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ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý~The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge Part II~

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý           

Rules: Pick a level, and read books that fall under these thirty-two (32) Mystery Sub-genres listed below. We’re giving you a little lee-way this round. To complete a level, you may exchange whatever number is indicated for that level [noted in brackets]. Do so by repeating your favorites from the following list or use some from Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge-Part I . If you are going for the highest level, you only have to complete 50 (not counting “Sherlock.�)

If you want to do this challenge concurrently with Part I, feel free to do so. (See Sherlock level below, too!)

As before, there is sure to be some overlap; you may use different books from the same series in more than one category. For example, Holiday in Death, by J.D. Robb - featuring NYPD Lieutenant Eve Dallas - falls under both “Female Detective� and “Holiday Mysteries� ...or even “Setting: Exotic Local� (if you don’t live in the U.S.). Therefore, if you enjoy the Albert Campion Series , by Margery Allingham, you could use The Crime at Black Dudley or Mystery Mile for “Setting - Isolated Local� and Look to the Lady for “Theft (art, jewelry, etc.)�. Or even use your exchange option, as the protagonist in that series works for the “Aristocratic Detective� sub-genre category in the Part I challenge.

Remember to check out GR’s listopia (see “how to� screen under spoiler). (view spoiler)[

(hide spoiler)]

Duration: You set the pace.

Levels:

Grifter - 5 book [exchange 1]
Gumshoe- 6-10 books [exchange 2]
Hard-boiled P.I. - 11-20 books [exchange 3]
Crime Scene Investigator - 21-30 books [exchange 4]
Lead Homicide Detective - Double it for each category! [exchange 5]
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý   (Yes, 50 books in all for LHD! You don’t need to do 64, unless you want to! )

SHERLOCK - 100 books total from Part I and Part II!

Again, you may continue this challenge from Part I to get to Sherlock and you may do both parts concurrently.

Note:
In 2015 we started this challenge, and we've now decided to start a new thread for the challenge to freshen it up a bit! You can find the old thread here

SUB-GENRES OF MYSTERY


� Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales: Completely chauvinistic of us to think that these only apply to male leads, but you get the idea. (Plus, the females will get their turn.) Think of authors Clive Cussler or James Rollins. GoodReads shelves have Adventure Action Mystery Novels.

� Blackmailed: We’re not talking about those Harlequin books were the heroine is romantically pressured. With these mysteries, it’s all about the money, money, money. Or is it? Try this link to a search.

� Chick-lit Mysteries: Mainly mysteries, but still concentrating on young working women and their emotional lives. GoodReads shelves has at least two: Chick-Lit Mystery Books and Popular Chick Lit Mysteries Books as places to start. There is also GR’s listopia Murder, Mystery Chick Lit. (Examples: Cat DeLuca Mysteries, by K.J. Larsen; The Spellmans, by Lisa Lutz.)

� Classic Whodunit: Although basically a synonym for mystery, the term “whodunit� is generally used to describe works such as many of the “traditional� or “classic� mysteries of the 1920’s and 30’s, which contain significant elements of a puzzle. Modern when it was published, it is therefore not a true Historical Mystery found in Part I of this challenge.. We’ll take anything published over 50 years ago. You’ll find some on listopia’s Classic Mysteries.

� Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes: Unsolved mysteries from the past are resurrected. has a nice list; has a bit of one.

� Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate: We’ve combined these, for obvious reasons, but feel free to use a book that involves one without the other. Try listopia’s Computers in Literature. Or search.

� Crafters/Hobbyist: There are variety of these for many different enthusiasts. (Examples: Embroidery Mysteries; Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries; Crochet Mysteries; Decoupage Mysteries; Glassblowing Mysteries; Craft Corner Mysteries; Do It Yourself Mysteries; Stamping Sisters Mysteries; Haunted Home-Renovation Mysteries; Threadville Mysteries.)

� Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.): Any lead protagonist whose main calling is working for God. (Examples: Sister Fidelma Mysteries, by Peter Tremayne; Father Koesler Series, by William X. Kienzle; Rabbi Small Mysteries, by Harry Kemelman; Sister Rose Callahan Series, by Deborah Woodworth. Also, has a listing, as does and

� Fantasy/Urban Fantasy: A mystery that contains rudiments that are not realistic, such as magical powers, talking animals, supernatural phenomena, etc. as a plot element, theme, or setting. GRs shelf Best Detective/Urban/Fantasy and Best Fantasy Mystery Detective.
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with Magical Realism below. Fantasy distinctly differs in that it creates new worlds where the presence of the supernatural is something to which special attention is drawn.

� Famous People: Both real and fictitious, these are more than mere walk-on parts. They are either the sleuth, the person requesting their services or hiring them, or even assisting them. So, Ladies of St. Jude's Abbey Series, by Jocelyn Kelley would work here because their missions are at the behest of the Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. So would the Nikki Heat Series, as its famous fictitious author, Richard Castle, writes these. Cozy-Mystery.com has a list entitled . (Examples: Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery Series, by Elliott Roosevelt; Rat Pack Mysteries, by Robert J. Randisi; The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries, by Gyles Brandreth.)

� Female Detective: Be she a P.I., a policewoman, or amateur sleuth, she carries double X chromosomes and uses them to their full potential. Check out listopia’s Fearless Females. (Examples: Kinsey Millhone Series, by Sue Grafton; V.I. Warshawski Series, by Sara Paretsky; Carlotta Carlyle Mysteries, by Linda Barnes.)

SUB-GENRES OF MYSTERY continued...


� Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries: Protagonist owns a pet of some kind - be it a cat, a dog, or a bird, etc. - that plays a MAJOR role in helping them solve the mystery. has a listing. (Examples: Cat Who Series, by Lilian Jackson Braun; Joe Grey Series, by Shirley Rousseau Murphy; Chet & Bernie Mysteries, by Spencer Quinn; Bookmobile Cat Mysteries, by Laurie Cass.)

� Holiday Mysteries: Setting is during one of the major holidays [Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, St. Patirick’s, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.]. Your favorite series surely has one of these! (Examples may be found on listopia’s Fun Holiday-Themed Mysteries. Also, has a nice listing by holiday.)

� Horror/Splatterpunk: As far as Horror, try Best Horror Novels; you might find some on Horror Heroes on listopia. Splatterpunk is defined as “a literary genre characterized by the explicit description of horrific, violent, and often pornographic scenes.� You all are going to have to find your own for this one. Ugh.

â€� “Howdunitâ€� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted: The identity of the killer and their motive are revealed early in the story. The main focus is the means by which the detective or investigator catches them. Some by author Ellery Queen and others of the Lord Peter Wimsey Novels, by Dorothy L. Sayers were done this way. Also, think, “What would Columbo »å´Ç?â€�
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with Locked Room. Differs from Locked Room in knowing who the killer is from the beginning, and it may not necessarily involve a locked room or escape.

� “I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade: Someone very close to the protagonist has been masquerading as someone else for years, or has a hidden past that suddenly comes into play in the mystery. These might be harder to find, as I can’t find a list other than GoodRead’s Family Secrets shelf, but The Husband's Secret, by Liane Moriarty, Family Tree Genealogy Mystery Series, by Patricia Sprinkle, and Die for You, by Lisa Unger certainly work.

� Locked Room/Puzzle: Careful observation and extraordinary logic reveal the means of a seemingly impossible crime or escape. The Murders in the Rue Morgue, by Edgar Allan Poe started it all. (Example: Mystery Writers of America Presents The Mystery Box, edited by Brad Meltzer.)
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with “Howdunit.� Differs from “Howdunit� in that the focus is on the impossible feat, and the culprit may not be known.

� Magical Realism: Magical Realism specifically with a mystery, not just the mystery of where the magic is coming from. Check out those listed on listopia: Mystery & Magical Realism Shelf.
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with Fantasy. Remember, Magical Realism and Fantasy are different. Most Fantasy distinctly differs in that it creates new worlds where the presence of the supernatural is something to which special attention is drawn, whereas for Magical Realism writers, the presence of the supernatural is accepted in the ordinary. [From .]

� Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag: Catch-all category, or for those which have too many overlapping categories to count. Or you found something we haven’t covered.

� Pastische: This is a technique where an author imitates another author’s style (and/or characters), in a respectful way. The Italian Secretary by Caleb Carr is a Pastische; here is an imitation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s style and character, Sherlock Holmes. Or one such as Joan Hess’s book Mummy Dearest, which pays homage to Elizabeth Peters’s book The Mummy Case. (GRs shelf Pastiche Mysteries.)

� Serial Killer: Why are we fascinated by man’s inhumanity to man? Does it matter? The hunt is on! listopia has Best Serial Killer Books and I Like Serial Killers.

SUB-GENRES OF MYSTERY continued...


� Setting - Exotic Local: Protagonist is often on vacation to a foreign country. Cozy-Mystery.com has quite a listing, breaking it down alphabetically by author: ; ; ; ; and . They also have . There is also listopia’s Death in a Warm Climate.

� Setting - Isolated Local: Such as a private island, cabin-in-the-woods, or other deserted setting. Protagonist(s) is left (relatively) alone with murderer and/or suspects. They are somehow unable to communicate with authorities for assistance, or help can’t get to them soon. Fittingly, you’re on your on here as far a listing.

� Setting - Southern U.S.: With all its charm and hospitality, they explore issues of family and community and usually don’t shy away from sensitive racial issues. listopia has Best Southern Mysteries.

� Setting - Third World: Characters are drawn entirely from those (often unfamiliar) cultures. (Examples would be No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series, by Alexander McCall Smith; Inspector Ghote Series, by H.R.F. Keating; Darko Dawson Series, by Kwei Quartey.)

� Setting - Quaint English Village: It is all about the ambiance of this charming local. St. Mary Mead - and its resident Miss Marple - is probably best known, but there are many others. Belinda Bauer often uses this setting. has a listing. (Examples: Aunt Dimity Mysteries, by Nancy Atherton; Agatha Raisin Series, by M.C. Beaton, although, Agatha does travel.)

� Soft-boiled: A contrast to the realism and cynicism of the Hard-boiled or Noir, these are tempered with optimism, and light humor, but not quite as slapstick as Caper. Authors such as Martha Grimes, Joan Hess, and Sharyn McCrumb have books that fall into this category. (Examples: Lawrence Block’s Bernie Rhodenbarr ("Burglar") Series; Lola Cruz Mysteries, by Misa Ramirez.)

� Spy/Espionage: You asked for it, here it is. Just a good, old-fashioned spy mystery. There is listopia’s Best Spy Novels for a starting reference list.

� Steampunk: Just add “mystery� to the Steampunk definition: A subgenre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or quasi-Victorian alternate history setting. It could be described by the slogan “What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner.� It includes fiction with science fiction, fantasy or horror themes. Although usually set in Victorian England, we’ll also take Western Steampunk and Medieval Steampunk. (Examples: Steampunk Victorian Mystery Shelf.)

� Theft (art, jewelry, etc.): Major theft or heist of some kind. A few on listopia: Great Books About Heists-Fiction, and True Crime, Lost, Stolen, or Conned.

� True Crime: Non-fiction. Check out Best True Crime and True Crime on listopia.

� Young Adult: Youthful protagonist. Check out Best YA Spy Mystery and YA Children Mystery & Horror on listopia. (Example: Flavia de Luce Series, by Alan Bradley.)

Reading Challenges ~ Emerald Coin

Earn your Emerald Coins with Reading Challenges joined on or after April 1, 2016.

To Earn an Emerald Coin:
One Coin upon reaching Crime Scene Investigator Level


Learn about Gem coins here

Participants:
Agnieszka
Alabama
Ashley M

Brooke

☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎

Jenny

Lara
Linda C

Plethora

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Viji

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These are fun too! I'm in for this one as well. I'll read as many as possible.

Start: July 1, 2017
Read: 17/32

Action & Adventure A Clean Kill in Tokyo 7/13
Blackmailed Wait Until Midnight 7/8
Chick-lit Mysteries Jed Had to Die 7/8
Classic Whodunit The Body in the Library 7/13
Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes
Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate
Crafters/Hobbyist
Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.)
Fantasy/Urban Fantasy The Paladin Caper 8/26
Famous People
Female Detective
Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
Holiday Mysteries
Horror/Splatterpunk
“Howdunit� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted
“I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade Mischief 7/10
Locked Room/Puzzle The Heiress of Linn Hagh 7/7
Magical Realism The Peach Keeper 7/6
Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag
Pastische Jackaby 7/18
Serial Killer The Mystery Woman 8/2
Setting - Exotic Local The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax 8/18
Setting - Isolated Local Bed, Breakfast and Bones 7/15
Setting - Southern U.S.
Setting - Third World
Setting - Quaint English Village In The Market For Murder 7/9
Soft-boiled
Spy/Espionage Agnes and the Hitman 7/14
Steampunk
Theft (art, jewelry, etc.) Summer in Eclipse Bay 7/22
True Crime The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession 7/9
Young Adult Six of Crows 8/21

Sleuthing About Part II
July 01, 2017 - open ended

Completed 0/32
All In: 0/64

Part I & II Completed: 0/114

Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales
Blackmailed
Chick-lit Mysteries
Classic Whodunit
Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes
Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate
Crafters/Hobbyist
Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.)
Fantasy/Urban Fantasy
Famous People
Female Detective
Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
Holiday Mysteries
Horror/Splatterpunk
“Howdunit� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted
“I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade
Locked Room/Puzzle
Magical Realism
Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag
Pastische
Serial Killer
Setting - Exotic Local
Setting - Isolated Local
Setting - Southern U.S.
Setting - Third World
Setting - Quaint English Village
Soft-boiled
Spy/Espionage
Steampunk
Theft (art, jewelry, etc.)
True Crime
Young Adult

Sleuthing About Part II
July 1, 2017 - ??
Sherlock: 100 books total from Parts I and II
Progress: 32/64

Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales
*The Deep read 8/14, 4 stars
*
Blackmailed
*
*
Chick-lit Mysteries
*Turbo Twenty-Three read 8/4
*Cherry Cheesecake Murder read 9/7
Classic Whodunit
* The Mysterious Affair at Styles read 8/5
*The Roman Hat Mystery read 8/1
Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes
*Carved in Stone read 8/14
*Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore read 1/6/18
Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate
*
*
Crafters/Hobbyist
*
*
Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.)
*Friday the Rabbi Slept Late read 10/23, 4 stars
*
Fantasy/Urban Fantasy
*Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story read 10/19, 4 stars
*
Famous People
*
*
Female Detective
*Hiss and Hers with Agatha Raisin, read 9/8, 5 stars
*U Is for Undertow with Kinsey Millhone, read 10/15, 3 stars
Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
*Death of a Perfect Wife read 8/28, 4 stars
*The Cat Who Said Cheese read 11/26, 5 stars
Holiday Mysteries
*Sugar Cookie Murder read 9/20, 4 stars
*Kissing Christmas Goodbye read 12/12, 4 stars
Horror/Splatterpunk
*The Exorcist read 9/4, 5 stars
*Mr. Mercedes read 10/14, 5 stars
“Howdunit� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted
*
*
“I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade
*Murder U read 7/27
*Blood and Bone read 10/15
Locked Room/Puzzle
*
*
Magical Realism
*
*
Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag
*Still Kicking 10/7, 4 stars
*
Pastische
*
*
Serial Killer
*Joyland 1/8, 5 stars
*The Cold Moon 1/8, 3 stars
Setting - Exotic Local
*Maui Widow Waltz set in Hawaii - read 10/20, 4 stars
*
Setting - Isolated Local
*
*
Setting - Southern U.S.
*Southern Spirits read 7/8, set in TN
*Death On Demand read 10/19, set in SC
Setting - Third World
*Crocodile on the Sandbank read 9/15, set in Egypt
*
Setting - Quaint English Village
*The Moving Finger read 10/21, St. Mary Mead
*The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie read 11/29
Soft-boiled
*
*
Spy/Espionage
*Max and Mrs. Stroud read 8/12, 3 stars
*From Russia With Love read 12/21, 3 stars
Steampunk
*
*
Theft (art, jewelry, etc.)
*The Christmas Mystery read 12/4, 3 stars
*
True Crime
*True Crime Stories Volume 4: 12 Shocking True Crime Murder Cases read 8/15, 3 stars
*
Young Adult
*The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time read 10/6, 5 stars
*

Lead Homicide Detective - Double it for each category!
July 1, 2017 - ??

