A couple of weeks ago I read a Cozy Mystery by a new-to-me author. I really enjoyed this author’s writing style. However I’m not sure if I’ll continue reading the rest of the Cozies in her series. I know this sounds a little like an oxymoron… I liked the book but don’t want to read more…
The dilemma is this: I absolutely knew who the murderer was the minute he was introduced to the first-person sleuth narrator. The subtle clue was so absolutely obvious.
I’m still on the fence about this author/series. I mean, since you are absolutely 100% sure who the culprit is as soon as the character is introduced, do you still stick with the author? I mean, isn’t a big part of the Cozy Mystery reading enjoyment being able to watch as the sleuth finds clues? As I keep on thinking about whether or not to read the next book in the series, I’ll ask you all:
If an author has a sleuth you like, writes in a style you enjoy, and has an otherwise good book, but you can figure out who the culprit is very early in the book, without naming specific authors or book titles – do you read more Cozies by this author?
Again, I will not put up posts that include specific authors and book titles. Please post a comment below. Thank you!
PS: Wow, lots of comments on this one! I think there are a few main points of view – either “I would continue if I’m enjoying the book for other reasons” and “I mostly come to mystery books for the mystery, so I wouldn’t read more.” I can certainly understand both views – it just depends on what you’re coming to Cozies for!
Other people have mentioned that it might be worth trying another entry, since it could be a starting author’s early work or just a bad example of their work.
Alice M. says
I like to follow along with the sleuth.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Alice, that’s certainly a good way to view it.
Rob J says
Danna< If I like the sleuth and the author's style, I still read the book. LIke Alice said, you like to see how the author deals with the clues. Even though you won't be surprised at the outcome, I like to read it for myself.
Mindy says
Absolutely! I find it can be even more fun that way because I can spot other clues along the way. For me reading cozies isn’t as much about the mystery as enjoying the characters and the environment.
BTW, what’s the book?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mindy, I can certainly see that sort of view.
And I don’t want to “call out” the book, specifically – no reason to put them on the spot!
Polly A says
Maybe not a cozy, but I have read a couple of mysteries that in the prologue you are informed of the murderer and even the sentencing and then the book goes back to the beginning and explains the how and why, and the book(s)was fascinating.
PERKE says
That happened to me with the first book in a series by one of the Golden Age greats who became one of my favorites.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
PERKE, that would certainly be a strong incentive to stick with authors, even if you figure out a mystery or two!
Joyce Tremel says
If I enjoyed the book, I’ll read more in the series. A few times when I thought I knew who the killer was, it turned out I was wrong, so I always keep that in mind. A lot of readers guessed the killer in the first book in my Brewing Trouble series, so I made it super hard in the next one, lol.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Joyce, that’s certainly happened to me as well!
D Shewbuirt says
Like your time, and everyone else’s, I find my time is valuable. I really do not like to waste it (is book reading really wasted time?) on a book that is not a mystery or too easy to deduce. That being said, I have set aside an author a time or two, sadly. I have also given them a second chance when they have been writing for a while – with good results. There are times when an author just isn’t my cup of tea though, and that is okay too. There are so very many books out there – and so little time! That’s why your reviews are so appreciated!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
D, I’m glad that my writings are useful! And I certainly agree that how much you’re enjoying the author otherwise is definitely an important point to consider.
Suzytoons says
Sometimes knowing who did it doesn’t ruin the book, if there is enough interest you should want to know the rest of the information like what, why, where and how. If this was a first book by the author, you shouldn’t be a harsh judge, and hope the next book isn’t as easy to figure out, especially if you like the authors writing style…
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Suzytoons, I can certainly see sticking with a series for another entry or two, especially if it might be the author is still trying to find their way with the series.
PNut67 says
I’m with you, Suzy. Sometimes mysteries are not always about “Whodunnit”, but “whodunnit?”. I do not know how many countless “Matlock” “Diagnosis Murder”, “Murder, She Wrote”. & “Midsomer Mysteries” episodes I have watched where the audience gets to see the killer, but the sleigh has to figure out both who & why…whereas, all we get to find out is WHY? So, to answer the question…yes, I would continue reading the series, because maybe the first one she/he wrote wasn’t supposed to be a “who”, but a “Why”.
Blanche says
Oh dear. I hope it wasn’t one of mine.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Blanche, I try not to call out things I don’t like in specific books, so I won’t say for sure who it was… that said, no, it was not one of yours.
