Cozy Mystery Corner discussion
Challenges
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Tournament of Books Challenge
Mod
� = reached goal
Adrienne - Off the Bench
Amy - Starter �
Anastasia - Ready for the Pros �
Angie - Ready for the Pros
Anita - Off the Bench
Becky - Ready for the Pros �
Beth - Off the Bench �
Betty - Off the Bench
Brooke - Rookie
Carmen - Starter
Cathy - Starter
Cathy S - Starter
Christina - Starter �
Christine - Ready for the Pros �
Deb - Ready for the Pros �
Donna - Ready for the Pros �
Donna R - Off the Bench
Fairlee - Starter
Gillian - Off the Bench
Heather - Off the Bench �
Jackie - Ready for the Pros
Jaxnsmom - Starter �
Jeanne - Rookie
Jeannie -
Jill G - Ready for the Pros
Jill T - Starter
Joyce - Rookie
Julesy - Ready for the Pros �
Karen (KAM) - Ready for the Pros �
Karen Mc - Off the Bench
Karol - Ready for the Pros �
Kate - Off the Bench
Katherine - Ready for the Pros
Kay - Ready for the Pros �
Kme_17 - Ready for the Pros
Laura - Off the Bench
Laurel - Rookie
Linda C - Starter �
Liz - Off the Bench
Lynn - Off the Bench
Marianne - Ready for the Pros
Marisa - Ready for the Pros �
Martha - Ready for the Pros �
Nell - Ready for the Pros �
Nicole - Ready for the Pros
NotQuiteAllHere - Starter
Pat - Rookie
Penny - Off the Bench �
Rebecca - Off the Bench
Renee - Rookie
Rita
Shirley - Starter �
Stan - Off the Bench
Stephanie - Starter �
Sue - Off the Bench
Teresa - Starter
Tiffany - Off the Bench
Valerie - Ready for the Pros �
Wendy -
I'm in!! I'm an obsessed men's college basketball fan where my reading during March Madness actually takes a backseat!
Mod
Tournament of Books Challenge
Duration: February 1 to April 10, 2015
Level: I ended up being a Starter, finishing 10 books/tasks
TASKS:
The Big Dance: Read a book where the characters dance or attend a dance.
A Fatal Waltz 4/8
One and Done: Read the last or most recent book in a series.
Snake in the Glass 2/19
Free Throw: Read a book of your choice.
A Dog Gone Murder: Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper 3/9
Fast Break: Read a thriller or suspense that is action-packed or fast-paced.
The Burning Room 2/17
Good Defense: Read a book where someone is wrongly accused or the main character is a lawyer.
The Brass Verdict 4/1
Elite Eight: Read a book with wealthy character(s).
The Curse of the Pharaohs 2/13
Final Four: Read a book from a series with four (or fewer) books or read the 4th book in a series.
Chorus Lines, Caviar, and Corpses 3/22
Semi-Finalist: Read a book that was nominated for a mystery award.
Barry Award Nominee for Best First Novel (2004), Macavity Award for Best First Mystery Novel (2004), Anthony Award Nominee for Best First Novel (2004), Dilys Award Nominee (2004), Agatha Award for Best First Novel (2003) Edgar Award Nominee for Best Novel (2004), ALA Alex Award (2004)
Maisie Dobbs 4/11
Stand Alone: Read a stand-alone mystery or suspense that is NOT part of a series.
Gallows Thief 2/5/15
Number One: Read the first book in a series.
A Lack of Temperance 2/25
This does look fun. It will mean changing the order I read things... Thirteen to 16 tasks/books in 8-10 weeks??? Hmmm... I do love March Madness.Question: Can one book count for more than one task? For example, if I read the fourth book in a series (Final Four) in which the characters in a love triangle (Three Point Shot) attend a dance (The Big Dance) where someone is shot (Shot Clock) does it count as four tasks or do I choose one task for each book?
Mod
No, books can only be used once. You have to choose one but you can switch to a different task during the challenge if you read another book that fits.
