Regardless of how or why you celebrate, December is a jolly month.
But at Tule, we’ve enjoyed an entire jolly YEAR, courtesy of bringing Tule’s Cozy Mystery Café onboard and introducing you to top cozy mystery writers. Readers can’t get enough of DeAnna Drake’s Rebecca and her talking cat, the lovable pooches in M. Alfano’s town of Pecan Springs, the delicious worlds from Emmie Lyn, and Vickie Carroll’s energetic group of retirement home friends starting a second business with their detective agency. Their series will continue, along with favorites like the hilarious brilliance from J.C. Kenny’s Elmo Simpson.
So would you like to know a secret? I’ve got the line-up of debut Cozy Mystery Café authors to share with you from Santa’s bag:
USA Today bestselling author Lisa Siefert will re-release her Frosted Misfortune series with Tule in January—and she’s adding more stories for baker Ava Decker.
Her new employer has met her maker, and she’s the only suspect. Can she sift out the truth and serve the villain their just desserts?
Ava Decker longs to fulfill her lifelong dream of owning her own bakery. Ready for a fresh start, the former forensic accountant turned pastry chef is excited to turn life’s lemons into sugary success. But her hopes crumble when her mean boss turns up dead in the back of the delivery truck Ava was driving.
Arrested as the prime suspect, things get worse when the police discover the victim left Ava the shop and her house in her will. And with only an adorable kitten who thinks he’s a dog and an exasperated best friend as the voice of reason, the newly bequeathed owner must turn super-sleuth to clear her name.
Can Ava solve the crime before she’s baking behind bars?
Cupcakes & Chaos is the delicious first book in the Frosted Misfortunes cozy mystery series. If you like cute animal sidekicks, an appetizing listen to curl up with, and hilarious hijinks, then you’ll love Lisa Siefert’s perfectly dusted recipe.
Yes, Tracy Gardner’s Edgar Award finalist Shepherd Sister Mysteries also gets a makeover under the Tule logo beginning in February, and you can count on more stories for art authenticator Savanna Shepherd and her siblings.
Join the Shepherd sisters—Savanna, Skylar, and Sydney—as they use their unique skills to solve the mystery in their small town.
As a former art authenticator, Savanna Shepherd has a talent for spotting secrets hiding in plain sight. She can pinpoint a forgery from the real thing, sometimes in a glance.
After being fired and dumped in the same terrible day, Savanna moves back to her idyllic home on the banks of Lake Michigan. At least she’s close to her sisters again, and she’s enjoying her new job as an elementary school art teacher.
Savanna even rediscovers her creative soul when an old family friend hires her to paint a mural. But then a cozy book club meeting ends with a possible murder, dangerous incidents begin plaguing her friend’s mansion, and Savanna’s sharp eye is put to the test. With a little help from her sisters―and from Aidan, the intriguing town doctor―will she be able to figure out what’s wrong with this picture before they become the killer’s next canvas?
An artful cozy mystery perfect for fans of Krista Davis and Joanne Fluke.
What happens when author Melissa Westemeier pairs a nosey retired nun with one of her cheekiest students, now a detective? You can’t even begin to guess the fun waiting for you in April with the Nun the Wiser mystery series!
Meddling and murder can both be deadly sins.
When retired nun and teacher Sister Bernadette returns with her fellow residents to The Abbey: Senior Living, she is the first to discover the body sprawled in the hallway of the converted school where she once taught English and now lives. Instead of freezing with horror, Sister Bernie has questions. Lots of them. Why does Toni Travi, the bedazzled and bejeweled resident from apartment 218, have so much chest hair? Did anyone at The Abbey know Toni was a man? Was Toni’s death related to allegations that she cheated at cards? Where’s the murder weapon? Who had motive? And did someone kill Toni, or the man hiding beneath the Revlon foundation and blonde wig?
Detective AJ Lewis is in charge of the investigation though Sister Bernie acts as if he is still her student. With unholy stubbornness, she dogs his every step, eavesdrops, sneaks beyond the police tape and offers unsolicited conjecture and clues. He wants to keep her safe, but she’s determined to lend a helping hand—it’s her habit, after all!
Releasing April 2nd!
Player Elimination
Calling all board gamers! Shelly Jones has created a cast of risk-taking sleuths who use their Catan skills (among other games) to suss out the bad guys. August launches the Wren Winters mysteries.
Releasing in August 2025!
And to unwrap next December … Candace Havens is hard at work right now on another Ainsley McGregor book, the character you’ve fallen in love with from Candace Cameron Bure’s GAC movie inspired by the series.
Certainly, 2025 holds plenty to anticipate, but in this moment we want to say, from our hearts to yours, may the joy of the season bring smiles and lifelong memories to cherish.
We’re almost to the end of our 12 Days of Christmas BlogTour. Let’s talk about cats and cozy mysteries!
