I received a really interesting letter from Jack asking me to write an entry that poses a two-part question for you all. I am going to break the question up, and post the second part in my next entry. So, here’s part A of Jack’s topic/question:
“…There is a question (parts A and B) I would like to hear responses from you and your readers about though. I’m hoping you’ll consider this topic as one of your blog posts! Since cozy mysteries have been around for such a long time, with so many themes, detectives, settings, etc., is there anything, in any category, that you or your readers feel they’ve had enough of? (Too many cooking themes or quilting themes, etc.,)… “
Now, I know that a lot of people will clearly disagree with me, as there are many authors who are going this very popular route… BUT… I have read all of the Lily Bard Mystery Series… Lily was one of my favorite characters. Unfortunately for me, Charlaine Harris retired Lily in 2001, the very same year that Harris introduced us to Sookie Stackhouse, a Southern Vampire. YIKES!!!
I have to admit that I never made it through one television episode of Buffy, the Vampire… I tried several times to embrace the show, but just didn’t “get it.” It’s not like I don’t “like” vampires! I don’t know how many Halloweens have gone by when I didn’t treat myself to the original (to me!) Count Dracula… Bela Lugosi >>>[I was happy to see Lugosi immortalized by Tim Burton in Ed Wood. I told you I’m a big Tim Burton fan!]
Anyway, getting back to Jack’s question… I don’t mean to step on any toes out there, and never having tried a paranormal mystery series I KNOW I shouldn’t say this, but I would absolutely love it if “paranormal authors” like Charlaine Harris would resume their non-paranormal mystery series… I’m not asking that they drop their paranormal duties… not when paranormal is so popular…
Maybe, what I should do is listen to Mikey’s brothers: “Let’s let Mikey try it.” Who knows! Remember the outcome, once Mikey opened his mind to try something new: “He likes it! Hey, Mikey!”
Please post a comment if there is a Cozy Mystery theme which you think has been done, done, and then re-done too many times…