Hello, Cozy Readers! May begins, for me, a season of travel weather, that warm-but-not-too-warm that makes me want to pack up and head somewhere for an adventure. Or at least read about a great getaway!

When I started researching Venus Rising, I watched a lot of travel videos. Which meant I was introduced to packing videos. Now, I think packing videos are useful guides to making sure we have just what we need without overburdening ourselves. But, more than that, I think they’re also a fascinating genre too. The stories around packing can be just as interesting as the trips the suitcases will be taken on!

And on the topic of suitcases, I found this radio at an estate sale. This radio geek couldn’t resist a radio with a travel case aesthetic, of course! I haven’t had the chance to use it much yet, but I am planning a video of a band scan soon.

Does May say “travel time” to you too? And are you into watching packing videos as much as I am? I’d love to hear from you!

Sending cozy wishes for great reads,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

 

Here are more books to explore:

Murder at the Cheese Shop

by Dani Simms

The peaceful atmosphere of Los Robles is shattered when a murder takes place at the neighborhood cheese shop, causing chaos among the tight-knit community.

Local innkeeper and vineyard owner, Avery Parker, is shocked to discover that she is implicated in the mysterious death in her small hometown.

As Avery begins to investigate, she encounters a myriad of suspects, each with a convincing motive. She uncovers secrets and betrayals from past and present love interests, a disgruntled ex-employee, and a suspicious resident.

Her captivating journey leads her to hidden agendas in the search to solve the crime. The gossipy residents have their guesses, but who can she really trust?

With twists and turns at every corner, Murder at the Cheese Shop is a thrilling mystery that will keep sleuthing readers on the edge of their seats.

Wine pairings and irresistible recipes included!

The Goat that Wasn’t; A Baa-d Mystery
by Alexie Linn

Get ready to embark on a whimsical and mysterious journey with Sally, a woman who has always been pet-free, as she grapples with the unexpected appearance of a black and white billy goat in her dooryard.

This goat has no intention of leaving and becomes a constant and quirky presence in Sally’s life, pushing her beyond her comfort zone and into world of goat-related antics and misadventures.

Join Sally as she navigates the challenges of this unexpected visitor and discovers the surprising connections that can be formed when we open ourselves up to the unexpected. In this captivating twelfth installment of the series, prepare to be charmed by the humorous and heartwarming tale of Sally and the goat that defies all expectations.

The Haunted Inn
by Alex Mahon

Cristina Solans always thought she lived in a sleepy little village where nothing happens. But when she is hired to investigate a possible haunting at a former inn, she uncovers more skeletons in the cupboard than a graveyard.

The case veers off the beaten track when her boyfriend hints at a new career move, which would mean the end of their relationship. What’s worse, he doesn’t seem too worried about it

Uncovering all these secrets and skeletons means having to reassess her relationship with all and sundry. Where else can she turn for help? The answer is closer to home than she thinks.

The Phantom of Escondida
by Mixed Bag Publishing

Isla can get in and out of buildings without being seen. She knows how to blend into a crowd, so when Miguel was putting together his team of elite spies, she jumped at the chance to work with such a legend. Now, the team is on the hunt for the notorious Valeria, who has made her boldest move yet.

Teo is Princess Isabella’s bodyguard and a childhood friend with Isla. When the princess is kidnapped on his watch, he immediately goes to Miguel, who partners him with Isla. As the two work together, the two start seeing each other as more than friends.

When a teammate whispers in Isla’s ear that Teo might be a double-agent with Valeria, Isla doesn’t know what to think. Are all the spies destined to fall for Valeria’s goons? Can Teo and Isla find Princess Isabella before it’s too late? Will our phantom be able to catch the illusive villain or will she get away…again?

Join the team for another action-packed adventure. Don’t miss the next chapter of Spies in Escondida as they continue to defend their country from its latest threat.

Hello, Cozy Readers! Warmer weather means spring cleaning here, and as part of that, I’ve been going through all my fabrics and threads, trying to figure out when I’m actually going to get around to all the beautiful projects I’d envisioned when I bought the stuff….

If I had the time, I think I’d take up quilting. I love the way patterns and colors in the fabrics work together to tell a story, complementing and clashing and then making something beautifully complete. And also, there’s the coziness of curling up beneath something so carefully crafted.

