading my books. My other series, the Haunted & Harassed Paranormal Mystery series, doesn’t have anything as blatant to learn.

I would like to think that reading either of the series might teach people the importance of humour in one’s life, and the importance of the support you get from friends and family.

A Warm Mug of Cozy: How do you use social media to stay in touch with your audience?

Kelly Young: I have an author Facebook page and am active both on it and on the Cozy Crime Collective page, which is run by a group of 10 international authors and features various events for members to interact with those authors. I also have a newsletter.

Sadly, I gave up my Twitter account, which was fairly active, after the rules loosened and I was the target of far left harassment.

A Warm Mug of Cozy: What is your most important piece of advice to other authors?

Kelly Young: I can’t really choose just one.

Read. Read in your chosen genre. Read out of it. Read books on writing.

Make sure you have a good grasp on proper grammar and spelling.

Once you have a first draft, take a break and do something else to reenergize before tackling it again, and then come at it with fresh eyes.

Get yourself a trusted set of Beta readers who have a good grasp on proper grammar.

A Warm Mug of Cozy: Anything else people should know?

Kelly Young: I have participated in NaNoWriMo ten times, and have ‘won’ four times. As a former reporter, I do better with an external deadline, something I can get through NaNo but not on my own as an indie writer.

I am a member of Crime Writers of Canada, and the Toronto, Ontario chapter of Sisters in Crime, and of the main group of the same name out of the USA. I am also a long-time member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

Support Kelly Young!

• Website: https://kyoung18.wixsite.com/kelly-young-author
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyyoungauthor/
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5781387.Kelly_Young
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/kellykimyoung

The post Interview with Author Kelly Young first appeared on A Warm Mug of Cozy.

Hello everyone!

Just a quick note to let you know that we have decided to extend the submission deadline for the second volume of our Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology.

Our new deadline is April 30, 2024.

So, if you were thinking of submitting to us, here is your chance!

We cannot wait to read your stories!

Have a wonderful week!

Cendrine & David

The post We Are Extending Our Submission Deadline for “A Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology: Volume 2”! first appeared on A Warm Mug of Cozy.

Looking for some great new cozy mysteries to add to your TBR list? Look no further, we’ve got you covered!

The Dog Across the Lake (A Paws & Claws Mystery Book 9)

• Author: Krista Davis
• Release date: January 2, 2024
• Publisher: Berkley
• ISBN: 978-0593436974

The Sign of Four Spirits (A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery Book 9)

• Author: Vicki Delany
• Release date: January 9, 2024
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
• ISBN: 978-1639105397

Dream Town (Eve Ronin Book 5)

• Author: Lee Goldberg 
• Release date: January 16, 2024
• Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
• ISBN: 978-1662512353

Murder at the Blarney Bash: A small-town bakery-café cozy mystery (A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery) 

• Author: Darci Hannah
• Release date: January 23, 2024
• Publisher: Kensington Cozies
• ISBN: 978-1496741745

19 CRIMINALS: A Romantic Comedy Mystery Novel (Maizie Albright Star Detective Book 8)

• Author: Larissa Reinhart
• Release date: January 16, 2024
• Publisher: Past Perfect Press
• ISBN: 978-1737755043

Deadly to the Core (Cider House Mysteries)

• Author: Joyce Tremel
• Release date: January 16, 2024
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
• ISBN: 978-1639105434

The Cabin Conspiracy (A Flamingo Realty Mystery Book 13)

• Author: CeeCee James
• Release date: January 8, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CHVMPFCN

Ransom: A Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery (Cedar Bay Cozy Mysteries Book 5) 

• Author: Dianne Harman
• Release date: January 12, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 9979-8871740262

Helle and Death

• Author: Oskar Cox Jensen
• Release date: January 8, 2024
• Publisher: Viper
• ISBN: 978-1800811737

Dipped in Murder: A Freshly Baked Cozy Mystery

• Author: Kathleen Suzette
• Release date: January 31, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CRJCWPLZ

Winter Festival: The Ozarks Cozy Mystery Series

• Author: Dianne Harman
• Release date: January 30, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CR6RQ22B

Fatal Wines and Valentines: Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Harper and Moon Investigations Book 4)

