All Things Cozy

Barbara Ross (@BarbRoss) calls in to chat about the latest installment in her Maine Clambake mystery series, Steamed Open, the importance of blogs in the cozy mystery world, and her approach to writing short mysteries. Also, Gillian loves to sit and eat, Matt visits a cat cafe, and Barbara soaks up the sun in Key West. Visit https://maineclambakemysteries.com to learn more about Barbara's writing and to subscribe to her newsletter. Pre-order Barbara's Barnes & Noble Exclusive, Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jane-darrowfield-professional-busybody-barbara-ross/1129942476?ean=9781496719942#/ Pre-order the next Maine Clambake Mystery here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sealed-off-barbara-ross/1131080244?ean=9781496717955 Pre-order Haunted House Murder here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/haunted-house-murder-leslie-meier/1129963551?ean=9781496719966#/

From apple pie to Zelda, All Things Cozy listeners write in with an alphabet of cozy topics for Matt and Gillian to discuss. Gillian gets invited to events for dentists, Matt's great grandma pulls a Brooklyn, and both are crazy about the new Dido album. Thanks to everyone who submitted a cozy topic and Jon Pernisek for the candle!

Rhys Bowen (@RhysBowen) calls in to discuss her Royal Spyness series, pen names, and respect for cozy mysteries. Despite the technical issues with this recording, Rhys' insights on researching and writing mysteries make it well worth the listen. Visit rhysbowen.com to learn about the many other wonderful series Rhys writes and to subscribe to her newsletter.

Greg Peterson (@gregorysven) of Browns Book Club (@brownsbookclub) gives Matt and Gillian tips for starting and maintaining a successful book club. Matt and Gillian love office parks, Greg and Gillian smash rocks, and everyone aspires to be the kind of person who remembers to pack a travel candle.

Ellen Byron (@EllenByronLA), author of the Cajun Country Mystery series, stops by to discuss the craft of mystery writing. Ellen explores how writing for television influences her mysteries, teaches Matt and Gillian the difference between pantsers and plotters, and reveals that Stormy Daniels is the perfect casting for one of her characters. Visit ellenbyron.com to learn more about her latest work and subscribe to her newsletter.

Love and drones are in the air as Matt and Gillian celebrate Valentine's Day by watching the Hallmark Channel Original Movie "Valentine in the Vineyard." Matt watches whales, Gillian watches whale tails, and both pitch an LGBTQ romantic comedy to Hallmark.

Gillian and Matt shuffle into 2019 to discuss Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Gillian has a dalliance with the wind, Matt overcomes his fear of Woodwick candles, and they both debut their new segment, "Soothing Sounds," with picks from Sharon Van Etten's 'Remind Me Tomorrow.'

Matt and Gillian look back at 2018 to recognize the year's coziest books, movies, TV shows, songs, and All Things Cozy listeners. Happy New Year!

Film critic and author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas, Alonso Duralde (@ADuralde), returns for a deep dive into what makes Hallmark Channel Christmas movies tick. We list our favorite Hallmark Channel Christmas movie tropes, drink Countdown to Christmas Tea, and wonder what it is exactly Lacey Chabert's character does for a living in Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe.

To get into the holiday spirit, Gillian and Matt read Joanne Fluke's Christmas Caramel Murder, a Hannah Swensen Mystery. Gillian appreciates Midwesterners, Matt is crazy about ceramic trees, and both agree there's something off about Canada.