Sometimes when you have read too many serial killer novels or intense psychological thrillers, a good cozy is just what you need to bring your blood pressure down to normal levels and step back from the ledge. Luckily this month there are any number of cozies coming out. Holly Danvers released a new cozy series this month with the first book in the Lakeside Library series called “Murder at the Lakeside Library.” Esme Addison just added a second book to her Enchanted Bay mystery series called “A Hex for Danger.” Popular Canadian author Vicki Delany added a second book to her Tea by the Sea series called “Murder in a Teacup.” Kaitlyn Dunnett added a fourth book to her Deadly Edits series called “Murder She Edited.” The very popular G.A. McKevett adds the 26^th novel to her Savannah Reid series this month which is called “A Few Drops of Bitters.” July is definitely an excellent month for cozy murder mysteries with all the above coming out and the following as well.

Reading right now:

Carolyn Hart’s tenth book in the Bailey Ruth Ghost series is “Ghost Blows a Kiss.” As a member of Heaven’s Department of Good Intentions, Bailey Ruth Raeburn finds herself even busier as a ghost than she was when she was living. This time around, she is tasked with helping a young widow who was running away from family secrets and lies.

On hold right now:

 The third installment of the Ancestry Detective series is available this month by S.C. Perkins (“Fatal Family Ties”). Genealogist Lucy Lancaster takes on her third case investigating the family of a former co-worker, Camilla, whose ancestor was a civil war corporal who is being accused of being a liar, a phony, and a deserter in the local paper. As she starts her investigation, one of Camilla’s co-workers is murdered and important evidence is stolen.

Julie Anne Lindsey’s latest Cider Shop mystery "The Cider Shop Rules" is the third in the series of books about Winona Mae Montgomery and her Granny Smythe who has an apple orchard and opened a Cider shop (to make ends meet). It is fall in Apple Blossom Valley, West Virginia and local harvests are flourishing as is the Fall Festival. Unfortunately for Jacob Potter while his pumpkin farm is flourishing, he is found dead in the back of Winona’s pickup truck.

The second in the Home to Ireland mystery series is “Murder in Connemara” by Carlene O’Connor. Former New York interior designer Tara Meehan has moved to Galway County in Ireland and is opening an architectural salvage shop. Unfortunately, one of her new clients whom she just sold an antique brooch to is murdered and Tara finds herself in the middle of a messy situation.

Other Mysterious Things:

I love reading a good cozy especially a series with funny and heartwarming characters that you cannot wait to revisit when the next installment comes out. Next month one of my favorite authors Donna Andrews adds “Murder Most Fowl” to her delightful Meg Langslow series. This is the 29^th book in the series and I hope she never stops writing them. The other cozy to look forward to in August is the 18^th book in the Chocoholic Mysteries “The Chocolate Raccoon Rigmarole” by Joanna Carl.