Life Is a Mystery!

I never was a mystery reader until about a year ago, when I found a series of little mysteries that I could not put down until I'd read every one of the books.
They were titled the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs. And since I'm a tea-drinker from way back, I fell in love with her books; books named Death by Darjeeling, Gunpowder Green, and Shades of Earl Grey. Earl Grey is not only the name of a tea, but the tea shop owner's dog.
Theodosia Browning is the owner of the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina, and through her books I learned all kinds of interesting things about teas. Her books also have recipes of goodies that are baked in her tea shop. So, I began my own cookbook as I collected recipes for scones, salads, and all sorts of delightful yummies. And each little mystery took you on a tour of Charleston and many of the interesting landmarks in the town.
Laura Childs also writes a Scrapbooking Mysteries series with names such as Photo Finished and Bound for Murder.
Then I found Monica Ferris's Needlework Mysteries series. So far I've read all in the series except the last three books, and today I start Sins and Needles. Other books are Crewel World, Framed in Lace and Unraveled Sleeve. In the back of each book Ferris has a free needlework pattern. Just great for all those who love needlework such as crewel, counted cross stitch or embroidery.
I read about Mary Freeman through the New York Times. She writes a Gardening Mysteries series with names of flowers: Bleeding Heart and Deadly Nightshade just to name two. And there's also Kate Collins who has a Flower Shop Mysteries series: Mum's the Name, Slay It with Flowers, and Dearly Depotted.
There's the author who writes mysteries about carrot cake, cherry cheesecake, and Key Lime Pie. Her name is Joanne Fluke. And she has recipes in her books.
Lillian Jackson Braun writes about The Cat Who Lived High, The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal, and The Cat Who Saw Red. Since I have cats, I'm interested in what her cat is doing.
For a good while I thought only women were writing these little mysteries with recipes and patterns. Then I found a male author! Tim Myers writes Soapmaking Mysteries like Dead Men Don't Lye, as well as a Candlemaking Mysteries series: At Wick's End and Snuffed Out.
And today when I walked past our New Books Section, I saw Tamar Myers' book As the World Churns, A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery with Recipes. I looked through our PINES Catalog System and found she's also written The Crepes of Wrath and The Hand That Rocks the Ladle, as well as an Antiques Mysteries series: Gilt by Association and Splendor in the Glass.
Now, I have to say again I never was a mystery reader, but, by jove, I have decided there's just too much fun with these little mystery series and I don't want to miss a single one.
And I'm so glad I've found them (not that they were lost!) that I had to tell you about them. I hope you'll check one out and try it. Oh, be sure to get one that has recipes in it! Then try the recipe. What a great way enjoy a good mystery!