If you’ve ever curled up with a good book and a purring feline by your side, you know there’s something magical about the companionship of a curious cat while you unravel a whodunit. Just like in your favorite cozy books, cats bring a mix of curiosity, cleverness, and just a touch of mischief. They love to explore, observe, and sometimes knock things off shelves in ways that seem oddly suspicious. It’s no wonder so many cozy mysteries feature feline companions helping their sleuthing owners sniff out the truth.
There’s nothing quite like curling up with a new cozy mystery, a warm blanket, and a kitty nestled beside you. Cats have a way of turning any moment into a heartwarming experience—perfect for diving into a suspenseful holiday tale.
Whether it’s “helping” you wrap presents or climbing into the Christmas tree, cats have a way of adding their own flair to holiday activities. Why not include them in your reading tradition, too?
With the NEW year approaching, let this cozy tradition carry through all seasons. Whether you’re immersed in a snow-covered setting or your book takes you to a sunny beach, your cat’s companionship, and occasional interruptions, will make every story that much more memorable.
So this holiday season, cuddle up with a purring friend, a cozy mystery, and a little Christmas magic. Because if there’s one thing better than a whodunit, it’s sharing the journey with a cat who might just think they are the real sleuth.
Wishing you and your furry companions a merry and mysterious holiday season!
Emmie Lyn grew up in a small town in New England, much like the towns where her female characters live—scenic, quaint and filled with colorful characters. She loves to create mysteries with twists and unexpected turns that draw readers in and capture their imagination.
Emmie lives in rural Massachusetts with her husband, a rescue terrier, and a black cat with a bad attitude. She shares twelve acres with a wide variety of wildlife including deer, bunnies, turkeys, and many songbirds. When she’s not busy thinking of ways to kill off a character (for a book, of course!) she enjoys a cup of tea and chocolate in her flower garden, hiking, or spending time near the ocean.
HAPPY holidays, cozy readers! As we near the end of our 12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the joy of gifting cozy mysteries during the holiday season. After all, nothing says “happy holidays” quite like curling up with a suspenseful tale, a warm cup of cocoa, and a storyline full of quirky characters, charming small towns, and a puzzle to solve.
For those who love the warmth and wit of cozy mysteries, they’re more than just books—they’re a mini-escape, a hug in paperback form, and a surefire way to add a little mystery to the merriest time of year.
Between shopping, decorating, and festive gatherings, the holiday season can get overwhelming. Cozy mysteries offer a chance to slow down, savor each chapter, and unwind. When you open a cozy mystery, you’re transported into a world where problems are solved with humor, determination, and a good dose of holiday cheer—just the thing to make anyone’s day a little brighter!
Cozy mysteries are made for winter. Picture this: a snowy night, a crackling fireplace, and a plot that pulls you in and keeps you guessing until the very end. With settings that often include snow-covered towns, twinkling holiday lights, and delightful inns, cozy mysteries create a festive and comforting atmosphere, making them the ideal read for any chilly night.
We all love a story that ends on a high note, and cozy mysteries deliver that happiness with a satisfying twist. With amateur sleuths and lovable sidekicks—think cats, dogs, or even quirky neighbors—there’s always a sense of resolution, justice, and joy at the end of every cozy read. Each story is like a little holiday miracle, with good prevailing and our favorite sleuths solving the mystery, often with a bit of holiday spirit.
From hometown sleuths uncovering secrets to holiday events with a side of mystery, cozy mysteries add charm and intrigue to the holiday season. Whether you’re gifting them to others or treating yourself, each story offers an extra sprinkle of happiness to the festivities. So, this holiday season, why not gift a cozy mystery and share the warmth, laughter, and suspense that make this genre so beloved?
Wishing you a happy holiday filled with clues, twists, and cozy reads! 🎁📚
Emmie Lyn grew up in a small town in New England, much like the towns where her female characters live—scenic, quaint and filled with colorful characters. She loves to create mysteries with twists and unexpected turns that draw readers in and capture their imagination.
Emmie lives in rural Massachusetts with her husband, a rescue terrier, and a black cat with a bad attitude. She shares twelve acres with a wide variety of wildlife including deer, bunnies, turkeys, and many songbirds. When she’s not busy thinking of ways to kill off a character (for a book, of course!) she enjoys a cup of tea and chocolate in her flower garden, hiking, or spending time near the ocean.
When I think of Christmas and holiday celebrations, two contradictory scenes immediately spring to mind. They couldn’t be more different, but they’re equally delightful.