• Author: Trixie Silvertale
• Release date: January 6, 2024
• Publisher: Sittin’ On A Goldmine Productions LLC
• ISBN: 978-1952739644

Mystic Misfortune: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Mystic Village Paranormal Cozy Mysteries Book 1) 

• Author: Cindy Stark
• Release date: January 30, 2024
• Publisher: Blackberry Moon Publishing
• ASIN: B0CSD4SB8X

Killer Contest: A Delightfully Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book)

• Author: Hazel Smith
• Release date: January 29, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CRD91LX5

Tea and Villainy: A New Harborage Cozy Mystery

• Author:  Carson Leah Huntsman 
• Release date: January 16, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CSKSYHY7

Dahlias and Danger: A Petal Pushers Flower Shop Cozy Mystery Book 5

• Author: L.C. Turner
• Release date: January 12, 2024
• Publisher: New Pen Media, LLC
• ASIN: B0CP7DN2DR

The Maid and the Mansion: A Scandalous Death (The Maid and the Mansion Cozy Mystery—Book 2)

• Author: Fiona Grace
• Release date: January 12, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CMF4S1QF

The Sculptor’s Knife Cozy Mystery: A Thoroughly Enjoyable Murder Mystery 

• Author: Penny Silverbrook
• Release date: January 17, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CSMJM6NF

Spy in the Sky: A Lack of Luxury Cozy Mystery Novel (Lack of Luxury Cozy Mystery Series Book 3)

• Author: Hope Callaghan
• Release date: January 8, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8874469740

Dying For Dirt (All Soaped Up): A Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy Mystery (Book 3)

• Author: Marcy Blesy
• Release date: January 11, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8871741016

A Splash of Murder (A Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery Book 11)

• Author: Emma Woodbridge
• Release date: January 15, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8876171450

The Case of the Puzzling Papers: A Mayhem Village Cozy Mystery

• Author: Kate Jach
• Release date: January 28, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CSNGVJCL

Ghostly Gossip: A Haunted House Witchy Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Whispers of Witchcraft Cozy Mysteries Book 1)

• Author: Nellie H. Steele
• Release date: January 17, 2024
• Publisher: A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC
• ISBN: 979-8891150287

Spilling The Tea On Murder: Bread & Barks Bakery Cozy Mystery Series

• Author: Paige H. Perry
• Release date: January 16, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: ‎B0CSJD6BF8

Merry Old Murder (Borrowed Pages Cozy Mysteries Book 10)

• Author: Maggie Benton
• Release date: January 17, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8876412348

A Very Nutty Mystery: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Magical Squirrels Cozy Mystery Book 4)

• Author: Corrine Winters
• Release date: January 25, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CSMSVS9W

Hair Today, Dead Tomorrow (Spring Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 1)

• Author: Amber Crewes
• Release date: January 10, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8875567131

Murder at a Scottish Castle: A Scottish Cozy Mystery (A Scottish Shire Mystery)

• Author: Traci Hall
• Release date: January 23, 2024
• Publisher: Kensington Cozies
• ISBN: 978-1496744371

Grape Sugar Sorcery (A Candy & Chaos Cozy Mystery Book 2)

• Author: Sara Bourgeois
• Release date: January 15, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8876232311

A Splash of Murder (A Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery Book 11) 

• Author: Penny Brooke
• Release date: January 15, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8874465209

Missing Ingredient: A Sienna Monroe Mystery (Sienna Monroe Cozy Mysteries Book 8) 

• Author: Stella Dorn
• Release date: January 6, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8874144128

Suspicions in Silverdale: A Pacific Northwest Cozy Culinary Mystery – Book 5

• Author: Dennis Shock
• Release date: January 2, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8872467625

The Bones on the Trail: A Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery #15

• Author: Courtney McFarlin
• Release date: January 6, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8874207380

Sizzled In Murder (Hart Times Cozy Mysteries Book 10)

• Author: Emma Ainsley
• Release date: January 6, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8874203658

The Art Exhibition Mystery: A Cosette Cavalier Cozy Mystery – Book 2

• Author: Liz Turner
• Release date: January 7, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8874471064

A Cranky Case of Murder At The Autostore: Cozy & Clean Mysteries (An Emily Cherry Cozy Mystery Book 5)

