Just for Laughs

If you find yourself becoming paranoid from reading all those heavy weight domestic thrillers, it might be time to read something fun and lighthearted.  You might need to pick up a cozy mystery that is funny or just fun. Here are a few of the authors I pick up when I need something to bring a smile.

David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series continues to be both funny and heartwarming (because of Andy’s love of dogs and his great relationship with his wife). The 29^th book in the series came out in July and the 30^th book comes out in October which is “The More the Terrier.” I love everything about Andy Carpenter. Each time I pick up the latest, it’s like visiting an old friend. All of Rosenfelt’s books have been good reads and I really like the K Team series as well.

Vivien Chien’s Noodle Shop mystery series is excellent lightweight fun. I enjoy the location of Cleveland, Ohio and the struggle of the main character Lana Lee with her family, her culture, and her love life. The 10^th book in the series “Peking Duck and Cover” came out in July.

Jana Deleon’s Miss Fortune mystery series is just completely hilarious. The 27^th book in the series “Baskets and Beignets” came out in May. Fortune is a CIA assassin who starts out hiding in Louisiana. It doesn’t take her long to discover that she likes living there especially when she finds that some of her neighbors are not what they appear to be.

Apple+ making “Bad Monkey” into a series has reminded me just how great Carl Hiaasen’s books really are. The TV adaptation is very well done and I’m hoping they do “Razor Girl” as well. “Nature Girl” was always my favorite of his books. The great news is that in May of next year, “Fever Beach” is slated to come out.

Janet Evanovich is still writing the Stephanie Plum series and the 31^st in the series is coming out in November (“Now or Never”). Elle Cosimano’s fifth book in her Finlay Donovan series is coming out in March 2025 which is “Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave.”  Donna Andrew’s 36^th book in the Meg Langslow series comes out in October (“Rockin’ Around the Chickadee”) and her last book only came out in August.

These are only a few of the many funny mysteries available and I’ll have to revisit this list later and add to it. In this stressful election year, it’s a wonderful escape to read a book that makes you laugh.