I received this comment from “Jack” a few days ago and thought that I would write a blog about it rather than let it possibly get lost as a comment:
“I’m new ’round these parts but I enjoy a good cozy mystery and have been starting to get back into them. I have a question I’d like to pose to you and your readers, if I may. What do you like better, traditional cozies or contemporary cozies? And what’s your favorite thing in a cozy? I mean, what do you look for when you’re looking for your next one in the bookstore?
It’s been so long since I’ve read one that I need recommendations as to what aspects of cozies people love best. I’m seeing so many different kinds. I didn’t realize there was still a large readership of cozies anymore! Glad to find otherwise!”
Does anyone out there want to help Jack with his quest for the very best type of cozy to read? (I guess I should say “to read FIRST”!)
T. says
Hi Jack! Welcome to the cozy fan club. As for “first” read. I highly recommend Bruce Alexander’s Sir John Fielding series.
I much prefer traditional cozies but also read contemporaries such as Mary Daheim’s Alpine series, and Alexander McCall-Smith’s audio books of The Number One Ladies Detective Agency and Susan Wittig Albert’s China Bayles series.
My favorite traditional authors are Agatha Christie (duh!), Dorothy Sayers, Josephine Tey, Ngaio Marsh and Elizabeth Peters (Amelia Peabody series on audio books).
I also much prefer cozies that give enough information for the reader to solve the mystery–not that I can but at least I have that opportunity.
I’m sure there are others that I’ve forgotten at the moment but this list should provide you many hours of reading/listening pleasure.
Kerrie says
There are lots around that qualify as cozy. Where to start?
Have you tried the Simon Brett Fethering series?
There are 9 in the series
1. The Body on the Beach (2000)
2. Death On the Downs (2001)
3. The Torso In The Town (2002)
4. Murder in the Museum (2003)
5. The Hanging in the Hotel (2004)
6. The Witness at the Wedding (2005)
7. The Stabbing in the Stables (2006
8. Death Under the Dryer (2007)
9. Blood At the Bookies (2008)
I reviewed the latest just recently and have enjoyed them all
http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/search?q=Fethering
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi T. and Kerrie…
You know what they say about great minds thinking alike?!
Both of you (unbeknown to the other) recommended Simon Brett’s Fethering Mystery Series.
That’s quite an endorsement!
Vickie says
I love the contemporary cozies. And my absolute favorite thing about cozies are the titles! It’s part of the charm having a kitchy title.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi Vickie,
Aren’t some of the titles a hoot?
Nancy says
I love cozies as well. And the titles are great! I just finished reading Joan Hess’s Arly Hanks series. All of them take place in Maggoddy, Arkansas and are fabulous! Most of the town are Buchanon’s and some of the names she comes up with for them are enough to make one chortle! There’s Diesel Buchanon, Idalupino Buchanon, Beezelbubba Buchanon, Barbara Ann Buchanon- Buchanon, and so many more. There’s a moonshiner or two, people living up in the hills and on the ridge, a good splash of ribald humor, even a few recipes sprinkled in with a dash of discreetly mentioned sex on the side. Something for everyone!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi Nancy,
I have read all of the Arly Hanks’ books, as well. You’re right about the names of the characters… but my favorite has got to be “Buchanon-Buchanon”!
Dennis says
From one guy to another (I assume Jack is a guy) I enjoy cozies as well. My favorites are those located in the Texas region where I live but I have moved on to other areas as well. It is interesting how much you learn about other places (and times) in these cozies.