• Author: Donna Doyle
• Release date: January 8, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8873953240

Summer’s End: A Cozy Quilts Club Mystery

• Author: Marsha DeFilippo
• Release date: January 9, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8867570927

Cats, Cookies, And Capers: Bread & Barks Bakery Cozy Mystery Series

• Author: Paige H. Perry
• Release date: January 10, 2024
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CS2GPC9W

Seven Furlongs to a Felony: A Tracy Belden Mystery (Crossword Puzzle Cozy Mystery Book 7)

• Author: Louise Foster
• Release date: January 13, 2024
• Publisher: Owl Cafe Press LLC
• ISBN: 978-1955458184

See you next time for another list of cozy mystery releases. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our latest anthology below.

Are you an author of cozy mysteries? We would love to hear from you! Click here for more information.

The post Latest Cozy Mystery Releases: January 2024 first appeared on A Warm Mug of Cozy.

Lies are Forever (Sloane West Mystery Series, 1)

• Author: C. Jean Downer 
• Release date: December 19, 2023
• Publisher: Bella Books
• ISBN: 978-1642474893

Sniffing Out Murder (A Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery)

• Author: Kallie E. Benjamin
• Release date: December 5, 2023
• Publisher: Berkley
• ISBN: 978-0593547359

Fed Up: A Kalico Cat Detective Agency Mystery

• Author: Penny S. Weibly 
• Release date: December 12, 2023
• Publisher: Cozy Cat Press
• ISBN: 978-1952579721

Public Anchovy #1 (Deep Dish Mysteries, 3)

• Author: Mindy Quigley
• Release date: December 26, 2023
• Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
• ISBN: 978-1250792471

Merry Christmas Murder: a Merry Wrath Mysteries novella

• Author: Leslie Langtry
• Release date: December 5, 2023
• Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing
• ASIN: B0CKS34TRZ

Hop Scot (A Last Ditch mystery, 6)

• Author: Catriona McPherson
• Release date: December 5, 2023
• Publisher: Severn House
• ISBN: 978-1448307692

Lost Hours: A Mystery (Alaska Wild Book 5)

• Author: Paige Shelton 
• Release date: December 5, 2023
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• ISBN: 978-1250846617

Business is Murder: A Salem Falls B&B Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Middle Age is Murder Cozy Mysteries Book 2)

• Author: Nellie H. Steele
• Release date: December 25, 2023
• Publisher: A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC
• ISBN: 979-8891150164

Latte Show (Cream & Sugar Cozy Mysteries Book 5)

• Author: Melinda Craig
• Release date: December 22, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CMPPP2GH

Here Today, Bonbon Tomorrow: Criminal Confections Cozy Mystery Book 1

• Author: Angela Mayble
• Release date: December 22, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CLVNFDSQ

A Bay Corners Christmas Special: Three delightful short cozy mysteries (Bay Corners Cozy Mysteries)

• Authors: Berta Platas, Maureen Hardegree, Nancy Knight
• Release date: December 19, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8872267201

Santa Claus Surprise (Holiday Cozy Mystery)

• Author: Tonya Kappes
• Release date: December 17, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8870788876

Happy Homicides Cozy Holiday Mysteries

• Authors: Joanna Campbell Slan, Neil Plakcy, Annie Adams, Nancy Warren, Camille Minichino, Nancy Jill Thames, Linda Gorden Hangerer, Joyce and Jim Lavene, Teresa Trent
• Release date: December 17, 2023
• Publisher: Spot On Publishing
• ASIN: B0CQK8G6L3

Death at the Dower House: A 1920s Murder Mystery (Pippa Darling Mysteries)

• Author: Jenna Bennett
• Release date: December 5, 2023
• Publisher: Magpie Ink
• ISBN: 978-1942939542

Deep Fried Death (A Country Store Mystery)

• Author: Maddie Day
• Release date: December 26, 2023
• Publisher: Kensington Cozies
• ISBN: 978-1496742261

Frosted Plum Fears (Claire’s Candles Cozy Mystery Book 9)

• Author: Agatha Frost
• Release date: December 29, 2023
• Publisher: Pink Tree Publishing LTD
• ASIN: B0CJ8G2W13

Mince Pies and Madness (Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 30)

