It sounds terrible, doesn’t it? Yet look at our literary history, we’ve always embraced the ghouls of Christmas past. Our fairy tales are as grim as they can be. And musically, we laughed when Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer. A little humor or feel good emotions surrounded by the darkness of reality make us feel better—especially when the bad guys get what they deserve. It reminds us of our humanity and our sense of right and wrong. The knowledge that justice will prevail, even if the road is a bit bumpy along the way, keeps us going. Hope. A sense of community. Justice. Love. Laughter. All wrapped up in a colorful cover to entertain you for hours. That’s what you get from cozy mysteries. Like the works of the past, today’s featured novels will make you appreciate what we have today. Turn off the television and embrace a dose of holiday cheer with a good book. MURDER IN HER STOCKING by G. A. McKevett Granny Reid #1 As the Moonlight Magnolia Agency revisits old memories on Christmas Eve, Granny Reid takes the reins back thirty years to the 1980s—back when she went by Stella, everyone’s hair was bigger,…

Last week, you learned about the first half the authors I met at The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, Arizona.  This week, I have the second group of fantastic books for you to check out. They are the perfect escape from the holiday bustle that seems to have started before Thanksgiving arrived! Just for you, these authors have created fantasy worlds through loads of research. If you’d like to attend the annual Birding Expo with J.R. Ripley, pick up a copy of A Bird Lover’s Mystery, it’s sure to capture your attention. Book #8, A Birder’s Guide to Murder released this month! If you want to travel to the wine country, JC Eaton has an intoxicating series, The Wine Lovers Mysteries. Book #2, Chardonnayed to Rest, released in October and is a perfect blend of warm-hearted community with secrets that will keep you guessing. Cheryl Hollon’s Shattered at Sea, A Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery, will open your eyes to the art of glass blowing and cast your imagination out to sea with the beauty and intrigue that occurs when a passenger disappears on a cruise liner. To round out my recommendations, a bit of historical noir will ground you with how…