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Reading Challenges > December Theme Read

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message 1: by Sherrie (new)

Sherrie (vampirekisses2) | 426 comments December theme read is going to be a little different, to give everyone a break from the holidays we will do something different. Since December is a Stress Free holiday month and Call a Friend Day this months themes will be as follows:

1. Relaxation (spas, yoga, hobbies, anything you would do to relax)
2. Friendship (sleuthing with a friend, ivestigating a friend, etc.)


message 2: by Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator (new)

Marisa (moretta) | 4113 comments Mod
Well, in this case, the first one is easy: A Blush With Death, that I have for the clue challenge. The second, I've to look for.


message 3: by Sherrie (last edited Nov 21, 2010 09:30PM) (new)

Sherrie (vampirekisses2) | 426 comments My first one will be Corpse Pose (Mantra for Murder, #1) by Diana Killian . I have to think about the second.


❂ Murder by Death  (murderbydeath) Marisa wrote: "Well, in this case, the first one is easy: A Blush With Death, that I have for the clue challenge. The second, I've to look for."

Marisa - If you have trouble finding one for friends, Jill Churchill had the Jane Jeffry series that was all about two friends sleuthing. Also, Sheryl J. Anderson had three books, starting with Killer Heels about three friends investigating mysteries. That series was a bit 'sex in the city' but a fun read.

If anyone else has any suggestions about current mysteries involving friends, I'd love some pointers. I don't have any current series that fit the bill that I haven't already read. :)


❂ Murder by Death  (murderbydeath) Kari wrote: "Valerie Wolzein Susan Henshaw has an ex-cop friend that helps her solve mysteries.

The Susan Wittig China Bayles series also has a friend.

You could also go real old school and read a Nancy..."


Kari, thanks for the suggestions. I'm up to date on both those series, but the Nancy Drew might be worth investigating. :D. I'm not sure I'd be able to remember which of those I've read! Lol


message 6: by Sherrie (new)

Sherrie (vampirekisses2) | 426 comments Jennifer-in-oz wrote: "Marisa wrote: "Well, in this case, the first one is easy: A Blush With Death, that I have for the clue challenge. The second, I've to look for."

Marisa - If you have trouble finding ..."


How about the Bed and Breakfast by Mary Daheim or the Cooking Class mysteries by Miranda Bliss? Or the Miss Zukas series.


message 7: by Daphne (new)

Daphne (daphne2163) I love the December themes and they will both also cover books in my Clue challenge. I will be reading Cooking Up Murder (A Cooking Class Mystery, #1) by Miranda Bliss for the friendship topic and A Blush With Death (A Bath and Body Mystery, #2) by India Ink for the relaxation theme.


message 8: by Miki (new)

Miki | 148 comments Susan Wittig Albert has the Darling Dahlias books about friends and Laura Childs has the Cackleberry Club series. Both are very enjoyable reads.


message 9: by Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator (new)

Marisa (moretta) | 4113 comments Mod
I was thinking about Cackleberry Club, because I've the second book and I haven't read it yet, so perhaps I'll read it. We'll see.


message 10: by Sherrie (last edited Nov 22, 2010 04:12PM) (new)

Sherrie (vampirekisses2) | 426 comments For my friendship book I'll be reading Murder 101 (Alison Bergeron Mysteries) by Maggie Barbieri .


message 11: by Jan (new)

Jan (libraryhag) | 82 comments Sherrie wrote: "My first one will be Corpse Pose (Mantra for Murder, #1) by Diana Killian. I have to think about the second."

I love this series. But I am all caught up on it. I will have to find something else for relaxation.


message 12: by Jan (new)

Jan (libraryhag) | 82 comments I will read Scent to her Grave Scent to Her Grave (A Bath and Body Mystery, #1) by India Ink and I still need the friendship one. I need to think about it.


message 13: by Linda (new)

Linda B | 200 comments I am in too. I am going to try A Blush With Death (A Bath and Body Mystery, #2) by India Ink by India Ink for Relaxation And am going to start Jill Chruchill's Grime and Punishment (Jane Jeffry, #1) by Jill Churchill . I am just starting the series and have had it in my TBR pile for ages.


message 14: by Valorie (last edited Nov 23, 2010 09:56PM) (new)

Valorie  | 550 comments I'm planning on reading A Blush With Death (A Bath and Body Mystery, #2) by India Ink for the relaxation theme and will probably go with Killer Heels (Molly Forrester Mystery, #1) by Sheryl J. Anderson or Cooking Up Murder (A Cooking Class Mystery, #1) by Miranda Bliss for the friendship theme.


message 15: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 2446 comments I keep reading perfect theme books a month before the theme! I just read Corpse Pose (Mantra for Murder, #1) by Diana Killian this month and last month (Oct.) I read The Diva Runs Out of Thyme (A Domestic Diva Mystery, #1) by Krista Davis - I guess I am psychic or something!


message 16: by Kim (new)

