It’s been relentlessly hot and many of us are over this! Here’s four books with cold covers to take you away from the heat dome and into a frost-filled time of year. 

Under the Cocoon Moon (Olivia Penn Mysteries #3) by Kathleen Bailey

I LOVE this series. And I threw readerly caution to wind and read this one after I read book four (When the Carnival Came). Book three is set around Christmas time so I added it to my December TBR. I’m so thankful I got a chance to listen to this as well – these are excellent on audio! This is the perfect series for grown-up Nancy Drew fans.While set around Christmas time, it’s not overwhelmingly Christmas-ish, so feel free to read at any time of the year.

“Olivia Penn is looking forward to spending time with her friends and family over the holidays in her cozy hometown of Apple Station, Virginia. The Christmas season’s spirit has sparked a new romance, and everything seems merry and bright—until she is mistaken for a dead woman.”

This is such a charming series – wonderful cozy details balanced perfectly with solid mysteries. Olivia is brave and cares deeply about those around her as well as the pursuit for justice. She’s surrounded by a wonderful cast of characters, her dad being one of my very favorites. There’s always a touch of humor and romance mixed in as well. You really can’t go wrong with this series. Perfect escape! Five Stars!

Snowcaps, Skiing, & Sabotage (Camper & Criminals #39) by Tonya Kappes

I love this series, and this was the perfect after Christmas read. I wanted winter without the holiday and book 39 in the Camper and Criminals mystery series delivered.

It’s snowy and oh so cold in Normal, Kentucky, but everyone is excited because the small town is playing host to the Southeast Olympic ski trials for the first time. Elite athletes and sponsors are in town, some of them even staying at Happy Trails Campground. But everything isn’t rosy as there are whispers of sabotage and broken equipment and then, one of the competitive skiers is found dead on Mae’s campground.

Never one to leave a mystery alone, Mae and her Laundry Club gals jump in and begin to investigate, despite finding themselves in some rather dangerous situations.

I laughed out loud as I quickly turned the pages of this latest entry into the series. I love Mae and all her pals. Even when I found myself shaking my head at Mae’s impulsivity, I was also cracking up. She’s a great sleuth to follow around.

The small town of Normal is always fun to visit and the snowy setting was charming and made me snuggle under my blanket as I read. I love the humor in this series as much as I love the descriptive writing that captures all the cozy details. While this is book 39, it can easily be read as a standalone if folks are new to the series. Just do yourself a favor and download the rest of the series – you won’t regret it!

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

This is such an amazing work of historical fiction. The mystery interwoven throughout is complex and the characters fascinating. Going in, I wasn’t sure I would be too interested in Maine, 1789, but I love Lawhon’s writing so I trusted, and I am so glad I did.

This is the story of an assault on a local woman and the murder of a local man that many are quick to dismiss. Local midwife and healer Martha Ballard is determined to seek justice and uncover the truth at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. Based on the real life of a woman history seems to have forgotten (the author’s note is a must read), this is a page turning tense and tender story. I loved every page.

Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas (Murder, She Wrote #59) by Jessica Fletcher, Terrie Farley Moran

Murder, She Wrote stories (both the TV show and the books) are my favorite comfort reads, and this latest entry (number 59!) was a festive five star read! If you’re looking for a mystery to put you in the holiday spirit, look no further. I also grabbed this one on audio from the library and it was a delight to my ears.

What I love most about this series are the cozy descriptions of the settings – whether Jessica is traveling or staying home in Cabot Cove (like she is in this most recent entry), I find myself immersed by the strong sense of place. I adore the cozy details added in as well – such as when Jessica is working on her latest book or having a cup of tea. It all blends so seamlessly together. Cabot Cove’s holiday preparations were fun to be a part of. I loved that we got to experience both Thanksgiving and Christmas with Jessica and her friends. The characters are well developed and their friendships with each other heartwarming.

And of course I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the mystery. I love tagging along with Jessica as she discovers clues and pieces them together, just as she plots her mysteries. I just knew the first suspect wasn’t guilty, but I certainly didn’t guess the true culprit like Jessica did. Even if you’re not caught up on the series, these can be read as standalones and readers shouldn’t miss out on this treat!