Cozying up with some mysteries...

Button Holed by Kylie Logan (Connie Laux, Casey Daniels, Miranda Bliss, Connie Lane, Connie Deka) (Button Box Mystery, Bk 1) (library copy) -

I have to admit I found Josie's button obsession kinda weird (which is really saying something).  But overall, I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to trying the next in the series, Hot Button.

Liver Let Die by Liz Lipperman (Clueless Cook, Bk 1) (library copy) -

I connected with Jordan McAllister, Clueless Cook, in a couple ways: She starts with what she can find in the field she's interested in even when it's the bottom, then moves up to something better but still not quite there.  I started as a page and have moved up to clerk, but still haven't reached librarian level.  The other area of commonality is the not into cooking part.  I look forward to reading more of Jordan's adventures.

Shoulder Bags and Shootings
and
Clutches and Curses

by Dorothy Howell (Haley Randolph, Bk 3 and 4) (library copies) -

Haley Randolph baffles me.  Her work ethic is so ... nonexistent, which I absolutely can't understand (Not that I'm like co-worker Christy in Shoulder Bags and Shootings.  I would probably find that as obnoxious and annoying as Haley did).  Nor do I understand the lack of concern over the debt she has built up (I have student loans to pay and I can't stand them).

All that on top of not understanding her shopping addiction (I HATE shopping)... and yet I still enjoy these books.  I look forward to book 5 in the series, Tote Bags and Toe Tags.  I also need to look into the ebook short "Slay Bells and Satchels" ... I think I may already have it.  Otherwise I'll need to look into buying it **grumbles**.

After mentioning in my post about The Roman Hat by Ellery Queen that I might watch the Ellery Queen Mysteries DVD, I recieved some encouragement to move forward with this idea. I haven't gotten very far yet, but I have started. The main thing I'm noticing now has more to do with the actors than the story. Ellery Queen is played by Jim Hutton. I love the show Leverage which stars (among others) Timothy Hutton, Jim Hutton's son. As I watch Jim Hutton act I keep seeing these expressions I'm used to seeing in his son, and it's cracking me up. Anyway, more on my impressions later, as I get further into the show...

Traipsing through my readings... (Can you tell I'm running out of titles?)

Flipped Out (Do-It-Yourself Mystery, Bk 5) by Jennie Bentley (library copy) - This was another enjoyable DIY book despite Derek sometimes being dense to the point of annoying.  I'm looking forward to whatever comes next in the series.

Handbags and Homicide (Haley Randolph Mystery, Bk 1) by Dorothy Howell (library copy) - I was really worried about this book.  I didn't think I'd be able to connect with Haley and her shallowness.  Somehow, though, I not only liked her (and she certainly can be shallow - not to mention LAZY and a bit arrogant), I couldn't wait to read the next installment.

Purses and Poison (Haley Randolph Mystery, Bk 2) by Dorothy Howell (library copy) - I was eager to read more of Haley's story.  At times in this one I thought she was delusional about her "somewhat' boyfriend.  And as for the mystery, she should have been more forthright from the beginning (of course, then the story wouldn't have been what it was).  I look forward to more.  I should be getting the 3rd book, Shoulder Bags and Shootings, as soon as it's returned and I already have book 4, Clutches and Curses, checked out and waiting.

Lost and Fondue (Cheese Shop Mystery, Bk 2) by Avery Aames (library copy) - I liked this one better than the first in the series.  I have absolutely no interest in the cheese part of these, but I am interested in what will happen next with the characters.

Cat Sitter Among the Pigeons (Dixie Hemingway Mystery, Bk 6) by Blaize Clement (library copy) - I like this series, but Blaize Clement always had to include something to irritate me.  This time it was Dixie's dreamworld in which everyone drank water with birth control chemicals until she approved of them and gave the antidote.  Grrr.  Otherwise, it was an enjoyable book with a decent amount of suspense.

Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich (personal copy) - This was the first romance I've read by Janet Evanovich.  It was a quick, light read.  I liked the main characters.  Some of the smaller characters made an appearance then were shoved off until needed later.  And the ending was somewhat abrupt, but okay.  Overall, I enjoyed it.

"The Clever Detective" by Linsey Lanier (free e-book short story through Sony ReaderStore [also available through Smashwords]) - Very cute, very fun.  I'm definitely going to have to read more by Linsey Lanier.

Tempest in the Tea Leaves (Fortune Teller Mystery, Bk 1) by Kari Lee Townsend (library copy) - I was cautious going in this because books with psychic protagonists can be preachy, and I don't care to be pushed when I'm trying to enjoy a book.  Fortunately, that wasn't a problem with this book.  Sunny could be a bit air-headed (blurting out details in front of people she's trying to get information from and giggling way too much), but she was still likable.  I didn't like the lead detective as much, but he wasn't bad.  Sunny's parents were annoying, but took huge breaks between scenes, so tolerable.  In fact, my only real complaint would be the nickname Detective Mitch Stone gives Sunny - Tink.  Tink is what Derek calls Avery in the DIY cozy mystery series.  I would have preferred a more original nickname be used for Sunny (if any).