Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

VALENTINE'S DAY MYSTERIES // VALENTINE'S DAY CRIME FICTION

Although Valentine's Day is all about love, love and hate are often quite close...so this holiday is perfect for mystery crime fiction. Here's my updated Valentine's Day Crime Fiction list: Mysteries that take place on or around Valentine's Day. Be sure and check out my other blog, DyingforChocolate, for Valentine's Day Chocolate Reviews, Recipes, and Vintage Chocolate Ads. And, I'll be posting my Sweetheart Sleuths mystery list soon!

February 14, Valentine's Day, is also International Book Giving Day, so books are the perfect Valentine's Day gift. Bundle some of the following Valentine's Day Mysteries with a box of chocolate truffles, tie it all up in a red ribbon, and you're good to go!

As always, let me know if I've missed any titles.

Valentine's Day Mysteries

As Gouda as Dead by Avery Aames
Regulated for Murder by Suzanne Adair
Murder in the Paperback Parlor by Ellery Adams  

Love Lies Bleeding by Susan Wittig Albert
Death by Baguette by Jennifer S. Alderson
Valentine's Day is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon
Death of a Valentine by M. C. Beaton
Donut Hearts Homicide by Jessica Beck

Hot Chocolate and Homicide by Cindy Bell
Marked Down for Murder by Josie Belle
Now You Sesame, Now You Don't by Virginia K. Bennett

Valentines and Murder; Killer Valentine Cookies; Vicious Valentine; The Heart of Murder by Patti Benning
Killer Cupid by Laurien Berenson

A Manhattan Murder Mystery by Susan Bernhardt
The Broken Hearts Club by Ethan Black
Murder Borrowed, Murder Blue by Stephanie Blackmoore
Murders of a Feather by Eileen Brady

Mind Over Murder by J.J. Brass

A Witchy Valentine by Danica Britton

What Happened to Romance? by Franky A. Brown
Hearts & Hostages by Katherine H. Brown (novella)
Claws and Effect by Rita Mae Brown
Butter Off Dead by Leslie Budewitz
A Valentine for the Silencer by Cora Buhlert
Mystery on Valentine's Day by Beth Byers and Lee Strauss
Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron

How To Murder The Man Of Your Dreams by Dorothy Cannell
The Chocolate Cupid Killings by JoAnna Carl
The Mortsafe by Lillian Stewart Carl

This Old Homicide by Kate Carlisle
The Valentine's Day Ball by Susan Carroll
Sucker Punch by Sammi Carter
Cat Got Your Secrets by Julie Chase

Secret Valentine by Cherry Christensen
Lethal Treasure by Jane Cleland
A Holiday Sampler by Christine E. Collier
Red Roses for a Dead Trucker by Anna Ashwood Collins
A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette

St Valentine's Day Cookie Massacre by Elisabeth Crabtree
A Catered Valentine's Day by Isis Crawford
Murder on Valentine's Day by P. Creeden
Cupid's Curse; The Saint Valentine's Day Murders; Shamrock Shenanigans; The Valentine Mystery by Kathi Daley
Hard Feelings by Barbara D’Amato

A Valentine Wish by Sylviai Damsell
Lucy and the Valentine Verdict by Rae Davies

Be My Pink Valentine by Vella Day
Love on the Rocks by Debbie De Louise

A Valentine Murder by Steve Demaree
Love With The Proper Killer by Rose Deshaw
My Fatal Valentine by Leighann Dobbs
Valentine's Day by Liz Dodwell
My Lady Valentine by Lindsay Downs
Death at the Anchorage by Jan Durham
The Saint Valentine's Day Murders by Ruth Dudley Edwards
Operation: Romance by Jessica L. Elliot

The Stolen Valentine by K.J. Emrick
Plum Lovin’ by Janet Evanovich
My Funny Valentine by Caroline Fardig (novella)
Corridor Man: Valentine by Mark Faricy

A Valentine's Day Miracle by Tammy Falkner
Happy Valentine’s Day: My Funny Valentine by Michelle Fitzpatrick
The Living Daylights by Ian Fleming
Addressed to Kill by Jean Flowers (Camille Minichino)
Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke
A Flair for Truffles by Deborah Garner

The Heartless Valentine by Kacey Gene
A Fatal Slip by Melissa Glazer
Valentine by Celina Grace
St. Valentine's Night by Andrew M. Greeley
Caveman's Valentine by George Dawes Green
A Valentine for One by Patrice Greenwood
My Bloody Valentine by Alastair Gunn
Bleeding Hearts by Jane Haddam
Sweetheart in High Heels by Gemma Halliday
The Valentine's Day Murder by Lee Harris
Deadly Valentine by Carolyn G. Hart
Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte
Valentine Victim by Kelly Hashway
Faith, Rope, and Love by Wendy Heuvel

Romantically Ever After by Liwen Y. Ho
Death of a Chocoholic by Lee Hollis
The Ghost of Valentine Past by Bobbie Holmes
Cupid's Revenge; The Sham by Melanie Jackson

Handmade Hearts by June McCrary Jacobs
Ghoul You Be My Valentine? by Olivia Jaymes

Valentine's Day Vandal by Annie Jones
Vistas, Vices, & Valentines by Tonya Kappas
Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz
My Funny Mayfair Valentine by Kassandra Lamb
Valentine Vendetta; Poisoned on Valentine's Day by Daisy Landish 

A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day by Jackie Lau
Killing Cupid by Laura Levine
Valentine's Victim by Harper Lin

Love from A to Z by Lia London
A Fatal Slip by Meg London 

February Fever by Jess Lourey
Roses and Revenge by London Lovett
The Venom in the Valentine; Lady Rample and Cupid's Kiss by Shea MacLeod 
Moonshine Valentine by Tegan Maher 

Heart Attack by Terri Main

The Scent of Murder by Jeffrey Marks
Valentine's Cupcake & Murder by Ann S. Marie
A Valentine's Kill by Mona Marple
The Winter Mystery by Faith Martin
Sugar and Spite by G.A. McKevett
Buttercream Bump Off by Jenn McKinlay
The Valentine Victim by Dougal McLeish

