So what is a Cozy Mystery anyway? I am often asked why I read them, what draws me to them and what makes them so great.
A Cozy Mystery is a mystery story usually based in a small town, with a strong "age appropriate" (30's-60's) *female main character who is very easy to relate too and who almost always has a pet that adds charm and relevance to the story. *There are a few wonderful cozies where the main character is a man but not many. Charlie from The Cat in the Stacks Mysteries is one of my favorites. See the photo below of The Cat In The Stacks Mysteries by Miranda James.
The cozy mystery story has adventure, charm along with great friends, a fun setting and of course a mystery to solve. There is often a love interest or two along the way and even with the most heinous of crimes a happy ending.
What draws me too them time and time again? The stories, the relationships and the characters who are so relate-able they could be your best friend, your sister and you may even find a bit of yourself in each of the story leads.
But what are they about anyway? Well they are all different as much as they are the same. There is a cozy mystery series written about just about anything you desire. From period based cozies, knitting, crochet, cooking, baking, pie making, scrap-booking, coffee loving, tea drinking, teapot collecting, book store owning and so many more. They also have paranormal cozies about witches, vampires, ghost hunters, etc. They are among some of my favorites too.
How to find them you ask? At your local library and ask for the "cozy mystery section" if they don't have one you still may find them amongst the crime and mystery section. They often have the most wonderful covers that draw you in and catchy titles to match. Personally I go to the racks at my local library, spin them and grab the titles and covers that most "speak to me" then I check them out and take them home. ANYONE WHO SAYS LIBRARIES DON'T HELP AUTHORS SELL BOOKS has never been in my living room. Every single cozy author I found I did so from my local library. Every book on my shelves is a result of a visit to the library and a luck of the draw spin. I have bought and pre ordered countless additions to series I found and fell in love with at my library.
I have also found that most of the cozy authors I love I can find easily and interact with on social media. They are some of the most gracious and creative people you will ever meet.
If you have not found cozy mysteries already you should start reading them. Cozy mysteries like life are about personal strength, growth, great friends, adventure, relationships, the feeling of belonging and of course mystery.
As with all my post I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com
I always like the feeling that they could be 'real' people that you could know or be friend with! And that the murders tend to be more off-stage and not too gruesome.
ReplyDeleteMe too and I am so glad you explained that the murder is most often off stage, I did forget to add that part, Thank you holdenj
DeleteWonderful post! I discovered cozy mysteries by accident as well. It was so wonderful to find mystery books that weren't police procedurals or full of gore. I love the settings, characters and sleuthing in cozy mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI have loved cozies for quite awhile. I feel as if you walked into one of their stores or homes you would be welcomed and would feel like you have known them forever!
ReplyDeleteCozy mysteries are my favorite. You described them perfectly. I totally agree that this group of authors are some of the most talented. Personable and generous/caring individuals that I have become acquainted with.
ReplyDeleteservedogmom thank you for taking time to comment on my blog. I really appreciate it!
DeleteWhat a great post and wonderful pictures. I somehow slipped away from reading very many cozies for a number of years, but am happy to say I have now found my way back! I still read a wide variety of genres, but the cozies really draw me in for all the reasons you mention. You are right about the quizzical looks, my granddaughter can't understand how I can love thrillers as much as I do and still get so involved in the lives of the cozy characters.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to cozies Grandma Cootie, I love that no matter where you go you will always feel at home in a Cozy Mystery.
DeleteVery much enjoyed the post and the photos - and the Garfield's! What a nice, relaxing series of settings that are so apropos for how cozy the cozies are!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mama Cat! Would you believe I paid $5 at a yard sale for that tea set? It is a favorite.
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