Kim (catmommie) I'll be reading The Christmas Cookie Killer and Jack & Jill for buddy reads. I'll see how I do for the month.


message 17: by Jan (new)

Jan (libraryhag) | 82 comments For my friendship choice I decided on Killer Heels Killer Heels (Molly Forrester Mystery, #1) by Sheryl J. Anderson by Sheryl J. Anderson. It has been on my To Read list for some time.


message 18: by Nell (new)

Nell | 1219 comments Other than reading, the two main ways I relax these days is yoga and knitting. So I will read Corpse Pose (Mantra for Murder, #1) by Diana Killian and A Deadly Yarn (A Knitting Mystery, # 3) by Maggie Sefton . In the knitting mystery, two friends investigate the murder of another friend so I may use that as a two-fer.


message 19: by Sherrie (new)

Sherrie (vampirekisses2) | 426 comments Another way people relax is a glass of wine, So that is another idea if someone is thinking about a relaxation book.


message 20: by Kim (last edited Nov 25, 2010 05:50PM) (new)

Kim (catmommie) On the other hand, my best friend cooks and bakes for stress relief, so my choices could work, too. Well, her more than me. I enjoy cooking and baking, but not for stress relief. Eating is more for that!


message 21: by Robin (new)

Robin (goodreadscomtriviagoddessl) | 630 comments This December reading sounds like fun, especially this time of year with the holidays fast approaching.


message 22: by Nell (last edited Nov 26, 2010 05:14AM) (new)

Nell | 1219 comments The cozy mystery website has a list of hobbies under Cozies by Theme. If you're looking for ideas go to . You'll see cozies by theme on the left. Mysteries with hobbies are about half-way down that page. This is a great website. Thanks to whomever suggested it.


message 23: by Robin (new)

Robin (goodreadscomtriviagoddessl) | 630 comments Kim, I am with you as far as eating the results of someone else's cooking and baking.LOL


message 24: by Lindy-Lane (new)

Lindy-Lane (moonbacklit) | 73 comments I'm aiming for just one of the theme reads this month (December) and since I'm still in a Jessica Fletcher frame of mind I'm going with:

Murder, She Wrote A Slaying In Savannah (Murder, She Wrote) by Jessica Fletcher Murder, She Wrote: A Slaying In Savannah (theme of friendship).


message 25: by Trine (new)

Trine (trinespageongoodreads) | 200 comments Great idea, Sherrie. :-)

I'll be reading Murder on the Eightfold Path (Mantra for Murder, #3) by Diana Killian by Diana Killian and
Pinned for Murder (Southern Sewing Series) by Elizabeth Lynn Casey by Elizabeth Lynn Casey.

Happy Reading/Holidays, everyone! :-)


message 26: by Andrea (last edited Dec 01, 2010 06:58PM) (new)

Andrea (anniec85) | 75 comments Yay, I can't wait to read this month's theme reads. I've been dying to read a yoga cozy and have had one on my to-read list forever. Here are my picks for December:

Relaxation: Dial Om for Murder by Diana Killian
Friendship: Murder, She Wrote: Panning For Murder by Jessica Fletcher/Donald Bain (Loved Jessica so much last month, I have to read another one!)


message 27: by Kimmie (new)

Kimmie (thatkimmiegirl) | 100 comments For the relaxation read I am reading Death By Cashmere. Tried to get into this one before and I got kind of bored. I will see if it picks up.

For the friendship read I am reading Christmas Cookie Murder. The mystery centers around a cookie exchange between friends. Hopefully it will get me in the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Cookie Murder (Lucy Stone, #5) by Leslie Meier , Death By Cashmere (Seaside Knitters Mystery, #1) by Sally Goldenbaum


message 28: by Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator (last edited Dec 06, 2010 12:27AM) (new)

Marisa (moretta) | 4113 comments Mod
For the relax theme I've read A Blush With Death. Not a great read, I've liked the first one much better. I don't think I keep on the series.

A Blush With Death (A Bath and Body Mystery, #2) by India Ink


message 29: by Miki (new)

Miki | 148 comments For the friendship read, I am reading Slay it with Flowers by Kate Collins. The friendship between Abby and Nikki rings true in this one.


message 30: by KarenF (new)

KarenF (cleocleveland) | 29 comments I totally blew November (bad library timing) but I'm back on the horse for December.


Relaxation: Knit One, Kill Two (Knitting Mysteries, No. 1) by Maggie Sefton by Maggie Sefton

Friendship: Eggs in Purgatory (Cackleberry Club, #1) by Laura Childs by Laura Childs


message 31: by Daphne (new)

Daphne (daphne2163) I was originally going to go with another book for the friends theme, but I just finished An Uplifting Murder and loved the friendship between Josie and Alyce. I really enjoyed this book and all of the main characters. I will back track and read more in the series.
An Uplifting Murder (Josie, Marcus Mystery Shopper #6) by Elaine Viets


message 32: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 2446 comments I am going to count The Diva Takes the Cake (A Domestic Diva Mystery, #2) by Krista Davis as my friendship book because Sophie and Nina are great friends :)


message 33: by Jan (new)

Jan (libraryhag) | 82 comments Just started Scent to Her Grave (A Bath and Body Mystery, #1) by India Ink for the relaxation book. Too early to tell what I think.