Scot on the Rocks by Catriona McPherson
Valentine Murder; Chocolate Covered Murder: Valentine Candy Murder by Leslie Meier

Love You to Death by Grant Michaels
Cupid's Corpse by Willow Monroe
Murder Bites by Addison Moore & Bellamy Bloom
Cat Playing Cupid by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Valentines & Victims Donna Muse
Tequila Shorts & Valentine Knots by Tricia O'Malley
The Body in the Attic, The Body in the Snowdrift by Katherine Hall Page
Murder by Cupid Cake by Rosie A. Point
A Blossom of Murder by Summer Prescott
Be My Valencrime by Amy M. Reade
A Judgment in Stone by Ruth Rendell

My Deadly Valentine by David W. Robinson
Valentined by Patricia Rockwell
The Valentine's Day Clue by Rupali Rajopadhye Rotti

Chocolate Covered Murder by Necole Ryse
Valentine by Tom Savage
The Treble Wore Trouble by Mark Schweizer
Sweet Hearts by Connie Shelton
Gilt by Association by Karen Rose Smith
My Wicked Valentine by Lotta Smith 

Mystery on Valentine's Day by Lee Strauss
Deadly Valentine by Kathleen Suzette
Murder of a Pink Elephant by Denise Swanson
One Rough Man by Brad Taylor
My Nerdy Valentine by Vicki Lewis Thompson

The Coniston Case by Rebecca Tope
Pineapple Valentine Mystery by Amy Vansant
Thou Art with Me by Debbie Viguie 

Outside Valentine by Liza Ward
A Murderous Valentine by Beverley Watts

The Lucy Valentine mystery series by Heather Webber
Valentine's Blizzard Murder by Linnea West

Murder at First Sight by Shelly West

The Haunted Valentine by J.A. Whiting
Red Roses by J.A. Whiting and Nell McCarthy  
Daughter Of The Stars by Phyllis A. Whitney
Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff 


Short Stories

Crimes of Passion with stories by Nancy Means, B.J. Daniels, Jonathan Harrington and Maggie Right Price
Cupid Shot Me, a collection of  Valentine's Day LGBTQ+ mystery stories, edited by Frank W. Butterfield

Valentine's Madness: a 1920s Historical Mystery Anthology, edited by Beth Byers
"My Heart Cries Out for You" by Bill Crider
Valentine's Day Is Killing Me edited by Leslie Esdaile, Mary Janice Davidson, Susanna Carr
"Sweetheart in High Heels" by Gemma Halliday
Crimes of the Heart edited by Carolyn G. Hart
Love and Death, edited by Carolyn G. Hart
Valentine’s Day: Women Against Men-Stories of Revenge edited by Alice Thomas
Homicidal Holidays: Fourteen Tales of Murder and Merriment, edited by Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman & Marcia Talley

Children's Literature

Valentine's Day Disaster by Geronimo Stilton
Scooby-Doo! A Very Scary Valentine's Day

As always, let me know if I've missed any titles!

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Cartoon of the Day: Cat Valentine's Day Gift


RETRO MYSTERY & BOOK-RELATED VALENTINE'S DAY CARDS

Remember those Valentine's Day cards you punched out and gave to all the people in your class? Even if you don't remember,  here are a few that are perfect for readers. I love these Retro Mystery and Book-Related Valentine's Day Cards. Be sure and view them all. Happy Valentine's Day!





And then there are the Bookish Valentines...






And my Favorite



Tuesday, February 13, 2024

SWEETHEART SLEUTHS: A List for Valentine's Day

Here's my updated List of Sweetheart Sleuths for Valentine's Day! I'm sure I'm missing a few couples. Make a comment with author and sweetheart sleuths, and I'll add to the list. In the meantime, here's some great reading forValentine's Day!

Missed my list of mysteries that take place during Valentine's Day? Here's the link. 

SWEETHEART SLEUTHS 

Ace, Cathy: Cait Morgan and Bud Anderson
Alexander, Tasha: Lady Emily and Colin Hargreaves
Allen, Conrad: Genevieve Masefield and George Dillman Porter
Allingham, Margery: Albert Campion and Amanda Fitton

Andrews, Donna: Meg Langslow and Michael Waterson
Arnold, Margot: Tobias Glendower and Penelope Spring
Bell, Albert: Michael Harrington and Corie Foster; Pliny and Aurora
Berry, Connie: Kate Hamilton and DI Tom Mallory

Billheimer, John: Owen Allison and ex-wife Judith
Borthwick, J. S.: Sarah Dean and Alex McKenzie
Bowen, Michael: Rep and Melissa Pennyworth
Bowen, Rhys: Molly Murphy and Daniel Sullivan; Lady Georgie and Darcy O'Mara
Burke, Jan: Irene Kelly and Frank Harriman
Carlson, P. M.: Maggie and Nick Ryan
Carner, John: John Fowler and Jessica Hammerstein
Casey, Donis: Alafair and Shaw Tucker
Chappell, Helen: Holly and Sam Westcott
Elaine Raco Chase: Roman Cantrell & Nikki Holden
Charles, Kate: Lucy Kingsley and David Middleton-Brown
Christie, Agatha: Tommy and Tuppence Beresford
Clark, Carol Higgins: Regan and Jack Reilly
Cleeland, Annie: Chief Inspector Michael Sinclair/Lord Acton and Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle
Cockey, Tim: Hitchcock Sewell and ex-wife Julia Finney
Craig, Alisa Dittany Henbit and Osbert Monk, Madoc and Jane Rhys
Crane, Frances: Pat and Jean Abbot
Crombie, Deborah: Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James
Curzon, Claire: Mike Yeadings and Rosemary Zyczynski
Cussler, Clive: Sam and Remi Fargo
Davis, Krista: Sophie Winston, domestic diva, and Detective Wolf

