Member Reviews

A great collection! It’s almost criminal to move on to the next story without finishing the first. This is a brilliant idea.

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**Thanks to Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.**


I thought they were short stories but to my surprise they were only samplers of 5 different cozy mysteries. I hadn't read this genre before so it was a good way to try and to my surprise I will be adding a few to my tbr. Most of the stories were interesting and intriguing there was only one I didn't like at all but the rest were good.

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This was the first Cozy Case Files - volume 8 that I have read. I wasn't prepared for the five short snipes of each book but it is a great way to see if you want to read the whole book. This volume included Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien, Dead in the Doorway by Diane Kelly, Hems & Homicide by Elizabeth Penney, The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton, and Beating About the Bash by M.C. Beaton. Each short story was well written and I look forward to buy a couple of the books to finish the story.

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Have you ever read a book that was a collection of short stories or seen tv series or movie trailers? Then you’ll enjoy reading “Cozy Case Files” sampler books.

Talking about series, this book is number 8 in the "Cozy Case Files". This book has six authors: Paige Shelton, Diane Kelly, Vivien Chien, Elizabeth Penney, Susan Cox, and M. C. Beaton showcasing a few chapters in their new book whether in their series or the first book of a new series.

There is just enough of each book within to whet your appetite.

Take a chance and download this collection – there will certainly be an author or book that peaks your attention. I will be downloading more sampler books.

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What a great sampler! All of them sound so good. I’ve added quite a few to my tbr.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for these sneak peaks!

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I love the fact that we are able to sample a vast majority of cozy mystery writers all in one place! It makes falling into with new characters so easy!

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Thank you to netgalley & St Martin's for this read in exchange for my honest opinion.
I enjoyed all of these samplers, which has resulted in more books being added to my want to read list.

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I really loved this book in a new to my series. Tha characters and location really and to the story. I can't wait to read the next one. This book keeps you guessing until the end.

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OK- I must confess, I have a love/hate relationship with these samplers. I love them because they introduce me to new authors that I normally would not read. I hate them because they are so good and then you get hooked and then it is over and it is onto the next book! This sampler did not disappoint! I am mad! I only got a snippet of these books, but I am in love with these books and cannot wait to finish the entire book.

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I received this title from NetGalley and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review. While I enjoy reading the works of all of the authors in this book, I must say, I don't like "samplers". I was hoping the stories contained in this volume were short stories based on characters from larger tomes. Sadly, this was simply a taste of what you will find in the fully fleshed out versions of each of these titles. I would like to rate this higher, as I did enjoy each story snippet, but it just wasn't enough for me, and I felt it was a bit of a bait and switch. Looking forward to reading the ACTUAL titles by each author.

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A free sampler of five new cosy mysteries by established cosy authors. I’ve previously read books by two (M.C. Beaton and Paige Shelton), but the others were new to me.

MC Beaton, bless her, is still hopelessly old-fashioned with her overt disparaging of women by other women, and the underlying assumption that Toni, her very young, very modern assistant, would leave her job if she got married. I’ve read a number of Agatha Raisin mysteries in the past and grew tired of her miserable ways. I’m not sure if she’s supposed to be outspoken, but if so, it falls flat, instead making her sound simply like a miserable, jealous old woman, and especially in this book.

The one I enjoyed the most was the first, Egg Drop Dead, by Vivien Chien. I’ll definitely be adding that to my TBR pile.

The other three were enjoyable, but less the style I enjoy. I’ve read a couple of Paige Shelton’s books and didn’t like them, but I know she is quite prolific and has a large fan base. So, there is something for every cosy lover, and no doubt many will find new titles and series to enjoy.

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Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
A taste of several cozy mysteries. Enough to make you want more.

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These mysteries were written by a selection of different authors which I liked and they were Egg Drop Dead - Vivien Chen, Dead in the Doorway - Diane Kelly, Hems and Homicide, Elizabeth Penny, The Stolen Letter -Paige Shelton and Beating About the Bush, M. C. Beaton.

Having always struggled to read anything by the late M.C. Beaton, this was my least favourite, though it was readable it wasn't the most enjoyable for me, the most enjoyable for me was The Stolen Letter which was set in Edinburgh, where I recently visited before lockdown and this is a city full of lots of history and that was delicious for me, the others, didn't really do much for me, but they were okay.


This book was received as an ARC from Netgalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review.

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I really enjoyed this compilations of new mystery books. I will absolutely keep watching for these to update my TBR lists!

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I was expecting this to be a compendium of short stories but instead, it is the beginnings of mysteries to give you a taste of the author's style.
It is effective in that it gives you a sampling of different authors and I did find some that I would like to continue reading so although disappointing at not getting full stories it does serve a purpose.

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this is a nice collection of cozy samplers. MC Beaton is a favorite.
It is a nice way to find new favorite authors and see if they appeal to you.

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This is not a full book, rather, it is a sampler of several quality "cozy" mysteries, all written by wonderful authors. I enjoyed dipping my literary toes into each of these reads.

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This is a great look at upcoming cozy mysteries from Minotaur Books. The samples all look like good reads for fans of the genre and I look forward to reading more from these authors. Many thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

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This book served the purpose of sampling various authors and stories. Each selection starts at the beginning of the book and gives you a good idea about the characters and setting, taking you through an introduction to the mystery at hand with no spoilers. Each story excerpt was substantial enough to make a decision whether or not to buy the book and continue reading. Author bio and list of their books included.

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I love these samplers. The easiest way to get a taste of a new writer. From the light and humorous Vivien Chien to the harsh but funny Agatha Raisin, this is a chance to find your next favorite series.

Thank you MacMillan and NetGalley for making it so easy to find great reads.

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