The books are best enjoyed in publication order: start with The Daydreamer Detective (Book 1), then The Daydreamer Detective Braves the Winter (Book 2), then the novella Ozoni and Onsens, then Book 3, 4, the novella Matsuri and Murder, and Book 5. Each book builds on the events and relationships of the previous one. Check the Books page for the full reading order.
Yes! The Miso Cozy Mysteries are genuinely cozy. There is no graphic violence, no explicit sexual content, and no foul language. A death may occur — that's the nature of mysteries — but it is never described in gratuitous detail. They are appropriate for teens and adults.
The novellas (Ozoni and Onsens and Matsuri and Murder) are not strictly required, but they are part of the story and add fun details, character development, and cultural context. I recommend reading them in series order. Think of them as bonus episodes between the main novels.
I certainly hope so! The best way to stay updated is to subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on BookBub. BookBub in particular will notify you automatically when a new book is published.
Some titles in the series are available through the ElevenLabs Reader app. Check each individual book page for specific availability and links to the audio version.
No, I'm not. I'm an American of Italian descent, based in the northeastern United States. My love of Japan began in 1998 and hasn't diminished since. I have studied the language, history, food, and culture extensively and have visited Japan multiple times. I take my responsibility to represent Japan accurately and respectfully very seriously.
Yes! My husband and I first visited Japan in 2005, and it remains the best vacation of my life. I've since been back two more times and plan to return again. Many of the details in my books come from direct personal experience, including the food, the neighborhoods, the sounds, and the culture.
Yes — I also write science fiction romance under another pen name. Steph Gennaro is the name I use for my cozy mysteries. I kept them separate to avoid confusing readers who come to each name expecting a specific genre.
Chikata is a fictional small town somewhere in rural Japan. I deliberately left the exact location vague so that readers (and I!) can imagine it wherever feels right. It has rice fields, mountain views, a central shopping street, a local izakaya, a bathhouse, and all the hallmarks of a traditional Japanese rural community.
I work very hard to get it right. Every cultural detail — food, customs, vocabulary, traditions — is researched thoroughly before it appears in the books. I read extensively, watch YouTube documentaries, consult native speakers, and draw on my own experience in Japan. That said, I'm human and I may occasionally get things wrong. If you spot an error, please let me know!
Yes! Please use the contact form to reach out with your name, blog or platform name, and a brief description of your audience. I'll do my best to accommodate review requests.
Absolutely! I love talking about Japan, cozy mysteries, and writing. Please use the contact form to get in touch with details about your blog or podcast and what kind of interview you have in mind.
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