What is a cozy some of you might ask? Good question! To make it brief: a cozy mystery is a mystery that doesn't normally have any rough language, sex scenes, or gruesome details about the killing, and the main character is normally an amateur detective. Many times you will notice that a cozy mystery series also revolves around food or a hobby, although this isn't a requirement. The Cozy-Mystery website does a great job of listing what a cozy mystery is and also contains a list of authors who write cozies (you can also browse series by theme! Seriously! I just noticed that and they have a section for paranormal..I'll be checking that out soon.).
This year the challenge means a bit more to me than in past years. My friend Barbara (she went by Heidi on her blog) passed away last April. She had signed up for the challenge but never had a chance to participate in it. Barbara is the one who got my hooked on cozies. Since she has passed I haven't read as many cozies as I would like, partly because I don't have her to talk to about them all the time and partly because reading her descriptions and what she read always kept me abreast of the cozy mystery world and excited about starting new series. I'm hoping that by hosting the challenge this year I get back in the swing of reading more cozies.
Now, without further ado, the rules:
1. The challenge runs April 1st, 2010 through September 30, 2010.
2. The goal is to read at least 6 cozy mysteries, one for each month. You can choose to read more, but you must read 6 in order to complete this challenge. You don't have to read 1 each month, you can read them whenever you like, you just have to read at least six.
3. While you can overlap with other challenges, please try to have at least 2 of the books only count towards this challenge.
4. Prizes you ask? Everyone loves a prize! Everyone who completes this challenge will get a bookmark made by yours truly (even if I don't mail them in a timely manner - I will mail them.)
5. Sign-up using the dedicated form. The form can be found in another post or here's a direct link. While it would be great if you signed up before April 1st, last year I had several people who wanted to join but didn't learn about the challenge until after it had started. Therefore you can sign up anytime between now and September 1st.
Questions? Leave a comment and I'll answer them.
oh..and the picture you ask? That's a picture of part of my bookcase (I only have one right now). These are almost all my mysteries, it is all my cozy mysteries. I'm actually kinda out of room and that's why it looks so messy.
Kris,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your friend! And thank you for doing the challenge again, I really had fun last year and I'm looking forward to participate once again.
I love the new look of your blog:) This was one of my favorite challenges last year...a whole new genre of books for me. I am definitely in! I have a feeling I will be reading only MC Beaton for the challenge but this time I will branch out into the Hamish series. I absolutely love the picture of your bookcase...gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI am saddened to hear about your friend. I can see why this year would mean more...you will be honoring her memory in a wonderful way.
I didn't realize this was a dedicated blog to the challenge...just wanted to say I like the look:) I will write up a post and sign up in a couple days. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAna - Thanks, I think about my friend all the time..especially since I'm still reading cozies she mailed to me..probably why I haven't read them all yet. Glad to see you back for this challenge!
ReplyDeleteBook Psmith - Thanks - I wasn't going to say something about Barbara, but I can't think about this challenge without thinking about her.
I love the look of this template too..I thought about doing it for my normal blog but I like the 3 columns on that, so this was the perfect excuse to use the template. Glad to see you'll be signing up again!
I can't wait for this challenge!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a wonderful way to not only remember your friend, but share her with us, too.
Live out Loud - Love the enthusiasm! I think all of you would have loved Barbara, she was the cozy queen.
ReplyDeleteI read almost nothing but cozy mysteries. How could I not sign up for this?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait. Cozies are my book of choice for bedtime reading.
ReplyDeleteMark and 2Cats - more cozy fans! yeah! Glad you are going to play along this year.
ReplyDeleteYes!!! I've been waiting for your announcement. I'm in absolutely. I'll post an announcement later in the month.
ReplyDeleteBeth - Glad to see you are planning to "play"!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely in. I started a feature on my blog, Cozy Mystery Saturdays because I read so many cozies.
ReplyDeleteI also love the cozy mystery website, it has been such a great resource for me.
Thanks for hosting this! I'll post about this on my challenge blog soon.
Bookmagic - Oh cool! I'm going to check out our blog, sounds like a a feature I shouldn't miss.
ReplyDeleteHey Kris,
ReplyDeleteI have my list and will sign up. I think I have 10 books four that are alternates. :) I didn't participate last year so now get to read some new ones I bought! Thanks for doing this!
Krista
Cozies are my favorite. Do we pick our own books or do you tell us what to read?
ReplyDeleteCount me in. I have been reading cozy mysteries for the series challenge but can always read more for this challenge. It's one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteErin - you get to read whatever cozies strike your fancy for this one!
ReplyDeleteViolette - Thanks for joining! Cozies are soo much fun aren't they?
Kris, I am truly sorry to hear about your friend Barbara-it sounds like you had a wonderful friendship.
ReplyDeleteShe will always be with you in your heart.
I signed up again even though I had vowed NO MORE CHALLENGES! But your cozy challenge is one of my faves so off to make a list. Thanks for hosting again.
Kaye - very true, every time I read a cozy I think of Barbara.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are joining us again for this challenge! I bet you were planning to read cozies anyway...so it's a perfect fit. haha!
Kris, This sounds like great fun. I have been reading cozy's for a while now and also love the cozy mystery website. This will be my first challenge (this is my 2nd post to a blog). so I may need a little help.
