Yesterday morning I filmed a video reacting to something that genuinely caught me off guard.

One of our Cozy Escape Book Club members, Renee, created a full archive of every book we’ve read together since August 2019.

Every month.
Every title.
Every livestream link.

And when I opened it, I didn’t just see a list.

I saw time.

I saw versions of myself sitting in different houses, different lighting, different seasons of life, talking about fictional murders while my boys were babies, toddlers, loud, chaotic, growing.

I saw lockdown reads.
Holiday specials.
Lisa collaborations.
Zoom club meetings.
The months where we were tired.
The months where we were thriving.
The months where cozy mysteries were the only consistent thing in a very inconsistent world.

When you’re inside something, it doesn’t always feel monumental. It feels like “okay, what are we reading next month?”

But laid out like that, it hit me.

We’ve built something.

Not big in a flashy, viral way.
But steady.
Warm.
Consistent.
Ours.

Renee didn’t just organize a document. She preserved the history of a little reading community that has quietly existed for years.

That kind of care matters to me more than algorithms ever will.

If you’ve ever wondered whether small creative communities matter, here’s your answer: they do.

They hold seasons of your life.
They become markers of time.
They grow alongside you.

If you want to see the full archive, I linked it above. And if you want to watch me scroll through it and get unexpectedly emotional, that video is live too.

But mostly, I just wanted to say this:

Thank you for reading with me.

Whether you joined in 2019 or last month.
Whether you’ve read one book or fifty or the SEVENTY-TWO.
Whether you comment every time or just quietly listen in.

This little corner of the internet now has roots.

And that feels really special.

✨ If you’ve been part of a book club before, I’d love to know:
What was your first book club book?
What story reminds you of a specific season of your life?

Let’s talk about it

XOXO,

Courtny

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^If you wanna watch^

But here we are.

For Valentine’s Day, Aaron got me the sweetest little travel watercolor set. It’s small enough to fit in my bag. Like, truly tiny. The kind of thing that makes you tilt your head and whisper, “Why is this so cute?”

But the size isn’t the point.

The point is what it represents.

Lately, I’ve been feeling that subtle pull we all feel. The constant screen. The constant input. The constant hum of “what’s next?”

I work in tech. I create online. I live in digital spaces. I love what I do.

But I also miss quiet.

I miss making something with my hands that no one is waiting on. No one is refreshing. No one is commenting on.

Just color and water and paper.

So I’ve been asking myself a question:

What would it look like to reset creatively… as a mom?

Not a productivity reset.
Not a business reset.
Not a “new year, new me” reset.

Just a gentle return to small creative joy.

This little watercolor kit has become that symbol.

It’s not about becoming an artist. It’s not about making perfect paintings. It’s not even about finishing anything.

It’s about pulling it out during a quiet pocket of the day. Ten minutes before school pickup. Fifteen minutes after bedtime. Five minutes while the boys are playing superheroes in the other room.

It’s about choosing pigment over scrolling.

Color over comparison.

Process over performance.

And I don’t know. That feels important.

Motherhood is loud. It’s beautiful and chaotic and full. But it’s also easy to lose the tiny pieces of yourself that existed before the snack requests and laundry piles.

This feels like reclaiming one of those pieces.

A creative mom reset.

Not dramatic. Not life-altering.

Just… small and intentional.

And maybe that’s enough.

If you’re in a season of needing a reset too, I’d love to know:

What small creative thing are you leaning into lately?

Watercolor? Puzzles? Journaling? Baking? Crocheting?

Tell me. I want to build a tiny creative rebellion club with you.

🎨 Courtny

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I know. I know. “That’s high school reading, Courtny.” I can hear you. But listen. Where I’m from, Tulsa, Oklahoma, we didn’t read it. Not once. I’ve always known the idea of it. Big Brother is watching. Creepy government vibes. Dystopia, blah blah blah.

Also, full transparency, when I hear “Big Brother,” my brain immediately goes to the reality TV show. Thanks to my husband for that one. Not the same vibes. We agree.

One of my all-time favorite books is Fahrenheit 451. I’ve read it probably a dozen times. It wrecks me every time in the best way. But somehow 1984 and Brave New World never made it onto my shelves. They just… didn’t cross my path.

Until this past week.

I genuinely could not tell you what made me download 1984 on my Kindle. This is not my usual reading lane. It hits a lot of my hard-no topics. Children dying. Sexual assault. Censorship. Big, heavy, ominous dread. And I’m only about 15% in.

But as I started learning what Winston does for a living, I felt that slow, creeping conspiracy feeling crawl up my spine and clamp onto my shoulders.

Here’s the thing.

I was reading 1984 on my Kindle Oasis. And as an author, do you know how easy it is for me to access my own published books on Amazon and edit them?

A few clicks.

Last month, we read Deadly Drafts for The Cozy Escape Book Club. It was the first time I’d read it since publishing, and guess what I found? Typos. Plural. After reading it a dozen times. After paying an editor. After reading it again.

I had the very real thought, “I could just fix this. Update the ebook. Update the physical copies.”

And then I didn’t.

Those typos prove I’m human. I’m not perfect. My editor is not perfect. She’s human too. And I want that humanity to stay in my work.

And that’s when my brain went right back to 1984, sitting quietly on my Kindle.

Because that book could change, too. With a few clicks.

So I bought a physical copy. And while I was at it, I grabbed Brave New World as well.

These are not the books I love to love. They’re not cozy. They’re not comforting. They don’t feel safe. But they feel necessary. They feel like the books I need to be reading in the world we’re currently living in.

So now I’m asking you.

What other books belong in my arsenal cough cough library?

XOXO,
Courtny 💛📚

I wanted to do a proper little check-in because a lot has been happening lately, both creatively and quietly behind the scenes. If you’ve felt a little flurry of content coming your way… you’re not wrong.

I’m on a roll right now.

I don’t know if it’s the beginning-of-the-year energy, a burst of creative mojo, or just a deep pull toward building something safe, warm, and loving in the world we’re living in. Probably a mix of all of it. What I do know is that I’m creating a lot right now, and I’m doing it with the time I actually have.

Sometimes that looks like filming during my kids’ morning shows. (Sorry if you hear screaming, I promise my kids are fine…me? Not sure. 😂)
Sometimes it’s recording in my car before work.
Sometimes it’s squeezing creativity into the cracks of a very full life.

My videos have been a little more frequent lately and maybe a little different from my usual rhythm. That’s not a grand strategy shift. It’s me choosing to live and create honestly in this season instead of waiting for the mythical “perfect time.” I’m making things where I can, when I can, and letting that be enough.

With that said, here’s what I’ve been up to lately.

📚 What I’ve Been Making (and Loving)

First up… yes, I’m reading five, actually six, books at once. No, I don’t recommend this for everyone. But shockingly? It’s working.

📖 I’m Reading 5 Books at Once (and it’s actually working)

This one is all about mood reading, multiple formats, and letting go of the guilt that comes with “doing reading wrong.” If your brain likes options, this might feel validating.

