Here’s part of another letter that I received from a Cozy Mystery readers. Deborah asks:
… I wanted to know if you do, or if you could stipulate which novels are more appropriate for younger readers. I note that you mentioned on your blog that more and more, authors are using profanity, etc. I for one do not appreciate this, and my 12 year old daughter, who reads well beyond her grade level, loves mysteries, but not the vulgarities.
When I first read this letter, I thought immediately of these two theme entries and this Cozy Mystery series:
Mystery Books with No Profanity (Swearing) and/or Faith-Based Mystery Books
Margaret Grace (aka Camille Minichino, Ada Madison, & Jean Flowers): Miniature Mystery Series (no profanity and the main character’s granddaughter and sidekick is a preteen)
I also thought about asking you ALL if you can think of one, two, or maybe three Cozy Mystery authors who you think would be great for Deborah to begin checking out for her daughter. If you can think of an author who you think qualifies for this question, please post a comment. Thank you!
Kitty D says
She would love the Cat Who series by Lillian Jackson Braun
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kitty D, thanks! Small world >>> with us talking about Lilian Jackson Braun. Thanks!
Carol says
The Cat Who… mysteries by Lillian Jackson Braun has no profanity or sexual innuendos
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carol, it looks like you and Kitty D are on the same wave length. This is definitely a way for Deborah’s daughter to go…
Mari says
I’m not quite sure what you consider profanity but if ‘darn’ and other “lesser” profanity is acceptable I would recommend the White House Chef Mystery Series by Julie Hyzy (I don’t even remember if they contain words of this category but if they do these would be the only ones).
They (the 9 books) are an excellent way to learn about a new occupation (White House Chef) and the goings on inside The White House.
If I had a Daughter that age anymore I would not hesitate to let her read the series,
Good Reading.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mari, I know exactly what you mean about the acceptable vs. unacceptable. Sometimes I get letters from Cozy Mystery readers who do not want words like “darn” in their books and then other times I get letters from Cozy Mystery readers who tell me there’s nothing wrong with the more “aggressive” words and tell me that we’re all adults, and that’s the way adults talk. So, it’s a fine line…
Debi says
Not all adults talk that way. And those of us who don’t, don’t want to hear it or read it. It isn’t necessarily and a good author doesn’t need it in a good story.
Cuppacozy says
The Flavia DeLuce series by Alan Bradley features a preteen sleuth with a talent for chemistry and a closet full of family secrets. If it has swearing in it, it must be infrequent because I can’t recall it. The series takes place in 1950 England.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cuppacozy, I should have added this book in my entry with Margaret Grace’s Miniature. I think the preteen sleuths would add a little interest for Deborah’s daughter.
Kay C says
This series is PERFECT for young readers! I have read most of this series (and I’m in my 60s) and love Flavia’s maturity and knowledge of science. Also like the history involved – a great learning tool all around.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kay C, thanks for second-ing Flavia de Luce!
dragons3 says
My father, who devoured mysteries, started me on Agatha Christie when I was about 10, and the Mr. and Mrs. North series by Richard and Frances Lockridge shortly afterward. Some of the other older mystery series, like Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe, are profanity free, but not necessarily appropriate for a 12 year old. Lilian Jackson Braun’s Cat Who books are profanity and sex free and would be very appropriate for a 12 year old. Kathy Reichs has a YA mystery series featuring Temperance Brennan’s niece, Tory Brennan. J.B. Stanley (Jennifer Stanley/Ellery Adams) Hope Street Church series. All her books are clean, but some of the themes may not be appropriate for a 12 year old. Ralph McInerny’s Father Dowling series is profanity free. The books he wrote as Monica Quill, featuring Sister “Empty” Dempsey, are, too. And Sr. Carol Anne O’Marie’s Sr. Mary Helen series, although, again, some of the themes may be rather adult for a 12 year old. Cynthia Baxter wrote a YA mystery series featuring the Pratt twins back in the 1980’s – 1990’s.
Betty says
Interesting, because I thought the very definition of a cozy mysteries was no profanity or sexual scenes. That is the reason I read them. I know a few will have a little bit (thinking Stephanie Plum books) but not enough to put me off. Most of the cozies I read do not use profanity or if they do, not to the extent I have noticed.
dragons3 says
Oh, one more author — Ann Martin’s Babysitter’s Club has a companion mystery series and these are very apropriate for a 12 year old. They’re being updated and rereleased in e-format. My 11 year old goddaughter loves them and she’s not much of a fan of mysteries otherwise.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Dragons3, Ann M. Martin’s Baby-Sitters Club Mysteries series sounds like a terrific pick for a 12 year old girl. Thanks a bunch!
Blue says
Emily Brightwell’s Mrs. Jeffries and the Inspector series
Rita Mae Brown’s Mrs. Murphy and Sister Jane series
Lilian Jackson Braun’s The Cat Who series
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Blue, thanks for suggesting these three authors.
Julie says
Rita Mae Brown’s Mrs. Murphy books DO HAVE profanity. I tried reading one and could not get through the first few pages because of all the “F” words. But Lilian Jackson Braun’s Cat Who series is fine, as is Emily Brightwell’s Mrs. Jeffries mysteries. I also recommend Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen mysteries, and Carrie Bebris’s Mr. and Mrs. Darcy mysteries.
Blue says
I would like to know which book you “tried” to read that had all the swear words. I checked my collection and could not find them.
Julie says
It was years ago. I don’t remember which one it was, but if all the ones you have in her series are free of profanity, I will try reading her again. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Blue says
You’re welcome. Please do try. The Sister Jane are the best of the two series in my opinion.
If you find profanity, reply please.
Julie says
After your comments, I started second-guessing what I remembered from the one Rita Mae Brown book I started, so I looked on-line to see if I was mistaken about her books. Looking at the comments (especially the 1 and 2 star ones on Amaz.) for Wish You Were Here: A Mrs. Murphy mystery, I’m not the only one who had a problem with this book. Many readers didn’t like her use of profanity, especially out of the mouths of her animal characters. I didn’t look at reviews for any others and since this is the first in the Mrs. Murphy series, I’m sure this is the one I checked out from the library. They probably are still good mysteries, but should not be in the “no profanity” category. :/
Blue says
I honestly do not remember profanity and especially from the animals. I am going to go find my copy and check it out. It may take me a day or two. I moved and the books are not quite where I want them to be.
I’m doing this because I’m naturally curious and because I want to be careful what I recommend. I’ll still encourage folks to read her mystery series but..
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Blue & Julie, I wonder if it’s possible there was profanity in the books when they were first published, but then they took it all out when they reissued the the books. Maybe the actual publication date of the books is what makes the difference. Perhaps, after the books were first released, they developed a Cozy audience >>> and the publisher/author decided to take out the profanity… (Just a thought…)
Blue says
Good point. I wouldn’t have thought of that but it makes perfect sense.
I haven’t had an opportunity to find my Rita Mae Brown books. I’ll go look as soon as I finish eating. It’s breakfast time here.
Angie says
This person commenting I exactly right. I noticed a Rita mae Brown book is available for $1.99 and I didn’t buy it. I think the book is no longer in print or available on Kindle but it was peppered with the four-letter “F” word. Plus the cat and dog cursed. One book that’s available has one of the animals calling the other a “Bitch.” . Read them if you want, but I had to add my comments.
Debi says
I had the same problem Julie had with the Mrs.Murphy books. When I read them years ago I didn’t recall so much swearing and the f word. I think they have been updated and ruined. I never finish a book with swearing in it. I have come across a few cozies with swearing and give them a harsh review.
Kathie Deviny says
Proud that my Grace Church mysteries set in Seattle are on the list. The second, Death in the Old Rectory, will be out February 1.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathie, thanks for telling us your Grace Church Mystery Series is profanity-free!
Pat says
One of the things I love about the Annie’s Attic books is there is no:
cussing, explicit sex, or nudity.
I can’t understand why anyone would have to use profanity in a review of a book! To me, it’s very simple – one liked or didn’t like the book.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pat, this is why I have six of the Annie’s Attic Mystery Series on my site.
Susan says
I started reading Agatha Christie when I was about twelve. I’m still a major fan! Lol! (Hint: I particularly liked Tommy and Tuppence at that age. Possibly because they were younger than Poirot, Miss Marple, etc. Closer to my own age / maturity level.)
Perhaps also, the ‘No.1 Ladies Detective Agency’ series by Alexander McCall Smith. Not only sex and profanity free, but I think they would appeal to a young reader, as well.
Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year everyone!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan, you’re so right about going to Agatha Christie. The authors of “long ago” didn’t seem to not have to rely on expletives to get emotions across!
Susan says
Oops! How could I forget Sherlock Holmes!! Classic mysteries suitable for all ages, and perfect for a twelve-year-old mystery fan! A ‘must-have’ if she doesn’t already have them!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan, exactly! Another author from “long ago” who didn’t have to pepper his words with profanity to suggest Sherlock was mad, surprised, etc.
Susan* says
It’s not just the profanity, though. The Holmes books, for example, were simple and straightforward, mysteries. Some of today’s books, while still not containing bad words or ‘inappropriate’ scenes, can be quite deep and emotionally complex, and the situations are sometimes something that a younger reader might find confusing or even disturbing. Simply because they are ‘younger’ readers.