In spite of coming from a talented family full of women who sew, paint, crochet, knit, garden, and craft realistic-looking flowers out of fondant and food coloring, I’ve decided to stick with writing as my art. I won’t post pictures, but I’m very good at crocheting trapezoids . . . that should have been squares! That said, I’m grateful to have grown up watching my grandmother, mother, and sisters engaging in these crafts, because seeing them work gave me more appreciation for the process. Which is, in my mind, quality time!

My second quarter feels like it’s going more slowly than the first, but I did finish a draft of a novelette this past weekend, and this week, I’m working on poems for my current manuscript. Happy National Poetry Month!

Do you sew? Bake? Paint? I’d love to hear about your crafts and artwork!

Sending you cozy wishes,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

Here’s another cozy to discover:

Mocha & Melodies: A Red Line Coffee Mystery Companion Novella

by Donna B McNicol

A college campus, a musical competition, and a group of talented young adults. What could go possibly wrong?

Plenty…and it does, starting with a dead contestant.

Jodi Delgado, aka Gabby, decides to enter the eight-week combination music camp and competition sponsored by the Whisper Peak Institute of Music. She never expected to find a new best friend while there, and her new best friend never expected to be involved in the murder of her roommate.

Hello, Cozy Readers! March was a busy one for me, as I wrapped up the draft of The Wing of a Bee and started an outline for a cozy series I’m tentatively calling the “Not the End of the World Mysteries.” That series is one I should have news about by the end of the year, so stay tuned!

Otherwise, we’re getting ready here for the eclipse on the 8th. Dallas is in the path of totality, and my family and I are so excited about seeing this amazing event. Are you planning to watch the eclipse too?

March has also meant flowers! Primroses, oxalis, and bluets in my yard as well as hen bit, corn flowers, and poppies we’ve seen out on our walks. Oh, and this gorgeous rose too. I hope April brings you lots of beauty in nature and a bounty of good books too!

Sending you cozy wishes for great reads,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

Here are more cozy reads to discover:

Death By Tinsel by C Farren

From Hollywood to Yorkshire, from fame to murder…

Barbara Lucci has it all; a star on the Hollywood walk of fame, money, a loving husband, and a starring role in the long-running American soap opera Forever and a Day, a job she’s cherished for forty years.

Then everything changes. Barbara’s soap is canceled, and her husband runs off with her all money. With nowhere to turn to, Barbara returns to her native England and the sleepy Yorkshire seaside town of Whitborough to stay with her mother June, who runs a bed and breakfast.

When someone from another bed and breakfast is strangled to death with some tinsel, Barbara is intrigued. Not only is the sole witness to the crime the victim’s cute border collie, Gulliver, but the local policeman investigating is none other than the first boy she ever kissed, Brendan Fury. Barbara decides she has to investigate this murder, not only for something to do but to save the reputation of her mother’s beloved B & B.

This is a fun, quirky, and clean, cozy mystery set in a beautiful Yorkshire seaside town with a glamorous soap star, cute dogs, dashing police officers, and a puzzling Christmas murder mystery.

Murder at the Harvest Field by Dani Simms

When a body is discovered in the middle of a vineyard’s harvest festival, winemaker Avery Parker must put down her glass of vino to pick up the clues.

With a dangerous murderer potentially lurking around in her small town of Los Robles, California, the once-peaceful community is thrown into turmoil.

Can Avery channel her amateur sleuth skills to crack the case? Along with her detective boyfriend Charles and canine companion, Sprinkles, by her side, she starts examining the victim’s past and piecing together the final moments of his life.

The clock is ticking as the close-knit town hangs in the balance.

Grab a bottle of your favorite vintage and get ready for a killer read filled with secrets, twists, and red herrings galore in Murder at the Harvest Field.

The Love Letter Mystery by Lee Williamson

A Special Book. A Love Letter. A Mystery to be Solved.

Big changes are happening in Clara’s life, is now really the time to be helping her friend Sassy find the owner of a mysterious love letter?

Her boyfriend Tyrone wants her to concentrate on their future, but solving the mystery is just too intriguing to ignore.

Will Clara find the owner of the letter? And will she still have a boyfriend if she does?

Hello, Cozy Readers! Not much new since my last message, just more gardening, more work on Down to Earth, and more words on my draft of The Wing of a Bee, another cozy mystery.

When I went out this morning, I was surprised how much it feels like fall this morning, not spring. After the spell of dry, warmer weather we just had, the cool dampness seemed out of place with all the redbuds, grape hyacinths, and irises blooming in the neighborhood. But I’m also taking a moment to appreciate it–summer will be here before we know it!

