When you go to a bookstore or even the book section in your neighborhood department store, there’s a section that cozy mystery readers recognize instantly.
The section is labeled Mystery but the books are a little more colorful and the illustrations a little cuter than a traditional mystery novel. It’s also not unusual to see an image of a dog, a cat, or even a teapot on the cover. The titles are often punny (a pun that is funny) such as “A Call for Kelp,” “Sconed to Death,” or “The Pomeranian Always Barks Twice.” It’s easy to tell at a glance that cozy mysteries are going to be a lighter read than a detective or a police-procedural mystery.
Besides the covers, there are several things that are unique about cozy mysteries.
The mystery that occurs is usually a murder but it doesn’t have to be. It could be a kidnapping or missing person or some other event less nefarious than a murder. Cozy mysteries are solved by an amateur sleuth, typically a female sleuth, but again not always. She solves the mystery based on her intellect and questioning people rather than following police procedures.
Cozies are usually set in a small town or community where people tend to know one another. A side plot can be about a bakery, tea shop, bookstore, flower shop or something similar. There is little or no on-the-page sex, violence, or profanity and no children or animals are ever harmed.
Generally, cozy mystery authors write their books in a series. Most cozy readers prefer to read cozies that are in a series. It gives readers the opportunity to get to know the characters and follow them through many books.
Cozy mysteries are overall, a little more fun and less serious than a traditional mystery. They’re lighter in tone and sometimes humorous. They are… well they’re cozy!