Especially so if they don’t have someone to discuss them with. Which is why I suggested Mum might want to read some things first.
stellans says
I would suggest Rhys Bowen’s Her Royal Spyness series, Anne Canadeo’s Black Sheep Knitting mysteries, Elizabeth Lynn Casey’s Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries, The Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton, and Stephanie Barron’s Being a Jane Austen Mystery series, in addition to the other ones already suggested. (6:53pm, 12/24/15)
Susan* says
I thought about the ‘Aunt Dimity’ books, myself. I agree they’re sex / profanity, etc, free, and definitely a great read, but some of the situations may be a little mature for a twelve year old to understand properly. No matter her reading level.
Perhaps her mother could read them first and maybe discuss things with her, if she does decide on those.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan*, I love your idea about her mom reading the books first to determine whether or not she thinks the books are suitable for her daughter.
Blue says
Funny me. I thought all parents read the books their children wanted to read before allowing the kids to dig in. I always did and now my granddaughter does the same.
She does it more to get a handle on flow an enunciation. She reads a book every night to her four-year-old.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Stellans, thanks for all of the suggestions.
Becky says
There are a three series that come to mind
Annie’s attic
Mysteries of Sparrow Island
Mary’s bookstore
Easy series has many different authors and is published by Guideposts
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Becky, both the Annie’s Publishing Company and Guideposts have plenty of Cozy Mystery series that are profanity-free. Thanks!
Marianne says
What about Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell series? They usually pop up on young adult reading lists.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marianne, I didn’t know the Mary Russell series is a young adult series. Thanks for telling us.
Julie says
Lee Harris wrote many Christine Bennett mysteries. She was a nun who leaves and later gets married. Always solving a murder. These are really good, well written stories. No swearing or vulgarity. I was initially surprised how much I enjoyed the books because so many are written just the opposite. Her books are for any age.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Julie, I had forgotten about Lee Harris’ Christine Bennett Mystery Series. Thank you!
MJ says
I saw this posting earlier, but haven’t had time to respond until now. This is ironic because a branch librarian in my community wanted the same kind of info, so she could recommend ‘appropriate’ books to teenagers. Although the library has lots of ‘same as’ lists, they didn’t have any for this situation/category. Besides any foul language, most parents don’t want the girlfriend/boyfriend living together scenario for the younger reader. Most of the series I read don’t have any profanity in them.
My first thought is Joann Fluke’s Hannah Swenson series. I know teens who read this and love it. Next I would recommend the Amanda Flower’s (Appleseed Creek) or Isabella Alan (Amish Quilt series). Most Amish center-themed books don’t use any foul language.
I’m not sure a 12 yr. old would be interested in an ‘older’ sleuth. But, if so, she may enjoy Jeanne Dams’ or Hazel Holt’s books (especially with all the English scenes).
In addition, Sally Goldenbaum’s Seaside Knitter series and Anne Canadeo’s Black Sheep Knitting series are both free of offensive language.
Finally, a side note to Deborah: As a strong (perhaps voracious) reader, your daughter may really enjoy the ‘Dark Is Rising’ series by Susan Cooper (if she hasn’t already read it). It was recommended to my daughter by her teacher about that same age. Although she, too, was a mystery reader, she loved these books. It is not a mystery series. I often recommend it to kids who enjoy reading. There are five books to the series.
MJ says
Just had another thought………………
Although I haven’t read them, Amanda Flower’s Andi Boggs series is written for this age group. Andi Boggs is a young middle-schooler who has a knack for solving mysteries. I mention this because these books are highly acclaimed and are Agatha Award nominees for best YA novels.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MJ, you’re so right about Amanda Flower’s Andi Boggs series. Also, Katherine Hall Page wrote the Christie & Company Mystery Series for 5th-8th graders. Now that you mention it, it would probably be a great idea for Deborah to go through all of the Agatha Award Best Children/Young Adult winners and nominees.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MJ, thanks for the great recommendations. I had never heard of Susan Cooper, so I just looked her up. I absolutely do not know how my children missed her. Her books look like something both my son and daughter would have enjoyed a lot. (Actually, I am going to ask them if they read her. I’m guessing they did…) Her books look terrific.
shan says
I *LOVED* Susan Cooper’s Dark is Rising series (such a shame about the film adaptation). It really spurred my interest in Britain and King Arthur. My favourite book in the series was Greenwitch. Another classic series which may be a bit too sci-fic is Madeleine L’Engle’s Wrinkle in Time series (don’t even go near the TV adaptation).
