A few years ago I came across a title I just couldn't resist: State of the Onion. It was the first in what has become a favorite cozy mystery series by Julie Hyzy featuring the White House chef. The main character packs a mean frying pan! For a fun, behind the scenes look at what cooking at the White House is like, give this series a try. As with many of the mysteries with a cooking theme, there are recipes at the back.

A nice twist on said cooking mysteries may be found in the J.B.Stanley series about a diet club. These folks have gathered together to support each other in their quest to drop a few pounds. Naturally, they end up solving mysteries. The first in the series is Carbs and Cadavers. J.B.Stanley writes under many names so be sure to check out Ellery Adams, Lucy Arlington and Jennifer Stanley for other cozies.

Next came a wonderful recommendation from Constant Reader. The Corinna Chapman books, starting with Earthly Delights. Set in Melbourne, Australia, Corinna, once an accountant is now a baker of amazing treats. She lives in an older apartment building with a Roman design, wonderful (mostly) neighbors, and an incredible roof top garden. The cats alone are worth the read! The author, Kerry Greenwood, has another delightful series as well, but that's a topic for a later post.

The Power of Poppy Pendle by Natasha Lowe continues the 'baking trail' this time. It's a tween read about a young girl born with witching powers. After skipping not one, but two generations, her parents are determined she will go to the local (and famous) school for witches and follow in her ancestors foot steps. One problem, Polly doesn't want to be a witch, she wants to be a baker. This book won't take you very long to read, so it might be a good fit for the afternoon following a morning of yard work. ;-)

Reading Hermit With Dog