A few days ago, Patricia posted this comment on the blog:

“I know this may seem a bit of a rant but I would like to have the views of other readers on this. For many years I have been reading murder mystery cozies and thoroughly enjoyed and devoured them, but I am finding with some of the authors in the past year in particular that perhaps they are writing a romance rather than a murder mystery cozy. On several occasions lately I have picked up their latest paperback, eager to read it, and half way through I start to wonder if the murder mystery is still relevant as I am sidetracked onto the existing romance/or new one and have to go a few chapters before getting back to the plot. On a few occasions this year I have put the book down, not wishing to continue as it has been driving me round the bend.

Sorry for this but I am just wondering if other recipients to your website are finding the same problem.”

Well, Patricia, I have to admit to not having that happen in the Cozy Mystery books that I try. I know that even Agatha Christie would throw a little romantic side-line into her novels a lot of the time. Sometimes she would simply have a young, level-headed working woman (a private secretary, or a terrific housekeeper, you know… something of that sort) who would meet a young man from a “good family” who didn’t care about social class stereotypes. But, she always kept those plot lines as very secondary.

How about you all, what do you think of the romance genre possibly moving into the Cozy Mystery genre? Please post your comments, and thank you!