Then there’s something that’s quietly become one of my favorite ways to think about reading and hobbies lately.

🌿 A Gentle Life Sim for Readers | Hearth & Side Quests

This is about stepping out of productivity mode and into a softer, more playful way of living. Reading as side quests. Hobbies as joy, not output. Very much a permission slip video.

Because I can never resist a mystery…

🕯️ Small Town Secrets: Cozy Mysteries That Hide Everything

You know the towns. Quaint. Friendly. Everyone smiling. Everyone absolutely hiding something. These are the cozies that look harmless and then quietly wreck you.

And finally, a peek ahead that has my TBR mildly panicking.

📆 Q1 2026 Cozy Mystery Releases I’m Obsessed With

Future-you will want to know about these. Present-you might want to start clearing shelf space now.

🧶 A Soft Launch Just for You: The Cozy Community Discord

Okay. This is the part you’re getting first because you’re my Substack people.

I’ve quietly soft-launched a Discord community, and you’re the first ones I’m inviting in.

👉 https://discord.gg/bf2XdhMaS

This space is meant to be cozy, low-pressure, and genuinely welcoming. A place for books, hobbies, side quests, gentle check-ins, and real conversation. Not loud. Not overwhelming. Not another platform that demands constant attention.

And I really want your feedback.

What channels feel good?
What feels like too much?
What would make this a place you’d actually want to return to?

This community gets to grow with you, not just for you. Once it has been going for a week or so I plan on making a guide video on all of the things, so don’t worry! ♥️

🌟 Looking for Two Cozy Humans

One last thing before I send you back to your reading nook.

I’ll be choosing two moderators from the community to help keep things kind, answer questions, and generally help people feel at home. No boss vibes. No pressure. Just thoughtful, warm humans who like helping others.

If that sounds like you, or if you’re even a little curious, hop into the Discord and let me know, or message me anywhere we normally talk. We’ll keep it simple and gentle.

Thank you for being here. Truly. Thank you for supporting my work, watching my videos, and letting me show up as I am in this season of creating in the margins.

Now go read something cozy. Or suspicious. Or both. 💛📚

XOXO,

Courtny

Hey friends,

I wanted to bring a little community question over here so no one misses out.

This idea actually came from Kelly O, one of our Patreon members, who suggested we might enjoy having a Discord space together. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since, so instead of deciding on my own, I want to ask you.

What is Discord?

If you’ve never used Discord before, here’s the least intimidating explanation possible:

Discord is basically organized group chats all living in one calm place.
There can be separate channels for things like:

• Books and reading updates

• Writing life and behind-the-scenes

• Cozy hobbies

• Life chats and random thoughts

You don’t have to talk on voice or video. Typing only is totally fine. You can pop in whenever you want or disappear for a few days with zero guilt.

Why Discord instead of Facebook?

Honestly? Facebook groups stress me out.

Discord:

• Has no algorithm deciding what you see

• Has no ads or suggested posts

• Keeps conversations organized instead of buried

• Feels quieter and more intentional

It feels more like a cozy corner and less like shouting into the void.

It would be completely free

This would not be a paid thing or a new tier. Just a free community space for anyone who wants to hang out, chat, and be cozy together.

A note about moderators

If this happens, I’d want a couple of friendly volunteer moderators to help:

• Welcome new people

• Keep things kind and spam-free

• Help gently guide conversations when needed

Think cozy librarians, not internet bouncers.

I want your input before I do anything

This only happens if it feels good for the community, so I’m asking first.

Would you be interested in a free Courtagonist Discord?

VOTE HERE

Feel free to comment with thoughts, questions, or concerns. Especially if Discord feels intimidating. I promise there are no wrong answers here.

Thank you again to Kelly O for sparking the idea, and thank you all for helping me think it through.
As always, no pressure. Just cozy vibes. 💛

☕ TLDR

Kelly O suggested a Discord for our community. I’m considering it because it’s calmer than Facebook, totally free, and organized. Before I build anything, I want to know if you’d actually want it. Vote in the poll and tell me what you think.

Xoxo,

Courtny

The Case of the Missing Writing Pen

You wake to the gentle creak of your old writing chair, the one that knows all your best ideas and at least three abandoned drafts. Morning light spills across your desk, illuminating scattered notebooks, half-filled teacups, and one glaring absence. The Magical Writing Pen is gone. Not misplaced. Not buried under a stack of sticky notes. Gone gone. The pen, rumored to turn even grocery lists into lyrical prose, has vanished overnight, and your stomach sinks like a rejected query letter.

You replay last night in your mind. You were mid-sentence, riding the high of a really good paragraph, when a knock echoed through your cozy writing nook. After answering it, you returned, distracted, certain you’d set the pen down “somewhere safe.” The problem is that everything in this room is somewhere safe. The air hums faintly now, like the room itself knows a mystery has begun and is politely waiting for you to notice.

You stand, straighten your cardigan, and survey the scene like a professional amateur sleuth. There are three things that immediately tug at your intuition. The window is slightly ajar, despite the cool morning breeze. Your bookshelf looks subtly disturbed, one volume nudged out of alignment. And on your desk lies a faint shimmer of ink that definitely was not there yesterday. Cozy or not, something strange is afoot.

🔎 What should you do next?

A. Examine the shimmering ink on the desk
A closer look might reveal magical residue or a clue left behind in haste. Something about it feels intentional… almost like a message.

B. Investigate the slightly open window
Was the pen taken by someone who didn’t use the door? Or did the breeze carry more than fresh air into your writing nook?

C. Inspect the disturbed bookshelf
One book out of place could mean someone was searching for something. Or hiding something.

Make a choice and click on it- no cheating!

A. The Ink Knows More Than It Should

You lean closer to the desk, heart thudding just a little faster, and hover your fingers over the faint shimmer of ink. It pulses softly, like it’s breathing. When you touch it, warmth blooms under your fingertips, and the ink ripples, rearranging itself into looping symbols you almost recognize. Almost. This isn’t spilled ink. This is residue. The magical kind that only appears when a spell has been interrupted or redirected.

You grab a scrap of paper and press it gently against the shimmer. The ink transfers willingly, sketching a single word before fading into nothing: Borrowed. Your jaw tightens. Borrowed implies permission. Borrowed implies someone you know. The pen didn’t vanish violently or accidentally. It was taken deliberately, by someone who understood its power well enough to leave a magical calling card. Rude, but impressive.

As you straighten, you notice something else. The desk drawer is slightly open. You’re meticulous about drawers. Inside, your list of trusted writing friends is missing. Not torn out. Removed cleanly. Whoever took the pen wasn’t guessing. They planned this. And suddenly, the room feels smaller, like it’s leaning in to hear what you’ll do next.

B. The Window Whispers Secrets

You step toward the open window and inhale the cool morning air. It smells like rain, old paper, and possibility. When you lean out, you spot a faint trail of glittering dust clinging to the sill, drifting downward like a reluctant breadcrumb trail. Magical residue again. Whoever left didn’t climb. They floated. Or vanished mid-step. Bold move for a pen thief.