KG says
I will give the author another try, if I like the characters and writing style. However, I will try to download the book from the library before paying for a book I may not be sure of.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
KG, it does certainly seem like the sort of thing that might be worth trying to find a way to get the book for less (and library rental certainly counts).
Kate Kingsbury says
A mystery should be just that…a puzzle that needs to be solved by the reader. It’s a game, or it should be, where the readers are trying to discover the identity of the villain before the end of the book, while the author tries to keep them in suspense as long as possible. Without that, you don’t have a mystery, so no, I wouldn’t read any more of a series if it doesn’t keep me guessing.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kate, if you’re mostly coming to a mystery to try to figure out the culprit, I can see how figuring out the killer early could be a problem.
Gerri B says
If I really like the book, I try another book in the series. If the same thing happens, I think about the reoccurring characters and the plot. If I want to know more about what happens to them, I’ll keep on reading. Otherwise I quit reading the series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Gerri, it certainly makes sense that if you’re otherwise enjoying the book, it would be worth picking up even if you know the culprit.
Peggy Gertner says
Think about Columbo. You knew who it was from the start but could still enjoy the process of Peter Falk figuring it out. If I like the characters and the story…I’m in.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Peggy, that seems like a reasonable point of view – if you’re enjoying the book for other reasons besides the mystery, it’s worth continuing.
Nancy Chambret says
I’m with you, it all depends. Sometimes I can figure out the “who did it” right away….and then by the end of the book I was wrong, so yes I would keep on reading it, specially as I want to know if I was right!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nancy, that makes sense – I have been wrong before! (Though I will say that I wasn’t in this case.)
Susy S says
Danna, like you, I usually want a little mental stimulation from my books, which comes from trying to figure out ‘who-done-it’ before the end of the book. On the other hand sometimes I will read a book like the one you described if I am looking for something that is light and easy reading. I have to REALLY like the sleuth for me to do this, but I do have one or two books on my shelves like this.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susy, I can certainly understand that if you’re mostly coming to a mystery for the mystery, it’s a bit of a turnoff. That said, I suppose I’ve also figured out who did it in many books by my favorite authors – it was just disheartening in this case how quickly I figured it out!
VirginiaF says
Absolutely not, that is why I dropped the producer of a popular multi series of Cozy books. I have been, for at least the last year and a half, been able to deduce within the first few chapters who the culprit is and who the heroine is going to fall in love with. No longer willing to pay for that privilege.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Virginia, that’s a good point – in the end, if you’re paying for a mystery, not getting what was delivered is definitely discouraging.
PamB says
I don’t think I’d continue with the series. To me part of the enjoyment of reading a mystery is trying to figure out who the murderer is and without peeking at the last few pages! If I’ve figured it out by the last chapters I tell myself ‘I’d be a great detective’!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
PamB, that’s certainly how I was feeling at the time. It’s a bit discouraging when it’s obvious who the culprit is for reasons that aren’t really related to the mystery.
Barbara Padilla says
I would continue to read the author. I have different styles and authors I will read for different reasons. One as you have described sounds like one I would read for sheer pleasure and relaxation. I want to be entertained and not think to hard. I know this may sound strange, sometimes life is too crazy and I just want a little diversion.
Hope this makes sense.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Barbara, that’s certainly true – a lot of people are pointing out that if you’re enjoying the book for other reasons, it would be worth continuing, which I agree with.
Michael says
What a wonderful question! I say Yes! But it all depends on the reason you are reading the story. Do you want to solve a puzzle, or are you reading for enjoyment? Often, no matter the genre, cozy or who-done-it or police procedural, I spot the culprit early on. But so many authors nowadays are very good raconteurs and I enjoy reading them for the story itself.
Normally, I read a series in the order it is published. Sometimes an author has a hit with their first book, but more often, their first book is not their best. If you abandon an author before you read more, you may miss their better work.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Michael, that does seem to be the big question – people who are reading for the mystery seem to be saying no, while those who are more interested in the setting are more likely to continue the series.
Jay says
I can always tell who the VICTIM is going to be before the body is found.
Upon first meeting, I identify the perp about 10% of the time, especially if it is the mousey assistant of the victim. It is never the mother of the protagonist.
In a first book of a series, the hunky law enforcement officer to be the subsequent love interest of the protagonist is always obvious.
None of these things have as yet stopped me from continuing in a series. It is an addiction.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jay, well, for what it’s worth, the victim is usually an easy one to spot – just look for the person everyone seems to have a reason to kill, yet has a penchant for wandering off alone in dangerous areas!
Kathy says
Yes, I would give the author at least one more try – maybe even two. Since you’ve only read one example of their work – without reading more you will never know if they have improved! I’m willing to bet that many of the authors we have come to love have written some things that make them cringe in the dark of night!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathy, that’s a decent policy – there’s always a chance that the author was off their game, or just starting out. Both might make their early work a bit too predictable.
Joyce A Elsey says
Yes!! I believe in second chances and maybe even “third time is a charm!! I love cozies for alot of the emotions not just the mystery!!
Barbara M says
I might read one more just to see if happens again. If I figure it out just as early in the second book, I probably wouldn’t read another.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Barbara, that’s a good policy – it might just be a beginning author’s early mistakes or some similar problem.
Diane B. says
I think I would be less excited to read more of the series if it was so easy to figure out who-done-it so quickly. The suspense of not knowing until the last chapter is what keeps the story moving forward, and worth reading.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Diane, that’s certainly how I was feeling at the time – it’s harder to keep a focus on the story when you already know where it’s going.
Toby Sill says
If the characters are well developed, the dialogue interesting, and the writing makes me smile, I would read the series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Toby, that seems to be a common point of view – if it’s worth reading for other reasons, then the mystery being spoiled a bit isn’t as important.
Betty Johnson says
Hi,
I would give the author another chance. I used to have that happen to me but I always read the second book and it never happened again. Good luck
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Betty, that’s a decent policy that a number of people have mentioned – sometimes an author’s early works might be a bit more predictable than their later books.
Elaine says
I definitely would. I would read all of them, because I enjoy writing style and location descriptions as much as the actual mystery. (Probably because I forget the clues half the time anyway).
However, what I would probably do is read the last chapter to confirm my deduction, then settle in and enjoy the writing.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Elaine, it certainly makes sense to continue reading if the mystery isn’t the main reason you’re interested in the story anyway!
Marsha Bly says
Hhmmm… I ALMOST always figure out who the culprit is well before the end. I most enjoy the books when I have an “I didn’t see that coming” response near the end! I have continued to read authors with obvious culprits in the past, but NOW I’m being more selective! I’m getting old, and have decided I will NOT continue to read a book I’m not enjoying. There are too many good books out there to do that. That happened recently when I caved & bought a Kindle book recommended by Amazon… you know, Kindle readers… “based on your previous purchases, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this”! ? Yeah, not so much!! Dumped it after about 50 pages.i did accidentally happen on an author I REALLY like from 1 of those lists… her books are described as mystery/suspense/romance. Because of the “romance” part, I almost didn’t get the 1st one, but am so happy I did!! Her name is Elise Noble & I’ve enjoyed every one of her books!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marsha, it doesn’t hurt to be more selective – there’s so much writing easily available out there these days that there isn’t much point continuing with a series you don’t enjoy.
stella says
For me, it depends on how much I enjoy just reading the words the author crafted. It’s not always about the mystery to me, though that’s the main reason I pick up cozies, lol. There are a couple of authors who write such impelling stories with vivid descriptions that it’s just a pleasure to read their work even if I may guess ‘whodunnit’ sooner rather than later. To me, the read is worth the time – sometimes.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Stella, that does seem to be one of the main concerns – if the book is otherwise well written and you’re enjoying reading it, having the end “spoiled” a bit isn’t as much of an issue.
Novella says
Yes I would ! If this is the authors style it would be almost as interesting to follow the sleuth around watching to see how the culprit is interrogated as it would be to gather clues myself. The sleuth must have their own inevitable way of doing this amusing maybe to the reader, I’m hinting toward a beloved sleuth that we all know who wears a rumpled raincoat. That is the premise for all of the episodes! I know I’m speaking of a tv movie not a book but you do see at the beginning what happens. I would definitely think could be done well for cozies!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Novella, that’s certainly worth considering – if the book is otherwise enjoyable, it might be worth continuing even if the final culprit is obvious.
fbw says
Q. I mean, isn’t a big part of the Cozy Mystery reading enjoyment being able to watch as the sleuth finds clues?
My A. Not for me — I enjoy watching how the author structures character development of the various suspects, so I always look at the back of the book as well as the front before starting to read. If a reader prefers to be surprised or think “I knew it !”, fine for her or him. I prefer structure to surprises.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
FBW, that’s an interesting way to approach a mystery – I suppose it’s more the “Columbo” method, which several other people have referenced, where the viewer knows who did it from the very beginning as well.
