In a renewal, I’ve been reading some short stories in collections, and I really love Janel Gradowski‘s writing. Her cozy mysteries are always full of food and fun. One of her latest stories was published in the Cozy Christmas Capers: Holiday Short Story Collection. I wanted to share a little bit about why I am enjoying these cozy mysteries from Janel and why we as 
a community should support more writers like her.
Christmas Canapes & Sabotage by Janel Gradowski is part of the culinary competition mystery series of books — her new one is coming out this month, Chicken Soup & Homicide — that find an amateur cook embroiled in a deadly mystery at local food competitions. Amy is a winner when it comes to these amateur cooking competitions, but she is always humble about her skills, even if she is as inventive in the kitchen as some professional chefs. Why do I gravitate to these books? 1. food 2. humor.
“‘Old Man Winter can ease up any time now. It isn’t even Christmas, and I’m tired of the deep freeze. I think the girl who handed my my registration packet had blue fingernails, and the color wasn’t from nail polish.'”
“‘You’re like a foodie super hero, saving the masses with a pot of tea.'”
Janel is the queen of the instant one-liners, and she’s a book blogger who has made her writing dreams a reality. She started with flash fiction pieces published in online journals, and from there dove into more challenging, longer projects. I love her spunk in tackling larger projects that challenged her, and I think that she’s found a great niche.
Have you found other book bloggers who’ve entered the world of authorship? Have you read their books? I’d love to hear about it.
To enter Janel’s party giveaway, go here.
I really need to make time to read Janel’s cozy mysteries. I’ve really enjoyed watching her writing evolve, and I’m constantly amazed at her ability to tell an entire story in so few words.
Cozy mysteries with food themes sound like they’d be extra fun! I know many book bloggers who are also authors. Some start with a blog, some start with a book, and some write both at the same time! I’ve read insightful short stories by Kate S., who also has a book blog.
Kate S.? Do tell where I can find these!
Thanks for featuring my story! Writing cozy mysteries is definitely different than blogging, but it’s a fun challenge.
I really enjoy them. They are just so much fun! And you have some great humor in them.