Progress: 32/32 First 16 categories

Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales
� Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5) � Ilona Andrews (5 stars) 3/20 18
� Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5) � Ilona Andrews (5 stars) 3/23/18
Blackmailed
� Wreck the Halls (Home Repair is Homicide, #5) � Sarah Graves ( 4 stars) 11/28/17
� Ace of Hearts (House of Cards, #1) � Barbara Metzger (4 stars) 1/5/18
Chick-lit Mysteries
� A Gift to Remember � Melissa Hill (3 stars) 12/29/17
� Something About You (FBI/U.S.Attorney, #1) � Julie James (4 stars) 3/27/18
Classic Whodunit
� The Daughter of Time (Inspector Alan Grant, #5) � Josephine Tey (5 stars) 10/18/18
� The Murder of Roger Ackroyd � Agatha Christie (4 stars) 8/29/19
Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes
� A Second Helping of Murder (A Comfort Food Mystery, #2) � Christine Wenger (3 stars) 8/31/18
� Jane's Warlord (Warlord, #1) � Angela Knight (3 stars) 10/14/18
Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate
� Cream Puff Murder (Seagrass Sweets Mystery, #1) - Sandi Scott (4 stars) 2/21/18
� Madeleine Murder (Seagrass Sweets Mystery, #3) - Sandi Scott (3 stars) 2/26/18
Crafters/Hobbyist
� The Quick and the Thread (An Embroidery Mystery, #1) � Amanda Lee (3 stars) 9/4/18
� Bossa Novas, Bikinis, and Bad Ends (a Happy Hoofers Mystery, #4) � Mary McHugh (2 stars) 5/25/19
Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.)
� The Lost Book of the Grail � Charlie Lovett (4 stars) 1/18/19
� A Morbid Taste for Bones (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #1) � Ellis Peters (4 stars) 4/8/20
Fantasy/Urban Fantasy
� Her Perfect Mate (X-Ops, #1) � Paige Tyler (5 stars) 7/26/17
� Frost Line � Linda Howard & Linda Jones (3 stars) 10/25/17
Famous People
� Delicious! - Ruth Reichl (4 stars) 5/15/19 - mystery involves a series of letters written to James Beard
� Captain Alatriste (The Adventures of Captain Alatriste, #1) � Arturo Perez-Reverte (4 stars) 10/23/19 - Alatriste saves Charles I of England, several real poets and artists
Female Detective
� Covert Pursuit � Terri Reed (3 stars) 7/22/18
� B is for Burglar (Kinsey Millhone, #2) � Sue Grafton (4 stars) 1/31/20
Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
� The Silence of the Library (Cat in the Stacks, #5) � Miranda James (3 stars) 8/2/17
� Bless Her Dead Little Heart (Southern Ladies Mystery, #1) � Miranda James (3 stars) 11/18/17 - Cat
Holiday Mysteries
� Vampires, Bones and Treacle Scones ( A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery, #7) � Kaitlyn Dunnett (3 stars) 10/21/17 [288] Halloween
� If the Shoe Kills (A Tourist Trap Mystery, #3) � Lynn Cahoon (3 stars) 11/21/17 Thanksgiving
Horror/Splatterpunk
� The Water Wolf � Thomas Sullivan (3 stars) 3/25/18
� Shade � Kelly Anne Blount (2 stars) 11/15/18
“Howdunit� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted
� Everything I Never Told You � Celeste Ng (4 stars) 4/16/18
� Where the Crawdads Sing � Delia Owens (5 stars) 9/11/19
“I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade
� Pumpkins in Paradise (TJ Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery, #1) - Kathi Daley (4 stars) 2/24/18
� Missing You (Lonesome Lawmen, #3) � Pauline Baird Jones (5 stars) 3/28/18

Lead Homicide Detective - Double it for each category!
July 1, 2017 - ??

Progress: 32/32 Second 16 categories

Locked Room/Puzzle
� And Then There Were None � Agatha Christie (5 stars) 10/27/17
� A Catered Thanksgiving (A Mystery with Recipes, #7) � Isis Crawford (2 stars) 11/25/18
Magical Realism
� My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry � Fredrick Backman (4 stars) 3/15/18
� Turtle Moon � Alice Hoffman (4 stars) 6/5/18
Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag
� Dark Aura (Carla Day, #3) � Diana O'Hehir (1 star) 4/6/18
� Dark Rapture � Logan Fox (3 stars) 2/16/19
Pastische
� A Study in Scarlet Women (Lady Sherlock, #1) � Sherry Thomas (4 stars) 8/7/19 - a lady Sherlock Holmes
� A Conspiracy in Belgravia (Lady Sherlock, #2) � Sherry Thomas (4 stars) 8/21/19 - a lady Sherlock Holmes
Serial Killer
� Herald of Death (A Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery, #19) � Kate Kingsbury (4 stars) 12/21/17
� Fair Game (Alpha & Omega, #3) � Patricia Briggs (4 stars) 7/21/18
Setting - Exotic Local
� The Scribe (Irin Chronicles, #1) � Elizabeth Hunter (2 stars) 9/24/19 - Istanbul, Turkey
� Blood Jungle Ballet (Jungle Beat, #4) � John Enright (4 stars) 12/15/19 - American Samoa
Setting - Isolated Local
� Targeted for Murder (Wilderness, Inc., #1) � Elizabeth Goddard (4 stars) 8/29/18
� Nerd in Shining Armor (Nerd, #1) � Vicki Lewis Thompson (4 stars) 9/21/19
Setting - Southern U.S. -
� Rogues & Rascals In Goose Pimple Junction (Goose Pimple Junction, #4) � Amy Metz (3 stars) 7/1/17 TN
� Charms and Chocolate Chips (A Magical Bakery mystery, #3) � Bailey Cates (3 stars) 7/9/17 GA
Setting - Third World
� Blue Shoes and Happiness (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, 7) � Alexander McCall Smith (4 stars) 4/3/18 - Botswana
� Before We Were Free � Julia Alvarez (4 stars) 12/18/19 - Dominican Republic
Setting - Quaint English Village - Carsely in Cotswolds, England
� Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death (Agatha Raisin, #7) � M. C. Beaton (2 stars) 7/4/17
� Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham (Agatha Raisin, #8) � (3 stars) 7/6/17
Soft-boiled
�Pursuit (Jessica Ford, #1) � Karen Robards (3 stars) 3/31/18
� Seeing Red � Sandra Brown (4 stars) 12/6/18
Spy/Espionage
� House of Scandal � Jeanne Savery (3 stars) 2/22/18
� The Alice Network � Kate Quinn (5 stars) 6/23/18
Steampunk
� Curtsies & Conspiracies (Finishing School, #2) � Gail Carriger (4 stars) 7/4/18
� Waistcoats & Weaponry (Finishing School, #3) � Gail Carriger (4 stars) 8/22/18
Theft (art, jewelry, etc.)
�Tailspin (Mountain Cove, #5) � Elizabeth Goddard (3 stars) 9/16/17 - thumb drive with evidence
� Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam (Agatha Raisin, #10) � M. C. Beaton (3 stars) 11/24/17 - Stubbs painting
True Crime
� The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After � Clemantine Wamariya & Elizabeth Weil (4 stars) 11/13/18
� Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI � David Grann (4 stars) 4/11/19
Young Adult
� Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy, #1) � Kiersten White (3 stars) 8/29/17
� Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1) � Gail Carriger (5 stars) 9/19/17

