Let's Talk with Cheryl Hollon

Picture this: you’re curled up in your favorite reading nook, a mug of mint hot chocolate warming your hands, diving into a deliciously twisty cozy mystery where chocolate isn’t merely a treat, it’s central to the plot. If that sounds like your perfect evening, you’re in for a treat today. It’s National Chocolate Mint Day, and we’re celebrating the sweet intersection of chocolate-themed cozies and our favorite flavor combination.

There’s something irresistible about cozy mysteries set in chocolateries, bakeries, and candy shops. Authors like JoAnna Carl and Joanne Fluke have built entire series around amateur sleuths who solve crimes while crafting confections.

Why do chocolate-centered cozies work so well? The setting provides natural gathering spots where gossip flows as freely as ganache. A chocolate shop is the heart of any small town, where locals pop in daily, secrets are shared over truffles, and our protagonist has the perfect cover for investigating suspicious behavior.

The charm amplifies when mint enters the picture. Whether it’s a poisoned peppermint bark (gasp!), a clue hidden in a batch of mint chocolate chip cookies, or simply our detective taking a break with a Girl Scout Thin Mint, that cool, refreshing flavor adds an extra layer of sensory delight to the reading experience.

Looking for the perfect pairing today? Grab a chocolate mystery and settle in with actual mint chocolates nearby. Andes mints, peppermint patties, or homemade mint brownies all make excellent reading companions. My favorite is Andes Mints.

What’s your favorite chocolate-themed cozy mystery? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

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Don’t forget to enter our Booklover’s Bench contest. We’re collecting entries for a custom-designed tote bag to one lucky winner. It runs from February 1-22. Here’s the link:  https://bookloversbench.com/contests/

Want to know more about author Cheryl Hollon? Visit her WEBSITE.

The Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries are set in the city of St. Petersburg, FL. The characters spend considerable time sampling the culinary delights of the downtown waterfront’s foodie landscape. Please buy locally. Independent bookstores need your patronage. If your budget is tight, support your local library instead. Click photo to learn more about this series.