Pen R. says
Before I read Cozies my favorite author was James Patterson and other mystery authors that were very graphic, but I could usually figure out who did it early in the book. I picked up a Cozy one day, almost 10 years ago, that had a needlework theme, and I was hooked. I was surprised that I wasn’t able to figure out who did it until almost the end of the book.
I don’t think I would continue reading a book if I knew who did it within the first couple of chapters. What is the mystery in that!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pen, that seems to be the main point of view of people who come to Cozies for the mysteries – it’s certainly an understandable stance!
janie says
I think it can be interesting, especially if he/she is in their circle and they are clueless. When the killer is not suspected and is hiding in plain sight, it can build up the suspense, seeing how the sleuth comes to the realization can be frightening.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janie, that’s a positive way of viewing it – it certainly would be a different way to approach a mystery if you figure out the killer early!
Nancy E. says
LOL! I recently read a book that I was enjoying very much, not a cozy but a “light” mystery/paranormal story. I had to laugh at myself when I reached the end only to find that I had actually figured out the whole story line, including “whodunit”…..only to feel extremely disappointed! I’ve never been good at solving the crime and have never really wanted to, just wanted to enjoy the author’s cleverness. I don’t think that’s going to keep me from reading the author’s other books, though, because I like her style and enjoy her characters. It might become a problem if I figure out the plot every time. At that point, I might get bored and give up on that particular author.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nancy, it certainly is worth continuing if you’re at least as interested in the setting and characters as the mystery. Continuing one or two more and seeing if the same thing continues seems reasonable.
Robynn Peterson says
I find that happens when I am binge reading an author. By the end of the series, I can tell who the murder is. But that is just part of binging. I can find a new release of an author previously red and I have forgotten the clues the author uses. So I don’t know who did it!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Robynn, I can see how reading a specific author a lot would tune you in to their specific clues.
Gretchen Karout says
I would read more of the series. Just by the time I think I have everything figured out, the author could throw a curve in the story. I would read a couple more books to see if all are the same as the first.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Gretchen, that does seem to be a good response – if it’s just a single entry, sometimes other books might be less predictable, especially if it’s the first in an entry.
Rickee D. says
I’m not sure. This description is different than when a sleuth names the murderer at the beginning and spends the rest of the book gathering clues. I love series, but often get bored if the author is too predictable in every book. I don’t think I’m that bright, so if I can guess too soon, I figure that’s not a good thing:)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rickee, I’m sure you’re selling yourself short! That said, seeing an author get too predictable would be a definite bad sign.
Liz says
Yes. I enjoy the interaction between characters, the humor and in some cases the location. Part of the enjoyment for me is determining who the murderer is.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Liz, those are all definitely good reasons to come to Cozies – sometimes who committed the crime isn’t always the first concern.
Alice says
If I can find the next book on the dollar cart at my local used bookstore, then YES.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Alice, price certainly is a valid consideration in this sort of situation.
Bev says
How is the book even a true mystery then? Would a publisher continue to offer such books as mysterys? I’d try a second and see, and pat myself on the back as an astute reader if I can’t figure the next as swiftly ?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev, giving the author a second chance seems like a reasonable compromise.
Margaret A McNair says
Hello,
If, otherwise, the story has some substance and
a believable denouement then I will give
the author another chance to improve upon
their story telling.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret, that does seem to be a common point of view – that if the book is enjoyable otherwise, it’s easier to forgive a predictable mystery.
Terry B says
I think that it depends on the characters and setting. I usually have things figured out early in a book, but will keep reading if I’m liking the characters and setting. And there are to many books on my “to read” list these days for me to keep reading something that doesn’t hold my interest.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Terry, that’s certainly worth considering – there are a lot of good mysteries available out there, so it might be worth trying something new instead.
michelle says
I came across a few books like that, and no I don’t read anymore of the series. I put them in a so-so list meaning I like but not worth the time away from another book I would love and can enjoy the whole mystery till the end. I always figure there are so many really good books I don’t want to miss out on.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Michelle, it certainly is worth considering that there are a lot of really great mysteries out there, so continuing a series that is only (as you put it) so-so might not be the best way to spend your reading time.