What are you reading as we move into a new season? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Sending cozy wishes,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

Here are a couple more titles to explore:

Read Between the Wines Cozy Mysteries Collection of Books 4-6

by Dani Simms

Amidst the heart-wrenching turmoil of her husband’s unexpected demise, Avery Parker has returned to her hometown.

This three-book collection unravels the dark secrets lurking as Avery works to bring justice to victims of the community’s heinous crimes.

Join Avery, her golden retriever, Sprinkles, and new friends as they uncork, sip, and solve small town murders in Los Robles!

With twists and turns at every corner, the Read Between the Wines Cozy Mysteries Collection of Books 4-6 is a thrilling series that will keep sleuthing readers on the edge of their seats.

Wine pairings and irresistible recipes included!

 

Death of a Hero: How it all began by B.M. Allsopp

Meet young Joe Horseman. How much will he risk to save his dead hero’s honour?

Prequel to the acclaimed Fiji Islands Mysteries series

Horseman idolises rugby captain Seru, who plucked him from the crowd of hopeful freshers to place him in his Fiji university’s top team. So when Horseman finds Seru’s corpse in the changing shed he vows to help investigate. But the police refuse to pass him the ball. Even his friends and Coach send him to the sidelines. Could his idol have feet of clay? To save Seru’s honour, Horseman defies the rules and charges ahead.

Death of a Hero is the novella prequel to the Fiji Islands Mysteries series. Set in 1990s Suva, the young Horseman’s first case is not only a twisty whodunit that will have you reaching for your thinking cap, but a sensitive coming-of-age story that will touch your heart. If you enjoy tropical islands and brain-bending mysteries, you will love B.M. Allsopp’s gripping tale.

Hello, Cozy Readers! It’s February, a time when thoughts turn to love . . . and decluttering the house. Or for me, they do. I’d planned on doing some clearing out in January, but our usual first-week-of-February deep freeze happened in January instead this year. While I’m glad to have that out of the way, I did get behind on my decluttering project for the year. After the usual ice-related shut downs and post-freeze catching up, though, I’m back on track. And the weather in Dallas has been warm and promises to stay that way for a bit. So it’s a good time to drop off donations!

I think my favorite tip for decluttering is to think about how you’ll use the space after it has been cleared of unused items. That has kept me motivated, and it’s made parting with things less emotional too. I do have big plans for using the space, which includes making more videos!

And I donated several boxes of books I’ve enjoyed but probably won’t reread. The book fair I donated them to benefits a group close to my heart, and I feel like I’ve given the novels and poetry collections the chance to be loved by new owners!

Do you have a favorite home organization tip? I’d love to hear about it!

Wishing you cozy reads (and an organized home, if you’re decluttering too!),
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

 

It’s February, so here are a few titles to explore, whether you’re feeling like a cozy or a romance!

The Happy Cat’s Detective

by Alex Mahon

Cristina Solans returns home to Spain after volunteering with a wildlife rescue in Canada. Her veterinary tech job awaits her but she already misses the almost boyfriend she left behind.Her mother has joined a group of friends in a new adventure: cat rescue. This brings about a host of opportunities for various escapades as they start a refuge out in the country.Who would have expected a stolen cat and a missing necklace would turn Cristina into a detective? She sure didn’t…

 

Hidden in the Writer’s Room

by Michelle L. E. Price

 

An accountant-turned-actress is keeping one too many secrets in this sweet, RomCom based in LA

Laughter leads to love in this funny modern romance between a hit TV show’s narrator and the writer who brings her to life

When an LA accountant is cast as the snarky narrator for a new TV comedy, it’s like a dream come true. One small hitch: Meghan has to keep her part hidden. Now, she’s juggling a secret identity, avoiding the press, and hiding a crush on the lead writer of “Truth in Advertising”. If things go public, can on screen laughter lead Meghan to real love?

 

 

Love At The Office… A Later-In-Life, Curvy Woman, Sweet Office Romance


by Kaytee Bradley

LOVE… At The Office

Can two introverts find the courage to overcome their past and finally find love?

When Andrea accepts a limited-time contract to help Paul set up a new department of his Marketing Agency, the last she expects is to find the man who makes her want to overcome her fear of commitment.

Can she convince Paul to give her a chance to heal his wounds?

Can Paul learn to trust again?

Love At The Office… is a later-in-life, short, and sweet romance novelette. Love at first sight, A bit of angst, Low heat. High emotions.

Hi, Cozy Readers! This morning, it’s 12 degrees (yes, Fahrenheit, ugh) in Dallas. We’re not used to this cold here!