You can also change your player level during the challenge.
Mod
Mine too! I watch some of the women's games as well. By the end of the tournaments, I may be coming "Off the Bench"!
Nell wrote: "Julesy wrote: "I'm in!! I'm an obsessed men's college basketball fan where my reading during March Madness actually takes a backseat!"Mine too! I watch some of the women's games as well. By the end of the tournaments, I may be coming "Off the Bench"! ..."
It usually takes me about a week after the NCAA tournament ends to get back into focusing on reading because I'm still thinking about basketball and how I miss it.
I'm 'shooting' (pun, get it? lol) for the Ready for the Pros level.
I'm in! I love March Madness both for the men and women- I actually find I do a lot of reading during the commercial breaks.
I don't watch basketball, and I'm so glad my husband doesn't, because I can't stand the squeaks of the shoes on the floor. :->This sounds like a fun challenge, but I'm already participating in so many challenges that I wouldn't be able to do much for this one.
Do any of the moderators create challenges with trackers like the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ yearly challenges?
Mod
Do any of the moderators create challenges with trackers like the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ yearly challenges? ..."
You're welcome to join the challenge at any level you choose.
Participants will post and track their progress in this thread. We are not creating a separate tracker.
Mod
Duration: February 1 to April 12, 2015
Progress: 14
PLAYER LEVELS:
Rookie: 4 or fewer books/tasks
Off the bench: 5 to 8 books/tasks
Starter: 9 to 12 books/tasks
Ready for the Pros: 13+ books/tasks
TASKS:
68 Teams: Read one of the first 68 books on your Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ To Read list.
Real Murders by Charlaine Harris
The Big Dance: Read a book where the characters dance or attend a dance.
A Tiger's Tale by Laura Morrigan
One and Done: Read the last or most recent book in a series.
Murder of a Needled Knitter by Denise Swanson
March Madness: Read a book where a character does something crazy or irrational.
Circle of Influence by Annette Dashofy
Free Throw: Read a book of your choice.
Well Read, Then Dead by Terrie Farley Moran
Fast Break: Read a thriller or suspense that is action-packed or fast-paced.
Shot Clock: Read a book where a character is shot.
Good Defense: Read a book where someone is wrongly accused
Horse of a Different Killer by Laura Morrigan
Rebound: Read a book where the main character is on the rebound from a ... divorce ...
Tagged for Death by Sherry Harris
Three Point Shot: Read a book with a love triangle.
Dead Between the Lines by Denise Swanson
Sweet Sixteen: Read a book where the main character is a baker or that names a dessert in the title or pictured on the cover.
Rebel Without a Cake by Jacklyn Brady (baker & title & cover)
Elite Eight: Read a book with wealthy character(s).
A Fatal Winter by G.M. Malliet
Final Four: Read a book from a series with four (or fewer) books
At the Drop of a Hat by Jenn McKinlay
Semi-Finalist: Read a book that was nominated for a mystery award.
Pagan Spring by G.M. Malliet (Agatha nominee)
Stand Alone: Read a stand-alone mystery or suspense that is NOT part of a series.
The Search by Nora Roberts
Number One: Read the first book in a series.
A Bicycle Built For Murder by Kate Kingsbury
If you don't mind, I would like to go Off the bench, as I'm not so sure about I'm able to read more. Perhaps, I'll advance later.
Mod
I'll be warming the bench with you Marisa with the hope of reading more.
Tournament of Books ChallengeDuration: February, 1 to April, 12
LAYER LEVELS:
Rookie: 4 or fewer books/tasks
Off the bench: 5 to 8 books/tasks
Starter: 9 to 12 books/tasks
Ready for the Pros: 13+ books/tasks
TASKS:
68 Teams: Death by Inferior Design by Leslie Caine (02/28/2015 - ★★�).
The Big Dance: Chorus Lines, Caviar, and Corpses by Mary McHugh (04/06/2015 - ★★★★).
One and Done: Bless Her Dead Little Heart by Miranda James (02/23/2015 - ★★★★).