Sharon Decker says
I used to love the old Peter Falk TV series, Columbo. You knew right from the beginning who the killer was. However, the fun was in watching the way Columbo figured it out. I think I would have to try a second book to see if maybe that was the way it was written.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, trying a second book and seeing if it’s just as predictable seems like a good compromise.
Ana M Kurland says
When Columbo was coming on the air, a lot of people said they weren’t going to watch because they knew the culprit from the start, but the series took off and it was very well done. I say if you like the author’s style, try another book. I sometimes can tell the killer from the start because they fill out a certain pattern that I’ve seen before, but if I like the rest of the book, I keep reading. I do prefer not being able to guess, but it doesn’t bother that much.
Lynn says
I don’t think I’ve ever read a cozy that I could easily figure out like this one. I wonder if the other books would also be that easy. I think if I really liked the author’s writing I might try one more book to see.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lynn, trying another entry does seem like a good compromise.
Judi says
Yes. Hopefully there are other subplots. Also, how the murder is solved is interesting.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Judi, if you’re enjoying other parts of the book, I can understand continuing a series.
Pat Cole says
No, I am like you I like to read the book and see if I can determine who it is. There have been several books over the years I have started and get to middle and find out who and it just takes away the rest of the book. (I even tried to read it)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pat, if you’re reading for the mystery, it’s definitely a disappointment when that element isn’t satisfying.
Linda MH says
Hi Danna,
My answer to your question is yes. I’m reading a series right now that fits all your comments. The mystery and storylines aren’t all that great (easy to figure things out) but the characters are very engaging. That’s what keeps me going back to the series.
For me, it’s always all about the characters. I’ve read many cozies with outstanding mysteries, but I couldn’t connect with the characters. Those are the series I stop reading after the first book.
Hope you are having a great day!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, that’s certainly a good consideration – if you’re enjoying other parts of the book, it’s certainly worth continuing.
Hope you’re having a good day too! Mine has been good – though I should have been paying more attention to this post, as trying to get through over 70 (!!!) comments in a row on this topic has been a bit taxing.
Tina W. says
I haven’t had that problem yet with any of the authors or series. Pretty much surprised by the who done it at the end. I always guess wrong which is totally cool by me. So, I guess give it another chance and then make a decision, sorry I could not be of more help.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Tina, continuing with another entry and seeing if it’s just a single problem is definitely a good compromise. And that’s certainly helpful!
Glen says
Yes. Maybe the other books aren’t so blatantly obvious. Besides, many times I read the books for the personal connections, humor, or just because I like the writing….even as I keep thinking ” you idiot. Don’t you recall…” I watch mysteries on tv with a neighbor, and we often know, or guess whodunnits pretty early on, but we keep watching. We watch for the interpersonal relationships, and because we like the characters. And I’ll read a lot of books, just because I like the characters. If I don’t like them, it doesn’t matter if the book got rave reviews, is well written, or anything else. Why spend time with characters (people) I don’t like?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Glen, it’s certainly worth continuing if you’re enjoying other elements of the book like the setting and characters rather than the mystery.
media.savant says
Just because you could easily identify the villain in one book doesn’t mean the other books in the series, or the author’s other writings are so obvious. Some books, movies, etc, are set up so the antagonist is known at the beginning, and the enjoyment comes from seeing how and why the culprit came to be in this position, and/or the protagonist’s thoughts and procedures, or a mixture of the two.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Media, it certainly might be worth trying another entry or two to see if it’s just a single mistake, or if the mystery just isn’t as important as other elements of the book.
AddyR says
I think if I should read a book like the one you mentioned, I would still continue reading this series. Give him/her a chance. Kind of reminds me of the old “Columbo” tv series. Maybe book two of the series isn’t as easy to figure out as the first???
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Addy, trying another entry or two seems like a good compromise.
Kate says
I’d give the author a second chance. I’m presently binge reading a nine book series. The characters are engaging: Though the editing quality is totally abysmal, if not totally lacking, poor syntax and incorrect word choices, bad spelling, and loosey goosey sentence structure. In spite of all this, I find the novels compelling and book 7 is definitely on my reading list.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kate, I suppose the main question is whether you’re enjoying the book or not at a certain point.
Kathleen says
I think part of the pleasure of reading cozy mysteries is figuring out the puzzle of “who did it” along with the main character. While it is good to like the character, missing out on the puzzle solving takes away a good chunk of the enjoyment. If the author was a really skilled writer, the outcome shouldn’t be so obvious in the beginning. In your case, if you REALLY liked the character and writing, I would be tempted to give the author one more chance. If it happens again, IMHO, then I wouldn’t read any other books in that series or possibly by that author.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathleen, it certainly is worth considering how much you’re enjoying other parts of the book. In this specific case, it was so early on that I hadn’t necessarily made any conclusions about whether I was enjoying the characters, setting, etc., which was making the decision to continue or not especially hard.
Lenora says
Great question! Honestly, atmosphere and the setting are why I read cozies and I could care less about who the bad guy is. Sometimes the culprit is obvious and I’m okay with that. Other times, not so obvious and I don’t even try to figure out “whodunnit”. I do not want to think that hard while I am reading a cozy, because it is my relaxation time. There are multiple series I read just because the main characters feel like old friends and I feel comfortable spending my down-time in their company. Give me a cup of tea, my white noise machine set to gentle rain and a cozy mystery and I am blissed-out and stress-free for a few hours.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lenora, if you’re not really reading primarily for the mystery, I can certainly see how figuring out the culprit too early wouldn’t be a particularly big deal.
Debbie says
I would give the author another try, see if it was a one-time thing or part of their writing style. Then decide if you want to continue reading that author.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Debbie, trying another entry or two seems like a good compromise.
Amy says
For me it is the process of how she or he figures things out. The ones I will not keep reading are the ones that are too violent.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Amy, if you’re mostly looking for the process rather than caring too much about the culprit, I could see continuing.
Laura Stewart Schmidt says
I prefer to be fooled and am often disappointed when I guess the Bad Guy too soon. However, I will give the author another chance, UNLESS the story is poorly constructed or I don’t like the reasoning behind the murder. I have several favorite authors who have fooled me multiple times but not every time. That’s fair enough. I find that as I read and write more, I am reading like an author (what would I do if this were my own book?), and am more likely to guess the Bad Guy.
The fun of most books is in spending time with the characters. If the author does characterization well and I enjoy their company, the mystery is almost secondary.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Laura, if you’re primarily reading for the characters and setting, I can certainly see how the mystery being a bit simpler wouldn’t be as much of a concern.
Jane says
I agree that the enjoyment in reading the cozies is to follow the sleuth and see if you can identify the murderer before they do. Sometimes I hit it right before and other times I’m way off base.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jane, I guess it depends on whether you’re enjoying the book otherwise at that point, then.
DeAnna Dodosn/Julianna Deering says
Did you read the whole book? If so, you might try another. Maybe that was the only one that’s like that. If you get another one that does the same thing, then you might want to swear off.
If you didn’t read the whole book, maybe you should. I know on my first Drew Farthering Mystery, a couple of reviewers said they didn’t finish the book because it was SO obvious from the first murder. But it actually wsn’t. That was just a red herring.
Just FWIW. 😀
Danna - cozy mystery list says
DeAnna, I did end up reading the whole book – well, skimmed it anyway. At least in this case, I was correct in my prediction.
Mary says
Depends. Is it like the old Columbo TV show?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary, in this case, no, it wasn’t supposed to be obvious who had done it. If it were more “Columbo” style, I wouldn’t have been as upset.
Roxane says
I actually haven’t had that experience yet. I have only been reading cozies for a little over a year though. I think that if that did happen to me where I could figure out who the murdered was very early on, no, I would not go on and read other books by that author. There are so many good books out there waiting for me. I wouldn’t waste my time on something so predicitable.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Roxane, that does seem like an important consideration – there’s so much available that continuing a series where the mystery element is lacking might not be the best use of time.
Ellen Byron says
What an interesting dilemma! As a reader, if I was really drawn into the world and characters the author created, I’d be annoyed but would give another book in the series a chance. If it happened again, forget it. As an author, I often throw in some form of a second mystery. Mystery readers are very savvy! Since a huge part of the genre’s fun is exactly what you’re saying – seeing if you can figure out “whodunnit” but hoping you can’t and will be surprised – I try for a secondary surprise in case a reader does happen to figure out who my villain is.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ellen, giving the series another chance if you otherwise enjoy the book seems like a good compromise. For what it’s worth, I don’t mind figuring out “whodunit” – it’s just in situations like this where the culprit seemed immediately obvious far too early in the novel that I get annoyed.
Becky McF says
Yes, I will try another book. Just because this happened with one book is not a guarantee it will happen again. If the the writing is great and I like the characters, including any animals, I aim okay with knowing who the guilty person is.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Becky, I can certainly see that point of view if you’re not as interested in the mystery and more concerned with the characters and setting.
Karen S says
If I enjoyed the characters and the writing style, I would keep reading.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Karen, sometimes the important thing isn’t the mystery, but the other parts of the story.
Cindy McCord says
Yes I would. I like seeing how the author brings everything together. I’ve always had the habit of reading the end of the book so in mannnny instances I know who the killer/bad guy is. It doesn’t stop me from enjoying the whole story. There have been several books though that when I read the ending that I didn’t care who the bad guy was and definitely didn’t care how the author got there.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cindy, I can certainly see the continuing if the appeal to you is more about the procedure or about the characters.
Kathy says
If I figure out the culprit early I I generally do not continue with the author.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathy, that does seem like a common point of view if the main thing you’re looking at in a mystery is the actual mystery.
Ellie T says
Definitely yes, read more.
I would be patting myself on the back for being so smart to figure it out. It might lift my self-esteem, give me more self-confidence, and ultimately convince myself I am smarter than I thought.
Why not? You like everything else about the book. Why miss out on those?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ellie, that’s certainly a good consideration – if everything else about the book is good, it might be more about the elements other than the mystery.
robin in oregon says
If I really enjoy the book, I would continue with the series. Many times I can guess the culprit right away. You knew who the murderer was in Columbo, but people continued to watch. A book to me has to really hold my interest with characters, dialogue, overall story and the way the mystery is solved, not just who the murderer is. I ‘m one of those people who can read the same mysteries over and over to the point that I can recite the dialogue! but it is as enjoyable the 10th time as the first.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Robin, there are certainly enough elements in most mysteries to continue reading even if the central mystery isn’t always the most compelling.
Carol K says
I think I would give them another chance. Maybe that was a fluke. Then make a decision.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carol, trying another entry does seem like a good compromise.
SusanS says
I enjoy the occasional story where it’s obvious who the villain is, but the challenge is being able to prove it (the “I almost got away with it stories). The heroine knows, but no one believes her. When it works, it’s great. When it doesn’t, I have to ask myself why the editor let the clue pass.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
SusanS, that does seem to be a fairly common point for those who are more concerned with the mystery of a book than the other elements.
Kconn says
With Colombo we always know who did it from the beginning of the show. I like the way it unfolds to lead us to the murderer.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kconn, that would certainly be an interesting way to structure a Cozy as well, wouldn’t it?
Libby says
Funny you should post this subject right now. I just read most of a new book and new author (new to me) which was not a cosy but supposed to be a “thriller” type mystery. It was very obvious right from the start who was responsible for the bad things that were happening. About half way through I just couldn’t take it anymore so I turned to the last 10 pages and confirmed my suspicions. Very anticlimactic. Thankfully I did not buy the book, it was a library checkout.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Libby, I could see that being a frustrating reading experience!
Renaissance Teacher says
It depends. I happen to be a very character driven reader. If I love the characters, I can forgive more regarding plot holes, too easy solutions, etc. If there’s no challenge at all, though, it would get boring pretty quick. With an otherwise enjoyable series, I’d give it another chance, but my limit would probably be three books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Renaissance Teacher, I can certainly see that point of view – trying another entry or two does seem like a decent compromise.
Tullita says
I agree with you Danna it takes some of the fun out of it if you know who did it. I’ve had some books where I enjoy the characters (like visiting friends) and even though it isn’t much of a mystery, I enjoyed reading just to see what’s happening with everyone in Mysteryville.
If this was the first you’ve read by this author guess that appeal isn’t there. And yes I’ve had some that one book was enough, it just wasn’t fun. Let us know what you decide.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Tullita, I do agree that sometimes the point of a Cozy isn’t the mystery, but the setting and characters.
And for the record, at this point I intend to try another entry and seeing if it is just as predictable – that has been suggested by many people and seems like a fair approach.
Meg says
That is a good question! You have positive thoughts on the book, the negative being you know who the killer was. As for me, I would at least try the second book especially since you enjoyed the writing style.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Meg, trying a second entry certainly does seem like a good compromise.
KathleenE says
Many times I have had a feeling who the killer is as soon as the person is introduced. But I like to keep reading to see if I am right. I have read other books by the author, but find another book not as easy to figure out. My suggestion is to read another of the author’s books. It may have only been a fluke in that one book.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathleen, reading another entry does seem like a good compromise.
Jo Quest says
I find this to be a hazard of the Cozy genre. Cozies tend to exist within specialist spheres (scrapbooking cozy, knitting cozy, baking cozy, et cetera), and authors sometimes offer up subtle clues within the given sphere that are by no means subtle to people who have specialist knowledge of that sphere. A clue about knitting slips by for *me*, since I have only the most basic knowledge of knitting, but a knitting enthusiast will solve that mystery in a flash!
For me, the hazardous areas are historical elements. I’m a history enthusiast, so when someone at a historical re-enactment party dies cosplaying in a green dress, I know what happened immediately. That clue may not instantly lead someone without my specific interests to an answer, however.
I find, if I like the characters and storytelling, I don’t have much of a problem with this issue. I’ll certainly read a whole series in full expectation of knowing the solutions outright. I think this comfort with the situation comes, at least partially, from my enthusiasm for mysteries from other cultures. Classic Chinese detective/mystery (gong’an) stories deliberately explain crimes upfront, for example, but are a lot of fun to read! Should anyone be interested in the gong’an genre, the stories surrounding the historical figures Di Renjie and Bao Zheng are the most readily available in translation.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jo, hmm, I wonder how many of those sort of clues I’ve missed? Specialized knowledge is one thing – that’s a fair enough reason to figure out the culprit very early.
Susy S says
After reading the other comments, I have to say that I frequently figure out who the murderer is about 2/3 of the way through the book and that is OK. I would probably read more by the author if I liked the characters.
I do have to say that even if I can’t figure out who done it, if I don’t like the protagonist, I will not read any more books in the series. Recently a favorite author started a new series and I found the amateur sleuth to be annoyingly oblivious and not too bright for someone who is supposed to have a college education. I was not able to read more than 1/3 of the book and will not buy anymore books in the series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susy, it’s one thing if you’re able to figure out the culprit due to clues dropped through the majority of the novel. That helps you feel clever, like you’re keeping up with the sleuth. This was more of an issue that the murderer was obvious before the murder even occurred!
And I certainly agree that a sleuth I don’t care for isn’t one that I’m likely to continue either.
Brandon Harbeke says
If I can guess the culprit and their motive every time from an author, I would probably stop reading them. In the case from the article, did you check if you were right? It’s possible that it was just a really good red herring otherwise.
I like having the end result be mysterious, but I’m more interested in the way characters interact and how they reveal essential parts of human nature. That is why I can reread a story like Death on the Nile or Murder on the Orient Express. Everything else in the story is strong, even when the mystery has been solved.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Brandon, I did end up finishing the book – I was otherwise enjoying it so I didn’t mind spending the time. Still, it did leave me wondering if I should continue the series.
Robyn says
I have a different sort of dilemma but of a similar nature. I’ve started a series where the solution isn’t presented by the main sleuth in real time. You follow along until everything is almost solved and then a chapter is presented where the solution is given in retrospect, as the characters reflect back. Often the police solve the crime with a minor assist from the main character, but again, all presented after the fact. I think it is given this way to avoid the tension of the main character being in danger, threatened by the killer. It’s different, but there is such good character development that I’m sticking with it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Robyn, that’s an interesting approach. I’m not sure how I’d feel about that particular ending.
Bek says
There are very few series that I don’t figure out fairly quickly, and some that I know almost from the first chapter. HOWEVER, I’m not always in it for the destination, I’m enjoying the journey. If the characters are full, three-dimensional, and engaging, if the dialogue is spritely and either amusing or informative, if the story that the mystery is wrapped in catches my imagination, I’ll read the entire series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bek, that’s reasonable enough. Sometimes it a good Cozy isn’t just about the mystery, but about the other elements like the characters and setting.
Teresa says
Ironically, I find I figure out who the murderer is way before the end of most books. I still keep reading because sometimes I’m wrong or the book/series/characters are so sweet or well written that I want to continue reading.
Susy S says
Exactly. The book I finished last night was like that (as most are), I knew who the killer was at least 100 pages before the end of the book.
I think I prefer that to some authors who withhold the main clue until the last few pages and then reveal it in some silly way, like ‘Missy realized that the man she had seen in the park the night of the murder, was really a woman in a heavy coat and boots’.
Donna McLean says
Most genre fiction is also formula fiction, that is, the publishers want their writers to deliver a certain type of mystery every time. My problem is that if I recognize the formula I can easily spot whodunit and then I tend to lose interest, but I will read the last chapter just to be sure. If there was a surprise twist I’ll go back and read it to figure out what happened!