Joanna Carl

Joanna Carl is an American author best known for writing cozy mystery novels, particularly the Chocoholic Mystery series featuring protagonist Lee McKinney Woodyard. Writing under this pen name, she has published over 15 books in the culinary mystery genre. The Chocoholic Mystery series takes place in the fictional Michigan town of Warner Pier and incorporates chocolate-making details and trivia throughout the mysteries. Carl's protagonist works at TenHuis Chocolade, a chocolate shop that serves as the backdrop for various murder investigations. Prior to writing as Joanna Carl, she published historical romance novels under her real name, Eve K. Sandstrom. The author has received recognition within the cozy mystery genre, with her books often highlighted for their blend of chocolate-themed elements and traditional mystery storytelling. Her work demonstrates detailed research into chocolate-making processes and terminology, with each book containing factual information about chocolate interwoven with the fictional narrative. The first book in the Chocoholic series, "The Chocolate Cat Caper," was published in 2002.

Readers appreciate the light, easy-to-read nature of Carl's Chocoholic mysteries and the chocolate facts woven throughout. Many note the books work well as "palate cleansers" between heavier reads. The chocolate-making details add educational value without overwhelming the plot. Readers like: - Quick pace and short chapters - Chocolate trivia and industry insights - Small-town Michigan setting - Clean content without graphic violence - Character development across the series Common criticisms: - Plots can be predictable - Some find the chocolate facts interrupt story flow - Protagonist sometimes makes unrealistic choices - Later books in series feel formulaic Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.7/5 across series Amazon: 4.2/5 average Barnes & Noble: 4.0/5 average One reader noted: "Perfect for when you want a cozy mystery without having to think too hard." Another commented: "The chocolate facts are interesting but sometimes feel forced into dialogue." Most readers position these as enjoyable, light mysteries rather than complex whodunits.

The Chocolate Cat Caper - Lee McKinney investigates a murder at her aunt's chocolate shop in Michigan after a defense attorney dies from eating a poisoned chocolate.

The Chocolate Bear Burglary - When a valuable antique teddy bear is stolen and its owner is murdered, Lee McKinney must uncover the connection between the crimes.

The Chocolate Frog Frame-Up - Lee McKinney becomes involved in solving a murder when a man is found dead in a local vineyard.

The Chocolate Puppy Puzzle - A murdered man is discovered near TenHuis Chocolade, and Lee must investigate while dealing with her aunt's new chocolate-making machine.

The Chocolate Mouse Trap - Lee investigates when a retired film star is found dead after a book signing at the chocolate shop.

The Chocolate Bridal Bash - While preparing for her wedding, Lee must solve the murder of a local woman found dead on the beach.

The Chocolate Jewel Case - Lee investigates the theft of valuable jewelry and a subsequent murder during a local house tour.

The Chocolate Snowman Murders - During a winter carnival, Lee investigates when a jury member for an art show is found dead.

The Chocolate Cupid Killings - Valentine's Day brings murder to Warner Pier when a local woman is found dead.

The Chocolate Pirate Plot - Lee investigates a murder connected to a pirate festival in the Lake Michigan resort town.

The Chocolate Castle Clue - A murder investigation begins when an unpopular local businessman is found dead during a medieval fair.

The Chocolate Book Bandit - Lee must solve a murder connected to the local library board.

The Chocolate Clown Corpse - A murder investigation unfolds when a local man is found dead while wearing a clown costume.

The Chocolate Falcon Fraud - Lee investigates a murder connected to a rare Maltese Falcon replica.

The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha - A murder occurs during Easter season, forcing Lee to investigate while managing the chocolate shop.

Laura Childs writes cozy mysteries featuring tea shops and scrapbooking, with female amateur sleuths who run small businesses. Her series contain food-related themes and recipes similar to Carl's chocolate shop mysteries.

Ellen Crosby creates mystery series set in Virginia wine country following a winery owner who solves crimes. Her books blend detailed information about wine-making with murder investigations, matching Carl's approach of weaving specialized knowledge into mysteries.

Diane Mott Davidson writes culinary mysteries starring a caterer who investigates murders while running her business. Her books include recipes and cooking details throughout the narrative, paralleling Carl's integration of chocolate-making elements.

Cleo Coyle develops mystery series centered around a coffeehouse manager in New York City who becomes involved in solving crimes. The books incorporate coffee facts and recipes while maintaining focus on the mystery plot, similar to Carl's style.

Krista Davis creates mysteries featuring a bed-and-breakfast owner who investigates murders in a small town setting. Her work includes recipes and domestic details while following an amateur sleuth running a business, matching Carl's narrative structure.