The festive gathering. Work parties, family celebrations, holiday concerts, neighborhood round-robins, and annual get-togethers fill my calendar! Who doesn’t anticipate these events where we gather with fellow merry-makers beneath bright lights with Mariah Carey and Frank Sinatra playlists providing background music? A game or two adds to the fun, along with plenty of drinks to lubricate the conversation. I enjoy getting dolled up in a goofy Christmas sweater or my favorite dark green wrap dress. A holiday cocktail sets the tone, shall we toast the event with mulled wine or champagne? My book club loves Dirty Snowballs, a yummy slush of equal parts coffee liqueur, vodka, dark creme de cacao, and cream. Sometimes there’s a gift exchange (White Elephants are the best, right?). And there’s always food–fancy desserts like Yule Logs, assorted cookies and candies, savory appetizers, and platters with cheese and sausages abound! Nothing screams holiday cheer like the image of friends and families together around a glittering tree! It’s the cameo moment of every Target ad and Hallmark movie! A festive gathering involves all of these ingredients: loved ones, decorations, drinks, food, music, and fun! But there’s another iconic image equally prevalent in the Christmas shows and advertisements…
The peaceful moment. The days are short and the temperatures plummet. Someone’s lit a candle, the glow of the fireplace reflects against the Christmas tree. The wind blows outside, or maybe snowflakes gently drift from the sky to settle on the ground. Birds flit around the feeders and a cat or two blinks at them lazily from where they’ve draped across the back of the couch. In this image I’m curled up in comfy sweats, maybe with a soft blanket on my lap. Steam from hot chocolate or tea curls above my mug. I smell the pine needles, I hear the stillness, I feel the calm and in the midst of this cozy moment, I open my book to savor the season forreading! Is there a time of year more perfectly suited to losing oneself in a good read–especially a cozy holiday-themed mystery? And all the better if that book lures me in with a fun cover and a punny title, like Slay Bells Ring by Nancy Robards Thompson . Murder and Christmas go together like peace and goodwill toward men in A Santa Stabbing by Geri Krotow or Murder Below the Mistletoe by Kaz Delaney. A classic peaceful moment includes a warm quiet spot, some twinkling lights, a hot drink, softness, and a Christmas read.
It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without the party and the solitude. The combination at this time of year makes the season even sweeter!
Melissa Westemeier grew up around the edge of nerd culture, but marriage and motherhood with three sons immersed her in it. She’s fluent in Marvel, DC, Dr. Who, Star Wars, Godzilla, and more thanks to their influence. Her fiction work includes rom-com and a trilogy loosely based on her experience tending bar on the Wolf River in Wisconsin. She’s thrilled to realize her childhood dream of writing murder mysteries. Her books blend her humor and appreciation for nerd culture while tackling serious themes and unpacking the puzzle of whodunnit (and how and why!). In her spare time, Melissa needs to be outside or near a window. Her passions include hiking, swimming, biking, reading, and fantasizing about her next vacation destination.
When people think of CHRISTMAS, their minds usually go to shopping, gifts, movies, snow, hot chocolate, cookies, and festive gatherings. As a reader and a writer, this time of year also fills me with the desire to immerse myself fully in the season by reading or re reading holiday stories.
Romance is such a joyful genre and for me, this includes a romantic cozy mystery. The only thing that can make falling for someone on the page better, is if it’s all happening during this merry season.
Since Christmas is about sharing and magic, I wanted to offer a few of my favorite reads and tell you all what I’m putting on my holiday TBR pile for this year.
Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell
This very short, very sweet story walks us through the friendship of two people who met at a New Year’s Eve party in high school. Noel is coming back from his first semester in college and Mags can’t wait to see him. They’ve missed each other terribly and not just as friends.
Simply Irresistibleby Jill Shalvis
When Maddie heads back to Lucky Harbor to a somewhat crumbling inn she’ll share with her sisters, she doesn’t expect to fall in love. This was my Jill Shalvis gateway book and I will forever remember the three sisters drunkenly sharing underneath the Christmas tree. It was delightful.
Landline by Rainbow Rowell
This is the sweetest novel that reminds a longtime married couple what matters most, especially at the holidays. When Georgie finds a rotary phone in her childhood bedroom, it brings her back to the past when she met her now husband, Neal, and makes her rethink her choice to spend the holiday working.
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
This book (and television series adaptation) is adorable and so enjoyable. Exchanging dares and secrets in a notebook, both Dash and Lily learn about themselves and how far they’re willing to go to be their authentic selves and find a person worth sharing that self with.
Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle
This collection of interwoven stories also has a great movie adaptation and what I love most about it is the overlapping stories that let you see the events from a variety of view points.
My to-read list for this year includes The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore and All I Want for Christmas by Falon Ballard.
Time seems to fly past at a quicker speed as I get older and I find myself needing to find ways to ground myself in the moment, the day, or the season. These reads will be what reminds me to sit by my tree with some hot chocolate and yummy cookies and get lost in the joy and magic of the season.
Jody Holford writes sweet romance and cozy mysteries with sweet romance in them. She’s published several books including the cozies in The Britton Bay Series. She’s unintentionally funny and rarely on time for anything. If she’s not writing, she’s reading, hanging out with her family, or doodling. She also writes romcoms under the pen name, Sophie Sullivan.