March Madness: Pies & Peril by Janel Gradowski (02/16/2015 - ★★�).
Free Throw: Where There's a Will by Aaron Elkins (17/03/2015 - ★★★★)
Fast Break: Zero-Degree Murder by M.L. Rowland (02/01/2015 - ★★★★)
Shot Clock: N or M? by Agatha Christie (03/13/2015 - ★★★★).
Good Defense: A Killing in Antiques by Mary Moody (02/20/2015 - ★★★★).
Rebound: Southern Peach Pie and A Dead Guy by A. Gardner (03/30/2015 - ★★★★)
Three Point Shot: Forgotten Spirits by Barbara Deese (03/08/2015 - ★★).
Sweet Sixteen: Blueburied Muffins by Lyndsey Cole (04/11/2015 - ★★★★)
Elite Eight: Obsession in Death by J.D. Robb (02/14/2015 - ★★★★)
Final Four: Moonflowers by Helen Haught Fanick (02/03/2015 - ★★★★).
Semi-Finalist: Read a book that was nominated for a mystery award.
Stand Alone: Soft Focus by Jayne Ann Krentz (03/33/2015 - ★★�).
Number One: Room with a Clue by Kate Kingsbury (03/09/2015 - ★★★★).
Mod
Tournament of Books ChallengeFeb 1, 2015 - April 10, 2015
After looking at my TBR list, I've decided to go big and shoot for the Ready for the Pros level.
Good Luck everyone
This challenge sounds fun! I am going to play...my goal is "Off the Bench"
Mod
I stopped reading Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series several years ago because I thought the mystery took a backseat to the triangle. I lost interest when it dragged on and on.
The love triangle in Denise Swanson's Scumble River series has been resolved. I've read the latest in Jenn McKinlay's Library Lovers series which had a love triangle starting in book #4.
Any suggestions for other cozies with a love triangle that does not overshadow the mystery?
Towards Zero, by Agatha Christie. Different triangles which enhance the mystery (I've just read it for another challenge with the same theme).
This is a relatively new cozy author but her books are quick and short. Kathi Daley's Zoe Donovan series. The love triangle seems to start with book #2. The only caveat is that her books seem to be available only in kindle format. IIRC, there is also a love triangle in Hannah Reed's (aka Deb Baker) Beekeeping series. It starts in either the first or second book in the series.
I'll select Off the Bench and hope to get further Tournament of Books Challenge
Duration: February 1 to April 12, 2015
PLAYER LEVELS:
Rookie: 4 or fewer books/tasks
Off the bench: 5 to 8 books/tasks
Starter: 9 to 12 books/tasks
Ready for the Pros: 13+ books/tasks
TASKS:
âœ� 68 Teams: Read one of the first 68 books on your Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ To Read list (sorted by oldest date added).
Walking After Midnight - Alicia Scott (4 stars) 4/3/15 [publ 1992]� The Big Dance: Read a book where the characters dance or attend a dance.
She Drives Me Crazy (Walker Brothers, #1) - Leslie Kelly (3 stars) 3/18/15 [Major expose scene happens at a 10 reunion dinner/dance]� One and Done: Read the last or most recent book in a series.
The Dead Don't Dance (Jungle Beat Mystery, #3) - John Enright (4 stars) 2/23/15 pub 2014� March Madness: Read a book where a character does something crazy or irrational.
Pomegranate Soup (Babylon Cafe, #1) - Marsha Mehran (4 stars) 3/14/15 [Book is magical realism, so several characters act out of character in response to the spices]� Free Throw: Read a book of your choice.
A Lack of Temperance (A Hattie Davish Mystery, #1) - Anna Loan-Wilsey (4 stars) 2/12/15� Fast Break: Read a thriller or suspense that is action-packed or fast-paced.
Watching Amy - Alysha Ellis (3 stars) 4/5/15 [erotic suspense]� Shot Clock: Read a book where a character is shot.