You follow the trail with your eyes until it disappears into the garden below, right near the crooked stepping stones you always forget to fix. Nestled between them is a folded scrap of parchment, impossibly dry despite the damp ground. You retrieve it and unfold it carefully. The handwriting is familiar. Too familiar. A playful scrawl that reads: Just borrowing. Don’t panic. Yet.

Your stomach flips. You recognize that handwriting instantly. It belongs to someone who knows your routines, your habits, and exactly how much chaos this would cause you. The window wasn’t an escape route. It was a dramatic flourish. A message meant to be found. Which means whoever took the pen wants to be chased. And possibly judged.

C. The Bookshelf That Blinked First

You scan the bookshelf slowly, eyes narrowing until you spot the culprit. A single book juts out farther than the rest. Ink & Intentions: A Guide to Magical Writing Tools. You definitely didn’t read it last night. You’re fairly sure. When you pull it free, the shelf clicks softly, and a hidden compartment slides open behind it. Oh. So today is like that.

Inside the compartment is a velvet-lined space, empty except for a pressed flower and a handwritten note. The flower is one you recognize instantly. You once joked it was a symbol of creative emergencies. The note reads: I didn’t want to do this. But you weren’t listening. That lands like a teacup dropped on tile. Not shattered, but cracked enough to notice.

You close the compartment slowly. Someone close to you knew about the hidden shelf. Someone who had access. Someone who felt overlooked, ignored, or desperate enough to steal a magical pen instead of, you know, communicating like a normal cozy mystery side character. This wasn’t a theft. This was a statement. And statements always escalate.

No matter which clue you followed, the pieces begin to line up…

No matter how you uncovered the first clue, a pattern starts to form as you stand once more in the center of your writing nook. The ink shimmer, the open window, the disturbed bookshelf. Different threads, same fabric. Whoever took the Magical Writing Pen didn’t act on impulse. They knew your space, your habits, your blind spots. And worse, they expected you to notice.

You sink back into your chair, fingers steepled, gaze drifting across the room. The pen wasn’t stolen for its value. It was taken for its use. For its magic. That means time matters. Every minute the pen is out in the world, it’s writing something. Creating something. Possibly rewriting something. You suppress a shiver. Cozy mystery or not, that’s unsettling.

One truth settles in your chest, solid and unavoidable. This mystery won’t solve itself. You’ll have to choose how to move forward, and that choice will shape what kind of detective you become. Do you face the culprit head-on? Trust in magic to guide you? Or dig into memory, where the most dangerous clues often hide?

What should you do next?

• A. Confront the person most likely to borrow the pen

• B. Attempt to magically track the pen

• C. Reconstruct last night’s interruption

Confront the Person Most Likely to “Borrow” the Pen

You already know who it is. Of course you do. There’s always someone who believes rules are more like suggestions and boundaries are merely decorative. You grab your coat, determination tightening your spine, and head toward their last known haunt. If the pen was taken with intention, then intention can be met with questions. Polite ones. Firm ones. Possibly sarcastic ones.

When you find them, their reaction tells you more than their words ever could. Surprise flickers too quickly. Guilt follows, poorly disguised as concern. They insist they didn’t steal the pen. Borrowed is the word they keep using, like repetition might make it true. They admit they knew you needed it. That you always do. Which raises the uncomfortable question: why take it now?

As the conversation ends, they let one detail slip. A name. Someone else who’s been struggling creatively. Someone who asked too many questions about magical tools recently. You leave with no pen, but a new suspect and a stronger sense that this mystery is bigger than one reckless borrower.

➡️ Clue gained: A second suspect enters the story.

Attempt to Magically Track the Pen from Your Writing Nook

If the pen is magical, it can be found magically. You clear your desk, light a familiar candle, and steady your breathing. Tracking spells aren’t flashy. They require patience, intention, and a deep understanding of what you’re searching for. You focus on the pen not as an object, but as a collaborator. A partner in creation.

The air hums as the spell takes hold. Symbols bloom briefly across the desk before fading, leaving behind a single direction. Not a place. A feeling. Urgency. Frustration. Longing. Someone is writing with the pen right now, and whatever they’re creating is emotionally charged. Powerful enough to bend the magic unpredictably.

The spell collapses, leaving you breathless and unsettled. You didn’t get a location, but you got something more important. Motive. Whoever has the pen isn’t just inspired. They’re desperate. And desperation has a way of making people careless.

➡️ Clue gained: The thief’s emotional state reveals motive.

Reconstruct Last Night’s Interruption Step by Step

You close your eyes and rewind the evening carefully, like rereading a chapter for hidden meaning. The knock. The pause. The way your focus fractured just enough to create opportunity. You replay every sound, every word exchanged, every moment you weren’t in the room. It’s uncomfortable work, dredging memory like this. But it’s necessary.

One detail finally clicks. The interruption wasn’t random. The timing was too perfect. Someone knew exactly when you’d be writing. Knew when the pen would be out. Knew when you’d be distracted. And more importantly, knew how to get your attention without raising suspicion. That narrows the field considerably.

You open your eyes, pulse steady but sharp. This wasn’t just theft. It was orchestration. Which means whoever took the pen is either very confident… or very afraid of being confronted directly. Both possibilities are equally interesting.

➡️ Clue gained: The theft required inside knowledge.

When Motives Begin to Surface

No matter which path you followed, one truth settles uncomfortably into place. The Magical Writing Pen was not taken out of greed or curiosity. It was taken out of need. Someone close enough to know your routines. Someone frustrated enough to cross a line they likely promised themselves they never would.

You pace your writing nook, mind buzzing louder than the kettle you forgot to turn off. Every clue so far points less to a villain and more to a person at a crossroads. Someone stuck. Someone who believes this pen might be the thing that finally fixes what’s broken. That doesn’t excuse the theft, but it does complicate it. Cozy mysteries thrive in that gray space.

One thing is clear now. If you want answers, you’ll need to shift tactics. This mystery won’t unravel through observation alone. You’ll need to engage, provoke, or perhaps even bait the truth into revealing itself. The question is how bold you’re willing to be.

What should you do next?

A. Set a Subtle Trap Using the Pen’s Magic

B. Seek Help from Someone Who Knows Magical Tools Too Well

C. Publicly Annouce That You’ve Stopped Looking for the Pen.

Set a Subtle Trap Using the Pen’s Magic

If the pen wants to be used, then maybe it can be tempted. You arrange your desk deliberately, leaving behind traces of unfinished ideas, open notebooks, and just enough magical hum to suggest opportunity. Anyone still lingering nearby, magically or otherwise, might feel the pull.

As you wait, the air shifts. Not dramatically. Subtly. A flicker of magic ripples through the room, responding to your setup. Someone is watching. Someone is considering making a move. The pen reacts faintly, like it recognizes home but hesitates at the threshold.

You don’t catch the culprit, but you gain something else. Confirmation. The thief is close. Close enough to sense the magic you stirred. Close enough to make a mistake soon.

