Writing Cozy Mysteries by Wendy H. Jones

Writing Cozy Mysteries

by Wendy H. Jones

Before looking at the topic of writing cozy mysteries, I think it is important to address what it is and why authors write in the genre. In its broadest term a cozy mystery is a sub-genre of the mystery genre, one where the reader is not left terrified at the end but believes that all is still well with the world. As to why we should write them, they are growing in popularity and often outsell other sub-genres, perhaps because they evoke a feeling of warmth whilst flirting on the edge of danger. I would add, they are also a pleasure to write, bringing in aspects of romance, family and friendship as well as that of mystery. It is a fine balance of the familiar and the unfamiliar, which can pose a challenge to the writer. How does one address that balance so the reader is left feeling satisfied in every way? The cozy mystery reader is also voracious and can read several books a week, so it is not a genre that can be ignored. Last, but very much not least, cozy mysteries are enjoyable, at least I think so. When I was asked to be a part of the Deadly Traditions anthology, I was delighted, as I love both cozies and Christmas, so what a fabulous combination.

Hints and Tips for Writing a Cozy Mystery Setting – most cozy mysteries use a small town, beach or rural setting, although not all do. British villages or American small towns are perfect for cozy mysteries because in these settings most of the residents know each other. I know of one author, Shawn Reilly Simmons, who sets her Red Carpet Catering Company cozies in movie sets where the main character caters to the actors and crew. That is a perfect adaptation of the small town setting. Within the setting the books often have a sub-

setting such as a hotel, vineyard, library or bookshop, amongst many others. For Deadly Traditions I used the North Pole and Santa’s Workshop as my setting. Sleuth – One of the tropes of the cozy mystery is that the main sleuth cannot be a member of the police or law enforcement. Often it is a single woman with a sidekick who is usually a friend or a romantic interest. One author, Hope Callaghan, has a group of women who are the sleuths in her Garden Girls Small Town Mysteries. My sleuth in Deadly Traditions is Mrs Claus with her sidekicks being the female elves. Romantic Interest – Talking of romantic interests they are often someone involved in law enforcement which allows the sleuth to gain access to information to which they would not normally be privy. There is usually a romantic interest but sometimes there is not, such as Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. Murder – Usually there is a murder but there doesn’t always have to be. If there is it should happen off piste with no graphic descriptions. Yes, say there is blood but don’t focus on it. Sub genres – There are more sub genres of cozy mysteries than you could ever imagine. Name a craft or hobby and there will be a cozy mystery series which has been written about it.

Food and wine cozies are extremely popular and usually contain recipes or wine recommendations respectively. Who can resist a book called Silence of the Flans or Dial M for Mousse? Both of these are by Laura Bradford. I also love Assault and Beadery one of the books in the Cora Crafts Mysteries by Mollie Cox Bryan. In my Deadly Traditions story, Mrs Claus Saves Christmas, there are no recipes, but I did include references to Scandinavian food to give it that cozy feel. Yes, Santa and the gang eat a lot of cake and biscuits. I am sure you can work out that writing cozy mysteries can be a lot of fun.

Humour – Many cozy mysteries are humorous, and many are extremely funny. Weaving in humour adds to the overall warm feeling that the genre brings. In my opinion, two of the best authors of humorous cozy mysteries are Donna Andrews with her Meg Langslow Mysteries, and Janet Evanovich with her Stephanie Plum Series. Both of these series have me weeping with laughter.

Characters – the characters should always feel like they are the people next door. Even the less likeable characters should feel like the type of people you meet every day in any small town. They hold

Clues and Misdirection –These are crucial. The mystery must be strong. If all the other elements are in place but the mystery does not live up to them, the reader will put the book down. The book needs to live up to its name.

jobs like the rest of us – postwomen, librarians, cooks, waitresses, bookshop owners, and in my case Mr and Mrs Claus – in fact anyone who the general public open up to and who notice things. Generally, the nosier they are, the better. The reader should feel like they know them well and they have become friends by the end of the book. In other words, the reader should relate to them. I know I have read through an entire series because I liked the main characters. An example of this is The Dead End Job Mysteries by Elaine Viets. I read books 1-13 one after the other and loved them. Series – Cozy mysteries lend themselves to series. In fact, any writer of the genre should be writing series as readers will devour them. When someone reads a cozy mystery, it should feel like being enclosed in a warm blanket that comforts and makes the reader feel like they are in the presence of someone who will make the world better again. Any cozy mystery worth its salt should be pure escapism. Both reading them and writing them is a great feeling as you immerse yourself in a world which is familiar and at the same time different. If you want to write them then the best place is to read several before you start, to get a feel for the genre. The ones I recommend are a good start. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Wendy H. Jones is the award winning, international best-selling author of the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries, Cass Claymore Investigates Mysteries, Fergus and Flora Mysteries, Bertie the Buffalo children’s books and the Writing Matters books for writers. She is also a writing and marketing coach and the President of the Scottish Association of Writers. As copy editor for Mom’s, she works hard to ensure content is appropriate and free of grammatical and spelling errors. You can learn more about Wendy on her website: https://www.wendyhjones.com/