Sleuthing About Part II
July 01, 2017 - open ended

Completed 0/32
All In: 0/64

Part I & II Completed: 0/114

Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales
Blackmailed
Chick-lit Mysteries
Classic Whodunit
Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes
Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate
Crafters/Hobbyist
Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.)
Fantasy/Urban Fantasy
Famous People
Female Detective
Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
Holiday Mysteries
Horror/Splatterpunk
“Howdunit� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted
“I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade
Locked Room/Puzzle
Magical Realism
Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag
Pastische
Serial Killer
Setting - Exotic Local
Setting - Isolated Local
Setting - Southern U.S.
Setting - Third World
Setting - Quaint English Village
Soft-boiled
Spy/Espionage
Steampunk
Theft (art, jewelry, etc.)
True Crime
Young Adult

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge Part II
07/07/2017 - ?
SHERLOCK - 100 books total from Part I and Part II

Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales
Blackmailed
Chick-lit Mysteries
Classic Whodunit
Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes
Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate
Crafters/Hobbyist
Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.)
Fantasy/Urban Fantasy
Famous People
Female Detective
Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
Holiday Mysteries
Horror/Splatterpunk
“Howdunit� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted
“I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade
Locked Room/Puzzle
Magical Realism
Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag
Pastische
Serial Killer
Setting - Exotic Local
Setting - Isolated Local
Setting - Southern U.S.
Setting - Third World
Setting - Quaint English Village
Soft-boiled
Spy/Espionage
Steampunk
Theft (art, jewelry, etc.)
True Crime
Young Adult

Sleuthing About Part II
July 01, 2017 - open ended

Completed 0/32
All In: 0/64

Part I & II Completed: 0/114

Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales
Blackmailed
Chick-lit Mysteries
Classic Whodunit
Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes
Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate
Crafters/Hobbyist
Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.)
Fantasy/Urban Fantasy
Famous People
Female Detective
Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
Holiday Mysteries
Horror/Splatterpunk
“Howdunit� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted
“I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade
Locked Room/Puzzle
Magical Realism
Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag
Pastische
Serial Killer
Setting - Exotic Local
Setting - Isolated Local
Setting - Southern U.S.
Setting - Third World
Setting - Quaint English Village
Soft-boiled
Spy/Espionage
Steampunk
Theft (art, jewelry, etc.)
True Crime
Young Adult

Welcome to the challenge everybody!!

I've linked all of your challenge posts at the top of the thread.

Enjoy!

Moderators of NBRC wrote: "Welcome to the challenge everybody!!

I've linked all of your challenge posts at the top of the thread.

Enjoy!"

Thanks!

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge - PART II
Open
Level: Crime Scene Investigator - 21-30 books [exchange 4]
Progress: 0/21

SUB-GENRES OF MYSTERY


� Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales: Completely chauvinistic of us to think that these only apply to male leads, but you get the idea. (Plus, the females will get their turn.) Think of authors Clive Cussler or James Rollins. GoodReads shelves have Adventure Action Mystery Novels.

� Blackmailed: We’re not talking about those Harlequin books were the heroine is romantically pressured. With these mysteries, it’s all about the money, money, money. Or is it? Try this link to a Barnes & Nobel search.

� Chick-lit Mysteries: Mainly mysteries, but still concentrating on young working women and their emotional lives. GoodReads shelves has at least two: Chick-Lit Mystery Books and Popular Chick Lit Mysteries Books as places to start. There is also GR’s listopia Murder, Mystery Chick Lit. (Examples: Cat DeLuca Mysteries, by K.J. Larsen; The Spellmans, by Lisa Lutz.)

� Classic Whodunit: Although basically a synonym for mystery, the term “whodunit� is generally used to describe works such as many of the “traditional� or “classic� mysteries of the 1920’s and 30’s, which contain significant elements of a puzzle. Modern when it was published, it is therefore not a true Historical Mystery found in Part I of this challenge.. We’ll take anything published over 50 years ago. You’ll find some on listopia’s Classic Mysteries.

� Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes: Unsolved mysteries from the past are resurrected. Overbooked.org has a nice list; Barnes & Nobel has a bit of one.

� Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate: We’ve combined these, for obvious reasons, but feel free to use a book that involves one without the other. Try listopia’s Computers in Literature. Or Barnes & Noble Industrial Espionage search.

� Crafters/Hobbyist: There are variety of these for many different enthusiasts. (Examples: Embroidery Mysteries; Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries; Crochet Mysteries; Decoupage Mysteries; Glassblowing Mysteries; Craft Corner Mysteries; Do It Yourself Mysteries; Stamping Sisters Mysteries; Haunted Home-Renovation Mysteries; Threadville Mysteries.)

� Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.): Any lead protagonist whose main calling is working for God. (Examples: Sister Fidelma Mysteries, by Peter Tremayne; Father Koesler Series, by William X. Kienzle; Rabbi Small Mysteries, by Harry Kemelman; Sister Rose Callahan Series, by Deborah Woodworth. Also, WakefieldLibrary.org has a listing, as does Detecs.org and Cozy-Mystery.com.)

� Fantasy/Urban Fantasy: A mystery that contains rudiments that are not realistic, such as magical powers, talking animals, supernatural phenomena, etc. as a plot element, theme, or setting. GRs shelf Best Detective/Urban/Fantasy and Best Fantasy Mystery Detective.
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with Magical Realism below. Fantasy distinctly differs in that it creates new worlds where the presence of the supernatural is something to which special attention is drawn.

� Famous People: Both real and fictitious, these are more than mere walk-on parts. They are either the sleuth, the person requesting their services or hiring them, or even assisting them. So, Ladies of St. Jude's Abbey Series, by Jocelyn Kelley would work here because their missions are at the behest of the Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. So would the Nikki Heat Series, as its famous fictitious author, Richard Castle, writes these. Cozy-Mystery.com has a list entitled Real People as Characters in Mystery Books. (Examples: Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery Series, by Elliott Roosevelt; Rat Pack Mysteries, by Robert J. Randisi; The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries, by Gyles Brandreth.)

� Female Detective: Be she a P.I., a policewoman, or amateur sleuth, she carries double X chromosomes and uses them to their full potential. Check out listopia’s Fearless Females. (Examples: Kinsey Millhone Series, by Sue Grafton; V.I. Warshawski Series, by Sara Paretsky; Carlotta Carlyle Mysteries, by Linda Barnes.)

� Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries: Protagonist owns a pet of some kind - be it a cat, a dog, or a bird, etc. - that plays a MAJOR role in helping them solve the mystery. Cozy-Mystery.com has a listing. (Examples: Cat Who Series, by Lilian Jackson Braun; Joe Grey Series, by Shirley Rousseau Murphy; Chet & Bernie Mysteries, by Spencer Quinn; Bookmobile Cat Mysteries, by Laurie Cass.)

� Holiday Mysteries: Setting is during one of the major holidays [Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, St. Patirick’s, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.]. Your favorite series surely has one of these! (Examples may be found on listopia’s Fun Holiday-Themed Mysteries. Also, Cozy-Mystery.com has a nice listing by holiday.)

� Horror/Splatterpunk: As far as Horror, try Best Horror Novels; you might find some on Horror Heroes on listopia. Splatterpunk is defined as “a literary genre characterized by the explicit description of horrific, violent, and often pornographic scenes.� You all are going to have to find your own for this one. Ugh.

â€� “Howdunitâ€� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted: The identity of the killer and their motive are revealed early in the story. The main focus is the means by which the detective or investigator catches them. Some by author Ellery Queen and others of the Lord Peter Wimsey Novels, by Dorothy L. Sayers were done this way. Also, think, “What would Columbo »å´Ç?â€�
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with Locked Room. Differs from Locked Room in knowing who the killer is from the beginning, and it may not necessarily involve a locked room or escape.