Ryder's Wife (The Justice Way, #1) - Sharon Sala (3 stars) 4/8/15 [all 3 kidnappers are shot]✔Good Defense: Read a book where someone is wrongly accused or the main character is a lawyer.
Dissolution (A Matthew Shardlake Mystery, #1) - C. J. Sansom (4 stars) 3/5/15� Rebound: Read a book where the main character is on the rebound from a bad relationship, divorce, job loss, etc. career on decline
Still Life with Bread Crumbs - Anna Quindlen (5 stars) 2/7/15� Three Point Shot: Read a book with a love triangle.
Zoology - Ben Dolnick (3 stars) 3/21/15� Sweet Sixteen: Read a book where the main character is a baker or that names a dessert in the title or pictured on the cover.
Running on Empty (Main Street Mystery, #1) - Sandra Balzo (3 stars) 3/11/15 � Elite Eight: Read a book with wealthy character(s).
Whiskey Beach - Nora Roberts (4 stars) 3/8/15 [family owns whiskey company]Final Four: Read a book from a series with four (or fewer) books or read the 4th book in a series.
Semi-Finalist: Read a book that was nominated for a mystery award.
� Stand Alone: Read a stand-alone mystery or suspense that is NOT part of a series.
Ready Player One - Ernest Cline (5 stars) 2/28/15� Number One: Read the first book in a series.
Murder in Miniature (A Miniature Mystery, #1) - Margaret Grace (4 stars) 2/17/15
Question: Is the final challenge date April 10th or 12th? I see different dates listed here.
Mod
Linda C - You're very observant. I extended the challenge end date yesterday from the 10th to the 12th so that it runs a full 10 weeks. I plan to announce the challenge and the date change in an e-mail to members.
Mod
Thanks Marisa. This is an Agatha Christie series that I did not know about. I will try to find a copy.
Mod
I had not heard of this series Julesy. It looks interesting and has gotten good reviews. The first one is available in paperback as well as e-book.
I'm in, but at the Off the Bench Level. I will try to progress, though. Now I need to figure out what I will be reading. This sounds like a lot of fun!
This sounds like a lot of fun - I'm in! I'll be going for the Rookie level: 4 or fewer books/tasks.
I am in at the Starter Level. I need to now plan what I am going to read.TASKS:
68 Teams: Read one of the first 68 books on your Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ To Read list (sorted by oldest date added).
The Big Dance: Read a book where the characters dance or attend a dance.
One and Done: Read the last or most recent book in a series.
March Madness: Read a book where a character does something crazy or irrational.
For March Madness, I just completed
.Free Throw: Read a book of your choice.
Fast Break: Read a thriller or suspense that is action-packed or fast-paced.
Shot Clock: Read a book where a character is shot.
Good Defense: Read a book where someone is wrongly accused or the main character is a lawyer.
Rebound: Read a book where the main character is on the rebound from a bad relationship, divorce, job loss, etc.
Three Point Shot: Read a book with a love triangle.
Sweet Sixteen: Read a book where the main character is a baker or that names a dessert in the title or pictured on the cover.
Elite Eight: Read a book with wealthy character(s). The Art of Keeping Secrets
Final Four: Read a book from a series with four (or fewer) books or read the 4th book in a series.
Semi-Finalist: Read a book that was nominated for a mystery award (any year).
Here are links to mystery awards and to Agatha nominees for best cozy mysteries.
Mystery Awards
Agatha Awards
Stand Alone: Read a stand-alone mystery or suspense that is NOT part of a series.
Number One: Read the first book in a series.
I will definitely do this. This looks like fun. If I understand correctly, I can read a book and add it to a task? There is allowed only one book per task, or is it just one task per book or both? I think I can do Starter level. I hope this is where I sign up
Mod
Both - Each task involves reading a book that fits the description. A book can only be used for one task. For example, if you read a book that is the first in a series AND a character is shot, you have to choose whether to use it for Number One or Shot Clock. It cannot be used for both.
Yes, this thread is where you sign up and post your progress.