❂ Murder by Death  (murderbydeath) I'm doing Scent to Her Grave for the spa/relaxation read, and Death of A Tart for the friendship read, as it has a heavy best friends theme.


message 35: by Caitlin (new)

Caitlin C (caitkom) | 199 comments Working on Knit One, Kill Two for the relaxation book. Not sure which one to do for friendship.

Knit One, Kill Two (Knitting Mysteries, No. 1) by Maggie Sefton


message 36: by Robin (new)

Robin (goodreadscomtriviagoddessl) | 630 comments I think any of the cozies, like Laura Childs would be a good December read, esp. the friendship aspect for Carmela and Ava. They are always so much fun to read about. Their antics are absolutely hysterical.


message 37: by Marisa, Cozy Mysteries Assistant Moderator (new)

Marisa (moretta) | 4113 comments Mod
Well, I've finished my challenge. For friendship I've read Waiting for Armando, three women who forge her friendship while they try to help another coworker. I've liked it a lot. As a summary:

2 / 2

1.- Relaxation: A Blush With Death
2.- Friendship: Waiting for Armando

A Blush With Death (A Bath and Body Mystery, #2) by India Ink Waiting for Armando by Judith K. Ivie


message 38: by Sherrie (new)

Sherrie (vampirekisses2) | 426 comments Congrats Marisa!


message 39: by Robin (new)

Robin (goodreadscomtriviagoddessl) | 630 comments good job, marisa.


message 40: by Valorie (new)

Valorie  | 550 comments I just finished Never Buried (Leigh Koslow Mystery, 1) by Edie Claire and I'm going to use it for the friendship theme. The main character Leigh tries to solve a murder with her cousin and best friend who works for the local police department. I really enjoyed it! It was a cute, fun read!


message 41: by Donna (last edited Dec 12, 2010 09:23PM) (new)

Donna | 27 comments Daphne wrote: "I was originally going to go with another book for the friends theme, but I just finished An Uplifting Murder and loved the friendship between Josie and Alyce. I really enjoyed this..."

I agree with Daphne. I just finished An Uplifting Murder for the Autumn Challenge, and will count this as my friendship theme book. This was the first book I had read by this author, and I also plan to read more of the series.


message 42: by Jan (new)

Jan (libraryhag) | 82 comments I finished my relaxation book, Scent To Her Grave Scent to Her Grave (A Bath and Body Mystery, #1) by India Ink by India Ink. I solved this as soon as the murder took place and I really did not care for the main character.

On to my friendship book, hope I like it more.


❂ Murder by Death  (murderbydeath) Uh oh... I chose Scent to Her Grave as my relaxation book - just waiting for it to arrive in the Post. Hope I don't find it as disappointing...


message 44: by Melodie (new)

Melodie (melodieco) | 5280 comments Jan wrote: "I finished my relaxation book, Scent To Her Grave Scent to Her Grave (A Bath and Body Mystery, #1) by India Inkby India Ink. I solved this as soon as the murder took place and I really did not care for the ..."

I agree on this series. Didn't care for the main character or the stories either!


message 45: by Jan (new)

Jan (libraryhag) | 82 comments Jennifer-in-oz wrote: "Uh oh... I chose Scent to Her Grave as my relaxation book - just waiting for it to arrive in the Post. Hope I don't find it as disappointing..."

It was not all bad. I liked some of the other characters. There are some nice bath products recipes. I am even going to try one of them.


message 46: by KarenF (new)

KarenF (cleocleveland) | 29 comments I finished Eggs in Purgatory (Cackleberry Club, #1) by Laura Childs for my friendship read. I liked it but not as much as I liked the other series by Laura Childs. The friendship between the women was nice but it almost felt like there was too much crammed into this book.


message 47: by Priscilla (new)

Priscilla | 127 comments I am reading Dashing Through the Snow by Mary Higgins Clark .I hope this fits into the theme read. I am reading it and a few friends have won the lottery together! Its a nice holiday read anyway...


message 48: by Kimmie (new)

Kimmie (thatkimmiegirl) | 100 comments Kimmie wrote: "For the relaxation read I am reading Death By Cashmere. Tried to get into this one before and I got kind of bored. I will see if it picks up.

For the friendship read I am reading ..."


I finished my relaxation read Death By Cashmere yesterday. I didn't really like it. I am not sure why but I didn't connect with any of the characters. Has anyone else read this book? What did you think?


message 49: by Sherrie (new)

Sherrie (vampirekisses2) | 426 comments Let's start getting some ideas together for Janury's theme.


message 50: by Sherrie (new)

Sherrie (vampirekisses2) | 426 comments I don't think we've done a sports one yet, that could be fun.


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