� “I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade: Someone very close to the protagonist has been masquerading as someone else for years, or has a hidden past that suddenly comes into play in the mystery. These might be harder to find, as I can’t find a list other than GoodRead’s Family Secrets shelf, but The Husband's Secret, by Liane Moriarty, Family Tree Genealogy Mystery Series, by Patricia Sprinkle, and Die for You, by Lisa Unger certainly work.

� Locked Room/Puzzle: Careful observation and extraordinary logic reveal the means of a seemingly impossible crime or escape. The Murders in the Rue Morgue, by Edgar Allan Poe started it all. (Example: Mystery Writers of America Presents The Mystery Box, edited by Brad Meltzer.)
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with “Howdunit.� Differs from “Howdunit� in that the focus is on the impossible feat, and the culprit may not be known.

� Magical Realism: Magical Realism specifically with a mystery, not just the mystery of where the magic is coming from. Check out those listed on listopia: Mystery & Magical Realism Shelf.
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with Fantasy. Remember, Magical Realism and Fantasy are different. Most Fantasy distinctly differs in that it creates new worlds where the presence of the supernatural is something to which special attention is drawn, whereas for Magical Realism writers, the presence of the supernatural is accepted in the ordinary. [From RoadSigns.org.]

� Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag: Catch-all category, or for those which have too many overlapping categories to count. Or you found something we haven’t covered.

� Pastische: This is a technique where an author imitates another author’s style (and/or characters), in a respectful way. The Italian Secretary by Caleb Carr is a Pastische; here is an imitation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s style and character, Sherlock Holmes. Or one such as Joan Hess’s book Mummy Dearest, which pays homage to Elizabeth Peters’s book The Mummy Case. (GRs shelf Pastiche Mysteries.)

� Serial Killer: Why are we fascinated by man’s inhumanity to man? Does it matter? The hunt is on! listopia has Best Serial Killer Books and I Like Serial Killers.

� Setting - Exotic Local: Protagonist is often on vacation to a foreign country. Cozy-Mystery.com has quite a listing, breaking it down alphabetically by author: A-B; C-D; F-H; K-R; and S-W. They also have Mystery books that take place on cruise ships. There is also listopia’s Death in a Warm Climate.

� Setting - Isolated Local: Such as a private island, cabin-in-the-woods, or other deserted setting. Protagonist(s) is left (relatively) alone with murderer and/or suspects. They are somehow unable to communicate with authorities for assistance, or help can’t get to them soon. Fittingly, you’re on your on here as far a listing.

� Setting - Southern U.S.: With all its charm and hospitality, they explore issues of family and community and usually don’t shy away from sensitive racial issues. listopia has Best Southern Mysteries.

� Setting - Third World: Characters are drawn entirely from those (often unfamiliar) cultures. (Examples would be No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series, by Alexander McCall Smith; Inspector Ghote Series, by H.R.F. Keating; Darko Dawson Series, by Kwei Quartey.)

� Setting - Quaint English Village: It is all about the ambiance of this charming local. St. Mary Mead - and its resident Miss Marple - is probably best known, but there are many others. Belinda Bauer often uses this setting. ReginaLibrary.ca has a listing. (Examples: Aunt Dimity Mysteries, by Nancy Atherton; Agatha Raisin Series, by M.C. Beaton, although, Agatha does travel.)

� Soft-boiled: A contrast to the realism and cynicism of the Hard-boiled or Noir, these are tempered with optimism, and light humor, but not quite as slapstick as Caper. Authors such as Martha Grimes, Joan Hess, and Sharyn McCrumb have books that fall into this category. (Examples: Lawrence Block’s Bernie Rhodenbarr ("Burglar") Series; Lola Cruz Mysteries, by Misa Ramirez.)

� Spy/Espionage: You asked for it, here it is. Just a good, old-fashioned spy mystery. There is listopia’s Best Spy Novels for a starting reference list.

� Steampunk: Just add “mystery� to the Steampunk definition: A subgenre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or quasi-Victorian alternate history setting. It could be described by the slogan “What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner.� It includes fiction with science fiction, fantasy or horror themes. Although usually set in Victorian England, we’ll also take Western Steampunk and Medieval Steampunk. (Examples: Steampunk Victorian Mystery Shelf.)

� Theft (art, jewelry, etc.): Major theft or heist of some kind. A few on listopia: Great Books About Heists-Fiction, and True Crime, Lost, Stolen, or Conned.

� True Crime: Non-fiction. Check out Best True Crime and True Crime on listopia.

� Young Adult: Youthful protagonist. Check out Best YA Spy Mystery and YA Children Mystery & Horror on listopia. (Example: Flavia de Luce Series, by Alan Bradley.)

Welcome Ashley M!

I'm in I love my Mystries & Suspense :-)

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge Part II
Start Date: 1/1/18
Level: SHERLOCK
Completed Part II: 0/50+
Complted Part I+II: 0/100+

Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales
Blackmailed
Chick-lit Mysteries
Classic Whodunit
Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes
Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate
Crafters/Hobbyist
Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.)
Fantasy/Urban Fantasy
Famous People
Female Detective
Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
Holiday Mysteries
Horror/Splatterpunk
“Howdunit� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted
“I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade
Locked Room/Puzzle
Magical Realism
Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag
Pastische
Serial Killer
Setting - Exotic Local
Setting - Isolated Local
Setting - Southern U.S.
Setting - Third World
Setting - Quaint English Village
Soft-boiled
Spy/Espionage
Steampunk
Theft (art, jewelry, etc.)
True Crime
Young Adult

Welcome Agnieszka! All linked up at the top of the page

I'm In

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge Part II
Start Date: 20/04/19
Level: Crime Scene Investigator - 21-30 books
Progress: 27 - Completed!

Action & Adventure � You're Next
Chick-lit Mysteries The Middle of Somewhere
Classic Whodunit The Hunting Party
Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes Try Not to Breathe
Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate The Intrusions
Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist Big Machine
Fantasy/Urban Fantasy White Night
Famous People The Silent Patient
Female Detective Salt Lane
Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries Not a Sound
Holiday Mysteries Some Kind of Fairy Tale
Horror/Splatterpunk Chills
“I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade He Said/She Said
Locked Room/Puzzle The Last
Magical Realism The Enchanted
Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag The Beautiful Dead
Pastische An Unwanted Guest
Serial Killer The Puppet Show
Setting - Exotic Local Into the Jungle
Setting - Isolated Local The Marsh King's Daughter
Setting - Southern U.S. Now You See Me
Setting - Quaint English Village The Ghost Fields
Soft-boiledThe Long Way Home
Spy/Espionage All Fun and Games Until Somebody Loses an Eye
Theft (art, jewelry, etc.) Cobra
True Crime Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
Young Adult One of Us Is Lying

Welcome Alabama!