• Author: Agatha Frost
• Release date: December 15, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8871909799

Match Box Murder (Merry Wrath Mysteries)

• Author: Leslie Langtry
• Release date: December 12, 2023
• Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing
• ASIN: B0CKS3DNJP

Paint Can Kill: Book #9 in the Cara Mia Delgatto Mystery Series

• Author: Joanna Campbell Slan
• Release date: December 15, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8870813547

City of Betrayal (A Counterfeit Lady Novel Book 7)

• Author: Victoria Thompson
• Release date: December 5, 2023
• Publisher: Berkley
• ISBN: 978-0593440605

Bucatini Bomber: A delicious cozy mystery (A Jade Sommer Mystery Book 6)

• Author: Nicolette Pierce 
• Release date: December 12, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8871627501

Murder in the Forest Lab (Carolina Cozy Mysteries Book 1)

• Author: Andrea Kress
• Release date: December 9, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8871069370

Dirt & Deceit (Clean Sweep Cozy Mysteries Book 4)

• Author: Dianne Harman 
• Release date: December 16, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8869576354

Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book Book 2)

• Author: Hazel Smith
• Release date: December 13, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: ‎979-8871356135

Figgy Pudding Disaster: Firefly Junction: 1815 (Firefly Junction Cozy Mystery Book 18)

• Author: London Lovett
• Release date: December 10, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8864560976

Silenced in Little Leaf Creek (A Little Leaf Creek Cozy Mystery Book 21)

• Author: Cindy Bell 
• Release date: December 6, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8869906250

Frozen Dough: Holiday Corner Christmas Cozy Mystery Book 5

• Author: D.B. McNicol
• Release date: December 6, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8868364877

Death at the Dog Show (The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries Book 3)

• Author: Peter Boland
• Release date: December 1, 2023
• Publisher: Joffe Books
• ISBN: 978-1835262931

Sugar & Spice: A Sienna Monroe Mystery (Sienna Monroe Cozy Mysteries Book 7)

• Author: Stella Dorn
• Release date: December 1, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8870104607

Shade Grown (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 8)

• Author: Heather Day Gilbert
• Release date: December 4, 2023
• Publisher: WoodHaven Press
• ISBN: 979-8987556955

See you next time for another list of cozy mystery releases. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our latest anthology below.

Are you an author of cozy mysteries? We would love to hear from you! Click here for more information.

The post Latest Cozy Mystery Releases: December 2023 first appeared on A Warm Mug of Cozy.

Since the release of our first Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology, many of you have emailed us to ask when submissions would open for a second volume.

Our initial plan was to start accepting entries at the beginning of January. But your excitement is contagious.

So, this is our official announcement: The Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology is back in session!

Our submission call is open to anyone at least 17 years of age, including emerging authors and never-published writers.

Language: English only.

Theme: No restriction, as long as your story follows the classic rules of Cozy Mystery.

Fee: $5 per story, up to 5 stories per participant.

Maximum length per story: 5,000 words.

Payment to selected contributors: PDF copy of anthology + ongoing royalties (2% per published story).

To read our complete guidelines and submit to us,

The post The Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology Is Back in Session! first appeared on A Warm Mug of Cozy.

Flash of Fire (Dogleg Island Mystery Book 6)

• Author: Donna Ball
• Release date: November 29, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CLQWQRGT

The Proof of the Pudding (A Royal Spyness Mystery Book 17)

• Author: Rhys Bowen
• Release date: November 7, 2023
• Publisher: Berkley
• ISBN: 978-0593437889

The Corpse with the Opal Fingers (The Cait Morgan Mysteries Book 13)

• Author: Cathy Ace
• Release date: November 13, 2023
• Publisher: Four Tails Publishing Ltd.
• ISBN: 978-1990550157

Murder on Tour (Mystery Bookshop Book 9)

• Author: V.M. Burns
• Release date: November 28, 2023
• Publisher: Kensington Cozies
• ISBN: 978-1496739483

Bulletproof Barista (A Coffeehouse Mystery Book 20)

• Author: Cleo Coyle
• Release date: November 14, 2023
• Publisher: Berkley
• ISBN: 978-0593197592

Doom and Bloom (A Myrtle Clover Cozy Mystery Book 23)

