Cozy Mysteries discussion

Read the Season 2013- Spring
March 20, 2013 - June 20, 2013

4/6

S- Sofie Kelly: Cat Trick 4/3
P- Pieter Aspe: The Square of Revenge: An Inspector Van in Mystery 6/14
R- Rhodes, Kate: Crossbones Yard 3/28
I-
N-
G- Grecian, Alex: The Yard 6/11
, , ,

May 2013- Mini Challenge
May 1, 2013 - May 31, 2013
2/5

May 1 - May Day - Read a book with a 3 word title, or the author's (first or last) name has 3 letters: Out of Circulation by Miranda James 5/6

May 1 - Mother Goose Day - Read a book with a Mother in it, or a Goose:

May 6 - No Diet Day - Read a book with any kind of food in the title or shown on the cover:
Alpine for You by Maddy Hunter 5/20/13

May 18 - No Dirty Dishes Day - Read a book with a dish (of any kind) on the cover:

May 30 - Water a Flower Day - Read a book with a flower either on the cover or in the title:

Goodreads Challege 2013
Jan 1, 2013- Dec 31, 2013

Goal: 125

74/125

Read the Season 2013-2014 Winter
Dec 23, 2013 - Mar 20, 2014
2/6
W -
I -
N - Nancy Coco All Fudged Up 12/29/13
T -
E -
R - Ryan, Hank Phillippi: The Wrong Girl 12/31/13

Goodreads Challenge 2014
Jan 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2014
Goal: 125 books
78/125

A-Z Title Challenge 2014
Jan 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2014
17/26 as of 8/12/14

A- An Appetite for Murder by Lucy Burdette 6/3/14
B-
C- A Catered Wedding by Isis Crawford 2/14/14
D- Death Overdue by Mary Lou Kirwin 1/31/14
E- End Me a Tenor by Joelle Charbonneau 6/24/14
F- Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury 1/4/14 (non-cozy)
G- Golden State by Michelle Richmond 3/4/14 (non-cozy)
H-
I- I've Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark 8/8/14
J-
K- Kill Fee by Owen Laukkanen 4/26/14 (thriller)
L- Lending a Paw: A Bookmobile Cat Mystery by Laurie Cass 2/21/14
M- Murder, She Barked by Krista Davis 2/18/14
N- No Man's Nightingale: An Inspector Wexford Novel by Ruth Rendell 1/27/14
O- Offside by A.J. Stewart 3/26/14
P- Power Play: A Novel by Danielle Steel 6/10/14 (non-mystery)
Q-
R-
S- Styx & Stone: An Ellie Stone Mystery by James W. Ziskin 1/16/14
T- Town in a Strawberry Swirl by B.B. Haywood 6/12/14
U-
V- The Vanishing Thief by Kate Parker 2/5/14
W- The Wives of Los Alamos by TaraShea Nesbit 5/12/14 (non-cozy)
X-
Y-
Z-

Jan 2014- Mini Challenge
Jan 1, 2014 - Jan 31, 2014
4/5 - almost did it

Jan 1 - Happy New Year! - Read a new author: Murder on the Rocks by Karen MacInerneyKaren MacInerney 1/26/14

Jan 6 - Cuddle Up Day - Cuddle up with an old favorite: Death Overdue by Mary Lou Kirwin 1/31/14

Jan 11 - Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend's Day - Read a book with any kind of water on the cover or in the title.:

Jan 12 - Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day - Read a book by a male author or a book with a gorgeous handsome man on the cover.: The Midas Murders by Pieter Aspe 1/20/14

Jan 23 - Measure Your Feet Day -Read a book that has anything to do with feet or measurements OR a book with someone standing on the cover and you can see their feet or see a pair of shoes/boots.: Styx & Stone: An Ellie Stone Mystery by James W. Ziskin 1/15/14

Read Around the USA
Jan 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2014
17/50 as of 8/12/14