Part II, May 1, 2019 to ?
Part 1 is finished with 77 books.
50/50 here

Crafters/Hobbyist
1. A Patchwork of Clues Sally Goldenbaum 6/15/19
2. Last Wool and Testament Molly MacRae 6/20/19
3. A Crafter Hooks a Killer Holly Quinn 7/7/19
4. Knit One, Kill Two Maggie Sefton 7/19/19
5. The Quick and the Thread Amanda Lee 7/24/19
6. Murder's No Votive Confidence Christin Brecher 8/26/19
7. Yarn to Go Betty Hechtman 9/30/19
8. A Murderous Tangle Sally Goldenbaum 11/23/19
9. Masking for Trouble Diane Vallere 10/20/19
10. Hounds of the Basket Stitch Anne Canadeo 10/6/19


Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist

Famous People
1. (fictional famous singer is the grandmother, Charlene) Deadly Ride Nic Saint 8/19/19

Fantasy (magical powers, talking animals)
1. Death and Doubloons Nola Robertson 10/12/19
2. The Perfect Brew Jo-Ann Carson 11/14/19
3. Potions Are for Pushovers Tamara Berry 11/30/19

Female Detective
1. Fixin' To Die Tonya Kappes 5/8/19
2. Crime & Punctuation Kaitlyn Dunnett 6/25/19
3. Dial C For Chihuahua Waverly Curtis 7/18/19
4. Death of a Country Fried Redneck Lee Hollis 8/12/19
5. Murder by Fireworks Susan Bernhardt 7/30/19
6. Murder in the Secret Garden Ellery Adams 8/15/19
7. And Then They Were Doomed: A Little Library Mystery Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli 8/16/19
8. By Cook or by Crook Maya Corrigan 8/17/19
9. Jealousy Filled Donuts Ginger Bolton 8/20/19
10. Desolate Shores Daryl Wood Gerber 8/22/19
11. And Then There Were Crumbs Eve Calder 8/23/19

Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
1. Panic at the Pier Mel McCoy 6/19/19, 262 pages
2, BLIND SIGHT Tanya R. Taylor 8/2/19
3. By Book or By Crook Eva Gates 8/25/19
4. Bark If It’s Murder V.M. Burns 8/28/19
5. Hounds of the Basket Stitch Anne Canadeo 10/6/19
6. Murder, She Meowed Rita Mae Brown 11/7/19

Holiday Mysteries
1. Haunted House Murder Leslie Meier 8/30/19
2. Halloween Hijinks Kathi Daley 10/1/19
3. Apple Cider Slaying Julie Anne Lindsey 11/7/19 (not tagged Christmas or Holiday but at the time I read it, it was very new--it does take place during the Christmas and pre-Christmas season)
4. Christmas Cow Bells Mollie Cox Bryan 9/17/19
5. Christmas Cocoa Murder Carlene O'Connor 9/20/19
6. Fudge Bites Nancy CoCo 9/21/19 (Halloween)
7. Tide and Punishment Bree Baker 9/23/19 (Christmas)
8. The Trouble with Turkeys Kathi Daley 10/14/19 (Thanksgiving)
9. Christmas Crazy Kathi Daley 10/17/19
10. Jam Up and Jelly Fright Donna Walo Clancy 10/18/19 (Halloween)
11. Masking for Trouble Diane Vallere 10/20/19 (Halloween)
12. Christmas Sweets Joanne Fluke 10/31/19
13. Murder Under the Tree Susan Bernhardt 12/4/19
14. Mistletoe Murder Karen MacInerney 12/6/19

Magical Realism
1. A Potion to Die For Heather Blake 10/4/19

Setting - Exotic Local (cruise ship, foreign country)
1. Murder In Galway Carlene O'Connor 5/10/19 (Ireland)
2. Died in the Wool Melinda Mullet 6/21/19 (Scotland)
3. Posted To Death Dean A. James 6/26/19 (England)
4. Pride, Prejudice and Poison Elizabeth Blake 8/27/19 (England)
5. Murder at Hartigan House Lee Strauss 10/3/19--UK
6. Last Gasp Karen Chester 10/22/19 (Australian coast)

Setting - Isolated Local
Setting - Southern U.S.
1. Read on Arrival Nora Page 5/28/19 (Georgia)
2. Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder Tonya Kappes 8/18/19 (Kentucky)
3. Two Bites Too Many Debra H. Goldstein 9/24/19 (Alabama)
4. Read and Buried Eva Gates 10/7/19 (N. Carolina)
5. A Case of Murder by Monte Carlo: Texas General Cozy Cases of Mystery, Book 1 Becki Willis 10/16/19 (Texas)
6. Stamped Out Tonya Kappes 11/13/19 (Kentucky)

Welcome Tari!

Nothing But Reading Challenges
The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge - PART II
Duration: 6/18/2019 - Til Done!

Progress: 0 out of 50
Levels:
Grifter - 5 book [exchange 1]
Gumshoe- 6-10 books [exchange 2]
Hard-boiled P.I. - 11-20 books [exchange 3]
Crime Scene Investigator - 21-30 books [exchange 4]
Lead Homicide Detective - Double it for each category! [exchange 5]
(Yes, 50 books in all for LHD! You don’t need to do 64, unless you want to! )

Rules: Pick a level, and read books that fall under these thirty-two (32) Mystery Sub-genres listed below. We’re giving you a little lee-way this round. To complete a level, you may exchange whatever number is indicated for that level [noted in brackets]. Do so by repeating your favorites from the following list or use some from Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge-Part I .

If you are going for the highest level, you only have to complete 50 (not counting “Sherlock.�)

If you want to do this challenge concurrently with Part I, feel free to do so. (See Sherlock level below, too!)

As before, there is sure to be some overlap; you may use different books from the same series in more than one category. For example, Holiday in Death, by J.D. Robb - featuring NYPD Lieutenant Eve Dallas - falls under both “Female Detective� and “Holiday Mysteries� ...or even “Setting: Exotic Local� (if you don’t live in the U.S.). Therefore, if you enjoy the Albert Campion Series , by Margery Allingham, you could use The Crime at Black Dudley or Mystery Mile for “Setting - Isolated Local� and Look to the Lady for “Theft (art, jewelry, etc.)�. Or even use your exchange option, as the protagonist in that series works for the “Aristocratic Detective� sub-genre category in the Part I challenge.

SHERLOCK - 100 books total from Part I and Part II!
Again, you may continue this challenge from Part I to get to Sherlock and you may do both parts concurrently.

SUB-GENRES OF MYSTERY


� Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales: Completely chauvinistic of us to think that these only apply to male leads, but you get the idea. (Plus, the females will get their turn.) Think of authors Clive Cussler or James Rollins. GoodReads shelves have Adventure Action Mystery Novels.

� Blackmailed: We’re not talking about those Harlequin books were the heroine is romantically pressured. With these mysteries, it’s all about the money, money, money. Or is it? Try this link to a Barnes & Nobel search.

� Chick-lit Mysteries: Mainly mysteries, but still concentrating on young working women and their emotional lives. GoodReads shelves has at least two: Chick-Lit Mystery Books and Popular Chick Lit Mysteries Books as places to start. There is also GR’s listopia Murder, Mystery Chick Lit. (Examples: Cat DeLuca Mysteries, by K.J. Larsen; The Spellmans, by Lisa Lutz.)

� Classic Whodunit: Although basically a synonym for mystery, the term “whodunit� is generally used to describe works such as many of the “traditional� or “classic� mysteries of the 1920’s and 30’s, which contain significant elements of a puzzle. Modern when it was published, it is therefore not a true Historical Mystery found in Part I of this challenge.. We’ll take anything published over 50 years ago. You’ll find some on listopia’s Classic Mysteries.

� Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes: Unsolved mysteries from the past are resurrected. Overbooked.org has a nice list; Barnes & Nobel has a bit of one.

� Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate: We’ve combined these, for obvious reasons, but feel free to use a book that involves one without the other. Try listopia’s Computers in Literature. Or Barnes & Noble Industrial Espionage search.

� Crafters/Hobbyist: There are variety of these for many different enthusiasts. (Examples: Embroidery Mysteries; Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries; Crochet Mysteries; Decoupage Mysteries; Glassblowing Mysteries; Craft Corner Mysteries; Do It Yourself Mysteries; Stamping Sisters Mysteries; Haunted Home-Renovation Mysteries; Threadville Mysteries.)

� Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.): Any lead protagonist whose main calling is working for God. (Examples: Sister Fidelma Mysteries, by Peter Tremayne; Father Koesler Series, by William X. Kienzle; Rabbi Small Mysteries, by Harry Kemelman; Sister Rose Callahan Series, by Deborah Woodworth. Also, WakefieldLibrary.org has a listing, as does Detecs.org and Cozy-Mystery.com.)

