Several of the themes that I was thinking about about when re-looking at A Body in the Belfry were the Culinary – Cooking theme (there are so many cooking theme mysteries that this is actually a link to our “where to start with culinary mysteries” discussion), the Religious theme and the Rich Sleuths theme >>> not to mention our Cozy Mysteries by state lists with this series mostly fitting in the Massachusetts list.
For the Religious theme, Faith is a daughter of a minister and the new wife of a minister. Goings on in and around the church are a big part of the Body in the Belfry, and not much happens in the story where the church and the congregation are not discussed.
Also, for the Rich Sleuths theme, although Faith has a “modest but adequate” (as she calls it) trust fund, she is not normally spending extraordinary amounts of money in these books. Her husband Tom, much like Darren in Bewitched not wanting Samantha to use her special powers, doesn’t want Faith to spend her trust money. (What’s with these husbands?!?) The only concessions he has given Faith are for her wardrobe and her kitchen >>> which are both lavish. Nevertheless, Faith is lucky to have the money when she needs it (or just really wants it).
And finally, the Culinary Theme is pretty restrained, at least in the first book in the series. Yes, I know that the series does veer much more towards culinary issues later when Faith gets her “Have Faith” catering service going again, and Katherine Hall Page is one of the authors on the Mystery Authors with Cookbooks list with her Have Faith in Your Kitchen cookbook of Faith Fairchild’s favorite recipes.
So, I found it interesting to think about how many themes Katherine Hall Page managed to squeeze into the first book in this very popular series even way back at the dawn of what I think of as the modern Cozy. I imagine it would probably be a very long list if we were to discuss every Cozy series that has multiple themes, so I won’t be trying to make a complete list.
But, I thought I might throw it open for discussion as to what your favorite Cozy series are that have multiple themes. Please leave a comment with your favorite Cozy series with multiple themes – please tell us the author, series and what themes you think the series fits in. Thank you!
MJ says
This may open a Pandora’s box. What if the ‘theme’ isn’t consistent throughout the series.
Keep in mind, that several of Hall’s books also take place in Maine. Then there is the one in Norway and another in Italy. The prequel took place in NYC, as did the Body in the Big Apple. The last book is set in Georgia. Thus it broadens this series into several ‘state’ themes.
Other authors have different inconsistencies. For instance, one of Nancy Coco’s Fudge Shop books takes place 4th of July. It is also a culinary mystery and is set in Michigan. Many authors also use an occasional holiday (especially xmas, Halloween, or Thanksgiving) theme along with its other themes. Others may take on an additional summer, fall, or wintry theme along with their regular themes. Some authors have a location setting on a cruise ship for only one book, along with its state theme and perhaps culinary theme. As pointed out in a recent post, there are a few authors that have a wedding theme for one book only.
This just gives a few examples of how complex multiple themes can be.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MJ, you are so right. For the reasons you expressed, I don’t think it is a good idea to try to make a list of books or series with multiple themes. There would be an unmanageable number of books/series, and it would not be of much use. I guess when I was re-reading the Katherine Hall Page book, I just started counting different themes the book could be put in. It was interesting to me that even with such an early modern Cozy (1990), the series was listed in several of the themes I have on the site.
As you say, when you consider the whole Faith Fairchild series, there are even more themes involved. And, remembering our recent discussion of the wedding theme, it is true that often a book may fit in a theme but the series as a whole does not. As you suggest, often it is the same with the occasional holiday book inserted into generally non-holiday themed series.
Carolyn says
The first series I came across that this post reminded me of is the Gregor Demarkian mysteries by Jane Haddam. For a long time these books were based on a specific holiday, although the author strayed from this theme in the last few books. I’m not sure these books could be considered cozies, but I have enjoyed them for many years. Also, this is a series where a romantic relationship develops over time. I have gone back several times & reread from the first book to follow the romantic story development within the mysteries (much like the Alpine mysteries by Mary Daheim).
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carolyn, thanks for the suggestion of the Jane Haddam series.
I have her books listed on the site. Whether they are cozy or not, I think a lot of the site’s visitors might like them.
Margaret StashEmpress says
I don’t really think of “multi-themes” in cozies — most series are of a certain theme — obviously in life other things will happen! So while this is predominantly a culinary series, there will be other things happening in her life — she will travel, she will have family issues, etc. I really don’t see it as a “rich sleuth” series, in that her money really doesn’t come into play at all — obviously they’re not poverty stricken, but neither are their neighbor’s with summer homes. But its not a “rich sleuth” series — they’re not jetsetting around & living in mansions. Similarly I don’t see it as a “religious” series — yes, her husband is a pastor –but that doesn’t feature very predominantly in her stories at all. More like he goes to work, much like any other husband — and that happens to be his work.
And of course — some stories are set in other places — some at their summer home, some in other locations she travels to and so on — so its not really a “location bound” series either. She has children, and they (and their issues) will feature in her stories (like the recent bullying theme), but its not a “parenting” themed series. Its still predominantly a culinary themed series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret StashEmpress, despite that I wrote the entry talking about multiple themes, I guess I agree with you that in most Cozies, one theme or another is the main one.
Oh, and I think I was surprised, not having looked at it in years, as to how little related to culinary there is in the first book in the Faith Fairchild series
Pat says
I love the multiple themes. I think the continuation of story lines on multiple themes is what has me hooked on good cosy mysteries. It is like real life and getting to know a real community with all of its complexities . And the characters feel like people you actually begin to know.
Some of my favorites:
Claudia Bishop’s central New York Hemlock Falls mysteries with famed sisters bring out some long running themes of small community life, running an inn, dealing with strong personalities in the community that you can’t escape.
Agatha Raisin and her self doubts but tenacity to persevere, along with her moral compass, the pastor’s wife (sorry not up to looking it up), her tortured romances and the taste of English countryside;
Donna Ball’s search and rescue, the flaws of people we continue to love but have to grow in order to find that love, the mountain community and the Forest Service, the rural traditions and stymied economy versus tourist or corporate development.
And my winter escapes… the Lucy Burdette restaurant critic where I can multi-task my escapism by simultaneously enjoying the water, breezes and heat of Key West, while having my meal creativity get a boost with all the food samples, and enjoy the easy,, breezy -ness of the main character as she travels on her scooter.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pat, thanks for the great examples. I like Cozies myself that make me feel the happenings are real – and real life is not one dimensional.
Kate says
Hi speaking of themes any new updates on antiquing theme series? It seems to be a fading genre! Thanks so much for this Blog. It’s great reading new authors. Our Library doesn’t stock many cozies so I’d be interested in learning of different sites to purchase cozy paperbacks.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kate, you can check the Antiquing Theme on the site >>> though I would tend to agree that there are fewer antiquing themed Cozy series coming out now than in previous years. A lot of the antique themed Cozy series currently active seem to have started at least ten years ago >>> though of course there are some exceptions!
Personally, I know it isn’t the most original response for purchasing paperbacks, but I use Amazon when I’m looking for used books >>> which I assume you are fine with if you normally get your books from the library.
dragons3 says
Somehow I missed this the first time around. For used (and new) paperbacks and hardbacks, I highly recommend abebooks.com. They operate similarly to Amazon Marketplace, and have many of the same vendors. However, they are often much cheaper than the Amazon listings and many have free shipping. I always check prices on both sites before I buy something. I’ve always found them to be honest and accurate in their dealings, and they came recommended by a friend who owns an independent bookstore. An added advantage is they accept Paypal, which gives an additional layer of protection.