Alabama-
Alaska-
Arizona-
Arkansas-
California- Golden State by Michelle Richmond 3/4/14
Colorado-
Connecticut-
Delaware-
Florida- Offside by A.J. Stewart 3/26/14
Georgia-
Hawaii-
Idaho-
Illinois- Murder for Choir by Joelle Charbonneau 5/27/14
Indiana-
Iowa-
Kansas-
Kentucky- Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury 1/4/14
Louisiana-
Maine- Murder on the Rocks by Karen MacInerney 1/26/14
Maryland-
Massachusetts- Murder at Fenway Park by Troy Soos 5/25/14
Michigan- Lending a Paw: A Bookmobile Cat Mystery by Laurie Cass 2/21/14
Minnesota- Kill Fee by Owen Laukkanen 4/26/14
Mississippi-
Missouri- The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh 5/16/14
Montana-
Nebraska-
Nevada-
New Hampshire-
New Jersey-
New Mexico- The Wives of Los Alamos by TaraShea Nesbit 5/12/14
New York- Styx & Stone: An Ellie Stone Mystery by James W. Ziskin 1/15/14
North Carolina- Murder on the Hoof: A Mystery by Kathryn O'Sullivan 6/1/14
North Dakota-
Ohio- Murder, Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan 5/14/14
Oklahoma-
Oregon- Scene of the Climb by Kate E. Dyer-Seeley 7/24/14
Pennsylvania-
Rhode Island- On the Rocks: A Novel by Erin Duffy 5/17/14
South Carolina-
South Dakota-
Tennessee-
Texas- Paw Enforcement by Diane Kelly 6/28/14
Utah-
Vermont-
Virginia- Murder, She Barked by Krista Davis 2/18/14
Washington-
West Virginia-
Wisconsin-
Wyoming-

Bonus: Washington D.C.-

A-Z Author Challenge 2014
Jan 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2014
22/26

A- Isabella Alan- Murder, Plain and Simple 5/14/14
B- Barbara Ross- Clammed Up 5/24/14
C- Sheila Connolly - Scandal in Skibbereen 3/17/14
D- Krista Davis - Murder, She Barked 2/18/14
E- Erin Duffy - On the Rocks: A Novel 5/19/14 (non-mystery)
F- Jessica Fletcher - Domestic Malice 9/18/14
G- Meg Gardiner - Phantom Instinct 8/20 (thriller)
H- B.B. Haywood - Town in a Strawberry Swirl 6/12/14
I- Isis Crawford - A Catered Wedding 2/14/14
J- Joelle Charbonneau - Murder for Choir 5/27/14
K- Karen MacInerney - Murder on the Rocks 1/26/14
L- Laurie Cass - Lending a Paw: A Bookmobile Cat Mystery 2/21/14
M- Mary Lou Kirwin - Death Overdue 1/31/14
N- TaraShea Nesbit- The Wives of Los Alamos 5/12/14 (non-mystery)
O- Owen Laukkanen - Kill Fee 4/26/14 (thriller)
P- Kate Parker- The Vanishing Thief 2/5/14
Q-
R- Ruth Rendell - No Man's Nightingale: An Inspector Wexford Novel 1/27/14
S- Sissel-Jo Gazan - The Dinosaur Feather 2/10/14 (non-cozy)
T- Troy Soos - Murder at Fenway Park 5/25/14
U-
V-
W- Andy Weir - The Martian 5/8/14 (syfy suspense)
X- Steven Axelrod - Nantucket Sawbuck: A Henry Kennis Mystery 2/9/14
Y-
Z- James W. Ziskin - Styx & Stone: An Ellie Stone Mystery 1/15/14 (non-cozy)

Katherine wrote: "A-Z Author Challenge 2014
Jan 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2014
1/26 as of 1/4/14

A-
B-
C-
D-
E-
F-
G-
H-
I-
J-
K- Karen Kingsbury - Fifteen Minutes 1/4/14
L-
M-
N-
O-
P-
Q-..."
R- Rosalee Richland - Load the Boat

10 books in January, not bad - hoping vacation will make February even more successful

February Mini-Olympic Challenge
2/5 - 2/28/14
Read books with covers (or spines) with a main color matching one of the colors of the Olympic Rings, plus the flag background, or the color is a word in the title, or perhaps even an author's last name:

3/6 Not too bad

BLUE - Nantucket Sawbuck: A Henry Kennis Mystery by Steven Axelrod 2/9/14
YELLOW - A Catered Wedding by Isis Crawford 2/14/14
BLACK - The Dinosaur Feather by Sissel-Jo Gazan 2/10/14

March 2014- Mini Challenge
Mar 1, 2014 - Mar 31, 2014
1/5

Mar 2 - Old Stuff Day - Read either the oldest cozy mystery on your TBR list/shelf, or read a cozy author that had their book published before 1900.

Mar 10 - Middle Name Pride Day - Read a book whose author uses their middle name (not just their initial) on the cover of the book.

Mar 12 - Plant a Flower Day - Read a book with a flower(s) on the cover, a flower in the title, or the author's name or the books main character's name matches that of a flower

Mar 15 - Everything You Think is Wrong Day - Read a book where a character runs into this problem, and has a severe bad day, string of bad luck, etc.

Mar 29 - National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day - Read a book where a main or semi-main character owns their own business. - Offside 3/26/14

Read the Season- Spring 2014
March 20, 2014 - June 20, 2014

5/6

S - Stewart, AJ Offside 3/26/14
P - Power Play: A Novel-Danielle Steel 6/10/14
R - Ross, Barbara Clammed Up 5/24/14
I - Isabella Alan- Murder, Plain and Simple 5/14/14
N - Nesbit, Tarashea The Wives of Los Alamos 5/12/14
G -

Bonus: Read a book with the word "spring" in the title.

May 2014- Mini Challenge
May 1, 2014 - May 31, 2014

3/5 & 2 Bonuses

2nd Week, May 8th & May 30th: National Wildflower Week, Iris Day and Water a Flower Day — Read a book that features flowers or has a flower on the cover.

May 11th: Mother's Day- Read a book that features a mom (does not have to be the main character). Clammed Up 5/24/14

3rd Week & May 15th: National Police Week & National Police Officers Memorial Day — Read a book that features a member of the police force. Murder, Plain and Simple 5/14/14

Month, 3rd Week & May 16th: National Bike Month, National Bike Week and National Bike to Work Day — Read a book with a character who rides a bike, or that has a bike on the cover.

May 18th: International Museum Day — Read a book set at a Museum or Historical site Murder at Fenway Park 5/25/14

Bonus: Get outside and go on a nature walk. - Walked through Foothills and Petroglyphs in New Mexico
BONUS: Visit a museum this month! - Went to Ski Museum in New Mexico

On the Rocks: A Novel by Erin Duffy isn't a mystery but I highly recommend it- a great beach read- for anyone who has experienced a break-up in the Facebook era will be able to relate

Clammed Up, Murder at Fenway Park, and Murder for Choir are some of the best cozy mysteries I have read this year!

June 2014- Mini Challenge
June 1, 2014 - June 30, 2014

1/5 + No Bonus as of 6/7/14

June & June 4th: National Adopt a Cat Month & Hug Your Cat Day - An Appetite for Murder 6/3/14

June 3rd: Repeat Day -

June 4th: Old Maid's Day -

June 26: Beautician's Day -

June 27: Sun Glasses Day -

BONUS June 4th: National Cheese Day -

Read the Season- Summer 2014
June 21, 2014 - September 22, 2014

4/6 as of 8/19/14

S- Stone, Jonathan - Moving Day: A Thriller 7/7/14
U-
M- Maxwell, Edith - 'Til Dirt Do Us Part 8/13/14
M- Murder, Simply Stitched - Isabella Alan 8/17/14
E- Ellory, RJ - Saints of New York: A Novel 8/4/14
R-

Bonus: Read a book with the word "summer" in the title.

July 2014- Mini Challenge
July 1, 2014 - July 31, 2014
1/5 as of 7/31/14

National Ice Cream Month - Read a book that shows ice cream on the cover, or has a flavor of ice cream in the title, or someone eats ice cream somewhere in the book:

July 2- I Forgot Day - Read a book you've previously purchased, but forgot to read:

July 11 - Cheer up the Lonely Day - Read a book that you've borrowed from someone else or was given to you:

July 13 -Embrace Your Geekness Day - Read a book where someone has a geeky type profession, or read a non-fiction book (to increase your geekness! lol): Kidding Ourselves: The Hidden Power of Self-Deception 7/14/14

Summer Picnic Holidays – Read a book where someone has a picnic

August 2014 - Mini Challenge
August 1, 2014 - August 31, 2014
2/5

WWI 100th Anniversary – Read a book set in Europe between 1914 and 1918 or on the war itself:

Aug 2- National Mustard Day- Read a book with a predominately yellow cover/spine, or “yellow” in title, or a character named “Mustard”: Game Over or Game On?: How Pro Athletes Leave Sports and Enjoy the Game of Life 8/14/14

Aug 6- Wiggle Your Toes Day– Read a book with feet on cover, bonus is no shoes:

Aug 9- Book Lover’s Day – Reader’s choice: 'Til Dirt Do Us Part 8/13/14

Aug 21- Senior Citizen’s Day – Read a book where the main character is 65 or older:

'Til Dirt Do Us Part by Edith Maxwell was very enjoyable- I highly recommend it

Cozy Themes Challenge
(trying out an older challenge with my own dates)
8/1/14 - 7/31/15
7/10 as of 12/29/14

#1 British/English - Books that take place in a United Kingdom countries:

#2 Historical/Period - Any book that takes place prior to 1940: Anything Goes 9/2/14 -Set in 1929

#3 Animals - Any book with an animal as a main character, subject of the book, book takes place in a pet shop, stable, etc: A Midwinter's Tail 12/28/14 Kathleen's cats are main characters

#4 Culinary/Cooking - Food themed mysteries: The Chocolate Pirate Plot 8/15/14 - Lee works in chocolate shop

#5 Paranormal - Anything centered around the occult, witches, vampires, werewolves, Psychics, ghosts, etc: The Trouble With Magic 10/26/14 A Bewitching mystery

#6 Vacation Mysteries/Exotic Locations - Any book that takes place outside the United States:

#7 Holidays - Any holiday themed mystery:

#8 Hobbies - Any mystery that centers around a hobby, craft, sport, etc: Murder, Simply Stitched 8/17/14 - quilting, caning- both hobbies and jobs

#9 Professions/Careers/Jobs/Occupations - Any mystery that centers on or highlights a particular job: 'Til Dirt Do Us Part 8/13/14 - highlights Cam's job as a farmer

#10 Senior Slueths - Read a mystery where the sleuth is 50 or older: Domestic Malice 9/18/14 Jessica Fletcher is a senior citizen

Sherlock Holmes Challenge
trying another older challenge with only mysteries
8/14/14 - 2/14/15
0/13 as of 8/14/14

1. Sherlock Holmes – Read a book with a detective or private eye as a main character:

2. Dr. John H. Watson – Read a book where the person solving the mystery has an assistant or helper:

3. 221 B Baker Street – Read a book with an address in the title, or mentioned somewhere in the book. Or there is a character named Baker, or Baker is in the title, or is part of the author’s name:

4. London – Read a book that takes place in England:

5. Books - There are 4 novels and 56 short stories that make up the Sherlock Holmes original works. Read any one of those, or you may read a book that is based on Sherlock Holmes in any way:

6. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Read a book by an author with a 3 word name, the author is knighted (Sir or Dame), Or “Arthur”, “Conan” or “Doyle” is found in the authors name (including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, if you wish to read another book by the author himself):

7. Smoking – Holmes smoked a Meerschaum pipe, and occasionally cigarettes and cigars. Read a book where there is a pipe, cigarettes, or cigar either on the cover, in the title, or used by a main character in a book:

8. Drugs – Holmes had a habit of using cocaine and occasionally morphine as a stimulant. Read a book where drugs are part of the story or someone uses a stimulant (including caffeine):

9. Deductive Reasoning – Holmes was famous for this. Read a book where a mystery is solved by following and interpreting clues:

10. Disguise – Holmes frequently disguised himself. Read a book where, for whatever reason, someone wears a disguise or costume:

11. Forensic Science – This was used frequently by Holmes. Read a book where some type of forensic science is mentioned. It could be anything from fingerprints to CSI type lab work:

12. Deerstalker hat & cape – This was what Holmes is usually pictured wearing. Read a book where someone wears either a hat or a cape, of any kind, at some point in the book. (Police officers, cowboy, etc.):

13. Dr. Moriarty – He was Holmes’ archvillian. Read a book where there is one major villain:

October Mini Challenge
Oct 1, 2014 - Oct 31, 2014
1/5

Breast Cancer Awareness Month— Read a book with pink on the cover.
Oct 4- World Card Making Day— Read a book that involves crafts of some sort.
Oct 11, Oct 28- Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day & Plush Animal Day— Read a book that features a stuffed animal.
Oct 26, Oct 30- Visit a Cemetery Day & Create a Great Funeral Day — Read a book in which someone attends a funeral, visits a cemetery, or has a cemetery/grave on the cover. The Trouble With Magic 10/26/14 main characters attend funeral
Oct 31st is Halloween and Carve a Pumpkin Day— Read a book that has a pumpkin on the cover, or has an orange cover.

December 2014 Mini Challenge
12/1/14 – 12/31/14
2/5

December 4: Santa’s List Day, December 7: Letter Writing Day and December 9: Christmas Card Day— Read a book in which someone sends or receives a card or letter: The Forgotten Girl 12/27/14 Some letters help solve the mystery

December 6: Mitten Tree Day— Read a book with mittens, winter scarf or winter hat on the cover:

December 13: Violin Day and December 20: Go Caroling Day— Read a book in which someone plays a musical instrument or sings:

December 21: National Flashlight Day— Read a book in which someone is enlightened:

December 27: Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day— Read a book with snow, ice, or snowflakes on the cover: A Midwinter's Tail 12/29/14 snow falling on cover

Read the Season -- Winter 2014/2015
Dec 21, 2014 to March 20, 2015
Winter is my favorite season.
4/14 as of 1/16/14

L- Leslie Meier - French Pastry Murder 1/15/15
O-
V-
E-

W- Washburn, Livia J.-A Peach of a Murder 12/26/14
I-
N-
T-
E-
R- Robert Dugoni - My Sister's Grave 1/5/15

S- Sofie Kelly - A Midwinter's Tail 12/28/14
N-
O-
W-

World Trip Challenge
12/25/14 – 12/31/15
Level 4: The Seasoned Traveler (19-24)
– The Seasoned Traveler doesn't do anything by half-measures: they go all out, and the more obscure or off the beaten path the better!

1. London, England, Europe: An Unsuitable Job for a Woman 1/10/15
2. New York, USA, North America: Decaffeinated Corpse 1/11/15
3. Paris, France, Europe: French Pastry Murder 1/15/15
4. Germany, Europe also US and England: Pegasus 1/18/15
5.

Ultimate 2015 Reading Challenge
8/52 as of 2/26/14

[ ] A book with 500 pages:
[X] A classic romance: Pegasus 1/18/15
[X] A book that became a movie: Red Riding Hood 2/19/15
[ ] A book published this year:
[X] A book with a number in the title: Fifty Mice: A Novel 2/4/15
[X] A book written by someone under 30: Red Rising 2/23/15
[ ] A book with nonhuman characters:
[ ] A funny book:
[X] A book with a female author: Decaffeinated Corpse - Cleo Coyle- 1/11/15
[ ] A mystery or thriller:
[ ] A book with a one-word title:
[ ] A book of short stories:
[X] A book set in a different country: French Pastry Murder in Paris 1/15/15
[ ] A nonfiction book:
[X] A popular author's first book: An Unsuitable Job for a Woman 1/10/15
[ ] A book from an author you love that you have not read yet:
[ ] A book a friend recommended:
[ ] A Pulitzer Prize winning book:
[ ] A book based on a true story:
[ ] A book at the bottom of your to-read list:
[ ] A book your mom loves:
[X] A book that scares you: My Sister's Grave 1/5/15
[ ] A book more than 100 years old:
[ ] A book based entirely on its cover:
[ ] A book you were supposed to read in school but didn't:
[ ] A memoir:
[ ] A book you can finish in a day:
[ ] A book with antonyms in the title:
[ ] A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit:
[ ] A book that came out the year you were born:
[ ] A book with bad reviews:
[ ] A trilogy:
[ ] A book from your childhood:
[ ] A book with a love triangle:
[ ] A book set in the future:
[ ] A book set in high school:
[ ] A book with a color in the title:
[ ] A book that made you cry:
[ ] A book with magic:
[ ] A graphic novel:
[ ] A book by an author you've never read before:
[ ] A book you own but have never read :
[ ] A book that takes place in your hometown (or close to where you live):
[ ] A book originally written in a different language:
[ ] A book set during Christmas :
[ ] A book written by an author with your same initials:
[ ] A play:
[ ] A banned book:
[ ] A book based on or turned into a TV show:
[ ] A book you started but never finished:

January 2015 Mini Challenge
1/1/15 – 1/31/15

2/5 as of 1/10/15

January 1 is New Year’s Day- First book in any series: An Unsuitable Job for a Woman - P.D. James 1/10/15

January 2 is Run up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day- A book with any kind of flag on the cover:

January 5 is National Bird Day and January 20 Penguin Awareness Day- A book with a bird in the title or on the cover:

January 10 is Houseplant Appreciation Day- A book with a plant or flowers on the cover:

January 12 is Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day- Read a book by a male author:My Sister's Grave - Robert Dugoni 1/5/15

A-Z Author Challenge 2015
Jan 1, 2015 - Dec 31, 2015
14/26 as of 5/11/15

A-
B- Brown, Pierce - Red Rising 2/23/15
C- Cleo Coyle - Decaffeinated Corpse 1/11/15
D- Daniel Pyne - Fifty Mice: A Novel 2/4/15
E- Evanovich, Janet - The Job 2/19/15
F-
G-
H- Hank Phillippi Ryan - Truth Be Told 2/9/15
I- Ireland, D. E. -Wouldn't It Be Deadly 5/1/15
J- James, P.D. - Cover Her Face 1/21/15
K- Kate Kingsbury - A Bicycle Built For Murder 4/23/15
L- Liz Lipperman - Liver Let Die 2/6/15
M- Meier, Leslie - French Pastry Murder 1/15/15
N- Nancy Bush - I'll Find You 3/2/15
O-
P- P.D. James - An Unsuitable Job for a Woman 1/10/15
Q-
R- Robert Dugoni - My Sister's Grave 1/5/15
S- Sandra Brown- Mean Streak 1/28/15
T-
U-
V-
W-
X-
Y-
Z-

A-Z Title Challenge 2015
Jan 1, 2015 - Dec 31, 2015
15/26 as of 6/5/15

A- All the Old Knives: A Novel - Olen Steinhauer 5/31/15
B- Borrowed Crime: A Bookmobile Cat Mystery - Laurie Cass 5/11/15
C- Cover Her Face - P.D. James 1/21/15
D- Decaffeinated Corpse - Cleo Coyle 1/11/15
E-
F- French Pastry Murder - Leslie Meier 1/15/15
G-
H-
I- I'll Find You - Nancy Bush 3/2/15
J- The Job - Janet Evanovich 2/19/15
K-
L- Liver Let Die - Liz Lipperman 2/6/15
M- My Sister's Grave- Robert Dugoni 1/5/15
N- NYPD Red 3 - James Patterson 5/23/15
O-
P- Pegasus - Danielle Steel 1/18/15
Q-
R- Red Rising - Pierce Brown 2/23/15
S-
T- Truth Be Told - Hank Phillippi Ryan 2/9/15
U- An Unsuitable Job for a Woman- P.D. James 1/10/15
V-
W- Wouldn't It Be Deadly - D.E. Ireland 5/1/15
X-
Y-
Z-

updated messages 32, 31, 29, 28, and 27

February 2015 Mini Challenge
Feb 1, 2015 - Feb 28, 2015
2/5

February is American Heart Month— Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!:

February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover: Liver Let Die by Liz Lipperman 2/6/15

February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red: The Job by Janet Evanovich 2/19/15

February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort:

February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title: