Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I share well-written books. I highlight what makes each good from the reader’s perspective, and I reveal what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers. This time, it’s a cozy mystery called A Lovely Murder, by Lori Ericson. First, here are the book details: A Lovely Murder (A Danni Deadline Thriller, Book 2) by Lori Ericson Evil tends to snatch away the best-laid plans. Life is finally coming together for reporter Danni Edens. Her mother’s mental illness seems... Read More

Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I share well-written books. I highlight what makes each good from the reader’s perspective, and reveal what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers. This time, it’s a cozy mystery by Blanche Manos titled, Moonlight Can Be Murder: A Ned McNeil Mystery. This is one of the better cozies I have read. You’ll find out why shortly. First, have a look at the book cover and description. Moonlight Can Be Murder: A Ned McNeil Mystery. by Blanche Manos Nettie “Ned”... Read More

UPDATE: I just learned that the author Sherrill Lewis died January 27, 2016 after a long battle with ALS. I never knew her, but here is what Kimberly Pennell said about her: “Her husband said her two goals in life toward the end were to see all her far-flung kids and finish the 4th book in the series. She got both and died the day after finishing the book. (shiver)” Shiver indeed! She definitely stayed around to finish what she had set out to do. I loved this book and will read the rest in the series. Now, on to the review. Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review.... Read More

Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. Each week, I review a well-written book, highlighting what makes it good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers. This week, it’s a cozy mystery called Melody for Murder. College professor Bertie Bigelow thinks her biggest problem is her job being on the line when one of her students goes off the rails at a live performance. She soon finds herself accused of murder and in deeper danger than she ca imagine. Melody for Murder:... Read More

Some writer friends and I had a rousing discussion about whether our work in progress books were cozy mysteries or not. A cozy mystery has a dead body or two, but not a lot of gore. The reader can cozy up with a good book by the fire, under a blanket, and have a good story without being terrified or having a lesson in forensics. An amateur sleuth gets involved trying to solve the riddle of “whodunit.” I go into more detail about it in this article. Hannah Swensen (Murder She Baked) series and the Cat Who series are examples of cozies. I like them, because I’m not a big fan... Read More

Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. Each week, I review a well-written book, highlighting what makes it good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers. I found this week’s read because I bought her book on writing cozy mysteries. Being a fan of cozies, I had to give one of hers a try. Description of Permed to Death from Amazon: Meet Marla Shore, a Florida beauty salon owner with a knack for creating dazzling dos—and solving mysteries . . .Marla was already... Read More

Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. Each week, I review a well-written book, highlighting what makes it good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers. This week it’s a cozy mystery from the Murder, She Baked series by Joanne Fluke. I’ve been reading the series from the first, The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. Each book includes recipes. Most are for cookies, but there are some for casseroles, cakes, and other asty foods. The first book is now a movie... Read More