• Author: Elizabeth Spann Craig
• Release date: November 30, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CLN7JNR6

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Homicide (Yule Notch Book 1)

• Author: Leighann Dobbs
• Release date: November 16, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CL7W8T1D

Knitmare on Beech Street (A Knit & Nibble Mystery Book 10)

• Author: Peggy Ehrhart
• Release date: November 28, 2023
• Publisher: Kensington Cozies
• ISBN: 978-1496738868

Shot With Crimson (A Josephine Tey Mystery Book 11)

• Author: Nicola Upson
• Release date: November 7, 2023
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
• ISBN: 978-0571383290

The Kringle Jingle Murders (A Darcy Sweet Cozy Mystery Book 36)

• Author: K.J. Emrick
• Release date: November 29, 2023
• Publisher: South Coast Publishing
• ASIN: B0CK43SG4S

Murder Checks Out (A Blue Ridge Library Mystery)

• Author: Victoria Gilbert
• Release date: November 14, 2023
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
• ISBN: 978-1639105205

A Twisted Skein (Seaside Knitters Society Book 6)

• Author: Sally Goldenbaum
• Release date: November 28, 2023
• Publisher: Kensington Cozies
• ISBN: 978-1496729439

A Crime at Christmas: Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate: A Christmas Novella 

• Author: Celina Grace
• Release date: November 7, 2023
• Publisher: Isaro Publishing Ltd
• ASIN: B0CKWJHFGC

A Christmas Vanishing: A Novel

• Author: Anne Perry
• Release date: November 7, 2023
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• ISBN: 978-0593359181

Murder with Chocolate Tea (A Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery Book 10)

• Author: Karen Rose Smith
• Release date: November 28, 2023
• Publisher: Kensington Cozies
• ISBN: 978-1496738486

Fowl Play (Book 9 of Dewberry Farm Mysteries)

• Author: Karen MacInerney
• Release date: November 29, 2023
• Publisher: Gray Whale Press
• ASIN: B0CK6C94CT

Coaching Fire (A Cat & Gilley Life Coach Mystery Book #5) 

• Author: Victoria Laurie
• Release date: November 28, 2023
• Publisher: Kensington Cozies
• ISBN: 978-1496742469

Of Books and Bones (A Brighton Village Cozy Mystery)

• Author: Sylvie Kurtz
• Release date: November 6, 2023
• Publisher: Iris Ink
• ISBN: 979-8223261582

Murder by Committee (Ellie Quicke Mysteries Book 6)

• Author: Veronica Heley
• Release date: November 9, 2023
• Publisher: Joffe Books
• ISBN: 978-1835261514

A Suspicion in Bloom (Wines, Spines, & Crimes Book Club Cozy Mysteries 8)

• Author: Elodie Hart
• Release date: November 20, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8868350573

Crime and Parchment: A Rare Books Cozy Mystery

• Author: Daphne Silver
• Release date: November 21, 2023
• Publisher: Level Best Books
• ISBN: 978-1685125080

Dead Man’s Dish (Rose Cruz Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 1)

• Author: Audrey Alden
• Release date: November 19, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8867074128

Holidays and Homicide: A Paranormal Witch Cozy Mystery (A Book Store Cozy Mystery #5)

• Author: Lucinda Race
• Release date: November 17, 2023
• Publisher: MC Two Press
• ISBN: 978-1954520707

Yoga Can Be Fatal: A Senior Sleuthing Club Cozy Mystery – Book 3

• Author: Jinty James
• Release date: November 13, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: ‎979-8867514792

Murky Murder: An Utterly Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book)

• Author: Hazel Smith
• Release date: November 13, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8867278854

Err on the Side Dish of Caution (A Newfound Lake Cozy Mystery 6)

• Author: Virginia K. Bennett
• Release date: November 10, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8867189761

The Holly Homicide (The Old Bat Chronicles Book 2)

• Author: Nina Hayes
• Release date: November 13, 2023
• Publisher: PPP Publishing
• ASIN: B0CN8HDJ2M

Murder Under the Mistletoe (A Mainely Murder Mystery Book 2)

• Author: Sherry Lynn
• Release date: November 7, 2023
• Publisher: Berkley
• ISBN: 978-0593546673

Deadly Storm: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (A Witch in the Woods Book 22)

• Author: Jenna St. James
• Release date: November 21, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CK8YG7S8

Murder in a Cup (A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery Book 2)

• Author: Lauren Elliott
• Release date: November 28, 2023
• Publisher: IKensington Cozies
• ISBN: 978-1496739070

See you next time for another list of cozy mystery releases. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our latest anthology below.

Are you an author of cozy mysteries? We would love to hear from you! Click here for more information.

The post Latest Cozy Mystery Releases: November 2023 first appeared on A Warm Mug of Cozy.

Someone Murderous at The Midnight Motel (The Accidental Detective Book 5)

• Author: Kris Bock
• Release date: October 2, 2023
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• ISBN: 978-1961544000

Secrets and Storms, Another Murder (A Sheridan Hendley Mystery Book 8)

• Author: Christa Nardi
• Release date: October 10, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ISBN: 979-8988798101

Brides, Bribes, & Binoculars (A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series)

• Author: Tonya Kappes
• Release date: October 12, 2023
• Publisher: Tonya Kappes Books
• ASIN: B0CJ8TBPWZ

The Doggie Dilemma: The Ozarks Cozy Mystery Series

• Author: Dianne Harman
• Release date: October 14, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CJMV3135

The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating (A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery Book 2)

• Author: S. K. Golden
• Release date: October 10, 2023
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
• ISBN: 978-1639104857

A Corpse at the Witching Hour: A Food Blogger Mystery (Book #5)

• Author: Debra Sennefelder
• Release date: October 5, 2023
• Publisher: Beyond the Page
• ISBN: 978-1960511386

Sieve and Let Die: A Vintage Kitchen Mystery (Book #11)

• Author: Victoria Hamilton
• Release date: October 17, 2023
• Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
• ISBN: 978-1960511331

Murder by the Seashore (A California Bookshop Mystery)

• Author: Samara Yew 
• Release date: October 17, 2023
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
• ISBN: 978-1639104932

Paws To Remember (Magical Cats Series #15)

• Author: Sofie Kelly
• Release date: October 17, 2023
• Publisher: Berkley
• ISBN: 978-0593548707

Overdue or Die (A Haunted Library Mystery Book 7)

• Author: Allison Brook
• Release date: October 10, 2023
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
• ISBN: 978-1639104833

The Murder Wheel

• Author: Tom Mead
• Release date: October 12, 2023
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• ISBN: 978-1837932535

Haunted Sweets: A Sweet’s Sweets Bakery Mystery (Samantha Sweet Magical Cozy Mysteries Book 17)

• Author: Connie Shelton 
• Release date: October 7, 2023
• Publisher: Secret Staircase Books
• ISBN: 978-1649141484

‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas: An Andy Carpenter Mystery (An Andy Carpenter Novel Book 28)

• Author: David Rosenfelt
• Release date: October 10, 2023
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• ISBN: 978-1250828842

20 Carats: A Maizie Albright Star Detective “Between Cases” Romantic Comedy Mystery Novella

• Author: Larissa Reinhart 
• Release date: October 1, 2023
• Publisher: Past Perfect Press
• ISBN: 978-1737755036

Up on the Woof Top (A Chet & Bernie Mystery Book 14)

• Author: Spencer Quinn
• Release date: October 17, 2023
• Publisher: Forge Books
• ISBN: 978-1250843302

Some of Us Are Looking (A County Kerry Novel Book 2)

• Author: Carlene O’Connor
• Release date: October 24, 2023
• Publisher: Kensington Books
• ISBN: 978-1496737557

Sugar Plum Poisoned (Cupcake Bakery Mystery Book 15)

• Author: Jenn McKinlay
• Release date: October 10, 2023
• Publisher: Berkley
• ISBN: 978-0593549124

Monster Mash Murder (Merry Wrath Mysteries Book 28) 

• Author: Leslie Langtry
• Release date: October 17, 2023
• Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing
• ISBN: 9979-8863697703

A Taste To Die For (Books to Die For Book 9)

• Author: Richard Houston
• Release date: October 30, 2023
• Publisher: Independent
• ASIN: B0CFZLVRGH

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree (A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Book 4)

• Author: Jacqueline Frost
• Release date: October 17, 2023
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
• ISBN: 978-1639104512

Pumpkins and Peril (Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 29)

• Author: Agatha Frost
• Release date: October 31, 2023
• Publisher: Pink Tree Publishing LTD
• ASIN: B0CGML2YTW

Baking Spirits Bright (A True Confections Mystery Book 2)

• Author: Sarah Fox
• Release date: October 10, 2023
• Publisher: Berkley
• ISBN: 978-0593546635

Dating Can Be Deadly (An Amish Matchmaker Mystery Book 5)

• Author: Amanda Flower
• Release date: October 24, 2023
• Publisher: Kensington Cozies
• ISBN: 978-1496737489

A Cold Highland Wind: A Lady Emily Mystery (Lady Emily Mysteries Book 17)

• Author: Tasha Alexander
• Release date: October 3, 2023
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• ISBN: 978-1250872333

Lost & Hound: A Novel (“Sister” Jane Book 15)

• Author: Rita Mae Brown
• Release date: October 24, 2023
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• ISBN: 978-0593357576

Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! (Meg Langslow Mysteries Book 34)

• Author: Donna Andrews
• Release date: October 10, 2023
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• ISBN: 978-1250893963

Mistletoe and Murder (A Kate Hamilton Mystery)

• Author: Connie Berry
• Release date: October 17, 2023
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
• ISBN: 978-1639105137

Caught on the Book (An Antique Bookshop Mystery 4)

• Author: Laura Gail Black
• Release date: October 3, 2023
• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
• ISBN: 978-1639104819

Dirty Thirty (Stephanie Plum Book 30)

• Author: Janet Evanovich
• Release date: October 31, 2023
• Publisher: Atria Books
• ISBN: 978-1668003091

A PRESCRIPTION FOR MURDER an enchanting cozy mystery (Kansas Cozy Mysteries Book 3)

• Author: Charlene Weir
• Release date: October 2, 2023
• Publisher: Joffe Books
• ISBN: 978-1835261019

Read Between the Wines Cozy Mysteries Collection of Books 4-6: A Small Town Friends Culinary Cozy Mystery Series with Recipes

• Author: Danni Simms
• Release date: October 5, 2023
• Publisher: TS Publishing
• ISBN: 978-1958118290

See you next time for another list of cozy mystery releases. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our latest anthology below.

Are you an author of cozy mysteries? We would love to hear from you! Click here for more information.

The post Latest Cozy Mystery Releases: October 2023 first appeared on A Warm Mug of Cozy.

Welcome to our mini-series on A Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology, which celebrates the writers whose stories are featured in our inaugural volume.

Today, Caitlin McColl is telling us what inspired her story “Trinity Falls.”

What inspired my story? A few things:

I wrote some mystery stories in the past but they were more straight up detective stories. I’d never written a cozy mystery and thought it would be interesting to try to write a story using the ‘rules’ of the cozy – especially the idea of it taking place in a small town.

Lately I’ve been on a crime/thriller binge after discovering a few new mystery/crime writers, so that helped with some inspiration. There’s also a few cozy mystery TV series that I love: Agatha Raisin, Murdoch Mysteries, Queens of Mystery…. and maybe even Nancy Drew (yes, I admit, I watched a few seasons of the teen mystery drama!).

But I love the main character in my story because…well, she’s actually a main character in some of my Steampunk fiction! But of course, my anthology story isn’t steampunk, so she’s not exactly the same character – but what she does as a job in my Steampunk stories was a perfect fit for a cozy mystery! 

So, it was mostly my main character that inspired my story.  That, and for some reason, despite having been there only once many years ago, I pictured the town my story takes place in being something like a small town on the East Coast of North America – which is strange, seeing how I live on the West Coast! But the west coast didn’t seem to have the same vibe as the east coast for a mystery.

Caitlin McColl has written many short stories since childhood, mainly fantasy—with dragons, wizards, and other fantastical monsters. Her areas of interest are fantasy and steampunk fiction, but once in a while she also delves into genres like crime. Which makes sense because she watches a lot of crime dramas and reads lots of crime thrillers. She lives in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and dog. She currently writes stories and articles on Medium.com.

Website: https://caitlinmccoll.wixsite.com/author

Thank you for sending us your story, Caitlin! We know people will love reading it as much as we have.

