January Visiting Authors Roundup | Cozy Mysteries & Chilling Winter Reads
The new year is off to a suspense-filled start! January may be quieter, but it’s bringing a fantastic lineup of visiting authors, page-turning mysteries, and a few exciting events to kick off 2026. From cozy small-town sleuths to darker psychological twists, this month’s guest authors are serving up plenty of intrigue to keep you reading through the winter chill.
January Guest Authors:
Rebecca McKinnon – In Skein Sight (Clear Creek Mysteries)
Visiting January 13 — Author Guest Post
Springtime celebrations in Clear Creek turn deadly when a chef is found stabbed through the heart. Jemma must unravel tangled motives and protect a friend before the killer strikes again.
Sharon Marchisello – Trapped and Tested: A DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue Mystery
Visiting January 20 — Author Guest Post
A missing man, a controversial research lab, and a cat rescue program collide as DeeLo investigates secrets that may be closer to home than she expects.
(Sharon has visited the blog before with Murder at Leisure Dreams–Galapagos.)
Celeste Fenton – Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle
Visiting January 21 — Author Guest Post
What begins as a peaceful writing retreat in a remote Scottish castle turns into a fight for survival. With danger closing in from both sides of the sea, Gabby must rely on instinct, resilience, and trust to stay alive.
(This is the second book in the series, following Lost Heart in King Manor, previously featured on the blog.)
Nellie H. Steele – Her Last Best Friend (Shadow Lake Ranch Murders)
Visiting January 28 — Author Guest Post
A luxury retreat meant for healing becomes a deadly trap when betrayal and jealousy erupt into murder. At Shadow Lake Ranch, nothing is what it seems—and no one can be trusted.
I’ll be updating this post with links as each guest post goes live, so be sure to check back throughout the month for new reads and visiting author fun.
🗓️ Join Michelle This Month
January may be a fresh start, but there’s still plenty going on! Here’s where you can find me this month:
January 6 — Just A Dude Podcast
I’m chatting cozy mysteries, characters, and the behind-the-scenes reality of writing.
🎧 Listen here: Podcast Link
January 7 — Let’s Think About How Fiction Helps Us Process Truth
A thoughtful roundtable-style conversation with Mitzi about storytelling, emotional connection, and why fiction matters.
🎧 Listen here: Podcast Link & Mitzi Think Website
January 24 (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM) — Arts & Crafts Festival – SWFFW Author Appearance
Laishley Park, Punta Gorda, FL
Join me and fellow Southwest Florida Fiction Writers for a cozy, book-filled morning at the Arts & Crafts Festival. Stop by to meet the authors, chat stories, and pick up signed books while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
Appearing authors: Kerryn Reid, Rena Koontz, Jane Yunker, Michelle L. Clifton, Margo Carey
January 29 — Book Club Presentation
I’ll be visiting the KOA Campground for a special book club presentation featuring Party Planning for Murder.
And if you’re looking ahead, Book 3 in the Taryn O’Kelly Mysteries is coming in April 2026, with more details to come soon!
Plus, check out my latest cozy mystery novella, Frost and Foul Play (Book 1.5)! A dead body on the ice drags Taryn O’Kelly into a blizzard of secrets, lies, and political coverups. Set during the town’s January skating event, it’s the perfect winter read—can she uncover the killer before another victim falls?
To see where and what I’m doing through March, read here
✨ About Your Host
I’m Michelle L. Clifton, author of lighthearted, humorous cozy mysteries with a dash of romance and a happy ending guaranteed. I love welcoming fellow authors to the blog and sharing new stories, characters, and cozy worlds with readers.
If you’d like to stay up to date on visiting authors, events, and upcoming releases, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter—it’s where all the best cozy mischief happens.
As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!