➡️ Clue gained: The pen responds to your presence. The thief hasn’t gone far.

Seek Help from Someone Who Knows Magical Tools Too Well

There’s someone you’ve avoided asking, mostly because they love being right far too much. But they know magical artifacts better than anyone you trust. Swallowing your pride, you seek them out and explain the situation. You leave out a few details. You add a few others. Cozy mystery diplomacy at its finest.

They listen carefully, then ask a question that makes your stomach drop. “Did you ever formally bind the pen to yourself?” You didn’t. You assumed trust was enough. According to them, that means the pen could choose to cooperate with someone else, especially if their need is stronger. Oof. Rude pen behavior.

Before you leave, they offer one last insight. The pen won’t stay loyal forever. Whatever it’s being used for is nearing completion. When it’s done, the magic will shift. And that shift will expose whoever’s holding it.

➡️ Clue gained: The theft has a ticking clock.

Publicly Announce That You’ve Stopped Looking for the Pen

It feels counterintuitive, which is exactly why it might work. You casually mention, to the right people in the right places, that you’ve decided to let the pen go. That creativity can’t be forced. That maybe it was time to write without magic anyway. You sell it well. Oscar-worthy.

The reaction is immediate, though quiet. A hesitation. A ripple of unease. Someone didn’t expect you to give up so easily. Someone was counting on you to chase, confront, accuse. Letting go shifts the power in a way you hadn’t anticipated.

Later that evening, you notice a new detail in your space. A mark. A smudge. A sign of nervous magic. Someone’s resolve is cracking. And people with cracking resolve tend to confess, one way or another.

➡️ Clue gained: The thief is emotionally invested in your reaction.

When the Circle Tightens

No matter which strategy you used, the result is the same. The energy around the mystery has changed. The Magical Writing Pen is no longer hiding quietly in someone else’s possession. It’s restless. The magic tugs and pulls, no longer content to be wielded in secret. Whatever is being written with it is nearly finished, and that urgency radiates outward like a held breath.

You review everything you know, laying the clues side by side in your mind. Inside knowledge. Emotional desperation. Proximity. Timing. This wasn’t a stranger slipping through the night. This was someone orbiting your life close enough to feel entitled to your magic. That realization stings more than you expect. Cozy mysteries often do that.

There are only a few people left who fit every detail. You don’t need another broad search. You need a focused one. The next move won’t be about gathering new clues. It will be about forcing the truth into the open.

What should you do next?

A. Invite Everyone Involved to a “Casual” Gathering

B. Follow the Strongest Pull of Magic You Can See

C. Directly Accuse the One Person Who Fits Every Clue

Invite Everyone Involved to a “Casual” Gathering

If cozy mysteries have taught you anything, it’s that nothing reveals guilt faster than tea, pastries, and polite conversation. You invite the remaining suspects over under the pretense of a low-stakes creative check-in. No accusations. No tension. Just vibes. Cozy, friendly, absolutely loaded with subtext.

As everyone settles in, the air thickens. The pen’s magic hums faintly, reacting to the proximity of its current holder. One person can’t quite meet your eyes. Another laughs a little too loudly. You say nothing, letting the silence do the work. People always betray themselves eventually.

By the end of the gathering, you know exactly who’s lying. You don’t have the pen yet, but you’ve isolated the truth to one very uncomfortable corner of the room.

➡️ Clue gained: You’ve identified the most likely culprit.

Follow the Strongest Pull of Magic You Can Sense

You stop dancing around it and let the magic lead. You focus, grounding yourself, and follow the strongest remaining pull of the pen’s energy. It’s faint now, fraying at the edges, but it’s still there. The trail leads somewhere familiar. Somewhere you didn’t want it to lead.

When you arrive, the realization hits hard. This place isn’t random. It’s meaningful. Symbolic. The pen wasn’t just being used. It was being used here for a reason. That reason sharpens your understanding of who took it and why they felt justified.

You don’t confront them yet. You don’t need to. You’ve found the emotional heart of the crime, and it tells you everything you need to know about what comes next.

➡️ Clue gained: The location reveals the thief’s true motivation.

Directly Accuse the One Person Who Fits Every Clue

Enough circling. Enough subtlety. You go straight to the person who fits every detail, every motive, every opportunity. You lay it out calmly, methodically, without raising your voice. Cozy doesn’t mean weak. It means precise.

Their reaction is immediate. Not denial. Not anger. Relief. It pours out of them in a shaky breath they’ve clearly been holding for days. They don’t hand over the pen yet, but they don’t deny it either. Instead, they ask a single, quiet question that reframes everything. “Can I just finish what I started?”

The mystery cracks open in that moment. Not with a bang, but with an ache.

➡️ Clue gained: The truth is confirmed, but unresolved.

When the Truth Is Finally in Reach

At this point, there’s no mystery left about who took the Magical Writing Pen. The clues have aligned too neatly. The silences have stretched too long. What remains unresolved is something far trickier. Why they took it, and what you’re willing to do now that you understand the reason.

The pen’s magic hums softly, no longer frantic, no longer hidden. Whatever is being written with it is almost complete. You can feel the weight of it. Not just the spellwork, but the emotion poured into every word. This wasn’t careless magic. It was aching, hopeful, and deeply human. That knowledge settles heavy in your chest.

You stand at the threshold of resolution, aware that how you handle this moment will ripple outward. Cozy mysteries don’t end with explosions. They end with choices. This one is yours.

How do you handle the truth?

A. Take the Pen Back Immediately

B. Let Them Finish What They’re Writing

C. Offer a Deal Instead of a Demand

Take the Pen Back Immediately

You step forward and hold out your hand. Calm. Steady. Final. The pen belongs to you, and whatever boundaries were crossed cannot be softened by good intentions. Magic without consent is still theft. Creativity built on secrecy always leaves a mess behind.

There’s disappointment in their eyes, but also understanding. They hand the pen over slowly, fingers lingering as if saying goodbye to something that almost saved them. The magic snaps back into place the moment it touches your palm, familiar and warm.

You leave knowing you did the right thing. It wasn’t the easiest choice, but it was the cleanest. Some lessons, even cozy ones, need to be learned clearly.

➡️ Outcome seeded: Justice and boundaries.

Let Them Finish What They’re Writing

You hesitate, then nod. Whatever they’re creating matters. You can see it in their posture, the way the pen seems to move on its own, guided by something deeper than spellwork. Magic doesn’t always belong to the person who owns it. Sometimes it belongs to the moment.

They write quickly now, urgency replaced by relief. When they finish, the pen goes quiet. The magic settles. They hand it back without being asked, gratitude and embarrassment tangled together in their expression.

What they created will change things. For them. Maybe for others. And you’ll always wonder what would’ve happened if you’d said no. But you don’t regret it.

➡️ Outcome seeded: Compassion and creative grace.

Offer a Deal Instead of a Demand

You propose a compromise. The pen returns to you, but not without a conversation. Not without accountability. You acknowledge their need without excusing the choice they made. Cozy mysteries love a good middle ground.