Today’s instalment concludes this year’s series. We hope that you enjoyed learning more from the contributors to our anthology.

In the meantime, don’t forget to order your copy of A Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology: Volume 1.

Cendrine & David

The post The Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology: Focus on Caitlin McColl first appeared on A Warm Mug of Cozy.

Welcome to our mini-series on A Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology, which celebrates the writers whose stories are featured in our inaugural volume.

Today, Natalie Klein is telling us what inspired her story “Murder on Main Street, A Derry Downs Mystery”

The thrill of the chase, suspenseful plot twists, and the satisfaction of solving the crime – nothing gets my heart racing quite like a good old-fashioned whodunit.

So, when the opportunity arose to immerse myself in a cozy murder mystery, I couldn’t resist throwing my hat in the ring. The prospect of sleuthing alongside captivating characters and unravelling an intricate web of clues had me hooked from the get-go.

Amidst Sydney’s hustle and bustle, I often yearn for the quaint charm of a small country town. Where strong friendships are formed over cups of steaming tea and life’s simple pleasures are savoured. This is where the seeds of my cozy murder mystery were born.

‘Welcome to Derry Downs, a little slice of country paradise where sewing needles are the weapons of choice and juicy gossip flows like the finest wine. Alice and Bobbie are the town’s dynamic duo, running the beloved Sewing Bee and keeping the community afloat with their boundless energy and friendly smiles. But when tragedy strikes and brings chaos to this once-peaceful town, it’s Alice’s determination to solve the crime that will have you cheering her on with every stitch. Will she track down the culprit, or will her pursuit put her in harm’s way?’

So, grab your magnifying glass, hone your detective skills, and get ready to embark on a thrilling journey with Alice to uncover the shooter in my cozy murder mystery.

Natalie Klein from Sydney Australia, crafts captivating stories for readers of all ages. She also works as a website copywriter, crafting clear, concise, and persuasive copy for small businesses.

When she’s not busy writing, she can usually be found listening to true crime podcasts, sewing, and exploring all things related to the history of England.

Website: https://www.nataliekleincopywriter.com.au

Thank you for sending us your story, Natalie! We know people will love reading it as much as we have.

See you soon for the next instalment in our series.

In the meantime, don’t forget to order your copy of A Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology: Volume 1.

Cendrine & David

The post The Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology: Focus on Natalie Klein first appeared on A Warm Mug of Cozy.

Welcome to our mini-series on A Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology, which celebrates the writers whose stories are featured in our inaugural volume.

Today, J. Ivanel Johnson is telling us what inspired her story “Winter’s Warmblood.”

As a former competitive 3-Day Event rider and internationally-certified instructor, I have always been interested in the wordplay of names in the equestrian industry, as many have double meanings to do with MURDER or CRIME. (See this article for more information.)

As I’ve also written a Scottish-connected full-length Canadian musical and am lucky enough that my maternal grandfather was born in Aberdeenshire, I was able to work and research in the very county from whence he came. Back in 2009-2010 I, like my Lucy character in “Winter’s Warmblood,” taught riding on a 20,000 acre estate in the beautiful wild Highlands where I also lived in a stone cottage in The Stableyard. 

All of the female characters in this short story are based on real-life friends and colleagues there, and one of them specifically asked if she could ‘star’ as the murderess. So this is especially dedicated to Leanne; she’s the type of gal that likes to ‘stirrup’ trouble even more than I do. 

I’m thrilled that “Winter’s Warmblood” has found its way to a ‘cozy’ home in this exciting new anthology!

J. Ivanel Johnson is the pen name for an award-winning mystery novelist, playwright and composer living in the Appalachians of New Brunswick, Canada. Now confined to her farm due to progressive (dis)Ability, she once worked as her story’s protagonist did—on a 20,000 acre estate in the Scottish Highlands.

Website: https://mckencroftproducti.wixsite.com/jivanelauthor

Thank you for sending us your story, J.! We know people will love reading it as much as we have.

See you soon for the next instalment in our series.

In the meantime, don’t forget to order your copy of A Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology: Volume 1.

Cendrine & David

The post The Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology: Focus on J. Ivanel Johnson first appeared on A Warm Mug of Cozy.