Dodge, David: Whit and Kitty Whitney
Evanovich, Janet: Stephanie Plum and Joe Morelli—or Ranger—or Diesel—or not
Finch, Charles: Charles Lennox and Lady Jane Grey
George, Elizabeth: Inspector Lynley and Sergeant Havers

Glatzer, Hal: Herman Korn and Teddie Sanderson
Gordon, Alan: Jester Feste and wife Viola, late of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”
Greenwood, Kerry: Corinna Chapman and Daniel Cohen
Granger, Ann: Alan Markby and Meredith Mitchell
Haddam, Jane: Gregor Demarkian and Bennis Hannaford (this one’s a stretch)
Ham, Lorie: Alexandra Waters and Stephen Carlucci
Hammett, Dashiell: Nick and Nora Charles
Handler, David: Mitch Berger and state policewoman Desiree Mitry
Harrington, Jonathan: C. J. and Bridge
Hart, Carolyn: Max and Annie Darling
Haywood, Gar: Joe and Dottie Loudermilk
Kay, Arlene: Eja Kane and Deming Swann
Iakovou, Takis: and Judy Nick and Julia Lambro

Jameson, Emma: Lord & Lady Hetheridge
Jarvis, Nancy Lynn: Regan McHenry and Tom Kiley
Kellerman, Faye: Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus
Kelly, Susan B.: Alison Hope and Nick Trevelyan
Kelner, Toni L. P.: Laurie Ann and Richard Fleming
Kenney, Susan: Roz Howard and Alan Stewart
Kincheloe, Jennifer: Police Matron Anna Blanc and Detective Joe Singer
King, Laurie R.: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes
Levinson, R. S.: Neil Gulliver and Stevie Marriner
Lindquist, N. J.: Paul Manziuk and Jacqueline Ryan
Liskow, Steve: "Woody" Guthrie & Megan Traine; Zach Barnes & Beth Shepard
Lockridge, Frances and Richard: Pam and Jerry North
Lupoff, Richard: Hobart Lindsay and Marvia Plum
MacLeod, Charlotte: Max and Sarah Kelling Bittersohn, Peter and Helen Shandy
McBride, Susan: Maggie Ryan and John Phillips
McCafferty, Barbara Taylor & Herald, Beverly: Bert & Nan Tatum
McDermid, Val: Tony Hill and Carol Jordan
McGown, Jill: Chief Inspector Danny Lloyd and Inspector Judy Hill
Maron, Margaret: Deborah Knott and Dwight Bryant
Marsh, Ngaio: Roderick Alleyn and Agatha Troy
Matthews, Alex: Cassidy McCabe, Zack
Maxwell, A. & E.: Fiora and Fiddler
Moyes, Patricia: Emmie and Henry Tibbetts
Newman, Sharan: Catherine Levendeur and husband Edgar
Paige, Robin: Charles and Kate Sheridan
Palmer, Stuart: Hildegarde Withers and Inspector Piper
Parker, Robert: Spencer and Susan
Pears, Iain: Flavia Di Stefano and Jonathan Argyle
Perry, Anne: Thomas and Charlotte Pitt
Peters, Elizabeth: Amelia Peabody and Radcliffe Emerson; Ramses and Nefret;Vicky Bliss and John Smith
Pickard, Nancy: Jenny Cain and Geoffrey Bushfield
Pomidor, Bill: Drs. Calista and Plato Marley

Rafael, Lev: Nick and Stefan
Raybourn,  Deanna: Nichloas Brisbane and Lady Julia Grey
Robb, J.D.: Eve Dallas and Roark
Roos, Kelley: Jeff and Haila Troy
Rozan, S. J.: Bill Smith and Lydia Chin
Rubino, Jane: Cat Austen and Victor Cardenas
Sale, Medora: John Sanders and Harriet Jeffries
Saulnier, Beth: Alex Bernier and Brian Cody
Sayers, Dorothy L.: Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane
Schumacher, Aileen: Tory Peters and David Alvarez
Simas, Ann: Chloe Faust and Marsh Fielding

Smith, Charles Merrill: Reverend Con Randollph and Samantha Stack
Spencer-Fleming, Julia: Claire Ferguson and Russ Van Alstyne
Sten, Viveca: Thomas Andreasson and Nora Linde
Thompson, Victoria: Sarah Brandt and Detective Frank Molloy
Whitney, Polly: Ike and Abby
Wilhelm, Kate: Charlie Meiklejohn and Constance Leidl
Wright, L. R.: Karl Alberg, RCMP, and Cassandra Mitchell

Monday, February 12, 2024

VALENTINE'S DAY MYSTERIES

Although Valentine's Day is all about love, love and hate are often quite close...so this holiday is perfect for mystery crime fiction. Here's my updated Valentine's Day Crime Fiction list: Mysteries that take place on or around Valentine's Day. Be sure and check out my other blog, DyingforChocolate, for Valentine's Day Chocolate Reviews, Recipes, and Vintage Chocolate Ads.  And, I'll be posting my Sweetheart Sleuths mystery list tomorrow!

February 14, Valentine's Day, is also International Book Giving Day, so books are the perfect Valentine's Day gift. Bundle some of the following Valentine's Day Mysteries with a box of chocolate truffles, tie it all up in a red ribbon, and you're good to go!

As always, let me know if I've missed any titles.

Valentine's Day Mysteries

As Gouda as Dead by Avery Aames
Regulated for Murder by Suzanne Adair
Murder in the Paperback Parlor by Ellery Adams  

Love Lies Bleeding by Susan Wittig Albert
Death by Baguette by Jennifer S. Alderson
Valentine's Day is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon
Not My Valentine by Tony Bassett

Death of a Valentine by M. C. Beaton
Donut Hearts Homicide by Jessica Beck

Hot Chocolate and Homicide by Cindy Bell
Marked Down for Murder by Josie Belle
Valentines and Murder; Killer Valentine Cookies; Vicious Valentine by Patti Benning
A Manhattan Murder Mystery by Susan Bernhardt
The Broken Hearts Club by Ethan Black
Murder Borrowed, Murder Blue by Stephanie Blackmoore
A Witchy Valentine by Danica Britton

What Happened to Romance? by Franky A. Brown
Hearts & Hostages by Katherine H. Brown (novella)
Claws and Effect by Rita Mae Brown
Butter Off Dead by Leslie Budewitz
A Valentine for the Silencer by Cora Buhlert
Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron

How To Murder The Man Of Your Dreams by Dorothy Cannell
The Chocolate Cupid Killings by JoAnna Carl
The Mortsafe by Lillian Stewart Carl

This Old Homicide by Kate Carlisle
The Valentine's Day Ball by Susan Carroll
Sucker Punch by Sammi Carter
Cat Got Your Secrets by Julie Chase

Secret Valentine by Cherry Christensen
Lethal Treasure by Jane Cleland
A Holiday Sampler by Christine E. Collier
Red Roses for a Dead Trucker by Anna Ashwood Collins
A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette

St Valentine's Day Cookie Massacre by Elisabeth Crabtree
A Catered Valentine's Day by Isis Crawford
Murder on Valentine's Day by P. Creeden
Cupid's Curse; The Saint Valentine's Day Murders; Shamrock Shenanigans; The Valentine Mystery by Kathi Daley
Hard Feelings by Barbara D’Amato

A Valentine Wish by Sylviai Damsell
Lucy and the Valentine Verdict by Rae Davies
Love on the Rocks by Debbie De Louise

A Valentine Murder by Steve Demaree
Love With The Proper Killer by Rose Deshaw
My Lady Valentine by Lindsay Downs
The Saint Valentine's Day Murders by Ruth Dudley Edwards
Operation: Romance by Jessica L. Elliot
Valentine's Day by Liz Dodwell

The Stolen Valentine by K.J. Emrick
Plum Lovin’ by Janet Evanovich
My Funny Valentine by Caroline Fardig (novella)
Corridor Man: Valentine by Mark Faricy

A Valentine's Day Miracle by Tammy Falkner
Happy Valentine’s Day: My Funny Valentine by Michelle Fitzpatrick
The Living Daylights by Ian Fleming
Addressed to Kill by Jean Flowers (Camille Minichino)
Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke
A Flair for Truffles by Deborah Garner

The Heartless Valentine by Kacey Gene
A Fatal Slip by Melissa Glazer
Valentine by Celina Grace
St. Valentine's Night by Andrew M. Greeley
Caveman's Valentine by George Dawes Green
A Valentine for One by Patrice Greenwood
My Bloody Valentine by Alastair Gunn
Bleeding Hearts by Jane Haddam
Sweetheart in High Heels by Gemma Halliday
The Valentine's Day Murder by Lee Harris
Deadly Valentine by Carolyn G. Hart
Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte

Romantically Ever After by Liwen Y. Ho
Death of a Chocoholic by Lee Hollis
The Ghost of Valentine Past by Bobbie Holmes
Cupid's Revenge; The Sham by Melanie Jackson

Handmade Hearts by June McCrary Jacobs
Ghoul You Be My Valentine? by Olivia Jaymes

Valentine's Day Vandal by Annie Jones
Vistas, Vices, & Valentines by Tonya Kappas
Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz 

A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day by Jackie Lau
Killing Cupid by Laura Levine
Valentine's Victim by Harper Lin

Love from A to Z by Lia London
A Fatal Slip by Meg London 

February Fever by Jess Lourey
The Venom in the Valentine; Lady Rample and Cupid's Kiss by Shea MacLeod 
Moonshine Valentine by Tegan Maher 

Heart Attack by Terri Main

The Scent of Murder by Jeffrey Marks
Valentine's Cupcake & Murder by Ann S. Marie
A Valentine's Kill by Mona Marple
The Winter Mystery by Faith Martin
Sugar and Spite by G.A. McKevett
Buttercream Bump Off by Jenn McKinlay
The Valentine Victim by Dougal McLeish

Scot on the Rocks by Catriona McPherson
Valentine Murder; Chocolate Covered Murder: Valentine Candy Murder by Leslie Meier

Love You to Death by Grant Michaels
Murder Bites by Addison Moore & Bellamy Bloom
Cat Playing Cupid by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Valentines & Victims Donna Muse
The Body in the Attic, The Body in the Snowdrift by Katherine Hall Page

A Blossom of Murder by Summer Prescott
Be My Valencrime by Amy M. Reade
A Judgment in Stone by Ruth Rendell

My Deadly Valentine by David W. Robinson
Valentined by Patricia Rockwell
The Valentine's Day Clue by Rupali Rajopadhye Rotti

Chocolate Covered Murder by Necole Ryse
Valentine by Tom Savage
The Treble Wore Trouble by Mark Schweizer
Sweet Hearts by Connie Shelton
Gilt by Association by Karen Rose Smith
My Wicked Valentine by Lotta Smith 
Mystery on Valentine's Day by Lee Strauss

Deadly Valentine by Kathleen Suzette

Murder of a Pink Elephant by Denise Swanson
One Rough Man by Brad Taylor

My Nerdy Valentine by Vicki Lewis Thompson
The Coniston Case by Rebecca Tope
Pineapple Valentine Mystery by Amy Vansant
Thou Art with Me by Debbie Viguie 

Outside Valentine by Liza Ward
The Lucy Valentine mystery series by Heather Webber
Valentine's Blizzard Murder by Linnea West

The Haunted Valentine by J.A. Whiting
Red Roses by J.A. Whiting and Nell McCarthy  
Daughter Of The Stars by Phyllis A. Whitney
Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff 


Short Stories

Crimes of Passion with stories by Nancy Means, B.J. Daniels, Jonathan Harrington and Maggie Right Price
Cupid Shot Me, a collection of  Valentine's Day LGBTQ+ mystery stories, edited by Frank W. Butterfield

Valentine's Madness: a 1920s Historical Mystery Anthology, edited by Beth Byers
"My Heart Cries Out for You" by Bill Crider
Valentine's Day Is Killing Me edited by Leslie Esdaile, Mary Janice Davidson, Susanna Carr
"Sweetheart in High Heels" by Gemma Halliday
Crimes of the Heart edited by Carolyn G. Hart
Love and Death, edited by Carolyn G. Hart
Valentine’s Day: Women Against Men-Stories of Revenge edited by Alice Thomas
Homicidal Holidays: Fourteen Tales of Murder and Merriment, edited by Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman & Marcia Talley

Children's Literature

Valentine's Day Disaster by Geronimo Stilton
Scooby-Doo! A Very Scary Valentine's Day

As always, let me know if I've missed any titles!

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

RETRO MYSTERY & BOOK-RELATED VALENTINE'S DAY CARDS

Remember those Valentine's Day cards you punched out and gave to all the children in your class? Here are a few that are perfect for mystery readers. I love these Retro Mystery and Book-Related Valentine's Day Cards. Be sure and view them all. Happy Valentine's Day!









And then there are the Bookish Valentines...








Monday, February 13, 2023

SWEETHEART SLEUTHS for VALENTINE'S DAY!

Here's my updated List of Sweetheart Sleuths for Valentine's Day! I'm sure I'm missing a few couples. Make a comment with author and sweetheart sleuths, and I'll add to the list. In the meantime, here's some great reading for Valentine's Day!

SWEETHEART SLEUTHS 

Ace, Cathy: Cait Morgan and Bud Anderson
Alexander, Tasha: Lady Emily and Colin Hargreaves
Allen, Conrad: Genevieve Masefield and George Dillman Porter
Allingham, Margery: Albert Campion and Amanda Fitton

Andrews, Donna: Meg Langslow and Michael Waterson
Arnold, Margot: Tobias Glendower and Penelope Spring
Bell, Albert: Michael Harrington and Corie Foster; Pliny and Aurora
Berry, Connie: Kate Hamilton and DI Tom Mallory

Billheimer, John: Owen Allison and ex-wife Judith
Borthwick, J. S.: Sarah Dean and Alex McKenzie
Bowen, Michael: Rep and Melissa Pennyworth
Bowen, Rhys: Molly Murphy and Daniel Sullivan; Lady Georgie and Darcy O'Mara
Burke, Jan: Irene Kelly and Frank Harriman
Carlson, P. M.: Maggie and Nick Ryan
Carner, John: John Fowler and Jessica Hammerstein
Casey, Donis: Alafair and Shaw Tucker
Chappell, Helen: Holly and Sam Westcott
Elaine Raco Chase: Roman Cantrell & Nikki Holden
Charles, Kate: Lucy Kingsley and David Middleton-Brown
Christie, Agatha: Tommy and Tuppence Beresford
Clark, Carol Higgins: Regan and Jack Reilly
Cleeland, Annie: Chief Inspector Michael Sinclair/Lord Acton and Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle
Cockey, Tim: Hitchcock Sewell and ex-wife Julia Finney
Craig, Alisa Dittany Henbit and Osbert Monk, Madoc and Jane Rhys
Crane, Frances: Pat and Jean Abbot
Crombie, Deborah: Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James
Curzon, Claire: Mike Yeadings and Rosemary Zyczynski
Cussler, Clive: Sam and Remi Fargo
Davis, Krista: Sophie Winston, domestic diva, and Detective Wolf

Dodge, David: Whit and Kitty Whitney
Evanovich, Janet: Stephanie Plum and Joe Morelli—or Ranger—or Diesel—or not
Finch, Charles: Charles Lennox and Lady Jane Grey
George, Elizabeth: Inspector Lynley and Sergeant Havers

Glatzer, Hal: Herman Korn and Teddie Sanderson
Gordon, Alan: Jester Feste and wife Viola, late of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”
Greenwood, Kerry: Corinna Chapman and Daniel Cohen
Granger, Ann: Alan Markby and Meredith Mitchell
Haddam, Jane: Gregor Demarkian and Bennis Hannaford (this one’s a stretch)
Ham, Lorie: Alexandra Waters and Stephen Carlucci
Hammett, Dashiell: Nick and Nora Charles
Handler, David: Mitch Berger and state policewoman Desiree Mitry
Harrington, Jonathan: C. J. and Bridge
Hart, Carolyn: Max and Annie Darling
Haywood, Gar: Joe and Dottie Loudermilk
Kay, Arlene: Eja Kane and Deming Swann
Iakovou, Takis: and Judy Nick and Julia Lambro

Jameson, Emma: Lord & Lady Hetheridge
Jarvis, Nancy Lynn: Regan McHenry and Tom Kiley
Kellerman, Faye: Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus
Kelly, Susan B.: Alison Hope and Nick Trevelyan
Kelner, Toni L. P.: Laurie Ann and Richard Fleming
Kenney, Susan: Roz Howard and Alan Stewart
Kincheloe, Jennifer: Police Matron Anna Blanc and Detective Joe Singer
King, Laurie R.: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes
Levinson, R. S.: Neil Gulliver and Stevie Marriner
Lindquist, N. J.: Paul Manziuk and Jacqueline Ryan
Liskow, Steve: "Woody" Guthrie & Megan Traine; Zach Barnes & Beth Shepard
Lockridge, Frances and Richard: Pam and Jerry North
Lupoff, Richard: Hobart Lindsay and Marvia Plum
MacLeod, Charlotte: Max and Sarah Kelling Bittersohn, Peter and Helen Shandy
McBride, Susan: Maggie Ryan and John Phillips
McCafferty, Barbara Taylor & Herald, Beverly: Bert & Nan Tatum
McDermid, Val: Tony Hill and Carol Jordan
McGown, Jill: Chief Inspector Danny Lloyd and Inspector Judy Hill
Maron, Margaret: Deborah Knott and Dwight Bryant
Marsh, Ngaio: Roderick Alleyn and Agatha Troy
Matthews, Alex: Cassidy McCabe, Zack
Maxwell, A. & E.: Fiora and Fiddler
Moyes, Patricia: Emmie and Henry Tibbetts
Newman, Sharan: Catherine Levendeur and husband Edgar
Paige, Robin: Charles and Kate Sheridan
Palmer, Stuart: Hildegarde Withers and Inspector Piper
Parker, Robert: Spencer and Susan
Pears, Iain: Flavia Di Stefano and Jonathan Argyle
Perry, Anne: Thomas and Charlotte Pitt
Peters, Elizabeth: Amelia Peabody and Radcliffe Emerson; Ramses and Nefret;Vicky Bliss and John Smith
Pickard, Nancy: Jenny Cain and Geoffrey Bushfield
Pomidor, Bill: Drs. Calista and Plato Marley

Rafael, Lev: Nick and Stefan
Raybourn,  Deanna: Nichloas Brisbane and Lady Julia Grey
Robb, J.D.: Eve Dallas and Roark
Roos, Kelley: Jeff and Haila Troy
Rozan, S. J.: Bill Smith and Lydia Chin
Rubino, Jane: Cat Austen and Victor Cardenas
Sale, Medora: John Sanders and Harriet Jeffries
Saulnier, Beth: Alex Bernier and Brian Cody
Sayers, Dorothy L.: Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane
Schumacher, Aileen: Tory Peters and David Alvarez
Simas, Ann: Chloe Faust and Marsh Fielding

Smith, Charles Merrill: Reverend Con Randollph and Samantha Stack
Spencer-Fleming, Julia: Claire Ferguson and Russ Van Alstyne
Sten, Viveca: Thomas Andreasson and Nora Linde
Thompson, Victoria: Sarah Brandt and Detective Frank Molloy
Whitney, Polly: Ike and Abby
Wilhelm, Kate: Charlie Meiklejohn and Constance Leidl
Wright, L. R.: Karl Alberg, RCMP, and Cassandra Mitchell

Cartoon of the Day: Young Love

Happy Valentine's Day!


Friday, February 10, 2023

VALENTINE'S DAY MYSTERIES -- VALENTINE'S DAY CRIME FICTION

Although Valentine's Day is all about love, love and hate are often quite close...so this holiday is perfect for mystery crime fiction. Here's my updated Valentine's Day Crime Fiction list: Mysteries that take place on or around Valentine's Day. Be sure and check out my other blog, DyingforChocolate, for Valentine's Day Chocolate Reviews, Recipes, and Vintage Chocolate Ads.  

February 14, Valentine's Day, is also International Book Giving Day, so books are the perfect Valentine's Day gift. Bundle some of the following Valentine's Day Mysteries with a box of chocolate truffles, tie it all up in a red ribbon, and you're good to go!

As always, let me know if I've missed any titles.

Valentine's Day Mysteries

As Gouda as Dead by Avery Aames
Regulated for Murder by Suzanne Adair
Murder in the Paperback Parlor by Ellery Adams
Love Lies Bleeding by Susan Wittig Albert
Death by Baguette by Jennifer S. Alderson
Valentine's Day is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon
Death of a Valentine by M. C. Beaton
Donut Hearts Homicide by Jessica Beck

Hot Chocolate and Homicide by Cindy Bell
Marked Down for Murder by Josie Belle
Valentines and Murder; Killer Valentine Cookies by Patti Benning
A Manhattan Murder Mystery by Susan Bernhardt
The Broken Hearts Club by Ethan Black
Murder Borrowed, Murder Blue by Stephanie Blackmoore
A Witchy Valentine by Danica Britton

What Happened to Romance? by Franky A. Brown
Hearts & Hostages by Katherine H. Brown (novella)
Claws and Effect by Rita Mae Brown
Butter Off Dead by Leslie Budewitz
A Valentine for the Silencer by Cora Buhlert
Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron

How To Murder The Man Of Your Dreams by Dorothy Cannell
The Chocolate Cupid Killings by JoAnna Carl
The Mortsafe by Lillian Stewart Carl

This Old Homicide by Kate Carlisle
The Valentine's Day Ball by Susan Carroll
Sucker Punch by Sammi Carter
Cat Got Your Secrets by Julie Chase

Secret Valentine by Cherry Christensen
Lethal Treasure by Jane Cleland
A Holiday Sampler by Christine E. Collier
Red Roses for a Dead Trucker by Anna Ashwood Collins
A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette

St Valentine's Day Cookie Massacre by Elisabeth Crabtree
A Catered Valentine's Day by Isis Crawford
Murder on Valentine's Day by P. Creeden
Cupid's Curse; The Saint Valentine's Day Murders; Shamrock Shenanigans; The Valentine Mystery by Kathi Daley
Hard Feelings by Barbara D’Amato

A Valentine Wish by Sylviai Damsell
Lucy and the Valentine Verdict by Rae Davies
Love on the Rocks by Debbie De Louise

A Valentine Murder by Steve Demaree
Love With The Proper Killer by Rose Deshaw

Valentine's Day by Liz Dodwell
My Lady Valentine by Lindsay Downs
The Saint Valentine's Day Murders by Ruth Dudley Edwards

Operation: Romance by Jessica L. Elliot

The Stolen Valentine by K.J. Emrick
Plum Lovin’ by Janet Evanovich
My Funny Valentine by Caroline Fardig (novella)
Corridor Man: Valentine by Mark Faricy

A Valentine's Day Miracle by Tammy Falkner
Happy Valentine’s Day by Michelle Fitzpatrick
The Living Daylights by Ian Fleming
Addressed to Kill by Jean Flowers (Camille Minichino)
Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke
A Flair for Truffles by Deborah Garner

The Heartless Valentine by Kacey Gene
A Fatal Slip by Melissa Glazer
Valentine by Celina Grace
St. Valentine's Night by Andrew M. Greeley
Caveman's Valentine by George Dawes Green
A Valentine for One by Patrice Greenwood
My Bloody Valentine by Alastair Gunn
Bleeding Hearts by Jane Haddam
Sweetheart in High Heels by Gemma Halliday
The Valentine's Day Murder by Lee Harris
Deadly Valentine by Carolyn G. Hart
Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte

Romantically Ever After by Liwen Y. Ho
Death of a Chocoholic by Lee Hollis
The Ghost of Valentine Past by Bobbie Holmes
Cupid's Revenge; The Sham by Melanie Jackson

Handmade Hearts by June McCrary Jacobs
Ghoul You Be My Valentine? by Olivia Jaymes

Valentine's Day Vandal by Annie Jones
Vistas, Vices, & Valentines by Tonya Kappas
Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz 

A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day by Jackie Lau
Killing Cupid by Laura Levine
Valentine's Victim by Harper Lin

Love from A to Z by Lia London
A Fatal Slip by Meg London 

February Fever by Jess Lourey
Moonshine Valentine by Tegan Maher 

Heart Attack by Terri Main
The Venom in the Valentine; Lady Rample and Cupid's Kiss by Shea MacLeod
The Scent of Murder by Jeffrey Marks
Valentine's Cupcake & Murder by Ann S. Marie
A Valentine's Kill by Mona Marple
The Winter Mystery by Faith Martin
Sugar and Spite by G.A. McKevett
Buttercream Bump Off by Jenn McKinlay
The Valentine Victim by Dougal McLeish

Scot on the Rocks by Catriona McPherson
Valentine Murder; Chocolate Covered Murder: Valentine Candy Murder by Leslie Meier

Love You to Death by Grant Michaels
Murder Bites by Addison Moore & Bellamy Bloom
Cat Playing Cupid by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Valentines & Victims Donna Muse
The Body in the Attic, The Body in the Snowdrift by Katherine Hall Page

A Blossom of Murder by Summer Prescott
Be My Valencrime by Amy M. Reade
A Judgment in Stone by Ruth Rendell

My Deadly Valentine by David W. Robinson
Valentined by Patricia Rockwell
The Valentine's Day Clue by Rupali Rajopadhye Rotti

Chocolate Covered Murder by Necole Ryse
Valentine by Tom Savage
The Treble Wore Trouble by Mark Schweizer
Sweet Hearts by Connie Shelton
Gilt by Association by Karen Rose Smith
My Wicked Valentine by Lotta Smith 
Murder of a Pink Elephant by Denise Swanson
One Rough Man by Brad Taylor

My Nerdy Valentine by Vicki Lewis Thompson
The Coniston Case by Rebecca Tope
Pineapple Valentine Mystery by Amy Vansant
Thou Art with Me by Debbie Viguie 

Outside Valentine by Liza Ward
The Lucy Valentine mystery series by Heather Webber
Valentine's Blizzard Murder by Linnea West

The Haunted Valentine by J.A. Whiting
Red Roses by J.A. Whiting and Nell McCarthy  
Daughter Of The Stars by Phyllis A. Whitney
Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff 


Short Stories

Crimes of Passion with stories by Nancy Means, B.J. Daniels, Jonathan Harrington and Maggie Right Price
Cupid Shot Me, a collection of  Valentine's Day LGBTQ+ mystery stories, edited by Frank W. Butterfield

Valentine's Madness: a 1920s Historical Mystery Anthology, edited by Beth Byers
"My Heart Cries Out for You" by Bill Crider
Valentine's Day Is Killing Me edited by Leslie Esdaile, Mary Janice Davidson, Susanna Carr
"Sweetheart in High Heels" by Gemma Halliday
Crimes of the Heart edited by Carolyn G. Hart
Love and Death, edited by Carolyn G. Hart
Valentine’s Day: Women Against Men-Stories of Revenge edited by Alice Thomas
Homicidal Holidays: Fourteen Tales of Murder and Merriment, edited by Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman & Marcia Talley

Children's Literature

Valentine's Day Disaster by Geronimo Stilton
Scooby-Doo! A Very Scary Valentine's Day

As always, let me know if I've missed any titles!

Sunday, February 13, 2022

RETRO MYSTERY AND BOOK RELATED VALENTINE'S DAY CARDS

Remember those Valentine's Day cards you punched out and gave to all the people in your class? Even if you don't, here are a few that are perfect for readers. I love these Retro Mystery and Book-Related Valentine's Day Cards. Be sure and view them all. Happy Valentine's Day!





And then there are the Bookish Valentines...






And my Favorite


Wednesday, February 9, 2022

VALENTINE'S DAY MYSTERIES // VALENTINE'S DAY CRIME FICTION

Although Valentine's Day is all about love, we know that love and hate are sometimes very close...so this holiday is perfect for mystery crime fiction. Here's my updated Valentine's Day Crime Fiction list: Mysteries that take place on or around Valentine's Day. Be sure and check out my other blog, DyingforChocolate, for Valentine's Day Chocolate Reviews, Recipes, and Vintage Chocolate Ads.  

February 14, Valentine's Day, is also International Book Giving Day, so books are the perfect Valentine's Day gift. Bundle some of the following Valentine's Day Mysteries with a box of chocolate truffles, tie it all up in a red ribbon, and you're good to go!

As always, let me know if I've missed any titles.

Valentine's Day Mysteries

As Gouda as Dead by Avery Aames
Regulated for Murder by Suzanne Adair
Murder in the Paperback Parlor by Ellery Adams
Love Lies Bleeding by Susan Wittig Albert
Death by Baguette by Jennifer S. Alderson
Valentine's Day is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon
Death of a Valentine by M. C. Beaton
Hot Chocolate and Homicide by Cindy Bell
Marked Down for Murder by Josie Belle
Valentines and Murder; Killer Valentine Cookies by Patti Benning
A Manhattan Murder Mystery by Susan Bernhardt
The Broken Hearts Club by Ethan Black
Murder Borrowed, Murder Blue by Stephanie Blackmoore
A Witchy Valentine by Danica Britton

What Happened to Romance? by Franky A. Brown
Claws and Effect by Rita Mae Brown
Butter Off Dead by Leslie Budewitz

A Valentine for the Silencer by Cora Buhlert
How To Murder The Man Of Your Dreams by Dorothy Cannell
The Chocolate Cupid Killings by JoAnna Carl
The Mortsafe by Lillian Stewart Carl
This Old Homicide by Kate Carlisle

The Valentine's Day Ball by Susan Carroll
Sucker Punch by Sammi Carter
Cat Got Your Secrets by Julie Chase

Secret Valentine by Cherry Christensen
Lethal Treasure by Jane Cleland
A Holiday Sampler by Christine E. Collier
Red Roses for a Dead Trucker by Anna Ashwood Collins
St Valentine's Day Cookie Massacre by Elisabeth Crabtree
A Catered Valentine's Day by Isis Crawford
Murder on Valentine's Day by P. Creeden
Cupid's Curse; The Saint Valentine's Day Murders; Shamrock Shenanigans; The Valentine Mystery by Kathi Daley
Hard Feelings by Barbara D’Amato

A Valentine Wish by Sylviai Damsell
Lucy and the Valentine Verdict by Rae Davies
A Valentine Murder by Steve Demaree
Love With The Proper Killer by Rose Deshaw
Valentine's Day by Liz Dodwell
The Saint Valentine's Day Murders by Ruth Dudley Edwards

Operation: Romance by Jessica L. Elliot
The Stolen Valentine by K.J. Emrick
Plum Lovin’ by Janet Evanovich
My Funny Valentine by Caroline Fardig (novella)

Corridor Man: Valentine by Mark Faricy

A Valentine's Day Miracle by Tammy Falkner
Happy Valentine’s Day by Michelle Fitzpatrick
The Living Daylights by Ian Fleming
Addressed to Kill by Jean Flowers (Camille Minichino)
Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke
A Flair for Truffles by Deborah Garner

The Heartless Valentine by Kacey Gene
A Fatal Slip by Melissa Glazer

Valentine by Celina Grace

St. Valentine's Night by Andrew M. Greeley
Caveman's Valentine by George Dawes Green
My Bloody Valentine by Alastair Gunn
Bleeding Hearts by Jane Haddam
Sweetheart in High Heels by Gemma Halliday
The Valentine's Day Murder by Lee Harris
Deadly Valentine by Carolyn G. Hart
Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte

Romantically Ever After by Liwen Y. Ho
Death of a Chocoholic by Lee Hollis
The Ghost of Valentine Past by Bobbie Holmes
Cupid's Revenge; The Sham by Melanie Jackson

Handmade Hearts by June McCrary Jacobs
Ghoul You Be My Valentine? by Olivia Jaymes
Sugar and Spite by G.A. McKevett
Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz 

A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day by Jackie Lau
Killing Cupid by Laura Levine
Valentine's Victim by Harper Lin

Love from A to Z by Lia London
A Fatal Slip by Meg London 
February Fever by Jess Lourey

Moonshine Valentine by Tegan Maher 

Heart Attack by Terri Main
The Venom in the Valentine; Lady Rample and Cupid's Kiss by Shea MacLeod
The Scent of Murder by Jeffrey Marks
Valentine's Cupcake & Murder by Ann S. Marie
A Valentine's Kill by Mona Marple
The Winter Mystery by Faith Martin
Sugar and Spite by G.A. McKevett
Buttercream Bump Off by Jenn McKinlay
The Valentine Victim by Dougal McLeish
Valentine Murder; Chocolate Covered Murder: Valentine Candy Murder by Leslie Meier
Love You to Death by Grant Michaels

Murder Bites by Addison Moore & Bellamy Bloom
Cat Playing Cupid by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Valentines & Victims Donna Muse
The Body in the Attic, The Body in the Snowdrift by Katherine Hall Page

A Blossom of Murder by Summer Prescott

Be My Valencrime by Amy M. Reade
A Judgment in Stone by Ruth Rendell
My Deadly Valentine by David W. Robinson
Valentined by Patricia Rockwell
The Valentine's Day Clue by Rupali Rajopadhye Rotti

Chocolate Covered Murder by Necole Ryse
Valentine by Tom Savage
The Treble Wore Trouble by Mark Schweizer
Sweet Hearts by Connie Shelton
Gilt by Association by Karen Rose Smith
My Wicked Valentine by Lotta Smith 
Murder of a Pink Elephant by Denise Swanson
One Rough Man by Brad Taylor
The Coniston Case by Rebecca Tope
Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff
Thou Art with Me by Debbie Viguie 

Outside Valentine by Liza Ward
The Lucy Valentine mystery series by Heather Webber
Valentine's Blizzard Murder by Linnea West

The Haunted Valentine by J.A. Whiting
Daughter Of The Stars by Phyllis A. Whitney

Short Stories
Crimes of Passion with stories by Nancy Means, B.J. Daniels, Jonathan Harrington and Maggie Right Price

Valentine's Madness: a 1920s Historical Mystery Anthology, edited by Beth Byers
"My Heart Cries Out for You" by Bill Crider
Valentine's Day Is Killing Me edited by Leslie Esdaile, Mary Janice Davidson, Susanna Carr
"Sweetheart in High Heels" by Gemma Halliday
Crimes of the Heart edited by Carolyn G. Hart
Love and Death, edited by Carolyn G. Hart
Valentine’s Day: Women Against Men-Stories of Revenge edited by Alice Thomas
Homicidal Holidays: Fourteen Tales of Murder and Merriment, edited by Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman & Marcia Talley

Children's Literature
Valentine's Day Disaster by Geronimo Stilton
Scooby-Doo! A Very Scary Valentine's Day

As always, let me know if I've missed any titles!

Sunday, February 14, 2021

RETRO BOOK-RELATED AND MYSTERY VALENTINE'S DAY CARDS

Remember those Valentine's Day cards you punched out and gave to all the people in your class?  I love these Retro Mystery and Book-Related Valentine's Day Cards. Be sure and scroll through to the end of this post where this year I've added some really weird ones. They don't really seem to be quite in the Valentine's Day spirit, but mystery folks will enjoy them. Happy Valentine's Day!





And then there are the Bookish Valentines...








And now a few WTF Valentine's Day cards. 
What were the card designers thinking?