� Fantasy/Urban Fantasy: A mystery that contains rudiments that are not realistic, such as magical powers, talking animals, supernatural phenomena, etc. as a plot element, theme, or setting. GRs shelf Best Detective/Urban/Fantasy and Best Fantasy Mystery Detective.
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with Magical Realism below. Fantasy distinctly differs in that it creates new worlds where the presence of the supernatural is something to which special attention is drawn.

� Famous People: Both real and fictitious, these are more than mere walk-on parts. They are either the sleuth, the person requesting their services or hiring them, or even assisting them. So, Ladies of St. Jude's Abbey Series, by Jocelyn Kelley would work here because their missions are at the behest of the Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. So would the Nikki Heat Series, as its famous fictitious author, Richard Castle, writes these. Cozy-Mystery.com has a list entitled Real People as Characters in Mystery Books. (Examples: Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery Series, by Elliott Roosevelt; Rat Pack Mysteries, by Robert J. Randisi; The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries, by Gyles Brandreth.)

� Female Detective: Be she a P.I., a policewoman, or amateur sleuth, she carries double X chromosomes and uses them to their full potential. Check out listopia’s Fearless Females. (Examples: Kinsey Millhone Series, by Sue Grafton; V.I. Warshawski Series, by Sara Paretsky; Carlotta Carlyle Mysteries, by Linda Barnes.)

SUB-GENRES OF MYSTERY continued...


� Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries: Protagonist owns a pet of some kind - be it a cat, a dog, or a bird, etc. - that plays a MAJOR role in helping them solve the mystery. Cozy-Mystery.com has a listing. (Examples: Cat Who Series, by Lilian Jackson Braun; Joe Grey Series, by Shirley Rousseau Murphy; Chet & Bernie Mysteries, by Spencer Quinn; Bookmobile Cat Mysteries, by Laurie Cass.)

� Holiday Mysteries: Setting is during one of the major holidays [Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, St. Patirick’s, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.]. Your favorite series surely has one of these! (Examples may be found on listopia’s Fun Holiday-Themed Mysteries. Also, Cozy-Mystery.com has a nice listing by holiday.)

� Horror/Splatterpunk: As far as Horror, try Best Horror Novels; you might find some on Horror Heroes on listopia. Splatterpunk is defined as “a literary genre characterized by the explicit description of horrific, violent, and often pornographic scenes.� You all are going to have to find your own for this one. Ugh.

â€� “Howdunitâ€� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted: The identity of the killer and their motive are revealed early in the story. The main focus is the means by which the detective or investigator catches them. Some by author Ellery Queen and others of the Lord Peter Wimsey Novels, by Dorothy L. Sayers were done this way. Also, think, “What would Columbo »å´Ç?â€�
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with Locked Room. Differs from Locked Room in knowing who the killer is from the beginning, and it may not necessarily involve a locked room or escape.

� “I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade: Someone very close to the protagonist has been masquerading as someone else for years, or has a hidden past that suddenly comes into play in the mystery. These might be harder to find, as I can’t find a list other than GoodRead’s Family Secrets shelf, but The Husband's Secret, by Liane Moriarty, Family Tree Genealogy Mystery Series, by Patricia Sprinkle, and Die for You, by Lisa Unger certainly work.

� Locked Room/Puzzle: Careful observation and extraordinary logic reveal the means of a seemingly impossible crime or escape. The Murders in the Rue Morgue, by Edgar Allan Poe started it all. (Example: Mystery Writers of America Presents The Mystery Box, edited by Brad Meltzer.)
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with “Howdunit.� Differs from “Howdunit� in that the focus is on the impossible feat, and the culprit may not be known.

� Magical Realism: Magical Realism specifically with a mystery, not just the mystery of where the magic is coming from. Check out those listed on listopia: Mystery & Magical Realism Shelf.
**SPECIAL NOTE: Contrast with Fantasy. Remember, Magical Realism and Fantasy are different. Most Fantasy distinctly differs in that it creates new worlds where the presence of the supernatural is something to which special attention is drawn, whereas for Magical Realism writers, the presence of the supernatural is accepted in the ordinary. [From RoadSigns.org.]

� Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag: Catch-all category, or for those which have too many overlapping categories to count. Or you found something we haven’t covered.

� Pastische: This is a technique where an author imitates another author’s style (and/or characters), in a respectful way. The Italian Secretary by Caleb Carr is a Pastische; here is an imitation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s style and character, Sherlock Holmes. Or one such as Joan Hess’s book Mummy Dearest, which pays homage to Elizabeth Peters’s book The Mummy Case. (GRs shelf Pastiche Mysteries.)

� Serial Killer: Why are we fascinated by man’s inhumanity to man? Does it matter? The hunt is on! listopia has Best Serial Killer Books and I Like Serial Killers.

SUB-GENRES OF MYSTERY continued...


� Setting - Exotic Local: Protagonist is often on vacation to a foreign country. Cozy-Mystery.com has quite a listing, breaking it down alphabetically by author: A-B; C-D; F-H; K-R; and S-W. They also have Mystery books that take place on cruise ships. There is also listopia’s Death in a Warm Climate.

� Setting - Isolated Local: Such as a private island, cabin-in-the-woods, or other deserted setting. Protagonist(s) is left (relatively) alone with murderer and/or suspects. They are somehow unable to communicate with authorities for assistance, or help can’t get to them soon. Fittingly, you’re on your on here as far a listing.

� Setting - Southern U.S.: With all its charm and hospitality, they explore issues of family and community and usually don’t shy away from sensitive racial issues. listopia has Best Southern Mysteries.

� Setting - Third World: Characters are drawn entirely from those (often unfamiliar) cultures. (Examples would be No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series, by Alexander McCall Smith; Inspector Ghote Series, by H.R.F. Keating; Darko Dawson Series, by Kwei Quartey.)

� Setting - Quaint English Village: It is all about the ambiance of this charming local. St. Mary Mead - and its resident Miss Marple - is probably best known, but there are many others. Belinda Bauer often uses this setting. ReginaLibrary.ca has a listing. (Examples: Aunt Dimity Mysteries, by Nancy Atherton; Agatha Raisin Series, by M.C. Beaton, although, Agatha does travel.)

� Soft-boiled: A contrast to the realism and cynicism of the Hard-boiled or Noir, these are tempered with optimism, and light humor, but not quite as slapstick as Caper. Authors such as Martha Grimes, Joan Hess, and Sharyn McCrumb have books that fall into this category. (Examples: Lawrence Block’s Bernie Rhodenbarr ("Burglar") Series; Lola Cruz Mysteries, by Misa Ramirez.)

� Spy/Espionage: You asked for it, here it is. Just a good, old-fashioned spy mystery. There is listopia’s Best Spy Novels for a starting reference list.

� Steampunk: Just add “mystery� to the Steampunk definition: A subgenre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or quasi-Victorian alternate history setting. It could be described by the slogan “What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner.� It includes fiction with science fiction, fantasy or horror themes. Although usually set in Victorian England, we’ll also take Western Steampunk and Medieval Steampunk. (Examples: Steampunk Victorian Mystery Shelf.)

� Theft (art, jewelry, etc.): Major theft or heist of some kind. A few on listopia: Great Books About Heists-Fiction, and True Crime, Lost, Stolen, or Conned.

� True Crime: Non-fiction. Check out Best True Crime and True Crime on listopia.

� Young Adult: Youthful protagonist. Check out Best YA Spy Mystery and YA Children Mystery & Horror on listopia. (Example: Flavia de Luce Series, by Alan Bradley.)

Mods, just to clarify, if I read 77 books for part one (lol I got carried away and didn't count when it was closer to 50) that means I only need to do 23 from this part to reach Sherlock level? Or each part needs 50? I'm applying the categories to the cozies I read and only using the ones I come across if that's ok. Thanks for any info!

Completed :)

congratulations Alabama!

Welcome back Martha!

I want to give this challenge a try. This sounds really interesting. Since this is an open ended challenge I'm going to do Sherlock.

