Until several years ago, I was not familiar with the reading genre that is the cozy mystery. When I heard the term, I immediately wanted to know what made them so cozy. I thought, I like to be cozy, and I like a good mystery. This may be just up my alley.
My bestie, who has penned and self-published several cozy mysteries, explained. Here’s the gist: they are murder mysteries where an insignificant character dies, and various sleuths try to solve the murder. There is no blood and gore, and rarely any profanity or sex. They are fairly wholesome, as far as murder goes.
I first delved into my friend’s cozy mysteries—the Maggie Morgan Mysteries by Michelle Goff, available on Amazon. I loved them! In the second book, the murder victim is even named after me. My maiden name was Hazelbaker. You see, no one could get my name right in college, so it became an inside joke. Whenever I ordered pizza or whatever, they always put my name as Hazel Baker. Michelle thought this was hilarious. Thus, the murder victim is Hazel Baker. It was exciting to be included in a novel. These books are truly great and entertaining. Check them out!
Michelle’s books led me to explore the genre further. I now read at least one or two cozy mysteries a month. One of my favorite series as of late is The Charity Shop Detective Agency books by Peter Boland. They take place in a quaint British town. The sleuths are three retired ladies who run a charity shop. The series is delightful and very well written. I’ve listened to them on audiobook. The narrator is also a peach.
It should be said that some cozy mysteries are a little wackier than others. They involve cats solving crimes and such. I don’t do those, but I recently found a series called The Vampire Knitting Club. Normally, I would say this is ridiculous, but I love both knitting and vampires, so I gave it a shot. The first two books have been very entertaining and well written. Hey, it takes all kinds!
Not all cozies have to be a series. I’ve also read several stand-alone books I have enjoyed. I just like a good murder mystery without all the blood and gore. It’s good fun.
For the record, rarely do I figure out the murderer before they are revealed. I’m the perfect reader of these books. I never see it coming. I’m every author’s dream. And yes, I may be a dolt.
I’m so glad my bestie turned me onto these books. They are a delight and a nice way to mix up my reading material. If you want to give them a try, I highly recommend my friend’s books, The Maggie Morgan Mysteries. However, there are hundreds (probably thousands) of good choices out there.
It’s great that there is pretty much always a cozy mystery for whatever you are into. They can be hit or miss, but I’ve had good luck overall. If some fluffy murder sounds up your alley. Go grab a cozy mystery. Happy sleuthing!
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