I m in . I am going to try for Ready for the Pros: 13+ books/tasksTASKS:
68 Teams: Read one of the first 68 books on your Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ To Read list (sorted by oldest date added).
The Big Dance: Read a book where the characters dance or attend a dance.
One and Done: Read the last or most recent book in a series.
March Madness: Read a book where a character does something crazy or irrational.
Free Throw: Read a book of your choice.
Fast Break: Read a thriller or suspense that is action-packed or fast-paced.
Shot Clock: Read a book where a character is shot.
Good Defense: Read a book where someone is wrongly accused or the main character is a lawyer.
Rebound: Read a book where the main character is on the rebound from a bad relationship, divorce, job loss, etc.
Three Point Shot: Read a book with a love triangle.
Sweet Sixteen: Read a book where the main character is a baker or that names a dessert in the title or pictured on the cover.
Elite Eight: Read a book with wealthy character(s).
Final Four: Read a book from a series with four (or fewer) books or read the 4th book in a series.
Semi-Finalist: Read a book that was nominated for a mystery award (any year).
Here are links to mystery awards and to Agatha nominees for best cozy mysteries.
Mystery Awards
Agatha Awards
Stand Alone: Read a stand-alone mystery or suspense that is NOT part of a series.
Number One: Read the first book in a series.
I'm in! I'm a rookie to challenges so I'll start at the Rookie level, even though I might ramp it up later in the challenge. (Mostly I'm worried about finding books that meet more categories.)
I'm in! I am going to jump in all the way and try for Ready for the Pros? level. I am looking forward to finding the right books!
Hi! I'd like to give this a try -going for Ready for the Pros. I think I'm being a bit ambitious though.
Count me in! I think I'll be playing Off The Bench
Tournament of Books ChallengeDuration: February 1 to April 12, 2015
Progress:
PLAYER LEVELS:
Rookie: 4 or fewer books/tasks
Off the bench: 5 to 8 books/tasks ~ this is the level I am aiming for
Starter: 9 to 12 books/tasks
Ready for the Pros: 13+ books/tasks
TASKS:
68 Teams: Read one of the first 68 books on your Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ To Read list (sorted by oldest date added).
The Big Dance: Read a book where the characters dance or attend a dance.
One and Done: Read the last or most recent book in a series.
The Ice Queen by Nele Neuhaus 27 Feb. 2015
March Madness: Read a book where a character does something crazy or irrational.
Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens 11 April 2015
Free Throw: Read a book of your choice.
The Returned by Seth Patrick 27 March 2015
Fast Break: Read a thriller or suspense that is action-packed or fast-paced.
The Culling by Robert Johnson 6 Feb. 2015
Shot Clock: Read a book where a character is shot.
Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering
Good Defense: Read a book where someone is wrongly accused or the main character is a lawyer.
Rebound: Read a book where the main character is on the rebound from a bad relationship, divorce, job loss, etc.
Three Point Shot: Read a book with a love triangle.
Sweet Sixteen: Read a book where the main character is a baker or that names a dessert in the title or pictured on the cover.
Elite Eight: Read a book with wealthy character(s).
A Fatal Winter by G.M. Malliet 12 March 2015
Final Four: Read a book from a series with four (or fewer) books or read the 4th book in a series.
Semi-Finalist: Read a book that was nominated for a mystery award.
Stand Alone: Read a stand-alone mystery or suspense that is NOT part of a series.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins 14 March 2015
Number One: Read the first book in a series.
Death Comes to the Village by Catherine Lloyd
4 March 2015
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Mod
Love the cartoon! If only I had this knowledge for the bracket prediction contests.
Sounds like fun. My goal is ready for the pros
Sounds like a fun challenge. I'm aiming for Off the Bench. Do novellas count? The one I'm reading at the moment, "Amazing Gracie," is the first in a new series.
I'm going to try starter.Tournament of Books Challenge
Duration: February 1 to April 12, 2015
Progress: 4/12
PLAYER LEVELS:
Rookie: 4 or fewer books/tasks
Off the bench: 5 to 8 books/tasks ~ this is the level I am aiming for
Starter: 9 to 12 books/tasks
Ready for the Pros: 13+ books/tasks
TASKS:
68 Teams: Read one of the first 68 books on your Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ To Read list (sorted by oldest date added).
The Big Dance: Read a book where the characters dance or attend a dance.
One and Done: Once Upon a Grind....Finished: 2/2/2015
March Madness: Read a book where a character does something crazy or irrational.
Free Throw: Read a book of your choice.
Fast Break: Read a thriller or suspense that is action-packed or fast-paced.
Shot Clock: Read a book where a character is shot.
Good Defense: Death by Didgeridoo....Finished 2/20/2012
Rebound: Read a book where the main character is on the rebound from a bad relationship, divorce, job loss, etc.
Three Point Shot: Rebecca....Finished 2/17/2015
Sweet Sixteen: Read a book where the main character is a baker or that names a dessert in the title or pictured on the cover.
Elite Eight: Read a book with wealthy character(s).
Final Four: Read a book from a series with four (or fewer) books or read the 4th book in a series.
Semi-Finalist: Read a book that was nominated for a mystery award.
Stand Alone: Read a stand-alone mystery or suspense that is NOT part of a series.
Number One: Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear....Finished 4/8
I am going to go for Ready for the Pros. I have been reading alot more and watching less tv.
sign me up for - ready for the pros - 13 + books
I'll be a Rookie. Reading Delicious right now. Sweet Sixteen--main character is a baker.
I'm in! Put me down for Starter... Fun!!!
Cozy Mystery Corner
Books mentioned in this topic
Country Heaven (other topics)Indulgence in Death (other topics)
A Cookie Before Dying (other topics)
Obsession in Death (other topics)
The Chocolate Garden (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Lyndsey Cole (other topics)Christine Wenger (other topics)
Victoria Laurie (other topics)
J.J. Cook (other topics)
J.J. Cook (other topics)
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Duration: February 1 to April 12, 2015
This challenge is based on the college basketball championship tournament in the USA. It runs from early February, when competition for rankings heats up, through conference playoffs and the NCAA tournament in March to the championship games in early April.
If you are not a basketball fan, you may have an advantage - more time to read while basketball games preempt regular television programming. Those who are fans (fanatics?) can get some reading done between games.
* Books can only be used once.
* Any genre is OK, but cozies are preferred.
* Books must be at least 150 pages.
PLAYER LEVELS:
Rookie: 4 or fewer books/tasks
Off the bench: 5 to 8 books/tasks
Starter: 9 to 12 books/tasks
Ready for the Pros: 13+ books/tasks
WHAT TO DO:
* Pick a level.
* Post your progress in this thread.
TASKS:
68 Teams: Read one of the first 68 books on your Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ To Read list (sorted by oldest date added).
The Big Dance: Read a book where the characters dance or attend a dance.
One and Done: Read the last or most recent book in a series.
March Madness: Read a book where a character does something crazy or irrational.
Free Throw: Read a book of your choice.
Fast Break: Read a thriller or suspense that is action-packed or fast-paced.
Shot Clock: Read a book where a character is shot.
Good Defense: Read a book where someone is wrongly accused or the main character is a lawyer.
Rebound: Read a book where the main character is on the rebound from a bad relationship, divorce, job loss, etc.
Three Point Shot: Read a book with a love triangle.
Sweet Sixteen: Read a book where the main character is a baker or that names a dessert in the title or pictured on the cover.
Elite Eight: Read a book with wealthy character(s).
Final Four: Read a book from a series with four (or fewer) books or read the 4th book in a series.
Semi-Finalist: Read a book that was nominated for a mystery award (any year).
Here are links to mystery awards and to Agatha nominees for best cozy mysteries.
Stand Alone: Read a stand-alone mystery or suspense that is NOT part of a series.
Number One: Read the first book in a series.
This challenge starts on February 1st.
You may choose tasks and list the books in advance or as you read them.
You may change your books and player level at any time during the challenge.