I’m using my time at home inside for cozy purposes as much as I can. This week is Universal Letter Writing Week, and February is A Month of Letters, so I’m gathering stationery, stamps, and my favorite pens. I’m also spending time with my electric blanket and radio too! And an inspirational read: Writing Letters with Pen & Ink by Edward St. Paige.

Although I don’t write letters as often as I used to, I still enjoy sitting down to set my thoughts and well wishes on lovely paper. There’s something exciting about stamping and addressing an envelope, knowing that a letter will brighten the recipient’s day. And I love receiving replies, of course, too!

How about you? Do you write letters? If so, do you hand write them or type your letters out? And what do you prefer to write on and with? I’d love to hear from you!

Sending you cozy wishes (and warm ones too, if they’re welcome),
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

P.S.: If you ever want to drop me a line in the mail, my address is PO Box 515622, Dallas, TX 75251

 

Here are more reads to explore:

Destination Maui (Destination Murder Mysteries Book 1)  by Ann Shepphird

The last thing Samantha Powers expected to do on her first official trip as a travel writer was help solve a murder.

Samantha (“Sam”) Powers, a 34-year-old investigative reporter, has returned to her hometown of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, to take care of her ailing father, the town’s former police chief. At the urging of a family friend, she takes a job as the new travel columnist for Carmel Today, a local lifestyle magazine.

After a few months of writing about area hotels and restaurants and navigating the office dynamics at her new position, Sam sets out on her first big press trip to a luxury resort on the Hawaiian island of Maui. There she meets her fellow travel writers and the resort representatives hosting the trip, all of whom become suspects when one of the writers-someone almost everyone had a reason to want to kill-is found dead in his suite. Sam’s detective skills come in handy as she helps the handsome (and, yes, single) Maui detective solve the crime.

Shoot like a Girl by Kari Bovee

She would do anything for her loved ones, even if it meant she’d be lost to them forever.

Young Annie Oakley never expected to be saddled with responsibility so soon. Following her father’s sudden death, the spirited girl finds herself shipped to a nearby county working for a couple promising a good wage. But when she discovers they are not what they seem, Annie suddenly fears her life may be in peril.

Determined to help her mother and siblings, she endures the hardships and mistreatment from the couple. But when that cruelty is targeted at the beautiful Buckskin horse who is her only friend, Annie decides to take matters into her own hands.

Will the spunky teen return to her loved ones, or will her decision land her in jail?

Shoot like a Girl is the prequel novella to the Annie Oakley mystery series. If you like a fiercely loyal heroine who won’t be anyone’s victim, then you’ll love Kari Bovée’s thrilling story of America’s best-loved sharpshooting sensation.

The Girl Once Known by R.M. Demeester

Mira Harris is caught in a personal tug-of-war. Her mother’s disdain, her estranged father’s unexpected return, and her compulsive need for order clash with one another. When she connects with Joseph Oliver, it seems she might have found an ally who understands her. However, Joseph carries his own baggage, making Mira question whether she can truly trust anyone, including herself.

After Mira becomes the victim of a hit-and-run—an incident seemingly linked to her troubled past—she is forced to confront every relationship, lie, and act of betrayal to determine who intended to harm her. Through this process, Mira realizes she’ll never see life the same way again.

Hi, Cozy Readers. It’s raining today in Dallas, and as I’m sitting here at my desk this morning, listening to the drops against the window, I’m feeling grateful for friends, family, and you!

Thank you for your company this year on my list. I hope 2023 wraps up beautifully for you all, and that you have a wonderful 2024.

This year, I couldn’t decide between the flowers in snow stamps or the animals in snow stamps, so I went with both! Now that I’m almost done with the cards I’ll send out, it’s time to get back to writing, and, of course, reading. What are your plans for the rest of the year? I’d love to hear from you!

Sending cozy wishes,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

If you’re looking to add to your end-of-year to read list, here are a couple titles to discover:

Sauvignon Slaying
by Elizabeth Rain

A Grisly Murder, a Desperate Ghost, and a 100-year-old Secret?

Buying the rundown Vineyard on Spell’s Bay is Verity’s Do-Over. It just needs a little TLC. And maybe a bulldozer.

It’s here in the Magic-Filled town of Veil Falls that she will find out she’s something more than Over-the-Hill and Broke…

According to Honor, her handsome next-door neighbor and resident Vine Warlock, she has a certain gift.