They agree immediately, relief washing over them. The pen is returned, but the tension dissolves into something quieter. Trust isn’t restored, but it’s no longer broken beyond repair. You set clear rules. Shared magic requires shared respect.

This wasn’t just about a pen. It was about voice, fear, and asking for help before things spiral. The deal doesn’t fix everything, but it opens the door to something healthier.

➡️ Outcome seeded: Growth and repair.

When the Magic Settles

However you handled the truth, the moment passes like all pivotal moments do. Quietly. Without applause. The Magical Writing Pen is no longer missing, no longer restless. Its magic has settled back into something softer, steadier. Not gone, just calmer. As if it, too, learned something from being taken where it didn’t belong.

The room feels different now. Not lighter exactly, but clearer. The mystery didn’t end with a dramatic reveal or a triumphant declaration. It ended with understanding. With consequences. With choices that mattered more than the object itself. Cozy mysteries rarely wrap themselves up in neat bows. They prefer knots you learn how to live with.

You return to your desk, the chair creaking in its familiar way, and place the pen where it belongs. Or perhaps where it chooses to belong now. Either way, the story is no longer about what was lost. It’s about what was written in the space where something went missing.

How does the story close?

Do you believe the pen was:

• A tool that needed protecting?

• A test of trust?

• Or a reminder that creativity thrives best when shared honestly?

You pick up the pen and write again. Not because the magic demands it. But because you’re ready.

The words come easily. Not enchanted. Just true.

And for the first time since the pen went missing, that feels like enough.

💬 Tell me which path you chose (letters totally welcome). I’ll be reading every comment with a cup of tea.

Watch Here!

There’s something quietly magical about realizing you’re reading again.

Not skimming. Not forcing it. Not side-eyeing your TBR with guilt. Just… reading.

Lately, I’ve found myself genuinely excited to pick up books, to bounce between cozy fantasy and mystery, to follow curiosity instead of pressure. And it’s been such a breath of fresh air that I had to sit down and talk about it.

In today’s video, I’m sharing my current reads, chatting about the new direction I’m taking with my Patreon book club, and showing off the cozy little word searches I’ve been making as gentle brain breaks for readers who want something fun without the commitment of another chapter.

Reading doesn’t have to be productive.
It doesn’t have to be impressive.
It just has to feel good.

If you’ve been in a slump, overwhelmed by your TBR, or craving something cozy and low-pressure, I hope this video feels like a warm invitation back into reading.

Grab a cup of something warm, pick a book that sounds fun, and come hang out.

💛 Courtny

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Today’s Cozmas Vlogmas video is basically my heart in December form. We’re talking Christmas movies. The classics. The comfort rewatches. The “this shaped my personality in third grade” picks.

I put together my official Christmas Movie Bucket List for the season, and honestly? It’s a little chaotic, a little nostalgic, and very me. Here’s the lineup I’m working through this year:
• Home Alone
• The Santa Clause
• Babe in Toyland (the Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves version, the only acceptable version, fight me)
• The Grinch (Jim Carrey… an icon)
• Elf
• The Muppet Christmas Carol

We already checked off Home Alone last night and listen… my oldest laughed so hard he fell off the couch. Fully committed, no regrets.
Then, before bed, he made my husband “wait outside” so he could Home Alone Trap his room.

Kevin McCallister would have handed him a medal.

If you need a boost of holiday joy today or want to build your own watchlist, grab a blanket, grab some cocoa, and tell me…
What Christmas movie is first on your list every year?

XOXO,

Courtny

🧶 Look. At. Her.

It finally happened. After MONTHS of crocheting during nap times, evenings, stolen moments, and probably during at least one existential crisis, I FINISHED MY CARDIGAN.

Sleeves? Done.
Cuffs? Completed.
Ends? Woven in.
Me? A changed woman.

I put it on the second; it was finished, and I instantly felt like the lead in a cozy crafting romcom who just realized the yarn shop owner had been in love with her the whole time.

This cardigan is soft, snuggly, perfectly oversized, and honestly? A personality now.

📸 Photo Evidence Because I’m Proud

Every stitch is giving “cozy queen energy.”
Every stripe is giving “Pinterest mom but make it chaotic good.”
Every color is screaming, “I will wear this from December to March.”

If you’ve ever crafted anything larger than a washcloth, you know the feeling. It’s that warm, fizzy, smug-in-the-best-way vibe of completing something with your hands.

💬 Tell me everything

Have you ever finished a craft and felt like you needed to show it to every person you’ve ever met?
Because that’s me, I am currently on a cardigan world tour around my house.

If you’re crafting something cozy this December, knitting, crocheting, sewing, baking, gluing something questionable, tell me. I want to cheer for you, too.

Thanks for celebrating this little victory with me.
See you tomorrow for Day 6 and whatever cozy chaos comes next.

💛 Courtny

❄️ Welcome back to the coziest chaos of December

Today’s video is basically a giant literary buffet of Christmas vibes. If you need a festive read for your mug-of-something-hot moments, I have you covered. Cozy mysteries? Absolutely. Sweet romances? Always. A little spice? Listen… it’s winter. We stay warm however we can.

Let’s jump into the lineup.

📚 Books Featured in Today’s Video

🎁 Cozy Mysteries

A Holiday Homicide by Ellie Alexander
Warm, charming, and perfect for a mid-December evening with cocoa and fuzzy socks.

Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire
Because nothing says Merry Christmas like a little mountain-town murder.

Mrs. Claus and the Evil Elves by Liz Ireland
Campy in the best way. If you want your cozy mystery with a side of whimsy.

Dachshund Through the Snow by Rosie A Point- Cozy Escape Book Club Pick for December
Pure holiday cuteness wrapped around a mystery.

Murder for Christmas by Godfrey
A short story collection for the classic mystery lover.

💞 Sweet + Spicy Romance

Clued In to Love by Ellie Alexander
Hallmark vibes with better writing and more charm.

A Cozy Kind of Christmas by Ellie Alexander
Festive, warm, and cinnamon-roll soft.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
Small-town sparkle with romance, snow, and heart….and spice!

🎄 Fiction & Humor

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
Short, punchy, funny, and perfect if you want something quick before bed.

The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
A darker festive tale if you need a break from all the sweetness.

💬 Let’s chat

What’s your favorite Christmas read of all time?
Which genre do you reach for in December: cozy, sweet, spicy, or classic?
Tell me in the comments so I can add even more books to my already dangerous TBR.

Thanks for hanging out with me again.
See you tomorrow for more cozy chaos.

💛 Courtny

❄️ Good morning from the land of Christmas lights and caffeine

Welcome to Day 3 of Cozmas Vlogmas, where I bring you along for the full cozy ride: morning coffee, a festive bed, twinkle lights all over Main Street in Broken Arrow (the real-life inspiration for Deadly Drafts), and whatever bookish chaos I’ve gotten myself into today.

This one starts softly. Steam rising off my mug. That perfect December quiet before the world wakes up. Cozy-girl ambiance at maximum.

And then… I remembered I made a mistake.

📚 The Bookish Crisis of the Day

So there I am, happily reading Wreck My Plans by Jillian Meadows… loving it, loving the spice, loving the whole vibe… and then I realized:

Oh. This is not a book I should be listening to around my children.
Which I knew.
I KNEW.
And yet here we are.

Cue me frantically grabbing my headphones like I’m defusing a bomb.

This sparked a little switch-up in my Currently Reading pile, because I needed something I could safely listen to around a three-year-old and five-year-old without having to explain anything that ends with “–ly satisfied.”

📖 Enter: Every Day I Read by Hwang Bo-Reum

I picked up this nonfiction collection of 53 short essays all about weaving reading into your daily life. And it is exactly the warm, soft, reflective energy I needed today.

It’s gentle.
It’s thoughtful.
It’s a love letter to the act of reading.

Each essay is like a tiny cozy blanket for your brain. I’m already obsessed.

🧶 Cardigan Chronicles: The Sleeve Saga

Big news in the yarn world:
I finished one sleeve.
Just one.
A victory is a victory.

I shared pictures in today’s post because, honestly, I need external validation to carry me through sleeve two. After I get that done, it’s cuff time, baby.

This cardigan is basically my emotional support project at this point.

🎄 Broken Arrow Christmas Magic

Before I settled into all the book talk, I filmed a little glimpse of downtown Broken Arrow — the twinkle lights, the Christmas garlands, the small-town charm that inspired my cozy mystery Deadly Drafts.

It’s giving “Hallmark, but make it Oklahoma,” and I love it every year.

☕ Let’s Chat in the Comments

Are you someone who reads multiple books at once?
Do you have a “kid-safe backup read” like I now apparently need?
What’s your cozy project this week?

Thanks for hanging out with me again today.
See you tomorrow for Day 4 and more cozy chaos.

💛 Courtny

Welcome back to my tiny corner of the internet, where we read festive books, drink warm beverages, and try to pretend we’re not already behind on everything December-related. Today’s video is a whole mix of cozy energy: Christmas reads, crochet cardigan updates, and some classic Courtny rambling.

Think of it as a little morning check-in from a friend who may or may not be aggressively choosing coziness over productivity. Again.

Click play above to watch the chaos unfold.

📚 Books I Talked About Today

Here’s the full lineup from today’s video in case you want to check any of them out or add them to your festive TBR:

🔍 Mysteries, Magic, And Cozy Vibes

• Snow Time to Die by Annie McEwen
  Wintery, dog-filled, and exactly the seasonal mystery energy I crave.

• The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
  Librarians, alternate worlds, chaos, dragons… honestly, a holiday treat.

💕 Sweet Romance + Holiday Charm

• Clued in to Love by Ellie Alexander
  A cozy romance with just the right level of holiday sparkle.

• A Cozy Kind of Christmas by Ellie Alexander
  Festive small-town cuteness. Basically, a cup of hot cocoa in book form.

• Wreck My Plans by Jillian Meadows
  A romantic comedy that feels like a Hallmark movie but with better jokes and A LOT more spicy.

🧠 For My Nonfiction Girlies

• More Than Words by John Warner
  A thoughtful take on writing and thinking. Perfect balance to all the fiction.

🧶 Crochet Cardigan Update

Yes, the cardigan is finally growing. Yes, I showed it on camera. Yes, it still looks like a slightly lumpy rectangle, but she has potential. December is about believing in the magic of WIPs.

☕ Let’s Chat

If you’re reading, crocheting, sewing, baking, or otherwise vibing your way through cozy season, tell me what you’re up to today. I genuinely love hearing about your little wins, your big wins, and the random crafts you started at 11 p.m. for no reason.

Thanks for hanging out with me for Day 2.
See you tomorrow for more cozy chaos.

💛 Courtny

This year? I’ve been planning this thing like a woman possessed.
Ideas scribbled everywhere. Video lists. Post drafts. Notes about maybe contacting authors. Pages and pages and pages of cozy chaos. I’ve practically been a one-woman North Pole workshop.

And yet… here we are. No launch. No intro video. No “let’s do this!” moment.

Because the truth is: I haven’t been the most active or productive lately.
My follower count has dipped, some people have drifted, and every time I open an app, I feel the little sting of, “Wow, everyone else is thriving. And I’m… here. Tired. Scrolling.”

Comparison is such a joy-thief.
And I swear, some days I feel like I’m letting people down just by not showing up in the way I used to.

But then I remind myself of the real magic of all this.
Because this silly little hobby I started before marriage, before kids, before books, before everything… it brought me YOU. It brought me some of the most important, wonderful humans in my entire life.

That’s the whole point.
Finding my people.
Finding you.

I miss making videos. Oh my gosh, you should SEE the notebook chaos. Pages of ideas, outlines, thumbnails, Patreon plans, scripts, cozy dreams scribbled in eight different gel pens. The desire is there. The spark is there. The time… is not.

Between raising two little tornadoes, wanting time with my husband, and actually enjoying the cozy hobbies I’ve picked up along the way, it’s so hard to stop mid-moment and think, “Hey Courtny… grab the camera!”
My brain is just not in Creator Mode right now. It’s in Survive December Mode.

I don’t fully know why I’m sharing all this, maybe because I miss you. Maybe because I miss the rhythm of creating. Maybe because I needed to say out loud that I’m in a different season of life right now, and it’s okay.

So here’s what I’ll say instead:

Please celebrate the 12 Days of Cozmas anyway.
Make your own versions.
Bake the cookies, read the cozies, share your setups, show off your twinkle lights. Let this be a choose-your-own-cozy adventure.

And if you do celebrate?
Tell me. I would genuinely love to see your cozy Christmas magic in whatever form it takes.

I’ll be cheering you on from inside my blanket fort.

💛 Courtny

🎄 The Cozmas Archive

For anyone who wants to revisit past years or borrow some inspiration, here are a few 12 Days of Cozmas Announcement blasts from the past:

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I wanted answers.
I wanted clarity.
I wanted someone to hand me a neatly labeled path like, “Here you go, sweetheart, this is your life now.”

Instead?
My brain said:
Panic.
Pick apart your entire identity.
Then panic again for fun.

And because I’m me, of course I tried to problem-solve it with tech.

I bounced between:

• Substack

• YouTube analytics

• Canva

• My Etsy shop

• My manuscript

• My camera roll

• My Notes app

• And yes… AI
  …hoping ONE of them would magically tell me what to do with my life like some overworked digital oracle.

Spoiler:
None of them did.
If anything, it made the spiral even worse.

Sometimes technology really does feel like an “easy button,” but when your brain is already overwhelmed, that button launches you straight into a boss battle you did NOT sign up for.

So I did something outrageous.
Radical, even.

I put my phone down.
I grabbed my shoes.
And I walked.

Just a simple 10-minute walk with a book playing in my ears.
Ten minutes of movement and story and nothing else.

I didn’t check anything.
I didn’t try to fix anything.
I didn’t try to think my way into clarity.

I just… let myself exist.

And when I came back home, something in me softened.
Not fixed.
Not epiphanied.
Just softened enough for me to breathe.

That’s when I pulled out my traveler’s notebook — the one I never use as much as I want to — and I wrote out three tiny menus:

• a Writing Menu

• a YouTube Menu

• a Self-care Menu

They weren’t fancy.
They weren’t Canva-fied.
They weren’t polished or aesthetic.

Just pen, paper, and my messy handwriting.

And you know what?
It felt… grounding.

Like my brain said, “Oh. Thank you. This I can handle.”

It reminded me that sometimes the tools meant to make life easier actually make it heavier.
Sometimes AI feels like a shortcut until you’re knee-deep in “productivity hacks” and “content strategies” and you suddenly realize you’re more stressed than when you started.

Sometimes we don’t need a dashboard.
Or an app.
Or a perfectly designed PDF.

Sometimes we just need:
a walk,
a book,
a notebook,
and ten minutes of being a human instead of a machine.

So if you’re spiraling too — creatively, emotionally, existentially — here’s your gentle permission slip:

Put the tech down.
Pick up your pen.
Go for a walk.
Come back to yourself first.

The clarity won’t come from an algorithm.
It’ll come from you.

And if all you do today is scribble a messy little menu in a notebook?

That absolutely counts.

xoxo,

Courtny

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Between multiple surgeries (mine and other family members’), travel, mom life, and trying to keep up with writing deadlines, life basically looked at my plans and said, “That’s adorable.”

🩺 Let’s Start with the Scalpel

This month brought multiple surgeries for me and a few other family members. Picture me with my laptop, coffee, and a hospital waiting room playlist that alternated between “productive girl” and “existential dread.” There were stitches, bandages, and way too many insurance calls, but everyone’s on the mend now, just in time for me to remember what sleep feels like (allegedly).

✈️ Then Came Ashland, Oregon — a.k.a. Cozy Mystery Heaven

Because I like to make life interesting, I hopped on a plane in the middle of all that chaos to attend the Ashland Mystery Festival, and it was magical.
Think small-town charm meets Sherlock vibes with a dash of “I swear this could be the start of a Hallmark movie.”

You can check out my full vlog of the trip here:
🎥 Ashland Mystery Festival 2025 Vlog

I got to host a panel with three amazing bookish friends:
✨ Spencer from Intentionally Bookish
🌴 TJ from Beachbum Bookworm
📚 Amy from Amy Marie Reads

We talked about cozy mysteries, bookish communities, and why fictional murder is way more fun than real-life stress. The energy in the room was warm, funny, and delightfully nerdy, basically, my happy place.

If you’re curious about the festival itself, here’s what Ashland had cooking this year:
🔗 Ashland Mystery Festival Events

👩‍👦 Mom Life: The True Mystery

Meanwhile, back home, I was playing detective with socks that vanish into the void, snacks that apparently “disappeared themselves,” and a toddler who insists he can fly if he just jumps hard enough. Between drop-offs, bedtime negotiations, and trying to write during nap windows, I’ve basically leveled up to Chaos Management Expert.

✍️ Writing (Somehow Still Happened)

Between caffeine and sheer willpower, I managed to make progress on a few writing projects the kind where the characters talk to you at 2 AM, and you just hope they don’t also demand royalties. I’ve been juggling drafts, edits, and ideas that make me equal parts giddy and terrified. But honestly? Even in the middle of the madness, this creative stuff keeps me grounded.

🧶 Cozy Craft Corner: Crochet Edition

Because when life gets wild, my therapy is yarn.
This month, I finally made something just for me — a pair of ridiculously cute slippers that make me feel like a woodland cottagecore grandma in the best possible way. And then, because I couldn’t stop, I made a crocheted book cover.
Yes, you heard that right — my book is literally wrapped in coziness now.

🕯 Wrapping It All Up

So yeah, October was a lot.
But it was also full of connection, creativity, and cozy community, the exact mix that makes me grateful for this little corner of the internet where I get to share the highs, lows, and hilariously messy in-betweens with you.

Here’s to November bringing a bit more peace… or at least fewer doctor’s appointments.
(And maybe a nap. A girl can dream.)

💌
Until next time,
Courtny
(Your resident mystery-writing, mom-life-managing, caffeine-fueled chaos curator)

But here’s the thing, this story has me really thinking. Not just about the twists and turns, but about myself. About morals. Or maybe not morals exactly… more like values. The book dives into women reclaiming their lives from some truly terrible men, and I found myself nodding along the whole way. When did it hint that women were helping their husbands into an early grave? I didn’t even flinch. Honestly, I was cheering them on.

Which made me pause. Am I a good person? Or if something like that happened in real life, would I still feel that way? The more I thought about it… yeah. I think I would. There’s something about women taking back their power that feels cathartic and, dare I say, cozy in its own way, not because of the violence itself, but because of the solidarity, the sisterhood, and the sense of justice.

This post feels a little heavier than my usual cozy chats, less “pumpkin spice and porch reads” and more “let’s talk about justice with a side of dark humor.” But sometimes books spark conversations we didn’t know we needed, and I love that about them.

👉 Now I’m curious, how about you? Do you ever find yourself rooting for a fictional character to do something you’d never actually condone in real life? Would you be cheering on these women, too, or do you feel differently? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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So here’s what’s on my Cozy Fall TBR this year, divided into vibes that match the season.

☕ Small Town & Seasonal Charm

Sometimes the best fall reads are the ones set in charming towns where everyone knows your name (and your coffee order).

• Death in Dark Blue by Julia Buckley – A small-town mystery with all the classic cozy ingredients.

• Off the Beaten Path by Eloise Corvo – Wanderlust and cozy charm wrapped in one.

• The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander – Rival bookshops, quirky characters, and bookish banter? Yes, please.

✨ Warm & Whimsical

For when you want a little magic, a little wonder, and a lot of heart.

• A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna – Cozy fantasy perfection.

• A Pirate’s Life for Tea by Rebecca Thorne – Adventure + romance + whimsy = chef’s kiss.

• Weyward by Emilia Hart – Haunting, magical, and brimming with resilience.

🌙 Slow & Satisfying

Books that feel like sitting by a crackling fireplace, letting the story simmer and unfold.

• The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman – For lovers of bookish adventures and slow-burn mystery.

• Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott – A lyrical, magical tale rooted in folklore and family.

• Too Old for This by Samantha Downing- Witty, sharp, and proof that it’s never too late for thrills and surprises.

🧡 Why These Books Made My List

Each of these titles captures something I crave in fall: stories with heart, settings I want to live in, and a sprinkle of magic or mystery. They’re the kinds of reads that make you want to light a candle, curl up with a blanket, and stay put until the last page.

📺 If you want to see me chat about these books in more detail, check out my Youtube video!

📚 What’s on your fall TBR? Share your cozy picks in the comments — I love adding to my list!

Yes, I bought 11 books.
No, I don’t regret it.
Yes, I now want to add adorable chapter headings to all my own books because I am weak for a motif.

🎥 Want to see the full haul (and the cutest chapter header images)?

📚 The Books I Hauled:

• The Arrangement by Heather Dubree

• Tornado Ally by Lainey Ross

• A Mean Piece of Water by Jes McCutchen

• Stroke of Midnight by K Webster

• Falling Inn Love by Erin Branscom

• Full Bodied by Steve Exeter

• Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine by Liz Ireland

• Tea You at the Altar by Rebecca Thorne

• A Body at the Book Fair by Ellie Alexander

• The Tattered Cover by Ellery Adams

• A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Some are murder-y, some are magical, some are romantic chaos—and some are all three, which is very on-brand for me.

✨ Let’s Talk Chapter Headers

One unexpected delight in this haul? Several of these books had the cutest little illustrations at the start of each chapter—icons, teacups, beautiful illustrations, cats, tornados, etc. It sent me on a spiral thinking:

Should I start adding chapter art to my own books?
Would it be too much if every cozy mystery had a tiny cat silhouette?
(Spoiler: it would not.)

I share a bunch of my favorites in the video above, and I’d love to know if you’re a fan of this kind of bookish detail too.

💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you ever picked up a book just because it looked pretty on the inside?
Are chapter headings your thing, too?
Which book in this haul should I read first?

👇 Leave a comment or come yell with me on Instagram (@courtagonist)! Bonus points if you tell me about your most recent “oops, I bought books again” moment.

Thanks for reading and supporting all my cozy chaos. If you want more of this kind of thing—book hauls, behind-the-scenes writer rambles, and soft chaos with a side of snacks—you can subscribe here or share this post with your fellow bookish friends!

Until next time,
✨ Courtny

📖 1. Books That Slayed and Some That Just… Flopped

📺 Watch the video | 📬 Read the blog

This was my June & July reading recap—and let’s just say, it was a mixed bag. From 5-star bangers like Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man to books that made me question my life choices, I covered it all.
I also get personal in the blog version, talking about how this summer didn’t exactly go to plan (because when does it ever?). If you’re looking for honest bookish thoughts and a little life update, this one’s for you.

🕵️‍♀️ 2. Cozy Crimes & Autumn Vibes | 2025 Mystery Releases I Can’t Wait For

📺 Watch the video | 📬 Read the blog

This one is all about those fall mystery releases that are giving major pumpkin-scented potential. I go full cozy-crime-mode and share the upcoming books that already have a spot saved on my TBR (and my bookshelf, let’s be honest).
If you need an early fall fix or just want to know what to pre-order, check this out.

📦 3. Surprise Book Mail from Cozy Mystery Authors!

📺 Watch the video

This was SUCH a joy to open. I had no idea I was going to receive bookish love from three incredible cozy mystery authors, and this box was pure serotonin.

Inside:

• The Deep End by Julie Mulhern (yes, please to swimming pool sleuthing)

• Bundle of Trouble by Diana Orgain (murder + mom life = relatable)

• Merit Badge Murder by Leslie Langtry (Girl Scout troop leaders gone rogue?? I’m IN.)
  Plus tea, a tea infuser, and a mug with their book covers. Bookish love language, activated.

🎂 4. Birthday Book Haul + Cozy Gifts I’m OBSESSED With!

📺 Watch the video

Okay, this video made me a little weepy. My husband and kids put together a book-themed gift basket that was perfect, and my friend Cait threw me the coziest surprise birthday party—with a crocheted book tapestry that made my jaw drop. I go through everything in the video, so if you want a little peek into what fills my heart (and my bookshelves), this one’s a must-watch.

🧁 That’s a Wrap (and a Haul and a Hug)

Thanks for following along this month! If you missed anything, now’s the time to catch up. And if you’ve watched/read every single one of these… please know I would absolutely share my cozy birthday cupcakes with you. 🧁

Coming in August: more cozy content, a new book haul, some writing updates, and maybe a secret project reveal. 😏 Stay tuned, and stay cozy.

Xoxo,

Courtny

You know the vibe:
Candles lit.
Blanket burrito activated.
A stack of whodunits whispering, “Just one more chapter…”

If you’re like me and you love your autumn with a dash of murder (fictional, of course), I’ve gathered 14 cozy mysteries coming out in Fall 2025 that I am absolutely buzzing about. From haunted teahouses and snow-covered crimes to bookish secrets and spy shenanigans, this list is pure pumpkin-spiced perfection.

🔎 My Fall 2025 Cozy Mystery TBR:

🦊 The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Our favorite pensioner sleuths are back, and the stakes feel even more deliciously high.

🕶️ The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold by Ally Carter
Spies, sass, and snow boots. This one promises rom-com flair with thriller intrigue.

💘 Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine by Liz Ireland
I didn’t think I needed a Valentine’s Day murder in the North Pole… but apparently I did.

🚤 Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood
If Agatha Christie took a river cruise, this would be the result.

🍵 Earl Grave Tea by Gretchen Rue
Ghosts, tea, and witchy vibes? YES, please.

🥃 Whiskey Business by Adrian Andover
Murder on the rocks? I’m intrigued.

📚 Death on the Bookshelf by Poppy Bridgeman
Bookstore mysteries = instant buy for me.

☕ Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander
Murder meets mocha. What more could a bakeshop fan want?

🏔️ Solid Gold Murder by Ellen Byron
A cozy set in a retro motel with gold rush flair. Count me in.

🌲 A Murder on the Mountain by Ellie Alexander
Cozy, chilly, and mountainous. (Bonus: the cover is swoony.)

📖 The Tattered Cover by Ellery Adams
Part of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, and it looks magical.

🎄 A Wonderful Christmas Crime by Jacqueline Frost
Holiday vibes and murder under the tree. A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery never misses.

📦 Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop by Jackie Baldwin
Scottish village? Bookshop? SOLD.

🌳 Mockingbird Court by Juneau Black
A new Shady Hollow Mystery, full of woodland critters and slow-burn sleuthing.

🍂 Why I’m So Excited

There’s just something about fall that begs for cozy mysteries. Maybe it’s the longer nights, or the fact that fictional murder pairs perfectly with cardigans and cinnamon rolls. These books have all the ingredients: charming towns, amateur sleuths, found family, and just enough twists to keep things interesting.

I’ll be diving into these as soon as I can get my hands on them—and yes, I’ll absolutely be sharing my thoughts (and possibly some themed snacks and candles) along the way.

🎥 Want the Visual Version?

I’ve got a full YouTube video breaking these down with cover peeks, preorder hype, and a few chaotic reader confessions.
👉

💬 Let’s Chat!

What’s on your Fall 2025 cozy mystery wishlist? Did I miss any must-reads? Hit reply or drop a comment—I LOVE getting cozy recs from fellow bookish sleuths.

Until next time,
🧣 Stay curious, stay cozy, and may your tea never get cold before you solve the case.
xo,
Courtny 💀📚🧡