Level: Lead Homicide Detective
Final Level: Sherlock 100 Books Part 1 & 2
Duration: Jan. 01, 2020 - ??

Action/Adventure:

Blackmailed:

Chick-lit Mysteries:

Classic Whodunit::

Crooked House by Agatha Christie 8/26/20




Cold Case or Hard Case Crime:

Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate:

Crafters/Hobbyist:

Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.):

Fantasy/Urban Fantasy:

Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison 10/19/20



Famous People:

Female Detective:

And Now She's Gone by Rachel Howzell Hall 2/3/21

by Rachel Howzell Hall

Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries:

Holiday Mysteries:

Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich 9/8/20
Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich 1/22/21



Horror/Splatterpunk:

"Howdunit" or "Howcatchem" or Inverted:

"I Never Knew You At All"/Masquerade:

Locked Room/Puzzle:

Magical Realism:

Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag:

A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny 12/27/20



Patische:

Serial Killer:

You by Caroline Kepnes 11/16/20



Setting- Exotic Local:

Setting- Isolated Local:

Setting- Southern U.S.:

Setting- Third World:

Setting- Quaint English village:

Soft-boiled:

Spy/Espionage:

Steampunk:

Theft (art, jewelry, etc.):

True Crime:

Young Adult:: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley 8/21/20

Welcome Renee!

Update to msg. 25: finished 50 of part 2. I'm pretty sure I posted the update in the part 1 thread when I finished that. Fun challenge but very long lol.

congratulations Tari! Well done.

Moderators of NBRC wrote: "congratulations Tari! Well done."Thank you!

Duration: Open ended
Level: Lead Homicide Detective

: 0/50

Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales
1.
2.

Blackmailed
1.
2.

Chick-lit Mysteries
1.
2.

Classic Whodunit
1.
2.

Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate
1.
2.

Crafters/Hobbyist
1.
2.

Fantasy/Urban Fantasy
1.
2.

Famous People
1.
2.

Female Detective
1.
2.

Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
1.
2.

Holiday Mysteries
1.
2.

Locked Room/Puzzle
1.
2.

Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag
1.
2.

Serial Killer
1.
2.

Setting - Exotic Local
1.
2.

Setting - Southern U.S.
1.
2.

Setting - Quaint English Village
1.
2.

Soft-boiled
1.
2.

Spy/Espionage
1.
2.

Steampunk
1.
2.

Young Adult
1.
2.

Welcome Tea!

Completed part II - Lead Detective level - 64 books
see msg 12 & 13

congratualtions Linda!

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge~

Duration: Open-Ended
Beginning Date: 11/1/2020
Completion Date:?

Combined with Part I for 100 Books

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge
1/1/21-1/31/22
SHERLOCK
0/100

SUB-GENRES OF MYSTERY (1)
SUB-GENRES OF MYSTERY (2)

Nothing But Reading Challenges
The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge - PART II
Duration: 1/1/2022 - Til Done!

Progress: 0 out of 50
Levels:
(view spoiler)[Grifter - 5 book [exchange 1]
Gumshoe- 6-10 books [exchange 2]
Hard-boiled P.I. - 11-20 books [exchange 3]
Crime Scene Investigator - 21-30 books [exchange 4]
Lead Homicide Detective - Double it for each category! [exchange 5]
(Yes, 50 books in all for LHD! You don’t need to do 64, unless you want to! )

SHERLOCK - 100 books total from Part I and Part II!
Again, you may continue this challenge from Part I to get to Sherlock and you may do both parts concurrently. (hide spoiler)]

~The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge Part II~

Sub-genre: Mystery PART II

Rules: Pick a level, and read books that fall under these thirty-two (32) Mystery Sub-genres listed below. We’re giving you a little lee-way this round. To complete a level, you may exchange whatever number is indicated for that level [noted in brackets]. Do so by repeating your favorites from the following list or use some from Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge-Part I . If you are going for the highest level, you only have to complete 50 (not counting “Sherlock.�)

If you want to do this challenge concurrently with Part I, feel free to do so. (See Sherlock level below, too!)

As before, there is sure to be some overlap; you may use different books from the same series in more than one category. For example, Holiday in Death, by J.D. Robb - featuring NYPD Lieutenant Eve Dallas - falls under both “Female Detective� and “Holiday Mysteries� ...or even “Setting: Exotic Local� (if you don’t live in the U.S.). Therefore, if you enjoy the Albert Campion Series , by Margery Allingham, you could use The Crime at Black Dudley or Mystery Mile for “Setting - Isolated Local� and Look to the Lady for “Theft (art, jewelry, etc.)�. Or even use your exchange option, as the protagonist in that series works for the “Aristocratic Detective� sub-genre category in the Part I challenge.

Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales
1.
2.

Blackmailed
1.
2.

Chick-lit Mysteries
1.
2.

Classic Whodunit
1.
2.

Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate
1.
2.

Crafters/Hobbyist
1.
2.

Fantasy/Urban Fantasy
1.
2.

Famous People
1.
2.

Female Detective
1.
2.

Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries
1.
2.

Holiday Mysteries
1.
2.

Locked Room/Puzzle
1.
2.

Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag
1.
2.

Serial Killer
1.
2.

Setting - Exotic Local
1.
2.

Setting - Southern U.S.
1.
2.

Setting - Quaint English Village
1.
2.

Soft-boiled
1.
2.

Spy/Espionage
1.
2.

Steampunk
1.
2.

Young Adult
1.
2.

Reserved

I'm going to do this concurrently with Part I and go for Sherlock!

Start Date: 01/01/2024 -
Progress: 9/50

1. Action & Adventure � AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales:
-Any Means Necessary by Jack Mars

2. Chick-lit Mysteries:

3. Classic Whodunit:

4. Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes:

5. Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate:
Until the Day I Die by Emily Carpenter

6. Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Rabbi, Reverend, Shaker, etc.):

7. Fantasy/Urban Fantasy:
-House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

8. Female Detective:

9. Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries:

10. Holiday Mysteries:

11. “Howdunit� or “Howcatchem" or Inverted:
The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

12. “I Never Knew You at All�/Masquerade:
-Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

13. Locked Room/Puzzle:

14. Magical Realism:

15. Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag:
-Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

16. Setting - Exotic Local:

17. Setting - Isolated Local:
The Institute by Stephen King

18. Setting - Southern U.S.:

19. Setting - Third World:

20. Setting - Quaint English Village:

21. Spy/Espionage:

22. Steampunk:

23. Theft (art, jewelry, etc.):

24. True Crime:

25. Young Adult:
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus

Murder Mystery Squad Challenge II
Started on Dec 4, 2019
Doing this concurrently with part I
Books Read so Far

Action & Adventure:

Blackmailed:

Chick-lit:
Takedown Twenty - Oct 20, 2023
Going Rogue - Nov 24, 2023

Classic Whodunit:

Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes:

Computer Hacking or Business/Corporate:

Crafters/Hobbyist:

Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist;

Fantasy/Urban Fantasy:

Famous People:

Female Detective:

Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries:
Cat Telling Tales - Oct 24, 2023
Cat Fear No Evil - Nov 11, 2023

Holiday Mysteries:
Merry, Merry Ghost - Sep 2, 2022

Horror/Splatterpunk:

Howdunit or Howcatchem or Inverted:

I never Knew you at All/Masquerade:

Locked Room/Puzzle:

Magical Realism:

Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag:
Murder in the CIA - Feb 19, 2024

Pastische:

Serial Killer:

Setting - Exotic Local:
Murder in Mesopotamia - Feb 25, 2023

Setting - Isolated Local:
Death in the Clouds - Apr 7, 2023

Setting - Southern US:

Setting - Third World:

Setting - Quaint English Village:

Soft-Boild:

Spy/Espionage:

Steampunk:

Theft (art, Jewelry, etc):

True Crime:
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI - Oct 14, 2023

Young Adult: