Welcome to the third article in our seven-part series diving into The Cozy Up Series by Colin Conway—a collection that blends cozy mystery with crime thriller elements, offering a fresh and exciting take on the genre. This series is a standout in the world of cozy mystery audiobooks, featuring intriguing plots, relatable characters, and the perfect balance of suspense and humor. For mystery lovers, especially those seeking an edge to their cozy reads, Conway’s series is a must-listen.

cozy up to blood cover with a bridge in the background

In this article, we’ll explore Cozy Up to Blood, the third book in the series, and see how the quirky world of Beauregard Smith and his new identity as Murray Lee unfolds. This audiobook is a perfect example of what makes Conway’s work so engaging—characters you can root for, a plot that keeps you guessing, and plenty of twists to keep you hooked.

Cozy Up to Blood: A New Chapter in the Cozy Up Series

In Cozy Up to Blood, we rejoin the protagonist who has assumed yet another alias to stay one step ahead of his enemies. Previously, in Cozy Up to Death, readers met Beauregard Smith, a former enforcer for the outlaw motorcycle gang Satan’s Dawgs. Beauregard, or Beau as he was known in that life, found himself on the run from his past, trying to escape the violence and chaos of his former world.

In the second book, Cozy Up to Murder, Beau, now going by Owen Hunter, relocates to Costa Buena, California. He runs a vintage record store in the quiet coastal town, hoping to lead a peaceful life. But, as often happens in the world of cozy mysteries, his new life is anything but peaceful. His former gang tracks him down, and Beau’s hope for tranquility quickly unravels.

In Cozy Up to Blood, Beau is now using the name Murray Lee and has fled to the remote island town of Belfry, Oregon—a location that holds a quirky and unexpected twist. Belfry is home to the annual Evenfall Festival, a celebration of a series of sparkly vampire movies filmed there years ago. Think vampires, gothic charm, and lots of fans dressed as bloodsuckers. Yet, Murray has little interest in this vampire-themed world; he’s only looking for some peace and quiet after being relentlessly pursued by his enemies.

However, the universe has other plans. Just as Murray arrives on the island, a torrential rainstorm hits, and the only bridge to the mainland is washed out, trapping him on the island. As if that weren’t bad enough, a series of strange crimes have begun to plague the town: citizens are being bitten and robbed. The local police start suspecting Murray, making it difficult for him to stay under the radar while he’s trying to dodge his dangerous past.

As Murray becomes entangled in the mystery, he soon realizes that the vampire culture of Belfry may not be so fictional after all. The series of bizarre attacks seems connected to the very thing Murray was trying to avoid—his enemies are closer than he thinks.

Murray’s secret is that he’s not just a former gangster on the run; the U.S. government has invested heavily in keeping him alive and safe. Now that his enemies have found him, the stakes are higher than ever. As Murray dives deeper into the mystery, he’s faced with a choice—confront his enemies or continue running.

The Series: Cozy Mystery with an Edge

What sets the Cozy Up series apart from other cozy mysteries is the way Conway balances the lightheartedness of the genre with the darker, more thrilling elements of crime fiction. While the books are still filled with charming small-town settings, quirky characters, and a sense of humor, they also delve into the high-stakes world of organized crime, government secrets, and personal betrayal. This combination makes the series perfect for listeners who enjoy a cozy mystery but also crave a bit more suspense and grit in their books.

The protagonist, Murray Lee, is an interesting character who is always one step ahead of those around him. He’s smart, resourceful, and constantly adapting to new situations. As the series progresses, we see his evolution from a former gang enforcer trying to escape his violent past to a man who is forced to confront that past head-on. This complexity adds depth to the story, making it a rewarding experience for listeners who enjoy character-driven plots.

Why You Should Listen to Cozy Up to Blood and the Entire Cozy Up Series

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a bit of bite, Colin Conway’s Cozy Up series is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. While it ticks all the boxes of a cozy mystery, it also brings in elements of crime thrillers, creating a unique and engaging experience. Each book in the series offers a new location, new characters, and a fresh mystery, all centered around a protagonist trying to outrun his past.

The series is known for its humor, relatable characters, and unpredictable twists. It’s a refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats.

For fans of best mystery audiobooks, Conway’s work shines in its ability to weave suspense and humor into each plot. Whether you’re looking for cozy mystery books to enjoy on a rainy day or searching for top mystery books that offer more than the usual lighthearted fare, the Cozy Up series stands out as a must-read.

In addition to the engaging plots and characters, Colin Conway’s writing also does an excellent job of creating a vivid atmosphere. Each book feels like a new adventure, with a new setting and fresh challenges for the protagonist. From the quiet coastal town of Costa Buena to the eccentric island of Belfry, the settings themselves are an essential part of the narrative, giving the stories a unique sense of place and tone.

Where to Get New Audiobooks: Explore More Cozy Mysteries

Looking for a great place to listen to Cozy Up to Blood and the rest of the series? Look no further than Books in Motion, your go-to audiobook platform for discovering new titles, from the latest cozy mysteries to gripping thrillers and beyond. As one of the premier audiobook platforms, Books in Motion offers a wide variety of audiobooks for all tastes. With an easy-to-use interface, you can quickly find and download the best mystery audiobooks to enjoy wherever you go. Whether you’re in the mood for a light cozy mystery or a more intense crime thriller, Books in Motion has something for every listener.

If you’re already a fan of the cozy mystery genre, or just looking for something new, we highly recommend checking out the full Cozy Up series. It’s a fresh and exciting take on a genre beloved by many, and we know you’ll love diving into each installment. Be sure to visit Books in Motion to discover more about this series and other cozy mystery books that will keep you entertained for hours.

Next in the Series: Cozy Up to Trouble

Stay tuned for the next article in our series, where we’ll take a deep dive into Cozy Up to Trouble, the fourth book in the Cozy Up series. In this installment, Brody Steele faces even more challenges as he continues to evade his dangerous past. With fresh twists, new characters, and plenty of mystery, it promises to be another exciting chapter in this addictive series. For more about the Cozy Up series and other top mystery books, head over to Books in Motion. Don’t miss out on the thrilling world of suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters.