Cozy Mysteries.

Wander through the mystery section of a bookstore, new or used, and you’ll notice a burgeoning section of what is affectionately referred to as cozy mysteries, those mysteries that provide a fun read after a long day. Great for a long soak, for sitting on the back deck with a glass of wine or a cup of tea, for the beach. They are fun, intelligent, and not particularly gory. A few happen in urban areas, but most are centered in small towns with detectives who are far more familiar with knitting, baking, or reading than criminology and police procedure–in short, your next door neighbors.

Cozy mysteries trace back to some of the best from the Golden Age of Mysteries: Agatha Christie (Miss Marple and Tommy and Tuppence), Dorothy L Sayers (Lord Peter Wimsey), and  Margery Allingham (Albert Campion).

For more information, explore the Cozy Mystery List (a great resource for the lovers of murders and light reads).

Cozy Writers on the Shelves:

A Dead Body in a Hot Tub:

This month’s writing contest only had a few days left, so grab a pen (or your computer keyboard) and start scribbling. Each month, we will pick a winner (who gets a free book of their choice) and we’ll publish the best of the best on the website.  Rules (such as they are): 1) The story must include the prompt (this month is a dead body in a hot tub); 2) Stories should be no longer than two pages (500 words); 3) Stories can be submitted in hard copy (drop it by the depot) or electronically (email: whistlestopbooks@gmail.com) by the  last day of each month. The next month’s prompt will be published on the the website and on the Whistle Stop Books Facebook page. The monthly contest is open to writers of all ages. Results of the previous month will be announced in the first Our “Weekly Reader” of the month, as well as on the website and on Facebook. Be sure to include your email address so we can send you your certificate good for a free book.

@the Depot: June 26-July 1, 2016

• June 26: Recipe and Produce Swap. Short on tomatoes but have an abundance of zucchini? Just in time for the 4th of July–trade recipes, gardening tips, and extra produce.
• June 28: Read Anything Good Lately?  Our weekly Tuesday Afternoon Book Chat. (Adults)
• June 29: Construct This–Paper Building Projects for Kids ages 9 and up. 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• June 30: Pick-a-Book — Reading, Art, and Storytelling Activities for kids ages 6 to 9. 1:00-3:00 p.m. (activities and stories vary per week).