ReplyDeleteSheba - yeah! I'm honored that you would sign up for this one..as only your second challenge! Ask any questions you want, I was new to this once too. Have fun with it, this challenge is pretty laid back and is mostly just about reading some fun cozy mysteries, something that it sounds like you do anyway.
ReplyDeleteThanks for starting this! My post will go up tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteCeeCee - Thanks for singing up! I've been out of town so once I get caught up on stuff I'll be sure to check out your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bibliobabe!
ReplyDeleteI just read a cozy and remembered to check if you ran the challenge again. I am in; hope I filled in the form correctly.
ReplyDeleteDorte - you did just fine with the form. Thanks for joining again!
ReplyDeletehi..this is my first time doing this..i read about 2-3 books a week..love cozies...i'm so sorry about your friend...i do have a question about the challenge...where do i post what i've read...or do i need to...thanks...
ReplyDeleteI hope I'm not to late to sign up. I love, love Cozy Mysteries and am currently reading "On What Grounds" by Cleo Coyle.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - Welcome to the challenge! I'm going to create a post for you to post what you have read, I just haven't done it yet. It's not mandatory, but it's always fun when people remember too. Enjoy the challenge!
ReplyDeleteBecky - you aren't too late! Welcome to the Challenge! I have On What Grounds on my list to read this year too. HOpe you enjoy it!
I read about this challenge on Dorte's blog. I love "cozys" so this should be fun!
ReplyDeleteKelly - hope you enjoy the challenge and read some great books! Thanks for signing up.
ReplyDeleteHi Kris, This is Birdie (http://purplejulie95.livejournal.com). I've just decided to start a blog for the book challenges that I'm doing. It's http://featherednest-birdie.blogspot.com/2010/04/cozy-mystery-challenge.html
ReplyDeleteCould you change my link, or could you tell me how to do that?
Many thanks!
Birdie
Birdie - I got it updated for you!
ReplyDeleteYay I finished the challenge by reading 10 books! And now I am totally hooked on them! Thanks for hosting the challenge!
ReplyDeletehttp://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/2010/03/cozy-mystery-challenge.html
I think I've finished this challenge today == but OF COURSE I'll still be reading more cozies!!! Thanks for hosting! :) -Beth
ReplyDeleteWow Beth! Congratulations! I really do need to get the link up for those who have finished don't I? You are the second one.
ReplyDeleteHow Fun! I am kind of a newbie to the world--all the www world that is, and especially communicating via my fingers...I have been for all my 40+ years a rabid book fiend, and discovered the joy of cozies abo ut 2 years ago when I got sick of the tooooographic crime/mystery books, they are a bit insulting to our imaginations. I am thrilled to join, as many of the books on your list I have already read and I am always looking for new authors... and you have provided a list! Can't wait to get to the library. Am so sorry about your friend, but isn't it wonderful that you can remember her with fondness, and you have the opportunity to make more friends.
ReplyDeleteEllise - Thanks - I do love being able to remember my friend by sharing your love of cozies with others. Welcome to online reading challenges...they are a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy this one, as well as find some new favorite series!
ReplyDeleteWhoopie! ;My daughter Ellise just got me on to this sight and I have not been a reader, much.But now that my eyes are not good I listen to books on tape and that is so enjoyable WHEN I can find decent mysteries. So now I have a good list to try out. Sorry about your friend. Life goes on after death--it is just like going thru a door into another room. She will be waiting for you. Take courage.Keep busy and I am sure with this list of good books, you will be.....Doris.....Ellise's Mom and your Mormon friend
ReplyDeleteI just finshed my first book for this challenge
ReplyDeletethe book i read is Her Royal spyness
here is the link
http://danisbookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/06/her-royal-spyness-by-rhys-bowen.html
Joining in. I have a stack waiting for me. Thanks for a little added "purpose" -- not that any is really needed...
ReplyDeleteDani - yeah! congrats on finishing the first book for this challenge, I added it to the June list.
ReplyDeleteResabi - Thanks for joining! I can't wait to see what you have in your stack.
Hello, Just learned about your challenge. It's a perfect one for me since I need a bit of motivation to get back to reading something besides blogs and newspapers. I've been a cozy mystery reader for decades. It's time to get back. Thanks for hosting the challenge.
ReplyDeleteSu-sieee! Mac
This and That. Here and There. Now, Sometimes Then.
Su-sieee!Mac - I hope this is just the kick in the bum you need! lol! I needed it myself since I hadn't read a lot of cozies earlier in the year. I'm glad to say I'm now back to reading a lot and loving it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI reviewed an ARC of Cleo Coyle's Roast Mortem here: http://themysterybookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/07/roast-mortem-book-review.html. The book will be published on August 3.
ReplyDeleteHere are my last 2 reviews: Heather Webber's Truly Madly at http://themysterybookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/07/truly-madly-book-review.html and Diane Mott Davidson's Dark Tort at http://themysterybookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/07/dark-tort-book-review.html. I have finished the challenge but will probably read a few more cozies anyway. They are soooo relaxing.
ReplyDeleteViolette - How cool that you received an ARC for a cozy! I love when that happens. Congrats on finishing the challenge too! I marked the challenge as finished on my blog too, even though I have since read more cozies and know I'll read even more before the challenge is over. This got me back in the cozy reading groove.
ReplyDelete