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As an author of cozies, I’m often asked what the difference is between a crime novel and a cozy. I imagine a cozy fitting perfectly in the hands of someone comfortably relaxed in front of a warm fireplace, wrapped up in a blanket while snow falls peacefully outside a bay window. However, a commuter heading to work might find a cozy a relaxing read while surrounded by noisy traveling companions.
So to answer the question, what’s the difference? The best way to consider the description of a cozy mystery is to think about the characters, not the crime. Of course, there’s always a mystery to unravel. But the sleuth is generally not a professional policeman or detective. Generally, they tend to be average members of society: an elderly couple, librarian, doctor, housewife, or obscure neighbor. Somehow the character(s) find themselves immersed in solving a misdeed and use instincts rather than training to work out the solution while at the same time finding themselves in unpredictable circumstances.
Cozy mysteries should include some humor. Since characters are not your typical crime professionals, they often find themselves in comical situations.
And of course, there’s always going to be a murder. Or two. It might not contain the gore and carnage of a full-fledged crime novel, but a cozy mystery still offers clues and puzzles to keep the reader wondering “who-done-it” to the very end.
Be sure to give cozy mysteries a try. You might find yourself turning more and more to the kooky but generally likable personalities that they offer. And, in the process, avoid the gore and carnage.
Thank you so much for explaining this. I was very curious about what cozy mistery meant. I have to confess I’ve never read a cozy mistery novel, I’m more a historical novels reader, but I’ve been seeing them a lot lately so I’ve aquired some. So, time to start!!! And looking forward to reading some form you.
Interesting – your definition suggests that Christie’s Miss Marple books would fit in the ‘cozy’ grouping. I have to confess to have not thought of them like that before!
Yes, Christie’s Miss Marple would definitely fit within the cozy genre. I have used her as an example many times to explain what a cozy mystery is. Thank you for your comment. Bea
Beatrice Fishback is a master of cozy writing. I love how she uses humor in each story. The laugh-out-loud moments are a joy to my soul, and the unsolved “whodunnit” mystery keeps me reading to the end. I highly recommend her books.
thank you so much for your encouraging words! They make a writer want to continue.