I love a good mystery! Here are some of my favorites.

In the Bleak Midwinter, by Julia Spencer-Fleming introduces a most interesting detective: a woman who was a former military pilot in and is now a priest. This series is a favorite of mine ... like the Louise Penny books the setting, character, language, and story all captivate me.

Rhys Bowen writes several series, the Molly Murphy Mysteries being one. Molly makes an amazing escape from Ireland (fleeing the murder of a would be rapist) only to become involved in a murder on Ellis Island. Because of this, and in need of a way to support herself, she becomes a private investigator. An old Cockney P.I. hires her to help investigate cheating husbands, and so on and her career is launched. Set at the turn of the (last) century, in New York City, these are wonderful period pieces. Murphy's Law is the first in the series.

Alexander McCall Smith also is the author of several series. For some reason I find I like just one (but don't keep this from trying the other series, you might like them, other reading friends of mine do). I love Precious Ramotswe of The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, the first in the series of the same name. Solving mysteries with common sense and rebush tea, not to mention her tiny white van, and assistant Mma Makutsi these 'cozy' mysteries are a delight.

Maisie Dobbs was a young servant in a big (English) house. She liked to sit in the library and read after her chores were finished and one night she gets caught. Rather then being dismissed, however, her reading is encouraged, as is continued education. World War I intervenes, however, and she enlists as a nurse and ambulance driver. When she returns home she starts a Detective Agency. Many of her cases, and interactions involve those who fought that terrible war and I gained a new understanding of how damaged many of the soldiers were when they came back. Gripping, sometimes sad, compelling and well done. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear is the first of the series.

I have mentioned the Kerry Greenwood character 'Phyrne Fisher' in an earlier blog. A Question of Death: an Illustrated Phryne Fisher Treasury is a collection of short stories as well as some information from the author as to how the character came to be. Fun!

All of the Donna Andrews Meg Langslow mysteries have a bird in the title, starting with Murder With Peacocks. This series is a lot of fun, a quirky (and growing) family, and zany birds. For a cozy with a chuckle, these fit the bill.

There will be more mysteries, and more female detectives in later posts. :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog