How about Jan Burke? (I can't tell what's cosy if it doesn't have a recipe or some shit in it somewhere.)

Bernard Cornwell wrote one mystery that's very good, IMHO, Gallows Thief, though it's not part of a series.

"That Bookworm on the 303"

I love that title. And, the idea of a reading diary appeals to me. Isn't it true that we gravitate toward things that come with recommendations, at the same time we tend to distrust popular critics (or, maybe more specifically, love to dispute them)? That's why Amazon reviews are so widely read.

I'd be happy to read such a blog...

It sounds like an interesting idea, Susan. I've been toying with the idea of something more bloggish myself, because I'd like to get more practice writing essays. You might also consider calling it "Reading on the 303."

Oh yes. That's a nice refinement. That way, your eventual, craxy fans won't be searching for a particular book-reader on the 303.

Plus, "Reading on the 303" deftly implies a community of people interested in literary...um...stuff. So, it brings the 'people like people who like what they like' instant legitimacy and persuasion.

That way, your eventual, craxy fans won't be searching for a particular book-reader on the 303.

Well, the home I have in mind for this thing runs headshots of its bloggers, so I might have craxy fans recognize me anyway, but I think Ginger's title is better just because I wouldn't want to imply I'm the only bookworm on the 303.

Any suggestions for mystery series that fit the bill?

Has Donna Leon come up, yet? I love her Commissario Guido Brunetti series that is set in Venice . . . probably because of the descriptions of the food.

Unrelated to mystery or blogs, I'm listening to Hat Full of Stars after having finished Wee Free Men yesterday. How could I have gone all my life without exploring Disc World? I listened to Thud a couple of months ago and am now thirsty for the Pratchett audiobooks that never seem to make it back to the library, they are so well-loved.

The reader, Stephen Briggs, rivals Jim Dale, Davina Porter and Scott Brick as my favorite. Just wonderful with the pixie accents and such.

I'm finding that I'd almost rather search by reader than by story these days.

A good one (Joe Montegna for Spencer novels, Edward Herrmann for historical stuff, Ed Asner for Carl Hiassen, etc.) can make all the difference and a bad one (very disappointingly, especially given his fantastic voice...Keith Szarabajka of Angel fame) can absolutely kill a good story.

Does anyone have recommendations for others I might try. I've nearly run through the above options (including Barbara Rosenblatt and George Guidell) and am looking for new series to dive into.

I've discovered that I have an extreme preference for British accents, regardless of genre. Could say why.

I have an extreme preference for British accents, regardless of genre.

bonny - I don't know if she is available on Disc World, or even within your taste range, but I remember being awed the sheer sound of one particular author/reader on a long commute ages ago: Nadime Gordimer. It was some of her short stories - but I don't think it mattered.

I don't recall who read the Dexter that I'm currently listening to, but he's annoying. If I had any hope of getting the book itself out of the library itseld I'd go that way instead.