I read these in my ‘tweens (about 40 years ago!) … maybe it’s time to go back and re-read them 😉
dragons3 says
They aren’t really cozies, but the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series by Anne Perry might interest her daughter, especially if she enjoys history. They are profanity and sex free and don’t really have a much violence, for the most part.
Margaret StashEmpress says
I started my oldest daughter on Patricia Wentworth’s Miss Silver series when she was about that age.
Of course the absolute BEST books — that I read at that age — are no longer available — Phyllis Whitney had a wonderful mystery series for young adults — set in all kinds of wonderful locations.
stellans says
I agree! When I was a teenager, Madeline Brent, Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney, Jane Aiken Hodge, Dorothy Eden: they were some of my favorite authors – thank you for reminding me how much I enjoyed them. I think my granddaughter might like them now.
MJ says
Actually if you went to the Phyllis Whitney website, you’d find a list of about 20 ‘juvenile mysteries’ (or, what now would be called young adult). They certainly would be available at a library or inter library loan (ILL). However, I checked a couple of the titles and found they are also available at Amazon. In fact ALL the mysteries written by Phyllis Whitney would be appropriate for this age group.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret, the authors from yesteryear sure did have a way with words. I’m glad they didn’t feel pressure (from either their editors or their fans) to jazz up their dialog and/or situations.
Mary g says
Hi. I too agree with some oldies (thanks for the reminder about Patricia Wentworth!). I concur with Phyllis Whitney, and I didn’t notice any mention of Mary Stewart..several filmed by Disney. the Moonspinners..ah, intrigue, mystery, a hint of young romance, and feisty young women. They hold up quite well.
My other two thoughts were of Joan Hess, particularly the Claire Malloy series…and the two teenagers there.
Another really clean series is…Murder She Wrote. That’s still a guilty pleasure for me, and quite readable for the YA crowd.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary G, I know about the reminders you’re talking about! Sometimes it’s just nice to go back and re-read books that first got us started down this Cozy Mystery path…
Suzy F. says
Currently, I believe that Catherine Lloyd’s “Death Comes to The Village/London/Kurland Hall” series would fit the bill. Really well done Regency-era, with a wonderful youngish heroine and dashing war veteran for romantic interest. Somebody might forget themselves and almost say “bloody” something, but I think that’s about all.
And don’t forget Charlotte MacLeod’s Peter Shandy series from the past — they are hilarious and I don’t remember any risqué language or situations.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Suzy F, thanks for telling us about Catherine Lloyd’s Kurland St. Mary Mystery Series.
Also, I’m glad you mentioned Charlotte MacLeod/Alisa Craig. I thought for sure that she was already on the no profanity list, and she wasn’t!
Mary g says
Hi. Back again. I’ve got to agree with the recommendation for Charlotte MacLeod’s Peter Shandy series. Her Christmas book in that series, Rest Ye Merry, is one of the funniest Christmas Cozies out there! But I think in the interests of equal time that we should mention Charlotte’s other series, the Sarah Kelling one.
You really couldn’t pay me enough to part with her books. I looove these series.
Thanks for the reminder. Going to haul them off the shelf right now and get ready for a fun read.
Yes, I think these are suitable for YA readers. Particularly if they want an entertaining, well written read.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary G, Charlotte MacLeod/Alisa Craig always delivers!
Blue says
I love and own all her books. It’s about time for a reread.
These are suitable for any and all ages.
The violence is mild. The murders are not gory. And they are hilarious.
hedda says
I like and recommend laura childs tea shop mysteries, the cat who mysteries by Lillian Jackson Braun, laura Levine’s books and of course Agatha christie.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hedda, thank you! I know there are a lot of Cozy Mystery readers who are looking for profanity-free Cozies. Thanks, again!
Terri says
Does anyone else remember a series called The Happy Hollisters? They were all mysteries about (and solved by) a family of pre-teens in the 50’s (I think.) Regardless, they were clean. My mom got a dozen at a garage sale and read them over and over.
Lacey Lewis says
Thank you for this post! I appreciate all the comments as well. I found this post while researching and looking for clean audiobooks to produce. Good information.
Devona says
Ashley Weaver has some excellent mystery books, Dan Walsh is a Christian writer whose books are exciting I just finished Perilous Treasure his third in a series, he’s one of the best writer’s I’ve read in a long time, I highly recommend his books. Iona Whishaw writes Lane Winslow mysteries and is another favourite a great Canadian writer.
Rhys Bowan wrote the Molly Murphy Mysteries and it’s fantastic there are many books in that series. Jacqueline Winspear’s books are wonderful. Anna Lee Huber is another favourite author who has many series too.