While I haven’t had time to read much (I don’t read while actively writing), I am definitely reading more cozy mysteries than traditional. I still like all mysteries, but find lighter stories are more entertaining right now. This could be due to the pandemic, but I suspect it’s also due to aging and knowing how short life is. Eat dessert first, right? It’s not a dress rehearsal, so enjoy it. I also still enjoy fantasy and science fiction as well as sweet/clean romance but especially romantic comedies.

Since I am actively writing cozy mysteries and enjoy reading them, I thought I’d list the things I enjoy the most about them along with a pet peeve or two.

  • The main character doesn’t have to be female, but I do enjoy reading about a smart and maybe a bit sassy woman.
  • Friendships are important and the main character knows that. Yes, and family, too.
  • I enjoy a pet or two, but they aren’t a requirement for me. That said, I do find myself discovering a dog or cat stumbling into the scenes in my books.
  • For me, talking animals work best in a comedic setting. If you have any doubts about what I mean, I highly recommend JB Lynn’s Neurotic Hitwoman series.
  • Small town settings or exotic vacation-type settings are my preference. I’ve lived and worked in big cities and admit to a huge preference for small. Fortunately, the majority of cozies are in these settings.
  • I don’t mind a little mild blue language as long as it’s in character with the person.
  • Quirky characters, at least one. To me, boring is out and quirky is in!

I’m not a fan of easy or obvious solutions, finding out the villain should take work.

I’m also not a fan of silly main characters that constantly make poor life decisions. 

I understand small towns don’t have murders every week, but I forgive that in a series. After all, the main character needs a mystery to solve. What I dislike, and is a major pet peeve, is unrealistic details. Things that are just too far out from real life. No, the police officer/chief/detective boyfriend isn’t going to divulge key parts of an investigation to the main character, no matter how much he loves her.

I spend hours researching whether an area has a coroner or medical examiner. If a coroner, what are the requirements? How are local law enforcement departments organized? Who has jurisdiction? Poisons, medical issues, arson, human remains detection dogs, and so much more. I may twist the facts slightly, it is fiction, but I try to stay as close to reality as I can.

What are your thoughts? 
What do you like or don’t like when it comes to cozy mysteries?


 

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