Only a Wine Witch isn’t all she is. When the Naked Ghost on the Chair in her Bedroom starts asking questions, she’s certain she’s ready for the Not so Funny Farm…and determined to get rid of the Curse!

But after her first paying venue goes belly up….and Dead Hostess down, Verity, along with her newly adopted crime-sleuthing kitten Lois, will need to solve the murder quick if she want to get paid and keep the farm.

There’s a load of secrets in this seemingly cozy little town where nothing happens by chance…

 

The Case of the Missing Monkey and other short mystery stories
by Kris Bock

When a monkey goes missing, who’s to blame?

This free collection starts with a ten-page mystery short story set in the world of “The Accidental Detective” series. This is followed by information about the series, plus the first chapter of book 1, Something Shady at Sunshine Haven.

After that are three fun, short stories originally written for children. The Accidental Detective series of humorous contemporary mysteries: War correspondent Kate Tessler has followed the most dangerous news stories around the world. But can she survive going home?

Join my mailing list (unsubscribe any time) and you’ll also get a sweet romance novella set in the world of my cat café series and “22 Recipes from the Cat Café,” if you like.

Hi, Cozy Readers! Hard to believe it’s already December, isn’t it? 2023 went by too fast (don’t they always?), but it’s been quite a year for me.

In January, my debut cozy mystery, Venus Rising, was published by The Wild Rose Press. In October, I signed the contract for the follow-up, Down to Earth. I also started this mailing list in February, and I’ve been thankful to have you all on this journey with me, whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just signed up!

I’m also grateful for the seemingly small things, too. After a long, scorching summer, we decided to plant roses this fall. The in-ground space we’d picked out wouldn’t work, so we planted them in containers. After traveling for Thanksgiving, we came back to beautiful blooms! Here’s one, a white rose with an old-fashioned, single flower shape.

What surprised you most this year? I’d love to hear your news about 2023!

Sending you cozy wishes,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

Here are more cozy mysteries and romances to discover:

“AN ELF-ING MESS: Cozy Holiday Short Story” by Donna B McNicol

What is a girl who hates Christmas doing driving to the most holiday-themed town in the state?

Snowflake Falls was located in the coldest, most northern part of the state. Even in the middle of summer, it was rarely warmer than 70 degrees. But when her elderly aunt calls asking for help to run her shop Jolly Goods, Autumn Winter knew she needed to go.

 

 

 

“Cold Cuts and Christmas Cocktails: A Rise and Shine Story” by G B Ralph

Christmas is here, and it’s time to meet the parents…

Will the welcome be as frosty as the weather, or will Gabriel’s new in-laws greet him with open arms? He’s barely had the chance to consider his odds as he’s too focused on braving his boyfriend’s driving.

Arthur’s behind the wheel, and he’s rather distracted. He can’t decide whether he’s more nervous about his boyfriend meeting his parents, or his parents meeting his boyfriend. With so much riding on this dinner, and so many ways it could end in disaster…

Will Arthur and Gabriel survive Christmas in suburbia?

This short story is the final instalment in the Rise and Shine series, set at Christmas after the events of Over and Out. Find out if the boys will have a wonderful evening surrounded by family, or a trying time behind enemy lines – it really could go either way.

 

Come for Coffee With Sally by Alexie Linn

Under the dingy, tattered overalls and threadbare red flannel shirt. Within the gray head that sports a wash-n-wear perky haircut. And inside the barn boots covering two pair of fluffy socks lives a little old lady who is a magnet of mysterious misadventures.

Her name is Sally Newton-Forester. She is better known as Sally the Loner.

These are her stories.

 

 

 

Snow on the Range
by Sofia Aves

Every Christmas, Red Hart Ranch opens their doors, and Montana provides the perfect backdrop for good company and better food. But this year, the table won’t be as full.

Eve Beaumont is a twin heir to Red Hart Ranch. She loves the land, loves the people, and will do anything for them. Christmas sees most of the ranch hands return to their own homes to celebrate. Only a few long term cowboys remain with the family.

When Eve and her brother Trav go into town to collect supplies, they each bring home a drifter for Christmas. Rhys Archer and Simon Haldon are as different as two cowpokes can be. One rough edged who can work the land and animals with a firm hand; the other a smooth talker with a devilish charm. Eve finds both men attractive against her better judgement, but when tragedy hits the ranch, romance is the last thing on her mind.

Vandalisms happen around the ranch, and Eve isn’t sure who she can trust. She knows neither man is who he pretends to be — but when no one listens to her, she has to prove her suspicions on her own.