Do these titles make my books look big? (Would love feedback!)

Got feedback on my working titles? Alternate suggestions most welcome!

I've divided my Emissary book into three standalone novels and am starting to compose query letters to literary agents.

I'm trying to telegraph through my titles that my midwestern sci fi adventure story is funny-quirky (think Red Dwarf) yet not funny-absurdist (Hitchhiker's Guide).

 

Book I: The Emissary and The Time Bomb from Outer Space

(Previously, Door County and the Time Bomb from Outer Space. I removed the Door County because who even knows what is Door County. Seriously. All you fellow Door County residents calm down, now. I grew up in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. I never even heard of Door County until I was 37.)

Book II: The Emissary Faces Peril and Cheese Curds
or, with a nod to Nancy Drew
The Emissary and the Clue in the Cheese Curds

Book III: The Emissary and Mindful Approaches to Everything Possibly Exploding

(going for a self-help vibe there)

If you want to join my team of beta readers let me know!

Thank you thank you thank you

Holly

I still love cats and books. Also, the shield-like properties of boxes.

 

Comments

[R Stephens]

Look at the puns in Piers Anthony series. Hysterical

[Holly Phaneuf Erskine]

This is amazing. You are the third person who, in response to my post, mentions Anthony and other classic comic fantasy writers like Terry Pratchett. I would thrill to be able to hold a candle to their writing.

And yet here is a thing. Puns are briefly funny. But the time span of their funniness is brief in my head. I look at the pun and say, wait. Be more funny. Is this just me?

I just can't have a pun in my title. It is a visceral reaction. I think I don't want to hurt anyone.

[Terrie]

I think the titles are good, except I would reformat to remove the words, “The emissary” in the phrase and just have the second part .
For example,
The Emissary:Peril and cheese curds (
Book 1)

On the title page and cover, it would look like:
THE EMISSARY
Peril and Cheese Curds

[Holly Phaneuf Erskine]

Thanks for your feedback, Terrie! So, you would have me remove the "and the" and replace with a colon. It gives a different feel. Perhaps a bit more clinical with the colon.