It’s almost upon us, my friends, so we’d better be ready. Cosy reading season is coming. Let the cold rain fall, build up the fire, warm the teapot, stretch out on the sofa, and stack those books within easy reach. One doesn’t want to have to get up to pick a up new book. We’d have to dislodge the crocheted coverlet that is tucked neatly around our legs and slide the tea table out of the way. Eventually we will move, of course. Eventually. But not yet. Not yet.
There’s still time to be ready. It’s not cosy reading season yet. At least not here in Eastern Canada where the sun shines and temperatures are perfect for walking the trail or sitting bundled up outside a coffee shop with a latte. There’s nothing like a couple of nights of frost to set off the blaze of colour that occurred this week. On Thursday as I drove to pick up a friend I almost gasped at the loveliness. Red and orange tree after red and orange tree seemed lit from within. As if they’d transformed overnight. Which maybe they had.
But I mustn’t digress. I’m supposed to be talking about books. Cosy books that will be perfect for cosy reading season which will be upon us before we know it.
I’ll start off with what I’ve been reading and listening to for the past week or so. First let me say that you should not dillydally in getting your hands on the new Richard Osman book We Solve Murders. I loved all the Thursday Murder Club books. But I read a couple of so-so reviews of this first book in a new series, and I was worried I’d be disappointed. To my relief, Osman is in his very best form with this new book. I loved it.
I listened to We Solve Murders instead of reading it, and Hubby asked a couple of times what I was chuckling about. As usual with Osman books, the characters are endearing. Retired detective Steve Wheeler is adorable, his daughter-in-law close-protection-officer/body guard Amy Wheeler is lovely, and the character of Rosie D’Antonio, famous author, client of Rosie, and eventual friend and partner-in-trouble is a hoot. In particular, I love how Osman weaves the adventures of the characters together into a rousing, if not particularly believable, plot. Not the kind of plot in which car chases and outrunning a hail of bullets creates reader disbelief, and in my case exasperation. But the kind in which the little guy puts it over on the big guys… in a very satisfying way.
I am also currently reading the Maggie O’Farrell novel This Must Be the Place and really enjoying it. I love how O’Farrell creates setting, depicts characters, and handles multiple narrators using them to play with time, moving back and forth from past to present.
This is a book about love, all kinds of love, about love lost, and marriage and, as far as I can tell, about how we cannot outrun our past. It’s a compelling and poignant book. And even though I’m only about twenty percent of the way through it, I am totally engaged by and committed to the characters.
The scene where Daniel sits in a restaurant, across the table from his estranged children, was particularly poignant for me. He has not seen them for many years, not since he disappeared from their lives. Sixteen-year-old Phoebe thinks: “We sit side by side, on chairs, facing a man. The man is our father.” Phoebe was six when her father went away. The same age I was when my parents split up. I was seventeen when I next saw my father. I know that feeling of unreality. Of knowing but not knowing the person across the table.
So far I can highly recommend This Must Be the Place. O’Farrell is a wonderful writer. Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait were both favourites of mine. I wrote a post about Hamnet which can read here, if you’re interested.
Sometimes when the weather turns bleak and all the fall colour has gone, I love to read stories set in bleak places. Like Peter May’s Lewis Trilogy, brilliantly written mysteries set on the Isle of Lewis. His latest book The Black Loch returns to Lewis, and features Fin Macleod once again. I’m looking forward to reading The Black Loch, but I’m not yet ready to order it. I’m saving it for November when the weather turns nasty and cosy reading season has begun in earnest.
If you are a fan of books set in bleak places, like me, you might also like the Ann Cleeves Shetland books. Her series features detective Jimmy Perez and is set, as you might expect, on the Shetland Islands. The television series based on the books and starring Douglas Henshall is also brilliant. Hubby and I continue to love the series even now that Henshall as Perez has been replaced by Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder.
Seriously folks, if you love mysteries and you have not read either of these series, you are in for such a treat. I’m almost jealous.
Of course sometimes it’s nice to counter bleakness with cosy books, set in cosy places. Or familiar books set in familiar places. I’m thinking of how wonderful it was last year to listen to my two favourite Jane Austen novels read by Rosamund Pike. I found that I could concentrate on the language so much more easily when listening rather than reading. And the humour when read properly in the right tone by a talented narrator is delightful.
A couple of years ago my mum and I went on a streak of reading Jane Austen spin-off books. Some of them were dreadful. But we both loved Longbourn by Jo Baker and The Other Bennett Sister by Janice Hadlow. Longbourn, the Pride and Prejudice story told from the downstairs perspective, is brilliant. And trust me on this; there is a plethora of “new” Austen books featuring Mary Bennett to be avoided at all cost. But Mum and I both thought that Hadlow’s book is really good.
If you like an Austen spin-off, you might like the Natalie Jenner books. The Jane Austen Society and the follow-up book Bloomsbury Girls. I was sceptical at first but ended up loving them both. Especially the peek into the world of rare books and booksellers that Bloomsbury Girls provided.
Sometimes I find myself falling down a cosy mystery rabbit hole. I don’t fall for cosy mysteries that are overly silly, or poorly written, but I do love a bit of super-light reading, or listening, for a change. Last year I stumbled upon a series that I found charming. Mostly because, as my friend Nancy says, there are several points of intersection between my interests and the interests of the main character.
The Victoria Abbott series features Jordan Kelly. Kelly works as a researcher for a reclusive book collector in upstate New York. Jordan gets free room and board in her employer’s mansion while she works researching and acquiring rare Golden Age mysteries for which her boss has a passion. She, of course, gets tangled up in mysteries and must solve them, all the while clad in her prized vintage clothes from the fifties and sixties. You see while Jordan shares her employer’s love of rare vintage books, she also has a passion for vintage fashion. Now, let’s see if we can parse out the points of intersection, shall we? Ha.
Anyway, I thought the series was a hoot. If you’d like to give it a go, start with the first book. The Christie Curse, and follow up with The Sayers Swindle. There are three other books in the series. Great literature they are not. But they are fun.
I guess I’d better wrap up this post, my friends, before the weather turns and cosy reading season is upon us.
I mean, before we know it the vibrant reds and oranges of early fall will be replaced by monochromic scenes of yellow and brown and dull gold. A field of gold and brown overlooked by a brooding sky can be beautiful in its own way. Bleak, yes, but still beautiful.
But before the November rain and fog sets in, and the all too soon first snowfall, I plan to have my cosy books ready. I’ll no doubt include some new books and some old favourites. Cosy books don’t have to be all happiness and light. As long as the characters are engaging, the setting and plot captivating, and the book makes you want to put the kettle on and settle in for a good long read.
My books will all be piled up next to the tea table beside the fire. The tea, the fire, the crocheted coverlet, the pile of books. I’ll be ready.
Now, if only I had a cat to lie on my lap.
Or maybe not. If I had to dislodge a sleeping cat, as well as the crocheted coverlet tucked neatly around my legs, I think I might never move.
What are some books that you’ll have ready for cosy reading season? Do tell us so we can add them to our own list.
P.S. The book links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my link, I will earn a commission which helps to pay for the blog. If you’d like to support my blog but prefer to get your books from the library rather than make a purchase, you can always buy me a coffee instead.
49 thoughts on “Cosy Reading Season”
Thank you for all the great mystery reviews. My husband and I love Anne Cleeves and Louise Penny. Being a retired history teacher, there is always a thick historical fiction choice on my pile. The rain has hit the Seattle area, so getting my stack ready. I have just started Deep River by Karl Marlantes, set from Finland to Astoria, Oregon. And I love Latin American fiction, so getting ready to watch the Netflix One Hundred Years of Solitude that starts in December. I will be sharing your list with friends this week.
We read Deep River in our book group a while back. Terrific discussion about an area of WA we knew nothing about. Enjoy!
Had to look up WA. I can never remember the state abbreviations. đ
I will look up Deep River, Kathy. Thanks for the suggestion. P.S I just ordered the book from our library. It sounds wonderful. Thanks.
I would highly recommend Precipice by Robert Harris. Set at the start of WW1 it is the real life affair between the British Prime Minister and a socialite. It is an absolute deluge of rain this weekend in Vancouver so my pile of books is already towering.
I’ve read Robert Harris before but not that book. Thanks, Paula.
Your red and orange trees…..apsolutely gorgeous! Before the cedar tree in the yard,we’ve had a maple tree,it was so beautiful,but too big at last,with invasive rootsÂ
I’ve enjoyed reading We Solve Murders,such a fun. After The Black Loch, I want to read again the first three too (maybe the same with all the series written by Ann Cleeves). Natalie Jenner books go to my list (I would have more books near my bed than on the shelves very soon-I read in bed,when I’m not reading on the go,in all kind of waiting rooms that we have,for doctors,documents, waiting for handymen,you name it,I’ve waited for it),as well as This Must Be the Place,I love Maggie O’Farrell
I’ve read The Christie Curse and than forgot to continue
Now,I’m looking forward to the new Colleen Cambridge’s Murder Takes a Stage,Peter Lovesay’s Against The Grain and Louise Penny (it’s not your cup of tea, I know,but I like her,as well as Three Pines series)
I’ve read Holly Jackson’s Good Girl,Bad Blood-the first one is also adapted into a Netflix series Good Girl’s Guide for Murder
My first book by Alex Dahl-After She’d Gone (I like how she writes)-mother and son are living very low key in Norway and than they disappear,about dark side of the modelling world
Toni Morisson’ Sula-what to say? Hands down
I’m reading Catriona Mc Pherson’s Scot Free now,first in a Lexy Campbell series -Scottish author,a lot of awards in mystery field-it’s fun so far
Dottoressa
Ah… thanks so much… a few here I’ve not read. Wasn’t it you Dottoressa who suggested the Doggerland series. Both Stu and I really liked those books. Wish the author would write more… and quickly. Ha. I haven’t been able to get my hands on the new Peter Lovesey yet.
Yes,thanks! The real question is what are her translators doing? There are (or will be) 7 books in the series. The fourth one is Run or Die,I can’t find it so far
D.
Your photos are wonderful today – love them all! Here in Northern California our trees are barely beginning to change color and the days are still warm. I am reading a very entertaining book called West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge, based on the real adventures of two giraffes who survive a hurricane and are driven from the East coast of the USA to the San Diego zoo during the Depression. No mystery, no murders, just wonderful characters, young love, animal love, close calls, delightful adventures. So much fun!
Thanks, Marcie. That book sounds lovely. I will look for it.
Iâm very fond of memoirs & often surprised by the unusual lives people have lived , the strange ways they are parented & where they go from there . Iâve read three memoirs recently, two by actors , both very well written & quite shocking at times . I was aware of Minnie Driver but had no idea of her strange upbringing which included being left alone in an LA hotel for a month after an argument with her father . She was 15 . Griffin Dunne was unknown to me but the circle he moved in was full of the rich & famous of America . His father was the writer Dominick Dunne whose brother was married to Joan Didion . The third memoir was by Mimi Alford who arrived at JFKs White House as an innocent 19 year old to immediately fall under his spell . Strangely , although their relationship lasted 18 months , they never kissed . It isnât lascivious at all , just rather sad . Thanks for all the recommendation’s everyone . We have a nasty storm coming our way today with winds of over 40 miles an hour which will whip the autumn leaves off the trees , so I need that book pile .
I love memoir as well. Especially if I know something about the writer. Those sound interesting Wendy.
P.S. Your leaves will all be long gone after that storm. đ
I second your Maggie O’Farrell choices. I loved Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait as I’m a hist.fict fan by choice. But she so impressed me, I would be prepared to give her more contemporary ones a go.
I also love Pip Williams and would snaffle so much more if she would write quickly.
Another author I discovered this year was French writer, Antoine Laurain. I so loved The Red Notebook, that I read everything he’s ever written. I find him an elegant writer, sometimes minimalist as one would expect in the French fashion.
Giles Kristian – his recent sortie into thrillers but also his Arthurian trilogy which is immensely powerful.
Where I live, we are galloping through spring, and summer is a time for gentle reading – more Laurain then, please.
Here’s to crocheted rugs and cuddling up on window seat or couch. In the right season…
My mum used to say snaffle. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone else use it. đ I just downloaded a sample of The Red Notebook to give it a try Thanks, Prue.
I love the book recommendations. Iâve added them all to my ever growing book list. I have the newest Richard Orman book and Iâm thinking of abandoning the one Iâm reading/Iâll save it for later, and starting it. Do you have suggestions on how you save book ideas. Mine are all the place some in a planner, some in a notes app, some in random notebooks. Iâll take any suggestions, anyone?
Hi Robyn! I am primarily a library user rather than a book purchaser, and I’ve found the most effective way for me to keep track of what I want to read is my “For Later” shelf on the library website. (Not sure if you are a library user and/or if this feature is available to you.) I feel as if this list is now years long and it just keeps growing, but it’s helpful to be able to scroll through it when I’m ready to read something new. Often when I read a book post like this one, I have my library website open in another tab ready to add books to my list.
Hi, Denise (and all) —
I do the same, and have 799 books on my “For Later” list! There’s a secure feeling in having a backlog of books. If only there was a way to add a note to the list, so I could recall the source of the recommendation when I finally get around to reading the book! I usually have a physical and an audio book in progress. My most recent read (finished last night) was Kamala Harris’s The Truths We Hold. Looking forward to starting the November book chosen by my book club, which is The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich.
For what itâs worth, I do Google spreadsheets. I have one master spreadsheet with idea columns for restaurants to try, day trips, longer trips, garden ideas, quilts to work on, etc – whatever categories work for you and your interests. Then I have a separate spreadsheet with two columns: books that have been recommended and look like something I may like (arranged alphabetically) and another column of author names – again alpha. This way I have ideas all in one place instead of what I used to have which was like you have – notes, in notebooks, on my phone. Hope this helps.
I am really bad with keeping my TBR list organized. Although if the library has the book I will put my name on the holds list and at least I know that I’m in the queue. Otherwise I’m all over the place too. I keep a list from reader recommendations in my journal, but then forget to read it. Ha.
I have just finished (and greatly enjoyed) the new Jackson Brodie book, and my holds list at the library is nicely queued up with other recent releases that you have mentioned — Ann Cleeves, Richard Osman, Elizabeth Strout, Kate Quinn (or did I come across this reference somewhere else?) and more. An excellent reading season ahead! I have to check my list frequently to pause holds as necessary so that they don’t all come in at once. Often the new releases are a two-week loan period, non-renewable, and while I am a fast reader, I am not likely to get through a dozen books in two weeks.
I was looking over the list of books I’ve read recently in hopes of leaving a suggestion for you, but our taste in authors is very similar and I’m not sure I’ve read anything recently that you have not. Not mystery, not “cosy,” but have you read Abraham Verghese? Both The Covenant of Water and Cutting for Stone are excellent and they are weighty tomes — they would make an absorbing read through those long winter days.
Abraham Verghese’s My Own Country is a stunning book you will never forget.
Thank you for mentioning this, Judith. I must have overlooked it because it’s not available in my local library system; I’ll have to purchase it.
I have not had the heart to attempt a “weighty tome” for a few years now. Maybe it’s time. đ
Weighty more in terms of their size than in the density or heaviness of the prose. Nothing that should be off-putting to an avid reader! :o)
I enjoy all your posts, but your book posts are my favorite. I seem to enjoy all the recommendations you have. Just wanted to say thanks.
Thanks so much, Judy. đ
I second your enthusiasm for Richard Osmans’ series as well as the Shetland series. I have been jotting down the suggestions found in the other comments here. I’m always waiting for the next book written by favourite authors. I am a library reader, so sometimes I am “37th in line” for a new book! Our colours here (Grey/Bruce area of Ontario) have just popped in the last week or so. Gorgeous and I never get tired of it! -Jenn
We drove up the Ottawa Valley yesterday and the leaves were perfection.
Thank you for the books post. I am just starting to read We Solve Murders and it’s a treat. I also enjoyed your beautiful Fall photos.
That book is definitely a treat. đ
Thank you for this interesting post with beautiful photos. The trees here in Kelowna are turning red and gold, the air is crisp but not freezing yet, perfect sweater weather! I always appreciate book recommendations and have noted yours and some from the comments. I can recommend Table for Two by Amor Towles: short stories with a novella at the end – interesting stories that twist and turn, engaging characters and great writing. My other recommendation is Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson. Atkinson is a wonderful writer who sweeps you up into this rather madcap mystery with one of my favourite detectives, Jackson Brodie, at the helm. It was delightful! Both books go well with your favourite tea!
I just finished the newest Jackson Brodie. I enjoyed the reconnection with Reggie. But I didn’t love it like I have the other books in the series.
Thank you for all the book recommendations. I appreciated your views on the Austen spinoffs and will look for the Jenner books. I have some recommendations too and I apologise if lâve previously mentioned them here. SJ Bennetâs series in which Queen Elizabeth investigates murders is fun, delightfully written and very entertaining. The latest book in the series is A Death in Diamonds. Another thought provoking book that has stayed with me since I finished it several weeks ago is Anna Funderâs Wifedom about Mrs George Orwell. As a biography, I had concerns about the authorâs biases but I was fascinated by the era she evoked and the many questions it raised about how women are written out of history.
Oh… I love that SJ Bennet series. I should have included it.
Your book recommendations have influenced me a lot. I had never read a mystery novel in my life until the last few years. I was all set with a winter wish list of the new Kate Atkinson/Jackson Brodie, the new Louise Penny, and the latest Kate Quinn. Then a relative who was moving gave me a huge box of books. I finally got around to looking at what was in the box and it is the entire Inspector Lynley series by Elizabeth George. I remembered that you had mentioned them so I thought I had better try at least the first one to see if I liked it. Iâm now on the second one and liking it better than the first but not sold yet. These books are a nice quick easier read for me for 2024. My previous 2 books were Edward Rutherfurd Russka and then London; each took me several months! So I am set for cozy reading season with some shorter, lighter books.
My friends and I used to wait impatiently for the newest Elizabeth George-Inspector Lynley book. I wonder how I’d like the early ones now. It’s been years. Later in the series I found my interest waned until she began to feature Barbara Havers more. I really enjoyed the last couple.
Oh my goodness! My TBR list just grew after reading this post! I love when you post books by authors that I am not familiar with. Although I have read ferociously all my life, I find that the world of books and their authors is an ever expanding one and have reconciled to the fact that I will never get through them all.
A soft, charming mystery series that I have loved is the Richard Jury books by Martha Grimes. Her Inspector Jury and his crew of “misfit” friends remain constant in each book but the mysteries are different. They are light reading with just enough of a mystery to keep things exciting. I love them and highly recommend!
I haven’t read Martha Grimes in years. I used to love her books. I must give them a try again.
Hi Sue, some books I have recently read and thoroughly enjoyed are âRemarkably Bright Creaturesâ by Shelby Van Pelt. I learned facts about the Octopus that amazed me. âThe Maidâ by Nita Prose and Iâm currently reading the next one called âThe Mystery Guestâ. These books I would classify as fun, light mysteries but not the cozy reading you mentioned. For that, I have picked up some Tana French books after reading âIn the Woodsâ as well as the Lewis Trilogy and I love hearing that Fin is continuing on in âThe Black Lochâ, I will add that one to my list as well as the new Richard Osman âWe Solve Murdersâ.
Robyn, I keep track of the books I wish to purchase under a ânotesâ app on my iPad, which I titled âBooks to getâ. Next to the book, I will indicate who recommended it. There are always a lot with âSueâsâ name next to them. Once purchased, they come off the list.
Sue, the photos are lovely. We are having quite balmy weather here in Southwestern Ontario and it seems strange to see all the colour combined with 20+ temps. Thank you for a great post and to all your readers, for their recommendations.
I need to get myself and my book lists organized, pronto. đ
These are some of the most gorgeous pictures you have ever posted, Sue. And like others have said, you have given me more books to add to my list. As to authors I have read recently and like: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Isabelle Allende, Andrew Sean Greer, and David Duchovny.
I must admit I am not an Isabelle Allende fan. Magic realism is not to my taste. But I did love Less by Andrew Sean Greer.
I love your description, and photos of this time of year. Sinking into the darker months with the last bursts of color in the autumn.
Yes to a tall stack of intriguing books! Iâm not always so cozy a reader. I enjoy a mix of mystery/suspense/and modern romance when I can find one that is about appealing folks of ages closer to mine. Occasionally I tackle a more serious book, but I read for pleasure, and entertainment.
I glanced through my reading history-all of my reading comes through the library. Here is a gem!
Mrs. Planskyâs Revenge by Spencer Quinn
An active widow in her 70âs, who has a large busy family, is taken in by a scammer on the phone. She has her bank accounts drained. Law enforcement tells her thereâs little they can do.
Rather than settling for that answer, Mrs Plansky follows clues, and sets out to make things right. Off she goes, to the other side of the world.
So enjoyable!
Spencer Quinn is the pen name for Peter Abrahams, who has won both Edgar and Agatha mystery awards.
Under the Spencer Quinn name, he writes delightful mysteryâs called The Chet and Bernie series. Theyâre about a P.I. and his sidekick, who is a large dog. The books are all told from the point of view of the dog. Just fun, my husband particularly loves them!
Thanks for the suggestions, Lisa. I just ordered Mrs. Plansky from the library. đ
Perfect timing for me to read your post. Just today I received notice that my library is holding âWe Solve Murdersâ for me to pickup. I was #44 on the request list so Iâm excited theyâve gotten to me already. I also loved the Thursday Murder Club books. Looking forward to the next one and hope we have one soon. Iâm going to look for âThe Christie Curseâ because I do love those Golden Age mysteries. Thanks so much for your always wonderfully readable posts.
Enjoy the book, Claudia. đ
Thank you, Sue! I am just beginning to compile my List of Books to Read. Itâs in paper form (yeah, I know. Iâm a luddite). Once I compile my list, Iâm going to start to delve into them!
Iâm trying to get over a feeling of not using my time effectively. A very funny feeling as there are so many elements that, if examined, would be deemed as âineffective use of time!â Not sure why I have this feeling but I know Iâll tackle it!
Love your idea of cosy reading season. Opposite here (nearly summer) but I used to think holiday break was âcosy reading season.â
And, even though I didnât read any reviews of Richard Osmanâs latest book, I was relieved to discover I loved it! (I had heard murmurings).
Thank you.
Actually every season is reading season, though, isn’t it? đ
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