Cozy Books

Margaret Belle’s The Granddaughters: Always feels like coming home—settling back into Orange Lake with Ellie, Franny, and Sandy like you’re slipping into a favorite chair you didn’t realize you missed. From the first pages, there’s that warm, lived-in sense of place and friendship that makes this series so comforting, but it never coasts on charm alone. The women are instantly lovable again: capable, funny, a little stubborn in the best way, and so deeply human that you forget you’re “reading characters” and start feeling like you’re catching up with real people. What really impressed me is how Belle balances heart with suspense. The story kicks into motion with a genuinely emotional premise, and the way the Granddaughters respond—protective, determined, and guided by instinct as much as logic—had me fully invested. The tension builds steadily without ever losing the cozy, character-driven tone, and I loved how the mystery unspools in a way that feels both page-turning and grounded. Every scene has purpose, and the pacing is smooth and confident—there’s never a moment where it drags or feels padded. I also appreciated how The Granddaughters: Always works beautifully as a standalone. Yes, it’s richer if you already adore these women, but you absolutely don’t need prior knowledge to fall right into the rhythm of their world. Belle gives you everything you need through natural moments—conversation, small details, the kind of interactions that reveal history without dumping it on you. And the writing has that rare “easy to read, hard to put down” quality: crisp, clear, and emotionally resonant, with humor woven in so naturally it feels like you’re smiling alongside the characters rather than being told when to laugh. By the time I reached the end, I was genuinely sad to leave Orange Lake again—and that’s the highest compliment I can give. The Granddaughters: Always is one of those books that delivers exactly what you want from a cozy mystery: a compelling case, characters you’d gladly spend more time with, and a satisfying sense of care in every chapter. If you’re looking for a mystery that’s equal parts warmth, wit, and momentum, I can’t recommend this one enough—this is the kind of read that reminds you why you love the genre in the first place.

"Inappropriate" by Sherry Morris is a hilarious mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. The majority of the story takes place on a cross-country train, so that is no exaggeration. Reading cozy mysteries and romantic comedies is right up my alley, so this book was a delight. Our heroine Sandra Faire is likeable and full of charm despite her flaws. I found myself laughing out loud at various points in her internal monologue, particularly at the way she referred to the hot investigator she was attempting (and failing) to evade. The train setting for a mystery writers' conference is a fantastic notion that sets the stage for murder and mayhem. Morris brings a colorful cast of eccentrics to this out-of-the-ordinary setting, and they kept me wondering (and smiling) right up to the finish. I thought Sandra's annoying mother was hilarious and charming at the same time. I was delightedly suspended in disbelief thanks to Morris's fast-paced writing style and clever language, even when the plot takes some exceptionally ridiculous turns. The book's irreverence is part of its appeal; it does not take itself too seriously. Like a cross between "Bridesmaids" and "Murder on the Orient Express," it is a screwball comedy in literature. This is probably not going to satisfy your craving for a dark and ominous mystery. However, "Inappropriate" is perfect if you are looking for a humorous, easy-reading book that will make you laugh one minute and puzzle over the next. Pack it for your next vacation, but do not bring it on a train unless you want to get weird looks from strangers who think you are laughing too loud!