January ReaderCrate Unboxing: Mystery in the Making
Hi friend!
If you missed our January unboxing live, don’t worry—I’ve got all the details right here for you. This month’s theme was Mystery in the Making, and we kicked off 2026 with cozy vibes, clever mysteries, and a few delicious surprises that brought a little extra joy to your winter days.
Whether you’re already a subscriber or just popping in to see what ReaderCrate is all about, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s dive into the crate!
🔍 This Month’s Featured Read
Our featured book this month was Bundle of Trouble by Diana Orgain—a fun, fast-paced cozy mystery perfect for starting the year off right.
✨ This was no ordinary copy! We created a ReaderCrate exclusive hardcover edition with sprayed edges and a custom dust jacket. Every copy was personally signed by Diana, making it a beautiful addition to your shelf.
☕ Bonus treat: Diana also included a pouch of her signature Vanilla Fields green tea—a delicious loose-leaf blend that pairs perfectly with your favorite reading chair.
📲 And because we love surprises… every box came with a QR code to download Diana’s bonus eBook Murder as Sticky as Jam—a delightful cozy mystery you won’t want to miss!
📚 Bonus Books for Multi-Book Subscribers
ReaderCrate offers one, two, and three-book options each month. Here’s what else went out:
- Gluten-Free Murder by P.D. Workman – A foodie mystery full of flavor and fun. (We’ve got an exclusive author interview up on our Book Club page!)
- Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin – Cozy Louisiana charm meets crime-solving! And yes, we even included a bag of Zapp’s Potato Chips, one of Jann’s personal favorites.
🍫 Kitchen-Inspired Goodies
The Mystery in the Making theme inspired a few cozy kitchen extras, too:
- Fudgy Vegan & Gluten-Free Brownie Mix – Rich, chocolatey, and allergy-friendly. (Subscribers: if you’ve baked yours, let me know how they turned out!)
- Striped Cotton Apron – Because we’re a club, and matching aprons while baking brownies felt right.
- Mint Pakka Wooden Spoon – A beautifully crafted, high-heat-safe spoon I first spotted at one of my favorite local kitchen stores. I had to include it for you.
🎁 Bonus Content from Author Ellen Byron
We also included a little something extra from author Ellen Byron! While we couldn’t feature her book this month, she sent along:
- A cozy recipe card collection
- A mystery-themed reading list
- A custom bookmark
- Plus, you can catch our full interview with her on the ReaderCrate Book Club page—where we talk Hollywood, TV writing, and all things cozy mystery.
Fun fact: Ellen wrote for The West Wing and Fairly Odd Parents! Total throwback for me and my kids.
📅 Mark Your Calendar – ReaderCrate Book Club!
📖 We’re hosting our first-ever book club on
🗓️ January 29 at 7PM CST
📍 Right here on the ReaderCrate Facebook page!
We’ll be chatting about Bundle of Trouble with author Diana Orgain herself. Whether you’re a subscriber or not, you’re invited—grab your tea, cozy up, and come say hi.
💌 Coming Next: February’s Theme!
February’s ReaderCrate theme is…
🎀 Sweet Clues & Cheesy Alibis 🎀
I can’t tell you what’s inside yet—it’s a surprise! But I can tell you this: it’s warm, cozy, and full of heart. Think comfort, a little sass, and a whole lot of charm. This one’s going to be a favorite, I can already tell.
💡 Boxes are limited and will sell out, so if you’re not a subscriber yet, this is your sign.
👉 Click here to subscribe to ReaderCrate now
💭 Who’s ReaderCrate For?
If you love books, cozy vibes, and trying new little hobbies (even if you’re not great at them!), ReaderCrate is for you. This is a place for readers who enjoy art fairs, bookstores, crafting, baking—and of course, escaping into clever, heartwarming mysteries.
Cozy mysteries are our thing because they’re light, smart, a little funny, and always full of friendship and charm. They’re short enough to finish in a weekend but satisfying enough to keep you coming back for more.
Thanks so much for being part of this community. Whether you’re subscribed to the box or just joining us for Book Club, I’m so grateful to share this reading life with you. I’ll be back soon with more February clues… but until then, happy reading!
💛
Alyssa
Founder, ReaderCrate
